Dear Friend,
Last week, millions of Texans faced extreme winter weather - resulting in days without power or running water. We are still dealing with the after effects of this event and it will take time to heal. However, Texans never back down from hardship and we always overcome our darkest struggles. Communities across the state came together and displayed incredible kindness to one another, including taking in strangers without power and delivering food and supplies to those in need. As we begin to rebuild, I want to make sure you have information to help navigate your families’ recovery efforts. Furthermore, our nation reached a tragic milestone that should remind us all about the importance of taking this pandemic seriously and ensuring that we are doing our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. My heart aches for the thousands of families who have lost loved ones to the virus. As we mourn the lives of 500,000, I pray that our nation continues to find the strength to overcome this dire situation. We cannot wait any longer – lives and livelihoods are on the line. For that reason, I’ll be heading back to Washington, D.C. this week to pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. To everyone across my district, the state and nation - help is on the way.
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On Saturday, I visited two vaccination distribution events in Laredo. I first visited Gateway Community Health Center, where I joined Gateway's CEO, Elmo Lopez, and his staff, as they vaccinated eligible individuals in the area.
Afterwards, I stopped by the Laredo VA Clinic, where I learned about the many challenges our local heroes are facing due to COVID-19 and the recent severe winter weather. I will continue to work hard to provide resources and aid to veterans throughout my district as well as ensure our most vulnerable populations receive access to this lifesaving vaccine. Image 1: Rep. Cuellar at Gateway Community Health Center. Image 2: Rep. Cuellar speaking with veterans at the Laredo VA Clinic.
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On Friday, February 19th, I joined Dr. Pablo Arenaz to discuss grant opportunities for TAMIU students during the pandemic. These grants, provided through the CARES Act and the FY21 final spending bill, will help students with expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, and health care. To watch the livestream, click here.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar, Student Government Association President, Mariana Rodriguez, and TAMIU President, Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
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On Wednesday, February 17th, I toured Mission Regional Medical Center and Nuestra Clinica Del Valle in Hidalgo County to meet with frontline health care workers, city officials and constituents to discuss COVID relief updates and local issues impacting Hidalgo County. Watch the livestreams of each meeting on my Facebook page, @repcuellar.
Image 1: Rep. Cuellar with a health care professional at Mission Regional Medical Center. Image 2: Rep. Cuellar with Nuestra Clinica Del Valle's CEO, Lucy Ramirez, board members and constituents.
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On Tuesday, February 16th, I spoke with Starr County frontline health care workers at Lino's Pharmacy and Starr County Memorial Hospital, who have been bravely working throughout this pandemic. To listen in on these important discussions, follow my Facebook page, @repcuellar.
Image 1: Rep. Cuellar speaking with media at Lino's Pharmacy. Image 2: Rep. Cuellar speaking with Starr County Memorial Hospital staff as well as constituents.
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On Sunday, February 21st, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended a food distribution event hosted by the City of Penitas. Iglesia Del Pueblo and the North Bridge Foundation donated approximately 2,200 boxes of food and milk for the event. This distribution event helped families who experienced electricity and water outages as a result of severe winter weather.
Pictured are cars driving through for the food distribution.
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On Friday, February 19th, my Digital Specialist, Eric Cleveland, attended a food distribution event with the Laredo Regional Food Bank. While there, Eric worked with the food bank's staff, volunteers as well as the Texas National Guard to go door to door in surrounding areas to deliver food to constituents.
Pictured is the unloading of a Laredo Regional Food Bank trailer.
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On Saturday, February 13th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, presented the owners of Collision Masters, Joel Garcia and Cruz O. Garcia, with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition. The father and son duo have been operating the Palmview location for 25 years. Congratulations on your continued success!
Pictured is Nicolas Cruz, Joel Garcia and Cruz O. Garcia.
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