Featured, from left: Julián Álvarez, III, Commissioner Representing Labor, Texas Workforce Commission, and Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, on Friday, January 31, 2020.
Featured: Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, was a cosponsor of House Bill 2059, one of a series of bills that became state laws in September 2019 designed to help fight human trafficking – also known as “modern slavery”. House Bill 2059, which was unanimously supported by the Rio Grande Valley state legislative delegation, helps Texas fight human trafficking by ensuring that health care providers are trained to identify and assist victims, reports DHR Health.
Featured: Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen, reviews legislation in the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives. Guerra in 2013 was a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 24, which created the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the UTRGV School of Medicine. “This institution provides more jobs and educational opportunities for our children and families, transformed the Rio Grande Valley’s education system, provides new research institutions, and brought home a first-class medical school,” Guerra said. “The new medical school will ensure the Valley meets the growing need for doctors and health care providers for a growing population while providing critical access and care to the uninsured.”
Featured: Mark S. Peña and his wife Michelle. Mark S. Peña, who passed away at his home on Sunday, March 29, 2020, was a Texas environmental activist, regional economic development leader, and a brother of former Rep. Aaron Peña, Jr. On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, Mark S. Peña had a key roadway unanimously renamed in his memory by the Edinburg City Council.
Photograph Courtesy EDWARDS ABSTRACT & TITLE COMPANY
Featured: Dr. Héctor P. García (1914 – 1996), advisor to three U.S. presidents, the first Mexican American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the nation’s highest civilian honor, and was a recipient of the Bronze Star and six battle stars for his military service in World War II. In 2009, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, designated the third Wednesday in September as Dr. Héctor P. García Day through Senate Bill 495. The bill authorized the observance of the day by schools and state agencies to honor García and teach all Americans about his legacy.