Henry Cuellar RSS Articles

Congressman Cuellar Announces Many South Texans Will Soon See Health Insurance Rebate Checks

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) announced that many Texans will soon be seeing a check in the mail from their health insurance company thanks to the medical loss ratio provision of the Affordable Care Act. Under the provision’s “80/20 rule,” health insurance companies are required to spend at least 80 cents of every dollar they receive in premiums on health care or activities that improve health care quality, rather than on administrative costs. If insurance companies fail to meet this standard, the Affordable Care Act requires the companies to pay their customers a rebate.

“When Texans receive these rebate checks, they will have evidence they can hold in their hand of one of the ways that the new health care law is improving people’s lives,” said Cuellar. “The 80/20 rule helps keep insurance companies accountable and makes sure that consumers are receiving top value for their premium dollars—not supporting excessive advertising, lavish executive bonuses or inefficient overhead costs.”

Insurance companies that failed to meet the medical loss ratio standard in 2011 are required to process these rebates no later than August 1, 2012. Companies that owe rebates will send customers a letter informing them how much they will receive.

According to early estimates from the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, insurance companies will provide 15.8 million Americans with $1.3 billion in rebates in 2012. Texas consumers and businesses are expected to receive an estimated $186 million in rebates. Kaiser estimates that 92 percent of Texas consumers in the individual insurance market will receive rebates, which is the highest figure for any state in the country. Small group and large group market plans are each projected to pay about $30 million in rebates to Texas consumers.

“Texans deserve to know whether their health insurance companies are being responsible with premium dollars,” said Cuellar. “The 80/20 rule is only one of the ways that the Affordable Care Act is increasing transparency and helping to provide quality, accessible health care for hard working individuals and families in our state.”

Starting this summer, consumers can view their health insurance company’s medical loss ratio on HealthCare.gov. This tool will help consumers know whether they are due a rebate or if their insurance company is providing fair value for its premium dollars. More information about the medical loss ratio provision is available at http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/11/medical-loss-ratio.html.

Cuellar Says Preserving Medicare Is The Best Gift We Can Give America’s Mothers and Grandmothers

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) highlighted the importance of Medicare to America’s mothers and grandmothers.

“Mothers Day is an important day to reflect how much the women in our family mean to us. As part of showing our appreciation and gratitude to the extraordinary women in our lives, we need to make sure that they have access to the health care they deserve. That is why I’m fighting to preserve Medicare,” said Cuellar. “In Texas, 1,705,200 women rely on Medicare, and I am committed to making sure that they continue to receive the services they need.”

Older women, on average, live longer than men, have lower incomes than men and have more chronic health conditions than men—making Medicare even more vital to their wellbeing.

The Republican plan to end Medicare as we know it would have a particularly damaging effect on America’s women:

Women represent 56 percent of the Medicare population.

Among the oldest Medicare beneficiaries (ages 85 and older), 70 percent are women.

49 percent of women on Medicare have three or more chronic health conditions, compared to 38 percent of men.

Similarly, women have higher rates than men of many chronic conditions, including arthritis, hypertension, and osteoporosis.

6 percent of Medicare beneficiaries reach the prescription drug “donut hole” coverage gap each year. Women, in addition to people with diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, are the most likely to end up in the “donut hole.”

57 percent of women on Medicare live below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, compared to 45 percent of men.

“As we celebrate Mothers Day this year, I hope you’ll keep in mind how important Medicare is to the health of many of our loved ones and join me in my commitment to preserving Medicare,” said Cuellar.

Congressman Henry Cuellar: South Texas Post Offices To Remain Open

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) expressed his support for the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) announcement that South Texas will not suffer post office closures. Previously, the USPS had announced that it would close many of its smallest post offices, including the eleven post offices in Cuellar’s district. These closures would have meant that South exas residents would have had to undergo the inconvenience of traveling far from their homes to visit a post office. USPS announced Wednesday that it will implement a new strategy that will enable it to cut costs without closing these post offices.

“People across South Texas rely on post offices to pay their bills and receive essential communications like Social Security checks and voter registration cards. I am glad that the Postal Service has found a path back toward financial stability that will not put an unfair burden on people living in rural areas,” Cuellar said. “When these closures were first threatened, I joined several of my colleagues in writing a letter to the Chairwoman of the Postal Regulator Commission urging her to consider the effects these post office closures would have on my constituents. I am glad that USPS delivered a solution that will not interrupt service to the people of South Texas.”

In 2011, approximately 3,700 post offices nationwide were targeted for closures by the USPS due to USPS’s financial struggles. In Texas, 200 post offices were considered for closure, including eleven in Cuellar’s congressional district. All eleven of these post offices in Cuellar’s district will remain open. These post offices are:

Atascosa County: Campbellton and Christine Post Offices

Frio County: Calliham Post Office

Guadalupe County: Staples Post Office

La Salle County: Fowlerton Post Office

Starr County: Santa Elena, Delmita and Salineno Post Offices

Webb County: Mirando City and Oilton Post Offices

Wilson County: Pandora Post Office

The strategy USPS announced Wednesday would enable USPS to achieve sufficient cost savings to move toward financial stability without shutting the doors on post offices serving rural areas. The strategy would be implemented in a two-year multi-phased approach and, once completed, is projected to save the Postal Service a half billion dollars annually.

“The announcement from USPS that these post offices will remain open is a direct result of lawmakers’ inquiries and a shining example of how vocal, engaged Americans can make big differences on a national scale,” Cuellar said.

The Postal Service will allow the Postal Regulatory Commission to review the plan prior to implementing changes and will also hold community meetings to review the options. Communities will be notified of the date, time and location of the meetings by mail.

Cuellar Announces $2 Million For LCC College Prep Program

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) joined Laredo Community College President Dr. Juan Maldonado to announce a $2,080,015 grant from the Department of Education to fund the Upward Bound Program. The grant will provide the program with $416,033.66 yearly for five years.

“Thanks to this Department of Education funding, Upward Bound will be able to reach even more students in our community to encourage them to get the education they need to succeed in our 21^st century economy,” said Cuellar. “I am very grateful to Dr. Maldonado for all of his hard work to make sure that we are helping Laredo students reach their full potential.”

The Upward Bound Program aims to motivate first generation/low income students to pursue a post-secondary education. The program, which has served high school students from UISD and LISD for over 30 years, is made up of three academic components: a six-week summer program, fall and spring academic programs and a high school to college bridge program for graduating high schools seniors. As part of the semester-long programs, students participate in tutoring and learning activities. The program culminates immediately after high school graduation, when students enroll at LCC to begin their college education.

“Upward Bound is an important college prep program for Laredo Community College because it provides an excellent bridge between high school and higher education for students,” Maldonado said. “The fact that the program has existed for decades is a testament to its effectiveness in helping high school students make college life a reality.”

The Upward Bound Program serves 115 students annually from both UISD and LISD. This summer, 35 graduating seniors will be attending Summer Session 1 at LCC thanks to the Upward Bound Program. Parents who are interested in learning more about this program for their children should contact the LCC Upward Bound Program at 956-721-5238

Cuellar, South Texas Rural Health Services Announce $500K For Improvements To Facility In Cotulla

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) joined the South Texas Rural Health Services to announce a $500,000 Affordable Care Act federal grant for improvements to the facility in Cotulla, Texas.

“Thanks to the health care law, community health centers across Texas, including the Atascosa Health Center, will soon be able to significantly expand services to their patients,” Congressman Cuellar said. “People in South Texas who live far from hospitals rely on health centers for the majority of their medical needs. This investment in our community and its health will provide high quality health care, support good paying jobs and boost the local economy. Thank you to South Texas Rural Health Services for undertaking this important project.”

South Texas Rural Health Services was established in Cotulla in 1975 and has since expanded into eight primary locations. The Cotulla facility is currently housed in an outdated sixty-year old building that requires continuous maintenance due to its flat built-up roof system, the high temperatures extremes and poor ventilation.

The grant will fund the replacement of the roof with a pitched, framed metal roofing system to prevent leaks as well as an increase number of air vents to allow for free-flowing cross ventilation under the building. For future maintenance and service, waterlines will be relocated. The grant will also fund handicap exit routes in areas of the building that are currently not handicap accessible. The design and construction of the renovations will also include energy efficiency and green standards.

“During these times of financial insecurity and reduction in funding, it becomes more difficult for rural areas to compete for resources to upgrade facilities – a necessary if we want to continue providing accessible high quality services to our populations in need,” said Mr. Alfredo Zamora, CEO of south Texas Rural Health Services. “Congressman Cuellar has dedicated his time and efforts to making sure our rural communities are justly funded.”

South Texas Rural Health Services provided a total of 35,733 patient visits last year, ranging from dental and mental health visits to substance abuse and patient education visits. According to the Texas Association of Community Health Centers, the facility improvement project will create six jobs and have a total economic impact of $575,917 at the local level.

Cuellar, Atascosa Health Center Announce $5 Million For New Health Care Facility In Pleasanton

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) joined the Atascosa Health Center (AHC) to announce a new $5,000,000 health care facility in Pleasanton that will be funded by an Affordable Care Act federal grant.

“Thanks to the health care law, community health centers across Texas, including the Atascosa Health Center, will soon be able to significantly expand services to their patients,” Congressman Cuellar said. “People in South Texas who live far from hospitals rely on health centers for the majority of their medical needs. This investment in our community and its health will provide high quality health care, support good paying jobs and boost the local economy. Thank you to the Atascosa Health Center for undertaking this important project.”

Over its 34 years of service to the community, AHC has outgrown its currently facility in the old Pleasanton hospital, a 60-year-old building that requires constant maintenance. The federal grant awarded to AHC will be used to construct a 19,390 square foot medical, dental and behavioral health facility that will replace AHC’s outdated current facility.

“The building of a modern health care complex designed to be a medical home for people of all ages, where individuals and families can access medical, dental and behavioral health services at one location, has been a part of our organization’s strategic plan since 2005,” said Monty Small, CEO of the Atascosa Health Center. “We have worked toward this goal in multiple phases for the past seven years. These funds will allow us to complete the final phase of construction.”

The facility will double its number of medical exams rooms from ten to twenty, double the number of dental operations from four to eight and offer expanded behavior services as well as WIC (Women, Infants and Children) nutritional services. The project is estimated to create 58 full time jobs and generate $6.6 million in total economic impact in the local economy according to the Texas Association of Community Health Centers.

The Atascosa Health Center’s mission is to provide accessible, comprehensive health promotion and quality primary health care services to residents of Atascosa and surrounding counties, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2011, the Atascosa Health Center and its two satellite clinics in Karnes and Wilson counties served 12,555 people through 38,087 medical, dental and behavioral health visits.

Congressman Henry Cuellar: South Texas Post Offices To Remain Open

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) expressed his support for the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) announcement that South Texas will not suffer post office closures. Previously, the USPS had announced that it would close many of its smallest post offices, including eleven post offices in Cuellar’s district. These closures would have meant that South Texas residents would have had to undergo the inconvenience of traveling far from their homes to visit a post office. USPS announced Wednesday that it will implement a new strategy that will enable it to cut costs without closing these post offices.

Atascosa County: Campbellton and Christine Post Offices

Frio County: Calliham Post Office

Guadalupe County: Staples Post Office

La Salle County: Fowlerton Post Office

Starr County: Santa Elena, Delmita and Salineno Post Offices

Webb County: Mirando City and Oilton Post Offices

Wilson County: Pandora Post Office

Cuellar Helps Pass Ex-Im Bank Reauthorization Supporting U.S. Jobs Through Exports

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) helped pass HR 2072, the Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Export-Import Bank’s charter, which is set to expire May 31, 2012. The bill also extends the Export-Import Bank’s authority to help financing for American exporters and raises the Bank’s lending limit to $140 billion by 2014. HR 2072 passed the House of Represenatives by a vote of 330-93.

“The Export-Import Bank supports over 288,000 U.S. jobs at no cost to taxpayers and helps American businesses increase foreign sales by breaking into new markets. In February alone, the Bank supported over $441 thousand in export financing in my district.” said Cuellar. “Reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank is a victory for the U.S. economy and American workers because more American exports mean more American jobs.”

The Export-Import Bank of the United States reports that, in Texas alone, it has supported 118 communities and 833 companies and financed a total of $9,674.70 million in exports during the last five years. During February 2012, the Ex-Im Bank supported total exports of $441,209.00 in Cuellar’s congressional district. Local businesses receiving support include A1 Truck & Trailer Supercenter LLC, a small business in Laredo and Alamo Group (USA) Inc., a small business in Seguin.

“This is great news for thousands of American workers, businesses of all sizes and taxpayers who can cheer the fact that this bill will reduce the deficit by hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “This bill will guarantee a level financial playing field in export markets and ensure transparency in Ex-Im’s operations.”

Established in 1934, the U.S. Export-Import Bank serves as the official export credit agency of the U.S. and helps manufacturers of all sizes gain better access to the private export financing they need to sell their products overseas. The Bank provides direct loans and credit guarantees to encourage U.S. exporters make sales in foreign markets, enabling American businesses to leverage demand in other countries. As Chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Pro-Trade Caucus, Cuellar has consistently supported trade policies that keep America globally competitive.

The Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011will now go to the Senate for consideration, where it is expected to be taken up promptly. Key business groups have expressed their support for this legislation including the US Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, the Financial Services Roundtable and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

National Healthcare Leaders Honor Congressman Cuellar For Leadership In Healthcare Innovation

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) was honored as a “Champion of Healthcare Innovation” by the Healthcare Leadership Council, a coalition of leaders of the nation’s premier healthcare companies and organizations. The award ceremony took place in Washington, D.C.

“As a Representative of one of the most uninsured districts in the nation, expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare is a priority of mine because far too many people in south Texas live in medically underserved communities, and far too few of them have the insurance they need,” said Cuellar. “I am honored to receive this award for my work to support and expand America’s health care system, and I thank the Healthcare Leadership Council for promoting these important goals.”

“Perfecting a 21st century healthcare system that is both affordable and accessible for all Americans and that provides care of the highest quality hinges on support for healthcare innovation. We need to constantly develop new and better ways to deliver care and link patients and consumers to the healthcare system,” said HLC president Mary R. Grealy. “We’re grateful for Congressman Cuellar’s leadership, dedication and hard work in advancing the quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of American healthcare.”

Congressman Cuellar was honored at the Council’s annual Healthcare Innovations Expo on Capitol Hill. At the expo, Congressman Cuellar spoke to representatives from healthcare companies about new developments in health care technologies, treatments and practices.

Congressman Cuellar’s Bill To Improve Federal Customer Service Passes House Committee

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform passed Congressman Henry Cuellar’s (D-Laredo) Government Customer Service Improvement Act with unanimous bipartisan support, bringing it one step closer to becoming law. Cuellar’s bill, H.R. 538, would set in place standards to increase the quality of customer service provided by government agencies and ensure taxpayers get the quality of service they deserve.

“The primary purpose of the federal government is to serve the American people. When taxpayers interact with a government agency, they deserve the same timely, reliable assistance they would expect from a private sector business. My bill would raise the bar for federal customer service and help improve transactions between the American people and the agencies that serve them,” said Congressman Cuellar. “With a sweeping 79% of Americans dissatisfied with federal government service, I am committed to changing how Uncle Sam and taxpayers work together. Improving customer service from passport issues to student loans to Medicare is long overdue; strengthening service to the public is vital to operate a better government.”

Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, offered support for the bill and recommended that the bill move to the floor to be considered by the House of Representatives. Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Committee, also voiced his support for the bill and underscored the value of customer service.

The Government Customer Service Improvement Act would establish improved customer service standards for federal agencies, including the IRS, Social Security, TSA and more. According to the 2011 Federal Customer Experience Study, 79% of Americans believe the federal government can improve customer service, and only 31% are very satisfied with federal service. Additionally, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office found that “the surveyed services’ standards were often made available in a way that would not be easy for customers to find and access or, in the case of two services, were not made available to the public at all.” Currently, U.S. law does not provide for customer service standards for federal agencies.

“The Partnership for Public Service applauds Representative Cuellar for his efforts to shine a spotlight on government performance and ultimately make our government more efficient, effective and results-oriented,” said Max Stier, President and CEO of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. “Having publicly-available data on the quality of federal agency customer service will raise a red flag for any agencies that are struggling and highlight best practices at agencies that excel in customer service.”

The bill will now go to the full U.S. House of Representatives for potential floor consideration.

The Government Customer Service Improvement Act:

· Improves customer service standards by requiring the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop performance measures

· Raises the bar for enhancing quality and access by establishing standards to increase the quality of customer service and enhance access to federal information and services

· Puts a face on accountability by creating a customer relations representative within each federal agency who is directed to issue guidelines and standards for customer service, which would be made publicly available

· Does not add to the deficit because it requires federal agencies both to use their existing budgets to enact these changes and to direct any savings created toward reducing the deficit

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR TO ANNOUNCE $190,000 FOR RIO BRAVO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:04:36 GMT

Laredo Border Area Government Contracting Pre-Conference Training

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:01:49 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar to host Tele-Townhall Meeting

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:22:14 GMT

Laredo Border Area Government Contracting Conference

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:48:28 GMT

Coffee with Congressman Cuellar in Floresville

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:38:51 GMT

Tele Town Hall

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:44:39 GMT

Zapata Highway Expansion Grant Annoucement

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:13:56 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Zapata

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:23:26 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Rio Grande City

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:32:12 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Roma

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:34:58 GMT