Dear Friend,
I'm urging hardworking families in Texas’s 28th Congressional District to file their taxes before the upcoming May 17th deadline to ensure that you receive the accurate amount in new advance monthly Child Tax Credit payments that you are entitled to as soon as possible.
As part of the American Rescue Plan, which I helped pass, families could get monthly payments of up to $300 per child beginning as soon as July. The best way to ensure eligible families receive their payments is to file a 2020 tax return – even if you don’t have earnings to report or don’t normally file – because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) needs information from tax returns in order to calculate and issue advance monthly payments. - Families can get free help preparing and filing their taxes through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance – find your nearest location here.
- 231,000 children in TX-28 could benefit from the advance monthly payments. That’s 95.1% of all children in TX-28.
- 59,800 households in TX-28 could get an average total benefit of $3,700.
As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact my office.
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On Friday, May 7th, I had the honor of speaking to Laredo College graduates. The Class of 2021 joined the ranks of many distinguished community college alumni. Congratulations on reaching this accomplishment, and regardless of where life takes you next, your time as a Palomino has prepared you well. These students navigated a challenging academic year in the wake of a pandemic; I admire their resilience and am proud to have shared this moment with them and their loved ones.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar addressing Laredo College Graduates.
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On Thursday, May 6th, I announced $1,070,000 in federal funds to the City of Pleasanton for renovations and the construction of the Pleasanton Business Center. This federal investment is expected to create 125 jobs, retain 200 jobs, and generate $150 million in private investment.
I also announced $13,000 in federal funding for the Pleasanton Municipal Airport through the Federal Aviation Commission’s Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program. These funds will be used to provide economic relief for the airport to prevent, prepare and respond to the pandemic.
To watch the announcement, click here.
Image 1: Rep. Cuellar with Mayor Travis Hall and City of Pleasanton officials. Image 2: Rep. Cuellar with Pleasanton Municipal Airport Director John Roberts and airport staff.
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Through the American Rescue Plan, Atascosa Health Center is receiving $4,099,500 and Gateway Community Health Center is receiving $7,005,500 in federal funds to enhance and expand their capacity of health care services.
This funding is significant for both health centers. Specifically, Atascosa Health Center will use their funding to update office technology, create a new clinic in Poteet, TX, and much more. Gateway Community Health Clinic plans on using their funding to increase service in Webb and Zapata Counties, as well as administer COVID-19 tests and vaccines.
To watch the Atascosa Health Center announcement, click here. To watch the Gateway Community Health Center announcement, click here.
Image 1: Rep. Cuellar, AHC CEO, Monty Small, and his staff. Image 2: Rep. Cuellar with Gateway CHC CEO, Elmo Lopez, board members, staff and Zapata County officials.
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On Tuesday, May 4th, I visited Veterans Memorial High School to announce that one of my military service academy nominees, Jennifer Moreno, has been accepted into United States Air Force Academy! Jennifer’s hard work, perseverance, and dedication to public service has earned her this amazing educational opportunity. Congratulations Jennifer!
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar presenting Jennifer Moreno with a Certificate of Recognition.
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Later that same Tuesday, I held a press conference with Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and PCT. 3 County Commissioner Everardo Villarreal to discuss our tour of the RGV dirt levee system. After weeks of pressure from the local areas and elected officials, the Department of Homeland Security announced that they would begin to repair the Rio Grande Valley's flood barrier system to protect Hidalgo County communities from the upcoming hurricane season.
Watch the press conference here. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar speaking to press.
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On Friday, May 7th, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the ribbon cutting for Palmview's newest Mangonada shop: Crazy about Mangonadas. At the event, Nick presented the owner, Myrta Martinez, with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition.
Crazy about Mangonadas offers a wide variety of frozen desserts, which includes fruit purees and several flavors of ice cream. Congrats on the grand opening and I look forward to stopping by the next time I'm in town!
Pictured is Nicolas Cruz and Myrta Martinez.
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Earlier that Friday, Nicolas Cruz also attended a Food Bank distribution in La Joya. The Rio Grande Valley Food Bank serves Hidalgo, Willacy and Cameron Counties – feeding over a million individuals each year through their various programs. At the distribution, Nick helped assist approximately 500 people.
Pictured are La Joya residents picking up food from volunteers.
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That same Friday, in Webb County, my Digital Specialist, Eric Cleveland, attended the Laredo Regional Food Bank distribution. While there, Eric met with Carmen Garcia, Executive Director of the Food Bank. Additionally, Eric was able to help serve 455 families in the area.
Pictured is Eric loading up boxes of food for a Laredo family.
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