On Friday, March 5, I announced $4,000,000 in federal funds to PILLAR with co-founders Arturo Diaz and Manuel Sanchez, Commissioner Rosaura "Wawi" Tijerina, and other local officials from the City of Laredo and Webb County. This investment will help assist the clinic in providing services to people with psychiatric needs as well as adults and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

To watch the grant announcement as well as a powerful testimony from a local Laredo student, click here.

On Wednesday, March 3, I held a “Conversation with Cuellar” to discuss my vote for President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. During the press conference, I also addressed the current situation we're seeing at our southern border with an increase in migrant apprehensions. 

We are weeks, maybe even days, away from a crisis on the southern border. Inaction is simply not an option. As a border representative, I will continue to fight in Washington for my community to ensure they have the necessary funding and resources to properly care for these migrants and to keep American families safe. I urge the Biden administration to listen and work with the communities on the southern border who are dealing with the surge of migrants.

To watch the press call, click here. 

On Thursday, March 4, my Digital Specialist, Eric Cleveland, attended the grand opening and site tour of PAD Specialist Laredo. This is the city's first facility specializing in the treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease and can be found at 6419 Polaris Dr. Unit B2. 

Congratulations on the new facility and thank you to the staff for providing access to quality care for all those suffering from this disease.

Pictured is Eric Cleveland presenting a Certificate of Recognition to PAD Specialist CEO, Andrew Gomes, management, and staff.

On Wednesday, March 3, my Outreach Coordinator for Webb, Zapata, La Salle and McMullen Counties, Melissa Pena, attended a COVID-19 vaccine distribution event in Mirando City. While there, Melissa met with county officials and observed as 600 Moderna vaccines were administered to attendees. 

Pictured is Webb County Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Landin, Webb County Commissioner Pct. 1, Jesse Gonzalez, Melissa Pena, and Webb County Judge, Tano Tijerina.

On Friday, February 26, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the ribbon cutting of HQ Tax Company. While there, Nicolas presented the owner of the HQ Tax Company, Yadira Trevinoa, with a Certificate of Recognition to congratulate her on the grand opening. 

Pictured is HQ Tax Company management and staff, Nicolas Cruz, and City of Palmview representatives. 

Also, on February 26, my Constituent Services Representative and Outreach Coordinator in my San Antonio Office, Kendall Hayes, attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Texas Muscle & Fitness. The Converse Economic Development Corporation hosted the event to welcome the new gym to the area. Congrats and may the owner, Shawn Phillips, and staff find continued success in this new endeavor!

Pictured is Kendall Hayes with Converse Police, Converse EDC employees, business owner Shawn Phillips, Mayor Al Suarez, and gym members.

To commemorate Women's History Month, the Small Business Administration has highlighted resources, funding, and training available to all women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

For more information on how to access these resources or apply for funding, click here.