Dear Friends,
I would like to share with you several updates during my work week in Washington, D.C.
Webb County Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminar
The Affordable Care Act is about allowing Americans to take personal responsibility for the costs of their health care as well as providing universal access to quality and affordable health insurance.
The 28th District includes counties that have the highest rate of uninsured Americans in the country. This is why I hosted a Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminar today for Webb and La Salle Counties at Laredo Community College with local agencies and organizations.
Congressman Cuellar announces the Webb County Health Insurance Marketplace Community Workshop with (L:R) Laredo Community College President, Dr. Juan L. Maldonado, City of Laredo Health Department Director Dr. Hector Gonzalez, and Executive Director of the Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center, Julie Bazan.
|
I would like to thank the organizations that worked to make this event possible:
- Laredo Community College
- City of Laredo Health Department
- Webb County Indigent Health Services
- Enroll America
- Young Invincibles
- Doctors Hospital of Laredo
- Gateway Community Health Center
- Mercy Ministries of Laredo
- Laredo Medical Center
- Centro Aztlan
- Texas A&M International University
- UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
- United Independent School District
- Laredo Independent School District
- Webb Consolidated School District
Schools also have a vital role to play in ensuring that Americans receive accurate information about the Affordable Care Act and understand how it affects them. From pre-school to high school, students are better prepared to succeed when they have the health care services they need. This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provided 10 ways schools can help to promote new health insurance opportunities.
Upcoming Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminars
In the upcoming weeks, I will host additional seminars throughout the 28th District. Join us at a workshop in a community near you:
Thursday November 14th (Atascosa + McMullen Counties)
When: 6 PM- 9 PM
Where: South Texas Regional Medical Center, Medical Plaza Building - 1905 Highway 97 E, Jourdanton, TX 78026
Saturday November 16th (Hidalgo County)
When: 10 AM- 4 PM
Where: Speer Memorial Library, Community Conference Room & Computer Lab - 801 E 12th Street, Mission, TX 78572
Saturday December 7th (Starr County)
When: 10 AM- 4 PM
Where: South Texas College, Rio Grande City- Auditorium and Computer Lab - 142 N FM 3167, Rio Grande City, TX 78582
Ensuring Federal Resources Address Pressing Local Needs
One of my most important concerns is to improve the economy and quality of life of South Texans. For that reason, attracting more federal funds to our district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress.
Federal grants - a term for funds awarded by the United States government - provide organizations with the ability carry out projects or provide services that they otherwise would not be able to perform.
Grants coordinators Juan Sanchez and Mary Hinojosa visiting with several cities throughout the 28th District during their Grants Tour in August. |
Who do grants help?
Federal grants can be awarded to educational institutions, government organizations, public housing organizations, non-profits, small businesses, and even individuals.
Where can you find help to apply?
I invite you to visit my updated grants resource website. On the website, grant seekers have access to information that will help them find grant opportunities and develop strong federal proposals.
I know that the federal grants process can be daunting. Therefore, I’m happy to provide this site to facilitate attracting funds for projects that make our region one of best and most vibrant places to live in the nation.
If I can be of any additional help, please contact me click here and fill out the grant assistance request form or call my office directly.
Outreach Events throughout District 28
My Chief of Staff, Cynthia Gaona, presented a certificate to former Hidalgo County Judge and former Administrator for the General Services Administration Greater Southwest Region, Juan "JD" Salinas and wife Rhonda Salinas on the opening of a new office for their business, Maroon Consultants.
Congratulations, JD and Rhonda, and best of luck!
Chief of Staff, Cynthia Gaona, congratulating JD and Rhonda Salinas on the opening of their new office. |
Project South Texas Update
In 2015, a new university will be launched in Starr County as part of the unification of the University of Texas Pan-American and the University of Texas-Brownsville. The new college will offer courses in criminal justice, in addition to the ones currently offered in education. This merger will have a profound economic impact on the Rio Grande Valley and I applaud the efforts of both university systems to move the project forward.
Last night, my Starr County Outreach Coordinator, Nichole Hernandez, joined UTPA President Robert Nelsen and community leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley to update alumni of both schools about the status of the merger.
Outreach Coordinator, Nichole Hernandez, meeting with UTPA President Robert Nelsen and community leaders about the unification of UTPA and UTB. |
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Meeting
In the previous week, my staff, Alexis Gallegos and Nichole Hernandez, met with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Harlingen Field Office Director, Antonio Lopez and Congressional Liaison, Laura Zepeda, to discuss updates on the USCIS process.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Mr. Lopez and Mrs. Zepeda for their collaborative effort in resolving USCIS's pending matters throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Outreach Coordinators Alexis Gallegos and Nichole Hernandez visiting USCIS Harlingen Field Office Director Antonio Lopez and Congressional Liaison Laura Zepeda.
|
Do you know of fraud, waste, or abuse in a federal program?
Report it to the Government Accountability Office:
Website: www.gao.gov/fraudnet/fraudnet.htm
Email: fraudnet@gao.gov
Automated answering system: (800) 424-5454 or (202) 512-7470
Sincerely,
Congressman Henry Cuellar
|
