Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, featured right greeting constituents at his District Office in this file photograph, has secured approval by the House of Representatives for his legislation that is designed to improve security for thousands of students, staff and faculty in Texas public schools. On Saturday, May 4, Muñoz’ House Bill 801, which would increase protection at rural school campuses against accidental gunfire from hunters and marksmen engaged in their sport on nearby properties,was tentatively passed, without opposition. It will be sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen. “On December 12, 2011, two students were trying out for the basketball team at Harwell Middle School (in Edinburg) when they were shot and seriously injured,” Muñoz recalled. “Stray bullets from an individual(s) engaging in target practice on a nearby ranch crossed into school property, striking the students. Teachers, parents and students should not have to worry about stray bullets coming from surrounding areas while they are at school.” Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, whose House District 40 includes much of the deep South Texas school district, Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, and Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-San Benito, are Joint Authors of Muñoz’ HB 801. “Texas is a growing state and as more schools are located in formerly rural areas, the problem of stray gunfire crossing school property is expected to increase,” said Canales. “This is a common-sense proposal that does not interfere with property owner or gun owner rights.”

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Edinburg posted a 7.3 percent unemployment rate in March 2013, the second-best showing among the Valley’s major cities for that month, with only McAllen, at 7.2 percent, claiming the top spot. Edinburg’s March 2013 unemployment rate also was better than the national rate of 7.6 percent, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, which noted that the state’s unemployment rate came in at 6.4 percent. Mayor Richard H. García, featured left, has been working with national and state leaders to continue bringing business and jobs to his hometown. The mayor in late March promoted Edinburg during a visit by a congressional delegation to Edinburg. From left: Mayor Richard H García; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, who is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security; former Texas Comptroller John Sharp, who is the Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System; and Edinburg City Councilmember Elías Longoria, Jr. See story later in this posting.

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Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, featured in the foreground, on Thursday, April 18, passed Senate Bill 1084, which would amend the Government Code to revise the definition of a qualified employee, a veteran, and a qualified business as they relate to an Enterprise Zone relating to the Texas Economic Development Bank. The bill would provide provisions for the nomination and administration of certain enterprise projects by the certain governing bodies. The bill would also amend the Government Code and the Tax Code to remove the ability of an enterprise project to receive a tax credit and to revise certain requirements for an enterprise project to be eligible to receive a tax refund. “A provision of the bill that I am particularly proud of is incentivizing the hiring of veterans as part of a qualifying businesses workforce requirements. As our service-members are returning home, we should make sure as many doors of opportunity are open to them as possible,” Hinojosa said. “This provision will also give businesses extra flexibility with an extra labor pool to draw from for the program’s workforce requirements.” See story later in this posting.

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Seeking to speed up the development of a full-service Veterans Administration Hospital in deep South Texas, Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco, has filed legislation seeking state financial support for the long sought-after medical facility. Such an investment by the state would eventually create thousands of jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually in economic activity for the region and state. Martínez, who is the lead author of House Bill 665, wants the Legislature to allow the Governor, the Lt. Governor, and the Speaker of the House to use money from the Texas Enterprise Fund – which currently has more than $141 million in its bank account – to help pay for the construction of a full-service VA Hospital for the Rio Grande Valley. “Beyond the positive economic impact, there is a need in the Valley for a veterans hospital. It takes our veterans hours to get to the nearest veterans hospital in San Antonio,” he testified on Wednesday, April 17, on behalf of his legislation, House Bill 665. HB 665 was considered during a public hearing of the House Committee on Economic and Small Business Development. “Using the Texas Enterprise Fund for veterans hospitals is not a difficult decision – an investment by our state can spur economic growth, and Texas would benefit from significant economic returns,” he said. Featured in this image from the House Chamber are Martínez, left, and Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. “It is imperative that we provide our country’s veterans with more than adequate access to health care. Once they have served us, we must serve them,” Canales said. Canales and Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, are joint authors of Martínez’ HB 665.

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In response to Texas House Bill 972, legislation that would allow licensed concealed handguns on campus, South Texas College’s Student Government Association (SGA) found it necessary to voice the opinions of the student body they represent. By conducting surveys at the Pecan, Mid-Valley and Starr County campuses, STC’s SGA was able to gauge where the students stand on legislation that could invariably affect campus life. The legislation, also known as the Campus Personal Protection Act – by Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, also would provide Texas public universities and colleges a chance to opt out if they first consult with students, faculty and staff. Approximately 558 students were surveyed with decisive results. Sixty-five percent of STC students voted against allowing concealed handguns on campus for all students, faculty and staff. See story later in this posting.

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Migrant farmworkers are so important to America that without them, the United States would no longer serve as the “breadbasket of the world”, helping alleviate hunger and famine here at home and throughout the world. In recognition of the vital roles played by the estimated two million to three million seasonal and migrant farmworkers in the country – including more than 131,000 in the state – the Texas House of Representatives designated April 23, 2013 as Migrant Farmworker Day at the Capitol. “Many Texans have a link to migrant farmworkers, either because they once toiled in the fields themselves, or they, their family or their friends are or have been members of this noble profession,” said Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, who authored House Resolution 1431 to recognize the vast contributions of this important labor force. “Migrant farmworkers are the foundation of the miracle of American agriculture, which puts food on our tables.” See story later in this posting.

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The Stonewall Democrats of the Rio Grande Valley will be hosting their third annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Prom on Saturday May 18, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Art Village Event Center, located at 800 N. Main Street in McAllen. The goal of this event is to provide a safe and positive space in where people of any age can come together to fellowship and celebrate who they are. The theme of the event is “There’s no place like PROM!” For more information, or to RSVP and purchase tickets, log on to the event’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/497492020310674/ The Stonewall Democrats of the Rio Grande Valley is an organization of politically active individuals working for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community in the Rio Grande Valley and the State of Texas.

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McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz, featured third from right, on Tuesday, April 15, received a partnership award for his six years of dedication to the Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. Cortéz, who did not seek reelection, received the honor during the 2013 Project HIRE Kick-Off Event, held at the Cooper Center for Communication Arts at the Pecan Campus of South Texas College. The gathering also celebrated the second year of a $1.25 Million DRS Project HIRE Grant awarded by the Texas Council for Development Disabilities. Project HIRE participants with developmental disabilities from area high schools were introduced along with their parents. Project HIRE, which began in January 2012, provides 50 area high school students with educational and career coaches who will monitor their progression through college and eventually help them land jobs. The program provides students with “wrap-around services” such as on-campus counselors who help with college success, intensive summer training programs focused on independent living, and life skills provided by University of Texas-Pan American educational coaches, and job placement services through UTPA’s Placement Office. Featured, from left: Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, Provost, the University of Texas-Pan American; Bonnie González, Chief Executive Officer, Workforce Solutions; McAllen City Commissioner Jim Darling, who is the only candidate on the May 11 ballot for McAllen mayor; McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz; Pattie Rosenlund, Executive Director, Easter Seals RGV; and Dr. Shirley Reed, President, South Texas College.

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The Texas Senate on Tuesday, April 23, authorized $2.4 billion in tuition revenue bonds (TRBs) to finance $4.1 billion in construction costs for 60 projects at 58 colleges and universities. If approved by the Texas Legislature and Gov. Rick Perry, Senate Bill 16 would include $98 million for a Science Building II at the University of Texas-Pan American and $60 million for a new campus for the University of Texas-Brownsville. Passed unanimously with strong bipartisan support, SB 16 was authored by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, and Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo.?“To keep up with enrollment growth, the Texas Legislature traditionally has passed a TRB bill every other legislative session,” Zaffirini said. “It has been seven years, however, since we last passed one, and our colleges and universities are bursting at the seams.” See story later in this posting.

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On Tuesday, April 16, the Hidalgo County Commissioners’ Court recognized County Auditor Ray Eufracio and his staff for achieving the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” by the Government Finance Officers Association for the county’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This is the ninth consecutive year the County Auditor’s Office has received this award. Featured, front row, from left: County Auditor staff Letty Chávez and Linda Fong; County Auditor Ray Eufracio, C.P.A.; and County Auditor staff Becky Luna. Back row, from left: Precinct 4 Hidalgo County Commissioner Joseph Palacios; Precinct 3 Hidalgo County Commissioner Joe M. Flores; Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García; Precinct 2 Hidalgo County Commissioner Héctor “Tito” Palacios; and Precinct 1 Hidalgo County Commissioner A.C. Cuellar, Jr.

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More protections for women and children in Texas who are exploited by human traffickers, along with stiffer punishments for those smugglers, were approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 16, said Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, a joint author of the legislation. House Bill 8, whose lead author is Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, is the state’s most recent effort to combat human trafficking, a global problem which is growing in Texas. “Human trafficking is modern-day slavery,” said Muñoz, featured here at the front podium in the House Chamber. “Many victims are brought through Texas through our border with Mexico, which stretches almost 1,300 miles in length. We have a responsibility to continue to fight this criminal enterprise, which especially exploits and endangers women and children.” See story later in this posting.

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Mayor Richard H. García, featured left, was among several political, business, and news media leaders who participated in a work session of Leadership Edinburg Class XXIV on Friday, April 17, at Edinburg City Hall. Twenty-five years ago, a group of Edinburg citizens involved in the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce decided leadership would improve if potential and emerging leaders had an opportunity to interact with one another and learn about the problems and issues facing the community. From this vision, Leadership Edinburg was born. To date, more than 400 people have met the Leadership Edinburg challenge. After completing the class, members have gone on to improve Edinburg by serving their communities on community boards and by participating in local politics. The mayor was part of the day-long gathering that focused city and school government and politics. Edinburg City Councilmember Elias Longoria, Jr., Edinburg Municipal Court Judge Toribio “Terry” Palacios, and Edinburg School Board President Juan “Sonny” Palacios joined the mayor for that presentation. Featured, from left: Mayor Richard H. García; Nicole Sosa (Kidz College Learning Center); Joe L. Sánchez (Legacy Chapels Life Events Center); Cindy Esparza Reyna (Elijah Pest Control); Debbie Pequeño (Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson); Katherine De La Peña and Jorge A. Gutiérrez (The University of Texas Pan American); Kelly Rivera Salazar (Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson); Lazaro J. Guerra (Doctors Hospital at Renaissance); and Araceli Valencia (Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg RGV).

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