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Dear Friends,
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It's been a busy week in the district, between traveling, press conferences, and briefing calls with other elected-officials, I remain committed in keeping you updated on everything happening in the 28th District of Texas.
Graduation season is upon us and I had the privilege of addressing various senior classes. I also held a couple press conferences to announce federal funding that will positively impact local education and public safety. However, a major highlight of this past week was being awarded the Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award and the Jefferson-Hamilton Bipartisanship by the US Chamber of Commerce.
As a reminder, our communities are continuing to move forward with a phased reopening. Please protect yourself and those around you by wearing face coverings, continuing to practice social distancing, and implementing clean hygiene in your daily routines.
I want to keep you up-to-date and informed throughout this pandemic and will continue working to ensure our district receives the necessary federal resources to combat this virus. I urge you to visit my website and social media pages, @repcuellar, to stay informed with the latest news.
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| Rep. Cuellar Attends Grand Opening of Bridge Trust Offices in Nuevo Laredo |
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On Monday, June 15, I traveled across the US-Mexico border to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, in order to attend the grand opening of the Bridge Trust Offices. I joined Mexican officials, including Governor Cabeza de Vaca, in touring the facility. While there, I also saw the beginning of their expansion of a fifth lane leading to the World Trade International Bridge as well as the construction of a wastewater treatment plant. These new projects will help strengthen the flow of trade between our two countries, therefore strengthening our economy. Laredo is one of the busiest inland ports in the US and it is imperative that we, along with our counterparts to the south, work together in efficiently managing these bridges. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar and Governor Cabeza de Vaca in front of the new Bridge Trust Offices.
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Rep. Cuellar Delivers Commencement Speeches Throughout the District
The graduating classes of 2020 have had a challenging and unprecedented year due to COVID-19. I've spent the past few weeks traveling the district and attending commencement ceremonies. The stories I hear from students and their administrators is nothing short of inspiring and I have no doubt that this younger generation will go on to change the world. This past week, I attended graduations for Laredo Independent School District, Zapata High School, and Sharyland High School. You can view all the ceremonies on my social media platform by clicking here. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar giving remarks.
Laredo College Receives $199,978 in Federal Funds for STEM Initiatives
On Friday, June 12, I held a press conference with Laredo College to announce $199,978 in federal funds to advance STEM initiatives. These funds will be used to teach quantitative skills to students at Laredo College during the COVID-19 pandemic by using a new, fully-virtual research format. In 2018, I established the National Science Foundation’s Hispanic Serving Institution programs; since then, we have helped many colleges and universities fund STEM programs that will create a new generation of innovators. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar with the president of Laredo College, Dr. Solis, college professors and staff. To watch the live stream, click here.
City of Laredo Police Department Receives $1.3M in Federal Funds
Earlier that morning, I also announced $1.3 million in federal funds to the City of Laredo Police Department. These funds will be used to hire 11 new officers, therefore strengthening relationships between officers and our community, improving public safety and keeping law enforcement officers on the beat. Pictured is Mayor Pro-Temp Albert Torres, District Attorney Alaniz, Laredo Police Chief Claudio Trevino, City Manager Robert Eads, and Rep. Cuellar. To watch the live stream, click here.
| Intern Spotlight: Gabriel Ornes |
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In this week's "Intern Spotlight" we're back in the Laredo District Office to meet Gabriel Ornes. Gabriel is an upcoming senior at John B. Alexander High School and hopes to one day run for local office. He has been interning for about two weeks now and has quickly proved that he has an incredible work ethic. He's excited to continue learning about constituent services and how my office can make an impact in our communities. When Gabriel is not interning, you can find him playing football or beating the drums. Thank you for being a part of the team this summer Gabriel. This experience will be a wonderful step in the right direction of achieving your political aspirations!
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Coronavirus Resource Handbook
My office's COVID-19 Resource Handbook provides an extremely helpful list of tools and services for all those in the district. We are constantly updating the information in our handbook and you can regularly check my website for the newest edition. This wide-ranging economic rescue package provides rapid and meaningful assistance for individuals, businesses, and first responders.
Sections include: unemployment, direct payments, food assistance, homeowners and protection programs, and more. If you have any questions about the topics listed on the handbook, please contact my offices for assistance. To view the English handbook, click here. To view the Spanish handbook, click here.
Have you been counted?
As of June 14th, our district has a response rate of 47%. Although we have improved our district rates by 2 percent from last week, we're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 56.1%. That gap is continuing to widen; don't get left behind. Let's improve these numbers and make sure every, man, woman, and child living in TX-28 is properly accounted for. You can complete the census form online, by clicking here. If you want to complete it by phone, call: 1-844-330-2020. Or, you can respond through mail, once you receive the paper form.
| This Week's Grant Newsletter |
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Don't miss out on a grant opportunity! Attracting more federal funds to the district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress. In an effort to better serve you, I want to provide you with information on a variety of open federal grant opportunities in each week's newsletter. To see this week's edition, click here. If you'd like to subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter, please fill out our google doc form.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 | Síntomas del coronavirus (COVID-19)
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As our communities begin to reopen in phases, we must continue to ensure that we are properly protecting ourselves and those around us from COVID-19. This virus is still very much present in our lives; please make sure to continue practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings while in public, staying home if you are feeling ill, and disinfecting items/places.
In this week's video from the CDC, you'll understand the symptoms of COVID-19.
Para ver en español, haga clic aquí.
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| LATEST NEWS |
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6/15, KGNS: Local officials speak on police defunding
6/15, Laredo Morning Times: LC awarded $200k grant for COVID-19 research
6/12, Border Report: South Texas Ranchers get another year to graze cattle along Rio Grande
6/11, Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar awarded for leadership and bipartisanship
6/9, Rio Grande Guardian: TBC, Cuellar, differ on whether to reopen the US-Mexico border
6/4, Texas Border Business: Rep. Cuellar Applauds Senate Passage of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act
6/4, Progress Times: Hidalgo County awarded $4.2M for homeless residents
6/2, KRGV: Valley representatives support local protests calling for positive change, share ideas to address issues
6/1, Laredo Morning Times: Laredo orphanage allows government to survey land for future border wall
5/31, KVEO: Palmview awarded $6 million for wastewater collection and treatment project
5/29, Rio Grande Guardian: Podcast: Cuellar: State of Texas needs to pass along more CARES Act funding to counties
5/29, SA Chamber: Chamber Welcomes Congressman Henry Cuellar for Congressional Series Event
5/29, Texas Tribune: Texas elected leaders condemn the death of George Floyd and "horrific," "senseless"
5/27, Border Report: 'Virtual Wall' to be built at 3 protected locations in South Texas, congressman says
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