Dear Friend,
Texas is facing severe winter weather this week and many communities are dealing with slick roads, power outages and more. If you can avoid traveling, please do so. If not, please stay safe and stay alert while on the road. While we conitnue to battle the coronavirus pandemic, we must make sure that every American in every community is able to receive the critical medical care that they and their families need. In January, President Biden signed an executive order to open up the federal health insurance marketplace. Now until May 15th, you can get health coverage through ACA’s marketplace at HealthCare.gov. The enrollment window is open to anyone who is uninsured and would normally be eligible to buy coverage in the federal marketplace. As always, I urge you to follow my social media platforms @repcuellar to stay up to date on what's happening in the district and in DC. Additionally, if you need assistance with a federal agency, please reach out to my office.
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On Friday, February 12th, I visited the City of Encinal to meet with local frontline health care workers and constituents during a vaccine distribution event at the Encinal Veterans’ Hall. Thank you to County Judge Joel Rodriguez, the County Commissioners, Mayor Sylvano Sanchez, City Manager Velma Davila and the rest of the city and county staff who helped make this event possible. While we continue to work towards vaccinating all of our communities, remember to protect yourself and your loved ones by wearing a mask. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar receiving a tour with county officials.
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Later that Friday, I held a press conference with city officials, as well as local non-governmental organizations in Webb County and the Rio Grande Valley that help shelter migrants. Together, we discussed the increase in migrant individuals released at the southern border without being screened for COVID-19 and how it is affecting our communities. To watch the press conference, click here. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar addressing the in-person and virtual attendees.
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On Wednesday, February 10th, I announced $4,000,000 in federal funds to Camino Real Community Services. This funding will help assist the clinic in providing services to persons with psychiatric needs as well as adults and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Atascosa, McMullen, La Salle, and Wilson counties. To watch the announcement, click here. Pictured is Congressman Cuellar with Emma Garcia, Executive Director of Camino Real Community Services, and Camino Real administrators.
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Earlier on Wednesday, I started my day off in San Antonio, where I announced that IDEA Carver student, Noah Moncrieft, has been accepted into United States Military Academy West Point. I had the privilege of nominating Mr. Moncrieft and a select group of highly qualified students in the 28th Congressional District of Texas for an appointment to one of the U.S. Services Academies- Air Force, Naval, Military, Merchant Marine. Congratulations! Pictured is Rep. Cuellar and Noah Moncrieft.
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Throughout the week, I toured the northern part of my district, which includes Atasocosa, Wilson and McMullen Counties. At each spot, I met with frontline health care workers, elected officials, and constituents to discuss COVID relief updates and issues affecting our nation, state and local communities. Watch my discussions on Facebook @repcuellar. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar at Wilson Community Health Center.
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On Tuesday, February 9th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, virtually attended a meeting with the UTRGV COVID Reponse Team to discuss the protocol that the university implemented, including rapid COVID-19 response tests and monitoring. During the meeting, Nicolas briefed the team on a recent letter I sent to Governor Abbott, requesting the the National Guard be deployed to South Texas to help with vaccine distribution.
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On this week's intern spotlight, we're introducing Diego Hinojosa, who currently interns in my San Antonio office. Originally from Brownsville, Diego is a 3rd year college student, studying politics and law at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Diego helps assist my constituents in acquiring much-needed federal support. During the internship, he hopes to learn more about the legislative process and eventually land an internship in Washington, D.C. When he's not interning, you can find Diego hiking with family, playing guitar, and reading. Welcome to the team and I look forward to seeing all the great work you do for TX-28!
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