Dear friend,
With Congress currently in session, we are working overtime to ensure that the American public receive a COVID-19 relief package that helps our local governments, small businesses, public schools, essential workers as well as the millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet. In the district, I attended the McAllen Holiday Parade; my district offices also participated in community events like benefits, toy drives, grand openings and more. As always, if you need any help with federal agencies, please contact one of my offices. I also encourage you to follow me on my social media platforms for real-time updates.
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To kick off the holiday season, I participated in the McAllen Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 5th, to thank the courageous frontline heroes who have stepped up this year as we battle the pandemic. I am always amazed and grateful whenever I see people come together and adapt to the challenges we're currently facing. Although this parade was slightly different compared to previous years, the excitement, love and compassion for one another remained steadfast. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar on a parade float.
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On Saturday, December 5th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended a burger bash fundraiser for Lt. Javier Ramon of the Mission Police Department. Lt. Ramon overcame his battle with COVID-19, but is still facing ailments as a result of the virus. My office helped secure Lt. Ramon’s transfer to Brookes Army Medical Center in Bexar County, where he is currently being treated. My office continues to remain in contact with the Lieutenant's family and we are all extremely hopeful that he will make a full recovery. Pictured are police officers and volunteers prepping the event.
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Nicolas was hard at work Saturday! On the same day, he also attended the La Joya ISD Winter Coat Drive to help distribute warm clothing to local families in need. Event attendees received donations of gloves, scarves, coats and hats. Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with La Joya ISD Superintendent Gisela Saenz, and La Joya ISD board member Nereyda Cantu.
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On Friday, December 4th, my District Director, Jessica Hernandez, participated in the Zapata Chamber of Commerce's Drive-Thru Christmas Toys Giveaway. Every year, the community comes together to distribute hundreds of toys to children 10 years or younger; this year, more than 600 toys were distributed! Not only did Jessica help spread holiday cheer to countless families, but she also talked to families and community leaders about issues and concerns in the area. Pictured is Jessica Hernandez handing a basketball to a family attending the event.
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Friday-- further up north -- my Constituent Services Representative/Outreach Coordinator in my San Antonio office, Kendall Hayes, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Randolph Field High School Principal Dr. Mark Malone. Randolph Field ISD received a Purple Star Designation from the Texas Education Agency for going the extra mile in serving military-connected students and their families. This is a major acheivement and congratulations to the school district for setting up students from military families for success. Pictured is Dr. Mark Malone and Kendall Hayes.
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On Thursday, December 3rd, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Zapata Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening of Chick's Laundromat. At the event, Orlando presented the owner, Joe Chick, a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to celebrate the grand opening of his business in Zapata County. Congrats Joe on this major accomplishment! Pictured are Orlando Ramirez and Joe Chick.
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As a member of Congress, I get the unique pleasure of being able to gift Library of Congress books to public libraries throughout my district. On Thursday, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, presented some of these books to Librarian Lisa Burbridge of the Poteet Public Library. Fun fact: the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world with more than 170 million items! Pictured is Gilbert Lafuente with Librarian Lisa Burbridge.
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For over ten years, I have remained steadfast for the health and financial security of hard-working families by working to strengthen the Affordable Care Act. As our nation continues to face the coronavirus crisis, there has been continued effort to eliminate the lifesaving protections of the ACA, which poses a devastating threat to the people of Texas and all Americans. At this time of uncertainty, I will continue to fight for every American to ensure they receive the critical medical care that they and their families need to stay healthy and safe.
The 2021 open enrollment period in the United States has begun and runs until December 15th, 2020. I encourage all South Texans to research plans and find one that works best for them and their family. In addition, I advise families with current health insurance plans to check the rates and coverage of their plan to ensure it is still the best fit for them.
Learn more about open enrollment in 2021 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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This pandemic has impacted every community and unfortunatly, many Texans are facing unemployment challenges or the uncertainty of scarce employment opportunities. If you find yourself in this position and need help, the Texas Workforce Commission has a list of resources that can help you get back on your feet. This week's video, the TWC explains the requirements and process of applying for unemployment.
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