This legislation creates a new $2 Billion competitive grant program to improve the nation’s lowest performing high schools and middle schools.

“Our nation’s “dropout factories” pose one of the greatest threats to our nation’s growth and competitiveness. “The Graduation for All Act of 2009” builds on “The Graduation Promise Act” to address the high school dropout crisis by investing in our nation’s lowest performing middle and high schools”, said Hinojosa.

This legislation would provide school districts clear guidelines on turn around strategies. It will combine rigorous coursework with academic and social support services to encourage students and keep them engaged in school. It will also help schools implement a data system to allow teachers and other school staff to identify students who are at risk and determine what type of intervention is needed to help the students stay in school.

“It is imperative that all of our young people stay in school, succeed, and contribute to our nation’s workforce and economy. This is the only way we will remain globally competitive. We must not turn a blind eye to the fact that our minority students have a higher risk of dropping out of school”, said Hinojosa.

Schools which receive grants must build a Graduation Improvement Team, including school leaders, teachers, experts and other school staff members and people from the community to help carry out the plan. This will improve academic achievement, increase graduation rates and promote college enrollment and completion.
High schools must also prepare students for college by providing them with full information about financial aid options, developing graduation and career plans and offering classes on a college campus.

“I have spent my years in Congress fighting for the cause that every child in the United States should have a fair chance at a good education. I will never give up that fight, especially for our children in the Rio Grande Valley” said Hinojosa.

The funds will be used to install a new diesel generator for the Encino Water Plant off of U.S. Business Hwy. 281. The Encino water plant was damaged by Hurricane Dolly.

“Each grant that is awarded to our communities in South Texas has gone a long way to assist in the recovery efforts from damages caused by Hurricane Dolly. The grant funding for Brooks County will keep the water plant operational and therefore provide the necessary services for the area and its residents”, said Hinojosa.

These funds are made available by the Texas Community Block Grant Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide long-term disaster recovery for infrastructure, housing and economic revitalization in the State of Texas.
 

Last year, more than 100 firefighters died in the line of duty, and tens of thousands more sustained injuries.

“We have seen the terrible damage and tragedy fire has caused in many of our states, including Texas. These grants will give our brave firefighters the necessary equipment, training and support they need”, said Hinojosa.

This bill reauthorizes two successful grant programs for firefighters, FIRE and SAFER. This bill reauthorizes both programs through 2014, pledging a total of $2.2 billion per year to our firefighters.

The FIRE Grant program authorizes $1 billion per year for state-of-the-art equipment, up-to-date training, and fire prevention programs. These competitive grants will benefit career, volunteer, and combination fire departments nationally, as well as state training academies and volunteer EMS departments.

The SAFER Grant program ensures that our community firehouses never have to sit empty: its $1.2 billion per year will ensure 24-hour staffing at eligible departments, so that there are always firefighters on duty in case of an emergency. It also commits money each year to help volunteer departments recruit and retain new members.
 

Highway and street repairs in Combes will be funded by a $88,362 grant. New Combes Highway from FM 508 to Poplar Street will be regraded and repaired due to damage caused by Hurricane Dolly.

“We continue to work very hard to address the problems caused by Hurricane Dolly. These grant funds designated for the Cities of Elsa and Combes come from the disaster recovery program designed to assist communities which have suffered damage and to support infrastructure, housing and economic revitalization where needed for our residents”, said Hinojosa.

The grants are made available by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs and appropriated by Congress through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
 

The funds will be used to construct a new bulkhead in the Ingleside by the Bay community and in the Aransas Pass community. The grant was awarded by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs made available by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“We welcome these funds as our communities continue to recover from the damage caused by the hurricanes that hit our state last year. This funding will be used directly for the protection and well being of our residents who live by or near our coastline”, said Hinojosa.

The City of Taft has been awarded a $300,000 grant for water and sewer system improvements including the installation of a new generator and rehabilitation of the clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant.

This grant was awarded to the city of Taft by the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program.
 

The federal funds will be used for pavement and lighting improvements. The federal funds have been approved for 95% of the estimated project costs and the City of Edinburg will be responsible for the remaining 5%.

“I am very pleased to assist in bringing funding for this much needed air transportation project. The City of Edinburg is moving forward in their economic development efforts by improving their aviation facilities and bringing jobs to the community”, said Hinojosa.

The city of Edinburg has been developing the South Texas International Airport to become a Regional Staging Site for State and Federal emergency response.

“Keeping our rural communities updated with the latest technology is important to the health and education of the residents. This grant will ensure that rural citizens have access to a full range of educational opportunities and access to quality medical care”, said Hinojosa.

The Rural Development funds will be used to link 9 rural schools with two campuses of Coastal Bend College via videoconferencing. The focus of this project is on providing health-related training to address the shortage of health care providers.

Hinojosa added, “We are committed to the future of rural communities and I will continue to support the expansion of telecommunications, educational resources and computer networks throughout our rural communities”.

This year, the McCutchen family has dedicated a full crop of corn designed into a maze using the image of Congressman Hinojosa. School Children from Ruben Hinojosa elementary school in Mercedes will participate in finding their way through the labyrinth. The catch is, the children will find clues that will help them navigate through the maze. But they must know some key facts about the Congressman, government and history in order for that to happen.

“This will be a fun way to learn not only about government and history but a fun way to learn about agriculture. We come from an area that is rich in agriculture and it is important that students learn more about the opportunities in the agricultural field”, said Hinojosa.

Congressman Hinojosa will be on hand to talk to the children and help them out on their educational journey through the corn maze.

“Congressman Hinojosa has done so much for this area of Texas and this country. We are creating a special “passport” in honor of the congressman with facts and questions involving government, history and life about the congressman”, said the McCutchen family.

The Rio Grande Valley Maize farm is located between Mercedes and La Feria.
For directions and more information on the Maize visit:
www.riograndevalleymaize.com

The Congressman will attend the 14th Annual Veterans Flag raising Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. at the Mercedes Knights of Columbus Council at 150 N. Ohio Avenue, Mercedes, Texas.

Congressman Hinojosa will also attend the Annual Delta Lake Veterans Event sponsored by Hidalgo County Commissioner Sylvia Handy. The Veterans event will take place at11:00 a.m. at Delta Lake at Monte Alto, Texas.

“Soldiers, sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and National Guardsmen, thank you for your courage, your character, your strength and the enduring power of your example. Every American owes you a debt of gratitude that words cannot repay”, said Congressman Ruben Hinojosa.

Congressman Hinojosa has been invited to speak at both occasions.
 

The grant funds will provide local and regional training, education, outreach and technical assistance initiatives that address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers.

“The Rio Grande Valley has a long history of agricultural and farming success stories. But there is no doubt that with tough economic times, new ranchers and farmers are finding it hard to make a profit. This grant will help them with the information and support they will need”, said Hinojosa.

The grants were awarded through the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The program is designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers, specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or less.

Hinojosa added, “We must be sure to keep our valley tradition of feeding local communities and the world by making certain we ensure the success of the next generation of farmers and ranchers”.

The USDA awarded more than $17 million in grants to 29 institutions across the nation. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.

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The grant money will be used to make improvements to sidewalks, lighting and handicap accessibility in the downtown area.

“I am very pleased to see the City of Cuero’s Downtown Revitalization project receive this funding. The downtown area is considered the heart of a city and keeping it beautiful and accessible is a prime goal in every community”, said Hinojosa.

The Texas Department of Agriculture approved the grant which is federally funded through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Community Development Block Grant.

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“This bill is extremely important for small business owners and for those who are looking for jobs. Small businesses are the number one source of new jobs in this country”, said Hinojosa.

Small businesses create 60-80% of new jobs every year, but the current economic crisis has frozen credit and made it difficult for American small businesses to get the financing they need. By comprehensively updatingthe Small Business Administration’s capital access programs, the legislation is expected to support $44 billion in lending and investment for smaller firms.

“As a former small business owner I know how important these programs are and what they can offer to an entire community”, said Hinojosa. “President Obama and this Congress have made supporting our nation’s small business a top priority”.

The legislation also includes incentives to encourage local banks to lend to small businesses and reduces bureaucratic red tape, making it easier for entrepreneurs to secure credit. The bill creates a new public/private partnership to expand investments in small business startups, an important source of job creation. It also extends critical Recovery Act provisions eliminating fees on Small Business Administration loans and guaranteeing up to 90% of 7 (a) loans. To foster a diverse mix of businesses, it takes steps to promote veteran-owned, women-owned and rural small businesses.
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“Our nation is one of the most beautiful places on earth.” said Hinojosa. “We must always protect our natural resources. With this bill, we can make real progress to clean up our water sources, encourage the development of clean, efficient energy sources, and help restore the splendor of our natural environment.”

The bill includes $17 million for funding the Border Environment Infrastructure Fund (BEIF), a program of the North American Development Bank. The purpose of BEIF is to make environmental infrastructure projects affordable for communities throughout the U.S.-Mexico border region by combining grant funds with loans and other forms of financing.

The bill takes significant steps to reduce pollution in our water and air, and provides aid to nearly 1,500 communities to improve their drinking water and wastewater systems. It also provides funding to clean up dangerous toxic waste sites, and gives the EPA the tools it needs to study the impact of toxins and pollution on children.

“Our environment has a direct impact on the health and safety of our kids and our families,” said Hinojosa. “By passing this legislation, we can make sure our kids are drinking clean water and breathing clean air. There is no higher priority than protecting their health.”

To support our national security objectives and economic recovery efforts, the legislation makes investments in key climate change research, including research in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging consumer energy efficiency, and encouraging the production of clean, renewable American energy. To help Americans save money and make wise environmental decisions, the bill allocates $51 million for the EPA’s successful Energy Star Program – which already saves consumers $14 billion a year in energy costs. The bill also dedicates funds toward the development of renewable clean energy sources on federal lands and water.
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Duval County will receive $80,000 for planning studies to aid in problem solving and resource utilization for colonias all in an effort to improve the quality of life in the colonias. Jim Wells County was awarded $23,500 for planning studies that included detailed mapping and graphics for housing, drainage, and streets and roads for a colonia in an effort to improve the standard of living.

“Improving the quality of life for those who have so little assists not just those who are living in colonias, it also helps the entire community as well. We are pleased that these federal funds will be used to make colonias a better and healthier place to live”, Hinojosa said.

These funds are made available from appropriations for the Community Development Block Grant Program of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program is administered for the State of Texas by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs through the Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program.

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SHPE National President, Diana Gomez, added, “We also want to honor your consistent role at the forefront of Latino issues, not only in education and labor, but all Latino issues such as immigration, health, and foreign affairs”.

The SHPE organization is committed to increasing opportunities and recognition for Hispanics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by ensuring the success of its student members and professionals.

“I am honored to be recognized by the SHPE organization tonight. SHPE has clearly proven that providing avenues for higher education for our youth, results in highly educated and accomplished professional Latinos in our communities”, said Hinojosa.

SHPE has an active student chapter at The University of Texas-Pan American in which their members participate in and assist each year with HESTEC (Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology Program).

The Congressional Reception is being co-hosted by SHPE and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. It will begin at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2009, Rayburn Building, B 338 & 339, Washington, D.C. 20515.

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The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was awarded to Harlingen which will receive $956,980.00 and McAllen which was awarded $1,786,739.00. These funds will be used to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

The cities of Harlingen and McAllen were also awarded additional funds under the HOME program which helps expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low-and very low-income families by providing grants to States and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities. Under the HOME program grant, Harlingen will receive $408,376.00 and McAllen will receive $666,689.00.

“This federal money will be providing new homes for people who may otherwise be left out in the cold. Not only will this help families find affordable homes, these grants will also create new job opportunities, therefore expanding economic opportunities in the communities”, said Hinojosa.

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For Immediate Release Contact: Patricia Guillermo
Friday, October 23, 2009 (202) 225-2531

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa Announces Over 2 Million Dollars In Disaster Relief Funds For 2 Rio Grande Valley Cities

Washington, D.C. Today-- U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa announced the cities of Edinburg and La Feria will receive disaster recovery funds totaling close to two and a half million dollars. The funds are a part of the 2008 Supplemental Disaster Recovery Fund grants which are being used to repair damage caused by Hurricane Dolly which slammed into the Rio Grande Valley last July.

“I am pleased to make this announcement for the communities of Edinburg and La Feria. This funding will be used to repair and rebuild waste water plants and drainage systems which were damaged due to the flooding and electrical outages caused by Hurricane Dolly”, said Hinojosa.

The federal funds are administered by the State of Texas by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs, Disaster Recovery Division. Edinburg will receive $1,974,325 and La Feria will receive $243,611.

“This grant is a long-term disaster recovery plan for infrastructure, housing and economic revitalization for communities which have suffered through a disaster. These communities will begin rebuilding their new services and thereby creating job opportunities”, Hinojosa said.

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Washington, D.C. Today-- U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa announced that beginning today special payments are available to over 185,000 service members who have had their enlistments involuntarily extended since September 11, 2001. The special payments will provide $500 for every month they were held under stop-loss orders.

Congress established this payment in the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted this summer.

“Our men and women in the armed services have served above and beyond the call of duty. This special payment is in recognition of the hardship placed on the troops and their families for having to remain in active duty longer than planned”, Hinojosa said.

The Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is available to service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to Stop Loss between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009. Service members from every branch of the military will receive compensation. Service members may begin submitting their claim today. All applications must be submitted to the respective services no later than October 21, 2010. Service members must present proof they were Stop Lossed with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim.

Army: https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil
Navy: send email to – NXAG_N132C@navy.mil
Marine Corps: https://www.manpower.usmc.mil/stoploss
Air Force: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/stoploss

This payment builds on a significant record of accomplishment for veterans and troops over the last two and a half years under the New Direction Congress – including the New GI Bill, progress in improving veterans’ hospitals and facilities, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with PTSD.

Hinojosa added, “We in Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind, and we are continuously working to fulfill that promise. Our veterans have done their duty, now it’s our turn to do our duty and honor them for their dedication to our nation”.

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Oscar Hinojosa led the 1956-58 Mercedes Tiger football team through several winning seasons. Oscar was the leading rusher as a Halfback for the Tigers. He was all District, all State and made the All America All-Stars Team.

After graduation, Oscar received a full scholarship and went on to play football with the Texas A&I Javelinas who won the National NAIA Championship in 1959.

“I was proud to have played on the same team as my big brother Oscar. I admired his strength, his talent and his character on and off of the field”, Hinojosa said.

Oscar Hinojosa was not only an outstanding athlete he was also an outstanding scholar from elementary school through high school. He won numerous awards in track and field, baseball and of course football. His senior year at Mercedes High School Oscar was elected as the Student Council President

“Oscar was a team leader he was a role model to me and to so many other students, even those he played against” Hinojosa said.

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10/16/09
Oscar Hinojosa

Congressman Hinojosa remembers how he and Oscar would wake up at 3:30 in the morning on weekdays and go to work at their family business H&H Meats from 4:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. The boys would then go to school and study and then attend their athletic practices. Many times they also worked after school.

“Through all of this Oscar still managed to make good grades at school and at the same time he helped the family business prosper” Hinojosa said.

Oscar Hinojosa passed away on March 22, 1997. He was 58 years old. Congressman Hinojosa added, “Oscar’s family and friends will always miss him and we will always carry the wonderful memories he left us throughout his life”.

Along with Oscar Hinojosa, Jim Norris and Grady Harold will also be honored. The jerseys bearing the football player’s numbers will be retired from the Mercedes Tiger Lineup.

“I supported the federal stimulus bill so that funding from it would help our communities in many ways. These funds help improve Elsa’s infrastructure to create economic opportunities, new jobs, and provide better services for our people”, said Hinojosa.

In 2008, Congressman Hinojosa worked with the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) to conduct an assessment of the wastewater and water systems in the Delta Region, which includes the cities of Elsa, Edcouch and La Villa. The $200,000 grant funded facility plans for the three cities. These studies identified how to improve water quality and wastewater infrastructure. These studies ultimately prepared the city of Elsa to present their grant request to the Texas Water Development Board.

“This is another great investment in our future and in our quality of life along our border”, said Hinojosa.

Congressman Hinojosa held a workshop in January of 2009 to help cities in the district meet their deadlines in applying for the funds.
 

“Protecting and securing our nation is a priority”, said Hinojosa. “This legislation covers many critical aspects to safeguarding Americans. This legislation provides funding to train our local and first responders and to secure our borders”, said Hinojosa.

The legislation will provide our first responders with the equipment and training they need to keep our communities safe. It includes over $3 billion in grants for local municipalities to protect critical infrastructure in high-threat areas, help local fire departments and upgrade central command facilities.

“Our first line of defense in an emergency is our local firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel. We must make sure they have the best training and equipment to keep our communities safe,” Hinojosa said.

The bill also boosts our efforts to increase the security along our borders. There are additional investments to combat the violence, drug smuggling and weapons smuggling currently occurring on our Southwest Border. In addition, the bill invests in improving aviation security, port security and transit security. Among the many important programs, these funds will be used to purchase and install the latest explosive detection systems at airports nationwide and develop and deploy systems to screen cargo containers for weapons and nuclear materials.

The primary objectives of this U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant are to improve financial literacy, expand homeownership opportunities, improve access to affordable house and preserve homeownership.

“Too many times we have seen our low income residents in the Rio Grande Valley lose their homes, simply because they did not understand the full responsibilities of the terms of their agreement. Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid counselors now have funds that will assist them in guiding and advising those residents of their options”, Hinojosa said.

Counselors will provide guidance to help families and individuals modify or refinance their loans to avoid unaffordable repayment terms. The program also focuses on elderly homeowners who seek to convert equity in their homes into income that can be used to pay for home improvements, medical costs and living expenses.

Hinojosa added, “This is a great opportunity for those who are in a bind, whether it is a homeowner or a tenant, to get back on track without increasing a debt or succumbing to foreclosure”.

Testimony was given by several high ranking Federal employees on how some for-profit colleges and universities are engaging in a number of unscrupulous practices to increase their access to federal funds. A recent General Accountability Office (GAO) investigation, requested by Chairman Hinojosa, exposed a series of unethical and illegal practices in some schools.

“In some cases, officials from for-profit sector institutions, assisted students in obtaining invalid high school diplomas from diploma mills, in order to gain access to federal loans. This practice only encourages students to enroll in college when they are not prepared. Many end up dropping out of school and are left with a substantial student loan debt they cannot pay back”, Hinojosa said.

At today’s hearing, a GAO witness played an audio tape of a test instructor from a proprietary school, clearly giving students correct answers to the “ability to benefit” test or the ATB. This test is the measure used to determine if students are ready to take college courses and thereby making them eligible for federal student loans. In other testimony, written test examples from GAO employees posing as students were displayed. In each test, the GAO “students” purposely marked wrong answers. Those wrong answers were later crossed out and were marked with the correct answers by the person administering the test.
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Page 2 (Congressman Rubén Hinojosa Subcommittee Hearing)

Hinojosa added, “What we have seen is the abuse of the federal financial aid program at the expense of students and taxpayers. We must rectify the problems found in the GAO study to ensure that students who truly qualify will be provided a good education and receive the federal financial aid they deserve. There are many good proprietary colleges that are providing students the skills they need. We will keep those in operation; however we will be putting those who don’t follow the law, out of business”.

Those giving testimony at today’s Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness Subcommittee Hearing were:
George Scott, Director, Education, Workforce and Income Security Issues, General Accountability Office, Washington D.C.
Mary Mitchelson, Acting Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, Department of Education, Washington D.C.
Robert Shireman, Deputy Undersecretary, Department of Education, Washington D.C.
And Harris N. Miller, CEO/President, Career College Association, Washington D.C.
 

The funds were granted under the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program. 35 applicants including U.T.P.A. received grants between $765,000 and $1,000,000. U.T.P.A. will use their $982,117 to assist nonprofit organizations with financial, technical and organizational development.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our community. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, these nonprofit programs will be better able to help people in need”, Hinojosa said.

The grant also requires that each nonprofit sponsor one young person who will learn how to manage and grow these organizations, thus creating the next generation of nonprofit leadership.

Hinojosa added, “U.T. P. A. has had from the start, a dedicated commitment to its community. U.T.P.A’s tremendous educational achievements joined with their expanding plans for the future of education in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, is a tribute to their understanding of what is needed for the people. This federal funding will go a long way to help those in need”.
 

Congressman Hinojosa said, “These funds will be used to help women, who are victims of domestic violence, in finding a safe and secure place to live with their children. Women who have suffered due to violence will know they have a safe place to take refuge with people who care very much about them”.

The Transitional Housing Grant Program is offered through the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. The grant money will be used to secure housing for women fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

“This money will also assist women in rebuilding their lives by providing counseling, child care services and transportation when needed. Building confidence and offering housing as well as giving emotional support will be the foundation for better opportunities and a better life for women who have suffered much” said Hinojosa.
 

The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women elected to award this grant to help survivors of sexual assault from culturally specific communities. Many times victims of Hispanic heritage confront challenges when seeking assistance, such as language or cultural barriers.

“These funds will target the specific needs these survivors of abuse encounter. Those who are going through a terrible ordeal in the aftermath of a violent attack may be more inclined to seek services from organizations that are familiar with their background, language and culture”, Hinojosa said.

The Migrant Health Promotion, will partner with Women Together/Mujeres Unidas of McAllen, Texas to implement “Una Nueva Manana” (A New Tomorrow). This initial award will allow Migrant Health Promotion to develop a strategic plan for sexual assault services in the Hispanic community and provide advocacy services to sexual assault survivors. It will also allow for the recruitment and training of community volunteers to help with outreach activities for sexual assault survivors.

“To begin to address this issue I plan to re-introduce the “Graduation Promise Act” in the 111th Congress so that we can begin to turn around some of our lowest performing high schools. This act aims to reverse our dropout rates by authorizing $2.44 billion for “High School Improvement and Dropout Reduction Fund”, Hinojosa said.

HESTEC began eight years ago when Congressman Hinojosa devoted his efforts on having Rio Grande Valley students learn more about the fields of Science, Engineering, Technology and Math. Today the Congressman also spoke about the need for children to learn to read as early in their lives as possible and to strive for a college education.

“We know that children who have access to great teachers and high quality instruction are more likely to succeed and go on to college. This is especially true for our Latino, low-income and first generation college students”, Hinojosa said.

Congressman Hinojosa also spoke to a group of Rio Grande Valley school superintendents. He urged them to think of ways on tapping into federal resources for their school district.

Hinojosa added, “I am in Washington D.C. to help you and our children. Together, we can make so many incredible things happen to pave the way for a better future for our children and our communities”.
 

Congressman Hinojosa said, “These funds will be used to complete affordable and energy efficient public housing in Runge. This will generate jobs which will produce an economic boost as well for the residents of Runge”.

The funds will allow the Runge Housing Authority to develop or renovate public housing projects stalled due to the lack of resources.

“The grants being awarded today should give hope to families across the country that more affordable housing opportunities are on the way”, said Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan.

In February, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. At that time, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated nearly $3 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to more than 3,100 public housing authorities across the U.S.

For more information about this grant, go to www.hud.gov.
 

The City of McAllen will proclaim September 15th through October 15th, 2009 as “National Hispanic Heritage Month”.

Congressman Hinojosa said “This is a time to honor and celebrate the proud history of Americans of Hispanic or Latino heritage. The contributions made by Hispanic Americans are immense and we can see wonderful examples right here in the Rio Grande Valley”.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in many parts of the United States particularly those areas which are influenced by Hispanic art, music, food and faith.

“The love of family and country are strong emotions that bond Hispanic Americans to this diverse and beautiful nation of ours. All of us have benefited in many ways through the outstanding achievements made by Hispanic Americans in the academic, artistic, scientific, legal, political and business fields”, said Hinojosa.

“I am very grateful to everyone involved in the Texas Valley Communities Foundation for honoring me but mostly I am grateful for their hard work and dedication to the future of our children. There are many success stories from their efforts through this incredible program. Children who may never have thought about attending college are now entering some of our nation’s finest universities”, said Hinojosa.

Congressman Hinojosa will be presented with the first Texas Valley Communities Foundation’s TORCH award, “for his passionate and unrelenting leadership and for carrying the torch to engage communities and to build partnerships with civic organizations, small businesses, corporations and other institutions to enhance educational opportunities for all”.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has given more than $20 million to the Rio Grande Valley over the past several years for various projects all geared towards education. Texas Valley Communities Foundation received $500,000 through the Gates grant to expand college awareness and readiness through local partners such as community-based organizations and school districts.

Hinojosa added, “Nothing secures a bright future more for our children than a good education. This is why I will always champion their cause”.

Attendees will have an opportunity to hear about some of the important changes in our national and state programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Elder Abuse and Social Security from Federal and State agencies.

Local Physicians will also be available to discuss health and nutrition issues including diabetes, depression and anxiety.

U.S. Representatives Hinojosa and Henry Cuellar (TX-28) are honorary conference co-chairmen.

“This is a great opportunity for our Rio Grande Valley seniors to learn more about the programs that were created to help our seniors with their health and well being from those who are directly involved in those programs”. Hinojosa said

Rep. Hinojosa will present a video message, in both English and Spanish, on health issues for seniors at 12:00 noon at the Senior Health Summit.

This year’s Senior Summit is organized by the South Texas Senior Summit Planning Committee and is chaired by the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
 

A United States of America flag, which was flown over the United States Capitol during Hispanic Heritage Month, will be presented to Mercedes High School by Rep. Hinojosa’s staff, in honor of Dr. Garcia. 

“Dr. Garcia spent his life defending the civil rights of Hispanic veterans and promoting the principle of equality for all people”, Hinojosa said.

Dr. Garcia was a graduate of Mercedes High School, as was Rep. Hinojosa. “Dr. Garcia championed the causes of justice and equal rights for everyone. As a medical doctor he provided health care to thousands of people, even those who could not afford the costs”, Hinojosa said.

Dr. Garcia founded the G.I Forum in 1949. The organization reached across the country where its members rallied to end school desegregation, create jobs and housing, among other causes.

Congressman Hinojosa said, “I am proud that the Recovery act we passed in Congress continues to have an impact on our communities in Deep South Texas. With these funds, the University of Texas at Pan American can provide needed scholarships to students pursuing careers in the health field. And, given the current need for additional health resources, this funding comes not a moment too soon.”

The funds are part of the one of the agencies programs, Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students. This program funds health professions schools and training programs which, in turn, provide scholarships to full-time health professions students, with priority given to those with financial need.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced awards totaling $33 million to expand the training of health care professionals for institutions across the country. $2.6 million were awarded to institutions in the state of Texas.

“With these funds, we are increasing the accessibility and affordability of higher education for those in our community. I want to congratulate the University of Texas at Pan American for being awarded these funds and I know they will put them to good use.”
 

In the 47 years he served in the United States Senate, he always sought to push forward the best of our American ideals.  He fought as a champion for civil rights, healthcare reform, and economic growth for the entire country.    However, it is his work for the improvement of our educational system that impacted me the most.  Over the years, I’ve seen him lead our country towards the goals of increasing funding for education on all levels, K-12, higher education, adult education.

He is, and will always be, held in the highest regard by Hispanics across the country.  On his travels throughout the land, he always found a friendly audience within the Hispanic community, whose issues he championed.  He visited our communities in Deep South Texas on several occasions and he was our true friend.

I admired and respected Ted Kennedy as my role model. I learned a great deal by watching his passion and leadership.  On behalf of my wife Marty and my family, I want to say that we will miss him and we respectfully express our condolences to the entire Kennedy family.  We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”

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