Dear Friend,
I hope you had a safe and happy holiday break. I know for many the holidays can be a difficult time, especially as we continue to battle the pandemic - just know that you are not alone and we will overcome these challenges. My top priority is to ensure that South Texans, as well as all Americans, receive the necessary help in providing for yourself and your loved ones. That is why, I traveled back to DC this week to vote on a stand-alone bill that increases direct payments from $600 to $2,000. In addition, the House also reconvened to override the president's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act - a bipartisan piece of legislation that strengthens our national security and protects our servicemembers. In the district, I held a press conference with local media to provide an update on the future of border wall funding. My offices continue to participate in various community events, such as toy distributions and awarding this year’s Congressional App Challenge winners. As always, I encourage you to follow me on my social media platforms to stay up to date and recieve the latest news from DC and across TX-28.
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On Wednesday, December 23rd, I held a press conference with media outlets across the district to discuss updates on the future of border wall funding and President-elect Biden’s discretionary authority over using it. Watch the press conference here.
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On Monday, December 21st, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the City of Palmview's lighted holiday caravan parade and tree lighting ceremony. Local residents and families were encouraged to safely park along the route to view the parade, which consisted of public officials, police officers, fire fighters and special appearances from ATVs and UTVs from Jalisco and Zero Limits. Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with City of Palmview Mayor, Ricardo Villarreal, City of Palmview Mayor Pro-Tem, Jose Perez, City of Palmview City Councilman, Javier Ramirez, and City of Palmview Councilwoman, Alexandra Flores.
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On Tuesday, December 22nd , my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, presented two Congressional Certificate of Recognitions to Nicholas Castellanos and Eric Cho for placing 1st in my district during this year's Congressional App Challenge. Their app, Medelas, focuses on health information for children and teens ages 1-18. This idea was created in response to the pandemic and their desire to help parents and children alike understand illnesses and other vulnerabilities to their children’s health. Congrats Eric and Nicholas on desiging an innovative app that can help our community as well as communities around the world! Learn more about their app here. Each year, my office participates in a nationwide effort that allows students to compete against their peers by creating and an application or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. The Challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in coding and computer science. For more information, click here. Pictured is Orlando Ramirez, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Arizola, Nicolas Castellanos, and Eric Cho who was able to join virtually.
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On Tuesday, December 22nd, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, presented DHR Health with a Certificate of Recognition for being named 'Large Employer of the Year' at the Texas Workforce Commission's 24th annual Texas Workforce Conference. According to TWC, the Large Employer of the Year award honors one private-sector employer with 500 employees or more whose efforts and initiatives resulted in an extraordinary impact on the state of Texas, as well as the employers, workers and community in which the employer operates. For more information on the criteria employers must meet to be considered for this award, visit TWC's website here. Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with DHR CEO, Manish Singh, Dr. Carlos Garcia-Cantu and Administrator of Corporate Affairs, Mario Lizcano.
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On Wednesday, December 23rd, my Outreach Coordinator from Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the La Joya ISD Winter Wonderland Toy & Book Distribution. To assist in the distribution, my office donated books from the Library of Congress! While there, Nick was able to help the Library Services and Instructional Resources Department in providing for all student attendees. Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with La Joya ISD Superintendent, Dr. Gisela Saenz, La Joya ISD Board Member, Nereyda Cantu, La Joya ISD Board Member, Oscar Salinas, La Joya ISD Board Member, Mary T. Hernandez and other volunteers.
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Every day, my office receives calls throughout the district from constituents needing assistance. As the new year approaches, I want to highlight some of the help we can provide to you and your families. If you have questions about social security resources, citizenship and immigration services, veteran benefits, or any federal agency for that matter, please reach out via phone or email. Due to the pandemic, we do not currently allow walk-ins. Find more info on the services we provide, here.
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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. 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 a previous 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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Stay safe as we ring in the new year! On this week's video, the CDC gives tips and recommendations on how to celebrate New Year's Eve at home or outside with a small group of family, friends or neighbors. Remember, it's up to all of us to slow the spread of coronavirus. Let's start off 2021, by recommitting ourselves to practicing health guidelines.
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