Dear friends,
This week, I would like to share with you several updates during my work week in Washington, D.C. Included on this report as well is newly released data highlighting the benefits of the Affordable Care Act to our district and information on our upcoming Housing Grants Videoconference.
Interstate 69 Unveiling Ceremony - Mercedes, TX
This Monday, I along with Rio Grande Valley Partnership, Texas Department of Transportation, and other local and state officials and representatives celebrated the I-69 signage unveiling ceremony in Mercedes, TX.
Since its initial proposal to Congress in 1991, there has continued to be a stronghold of local and state support for Interstate 69 and its years of development. This infrastructure will bring over 100 miles of existing road into the federal interstate system.
In addition, this progressive freight passageway will not only connect border, seaports and commercial centers, but will unite communities and employ new job opportunities.
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Congressman Cuellar with local/state officials and representatives at
the I-69 signage unveiling event in Mercedes, TX
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City of Peñitas is awarded nearly $3 million - Peñitas, TX
That same day, I attended a press conference in Peñitas, TX in which both the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin, City of Peñitas Mayor Marco Ochoa and I awarded the City of Peñitas with a $2,995,000 loan.
These funds will be used towards the reconstruction of the city's deteriorating city hall and police department. This renovation will also connect both independent facilities and provide them with proper handicap accessibility.
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Congressman Cuellar along with USDA Rural Department State Director Paco Valentin and City of Peñitas Mayor Marcos Ochoa present the City of Peñitas with nearly $3 million.
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Texas Farm Bureau's Free Enterprise Speech Contest
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of meeting with three finalists of the 2013 Texas Farm Bureau's Free Enterprise Speech Contest, including Jaclyn Bonner, finalist from Atascosa County.
The Texas Farm Bureau awards the top six finalists with a scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with their representative.
Congratulations to all the finalists on a job well done!
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Congresssman Cuellar with Jaclyn Bonner, Julie Riess, and John Brooks finalists of the Texas Farmers Bureau Speech Contest in Washington, D.C. |
SAVE THE DATE: Housing Grants Videoconference
Wednesday July 31st
12:30 PM CST-1:30 PM CST
Become knowledgeable in available federal resources and funding opportunities to help facilitate your housing projects!
Speakers include: The United States Department of Housing & Urban Development, Mr. Richard Lopez, San Antonio Field Office Director; United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Ms. Tammye Treviño, Administrator for the Rural Housing Service
You can sign up to attend the videoconference by sending an email to Juan Sanchez, Grants Coordinator, at juan.sanchez@mail.house.gov
Locations:
HUD San Antonio Field Office; Alamo Colleges Floresville; Texas A&M International University; and University of Texas Pan American- Starr County Campus.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Benefits District -28: Texas
New data released this week reveals the impact of the Affordable Care Act by highlighting the benefits already being delivered to hundreds of thousands of citizens in the 28th Congressional District of Texas.
1. More than 2,800 senior citizens in the district have received prescription drug discounts worth $3.7 Million.
2. 9,400 young adults in the district now have health insurance through their parents’ plan.
3. 84,000 seniors in the district are now eligible for Medicare preventative services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductible.
4. In addition, 114,000 individuals, including 29,000 children and 44,000 women, now have health insurance that covers preventive services without any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductible.
5. 95,000 individuals in the district are saving money due to ACA provisions that prevent insurance companies from spending more than 20% of their premiums on profits and administrative overhead.
6. Up to 54,000 children in the district with preexisting health conditions can no longer be denied health coverage by health insurers.
In October, when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) comes into play, up to 218,000 individuals in the district who lack health insurance will have access to quality, affordable coverage without fear of discrimination or higher rates because of preexisting health conditions.
By the implementation of this act, the new health insurance marketplaces will assist consumers in all 50 states compare health insurance policies, receive financial assistance, and sign up for high-quality, affordable, and secure insurance coverage.
For more information visit www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.
Sincerely,
Congressman Henry Cuellar
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