On Thursday, Nov. 5, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) stopped by the City of Pleasanton as part of his “Thank You” tour following his win in the Nov. 3 General Election. During his visit, Cuellar met with Pleasanton Mayor Travis Hall, City Manager Johnny Huizar, City Secretary Andres Aguirre, the Pleasanton Police Department, councilmembers and residents to discuss needs, benefits of broadband in rural communities and how the city is using their CARES Act funding.

Congressman Cuellar stated that though the country and state is very divided right now, he stands his ground in office and tries to do it in a simple way. “Hopefully, we can get this country back. I don’t like this red or blue … we’re all Americans. I’m a Democrat, but when I do my work, I do it as an American. I don’t say I’m here to represent the Democratic Party and I hope my Republican colleagues don’t say they’re here to represent their Republican Party. We’re there to do our job and I hope we’re all in agreement on that.”

The Congressman first provided an update on the PEA policy stating that Congress is going back to work next week to do several things, including working on the second relief bill and appropriations bill. Currently, the House of Representatives has done one relief bill and Congress is waiting on the Senate to do a second which will include a second round of stimulus checks, unemployment, help for small businesses including churches and funding for schools.

“On the federal level, at least on the House side, we want to send money to not go through the state, but directly to the city and the county, and then send the state separate money,” said Cuellar. “It will be more efficient by directly going to you so that you can decide where those funds should be used.”

Cuellar also commented on the Appropriations Bill stating that with Biden’s win in the Presidential Election, the bill can go either one of two ways: completed all at once or do part of it now, then the other part later.

“We’re ready to get it done and it’s important that it happens,” said Cuellar. “My hope is that it happens because as members of Congress, we know our districts better than bureaucrats. We know where the money is needed and I’m hoping I can get it done for you.”

Ernie and Janice Gonzalez of the City of Pleasanton’s EMC Strategy Group emphasized the importance of funding going straight to the cities so as to have a greater impact on the constituents at a better and faster rate than the present.

“I think that it’s a wise investment through the city to provide testimony to a committee showing that we lobby for funding to come straight to the city,” said Ernie. “It takes a lot of resources to get the limited amount of funding that’s available to use. A better, faster way to get these funds available to the constituents would greatly impact the city.”

Congressman Cuellar also reviewed Pleasanton’s active federal request projects which include grants and loans for the CARES Act Funding, Emergency Operations Center Notification System, Parks and Rec Facilities, Municipal Airport Hangar, Pleasanton Business Incubator Program and the Pleasanton Business Center. Also in the works is a USDA grant for the Pleasanton PD to purchase an armored vehicle.

“I’m here to say that I’m ready to start working,” said Cuellar. “I can’t wait to get to work with Mayor Hall and the city council on the USDA and EDA grants and loans.”