by Legislative Media | May 5, 2010 | Politics
The Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley on Sunday, May 2, confirmed that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, a Republican, featured center in McAllen on Monday, February 1, along with Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured right, and Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, featured left, have invited U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki to come to South Texas and see for himself the need for a Veterans Affairs Hospital for the four-county region. In the correspondence dated April 21 and addressed to Shinseki on Dewhurst’s letterhead – and signed by Dewhurst, Hinojosa, and Lucio – the three state leaders requested a meeting, either in the Valley, at the Texas Capitol, or in Washington, D.C., to help persuade Shinseki to authorize the construction of a full-fledged VA Hospital in the Valley. "We are writing today to fulfill a promise to the veterans of the Lower Rio Grande Valley and also to follow up on recent efforts by Members of the Texas Delegation to secure Department of Veterans Affairs support for expanded health services in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. We must continue to improve access to health care to our veterans who served our country in defense of freedom and our way of life," the letter stated. Area veterans have been asking the Department of Veterans Affairs for a hospital for the last three decades. See story later in this posting.
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The Rio Grande Valley is one of two areas of Texas with the lowest number of licensed pharmacists per 100,000 people. Alarming? Many South Texas leaders think so and that is why South Texas College and the Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy are teaming up to prepare more pharmacists to meet a growing demand. The two institutions recently signed an agreement which would ensure that any South Texas College student who earns the college’s Associate of Science, Field of Study Pre-Pharmacy degree, will be guaranteed that all of their courses will transfer to the Rangel College following admission. On Friday, April 30, representatives from the two institutions of higher education celebrated the partnership in McAllen, including, seated, from left: Dr. Shirley Reed, president of South Texas College; Dr. Indra K. Reddy, dean of the Irma Rangel College of Pharmacy; and Dr. Charles Robertson, associate dean of student affairs for the Irma Rangel College of Pharmacy. Standing, from left: Dr. Max Abbassi, chair of STC’s Pre-Pharmacy Program; Dr. Theresa Garza, chair of STC’s Pharmacy Technician Program; Juan Mejia, STC vice president of academic affairs; and STC Pre-Pharmacy Program students Nelissa García and Yvette Cantú. See story later in this posting.
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State and local leaders in Pharr on Friday, April 14, broke ground on a $4 million expansion of Sugar Road, which will help improve traffic flow between that city and Edinburg from Sioux Road to Owassa Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-June and last through the end of 2011. State funds will pay for 95 percent of the project, said Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, who helped secure that funding. Edinburg is currently working on its own expansion of Sugar Road, which will help improve traffic from Pharr to Edinburg Regional Medical Center and Edinburg Children’s Hospital. Some of the more than one dozen area officials featured for the groundbreaking ceremony included, from left: Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Héctor "Tito" Palacios; Pharr Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios, Jr.; Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Rep.-elect Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission; Roy Martínez; Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez; Andrew Canon, executive director, Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization; and Eddie Sáenz, Pharr City Engineer.
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More than 60 men, including officials with the FBI, area police departments, South Texas College, and political leaders, on Thursday, April 29, participated in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, an event hosted by STC to draw attention to ending violence against women. Participating men strapped on high heels or decorated sandals and pink shirts during the one-mile march as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is recognized nationally during April. More information on this movement is available at http://www.walkamileinhershoes.org or by contacting Priscilla Flores with Mujeres Unidas/Women Together at 956/630-4878 or by e-mail at [email protected]
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After welcoming state lawmakers participating in a rare dual-legislative committee hearing in Hidalgo County on Thursday, April 29, McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz had choice words on how a growing number of the press – when reporting on Mexican military battles with criminal drug cartels in that country – are distorting what is really happening on the Texas side of the border. "We want the truth, and the truth is we have concerns about the violence in Mexico," Cortéz said, but cautioned, "There has to be a profit in sensationalizing information because everyone seems to pick that approach to disseminate information." Cortéz was addressing a packed house in one of the conference rooms at the McAllen Convention Center, which hosted the joint legislative hearing – led by Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, and Rep. Tommy Merritt, R-Longview – to evaluate the effectiveness of state operations at controlling drug-related crimes and other violence along the Texas Mexico border. See lead story in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Apr 26, 2010 | Politics
Media are evolving and the multimedia skills that students at The University of Texas-Pan American are learning will make them more competitive in the job market, said media professionals at the first annual Communication Showcase at UTPA held on Tuesday, April 20. Speakers shared their personal experiences during what is being called a transitional period in history for news. They also provided feedback on student work and gave advice about a student’s future in the business of media. The communication showcase also served as the launch of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) chapter at UTPA, the first and only student chapter in the Rio Grande Valley. NAHJ is the primary association for Hispanic journalists to encourage and support the study and practice of journalism by Hispanics. Its mission is to further the employment of Hispanics in the media and to improve coverage of the Latino community. Three of the media professionals participating in the inaugural event included, from left: Will Ripley, reporter and anchor for KRGV Channel 5; Jeff Smith, copy editor/designer, The Monitor; and Ana Ley, reporter, The Monitor. See story later in this posting.
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Area leaders are promoting the Valle Verde Landscape of the Month Project, a joint effort between the Edinburg Environment Advisory Board (EEAB), the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Edinburg’s Planning and Zoning Department and Urban Forestry Program. The program, originally launched by the city in the fall of 2006, seeks to encourage home and business owners to use native trees, shrubs and plants in their landscaping to promote the protection of the local environment. Featured, from left, reminding city residents of the program, are: Mark Peña and his wife Michelle Peña; Crystal Cavazos, Imelda Rodríguez, and Letty González with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Letty Reyes with the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation; and Dr. Andrew McDonald. See story later in this posting.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be holding its monthly mixer for current and prospective members on Thursday, May 13, at the Stilo Design Show Room, located at the corner of N. Main St. and Hackberry. Food and refreshments will be provided during the networking event, which will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Featured, from left: Leslie Garza with Stilo Design; Roxanna Godínez, MHCC vice chair of membership; Ismael García, owner of Stile Design; Lorenzo Olivarez, MHCC board treasurer; and Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer. More information is available by contact the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 928-0060.
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Johnny García, managing partner of Ceballos-Díaz Funeral Home in Edinburg, was recently named Funeral Director of the Year by the South Texas Regional Funeral Directors Association, an 80-member professional organization of funeral directors from across the South Texas region. The honor was presented to García during the South Texas Funeral Directors Association annual spring meeting on South Padre Island. Jack Sawyer, owner of Sawyer-George Funeral Home in Corpus Christi and president of STFDA, presented the coveted award on Thursday, March 11. “This award, the only award which funeral directors are judged by their peers, has been one of my goals since I became a funeral director 12 years ago,” García said. “When other funeral directors believe you are one of the best in their profession, this is truly one of the highest honors.” García, 35, who graduated from Edinburg High School in 1993, said his first experience with the funeral profession came 20 years ago when the funeral home handling his grandmother’s funeral needed someone to drive a hearse to the cemetery and García volunteered for the job. See story later in this posting.
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Byron Jay Lewis, President and Director of Edwards Abstract and Title Co., based in Edinburg, on Wednesday, April 21, announced the merger of three title insurance companies. Edwards Abstract and Title Co., Security Land Title Co. and Southern Texas Title Company will unite and emerge as Edwards Abstract and Title Co. “As owner of all three companies, it makes business sense to form one company that is stronger, and that will unite the talent and experience of our personnel,” said Lewis. "The merger is a natural evolution of the opportunities and energy of the past 10 years, and an integral part of the company’s new business model," he added. After 130 years of service in the Rio Grande Valley, the firm has continued to grow and change with the times. An important key to the success of Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has been the ability to set the pace for change in the title insurance industry in the Valley, and to adapt to market conditions during the past 13 decades. See story later in this posting.
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In addition to being the first and only college in the entire state of Texas to earn the National Institute of Metalworking Skills Accreditation for its Precision Manufacturing Technology Program, now South Texas College can add a new accolade to its NIMS accomplishments. Mario Reyna, STC division dean of business and technology, was named to the organization’s board of directors for a three year term beginning on May 1, 2010. As a member of the 20 member board, Reyna will help establish and refine skill standards, vote on certification of individual skills and accreditation of training programs.
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by Legislative Media | Apr 8, 2010 | Politics
A total of nine energy efficiency and conservation projects will commence immediately in all four precincts in Hidalgo County thanks to an award of $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez has announced. "One of the long-term goals of the county is to become better stewards of our environment and encourage our residents to do the same,’ said the county judge. "This grant will help us move forward on some projects that we have wanted to do for some time but have not had the resources to take on." See story later in this posting.
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With women the fastest growing category of small business entrepreneurs in the United States, the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 17, has scheduled the Women’s Empowerment Conference from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Renaissance Casa de Palmas, located at 101 North Main Street. The event was initially scheduled for June 24, but that date was moved up to June 17. Speakers will address women on leadership, health and wellness, self-esteem and other major important topics that relate to women in the business world. This event also will include a continental breakfast and lunch along with a small style show. Door prizes also will be given throughout the day. For sponsorship, ticket and/or booth information call the MHCC office at 928-0060. Some of the members of the Speaker Committee are featured, first row, from left: Connie Hernández, vice chair of women’s issues; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles; and Betty Garza. Standing, from left: Letty Garza representing Gov. Rick Perry; Zaira García, vice chair of events; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer; Jeanette Noone; and Diana González.
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Doctors Hospital at Renaissance recently presented the University of Texas-Pan American a $20,000 title sponsorship check to support the Biomedical Ethics Conference April 13-16 to be held on campus. Promoting ethics and values in health care will be the focus of event, where medical professionals and the public will be able to join in the discussion of these important issues that have drawn attention both locally and nationally. Featured at the check presentation ceremony, from left: Susan Turley, DHR chief financial officer; Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, UTPA president; Carlos Cárdenas, M.D. and DHR chairman of the board; Fausto Meza, M.D. at DHR; Robert Martínez, M.D. at DHR; Ambrosio Hernández, M.D. at DHR; Janice Odom, UTPA vice president for university advancement; and Marissa Castañeda, DHR chief operations officer. Not pictured, but participants in the check presentation, are Dr. Cynthia Jones, UTPA associate professor of philosophy, and Dr. Thomas Pearson, UTPA associate professor of philosophy. See story later in this posting.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce this week encouraged the public and all of the Chamber investors to commemorate National Walk/Bike to Work Week with an early-morning event that was held on Tuesday, April 6. Edwards Abstract and Title Co., the law firm of Lewis, Monroe & Peña, Inter National Bank, and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce met at the local bank, located at 1502 S. Sugar Road (corner of Freddy González) to walk to work. "We invited other businesses located in the vicinity to join us. What a better way to start your day than with a brisk walk, friends, and doing something positive for better health," said Mark Peña, chairman of the Edinburg Environment Advisory Board. Featured, first row, from left: Elva Jackson Garza; Imelda Rodríguez; Dalia Arce; Cindy Martínez; Rachel Arevalo; Diana S. Kaufold; Nancy Lemke; Norma Cano; and Letty González. Featured, back row, from left: Clay Sánchez; Susie Mercado; Bridget Cook; Letty Rodríguez; and Mark S. Peña. See story later in this posting.
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Members of the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI) celebrated another successful year of operations at a recent networking event in March 2010. Members from companies, colleges, school districts and businesses from across the eight counties represented by the consortium attended to share success stories and plan for another year of developing the region’s rapid response manufacturing infrastructure. Featured, from left: José Reyes, Director of the Laredo Community College Economic Development Center; Carlos Margo, Regional Manager of South Texas College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing; Miguel González, Associate Dean of the College of Science and Engineering and Director of the School of Engineering and Computer Science for The University of Texas-Pan American; Keith Patridge, President of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation; Blas Castañeda, LLC Chief External Affairs and Economic Development Officer; Raúl Ortiz, Administrative Officer, Texas Workforce Investment Council; Dr. Robert Nelsen, President, the University of Texas-Pan American; and McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz. See story later in this posting.
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The North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI) brings together diverse education partners from across the Rio South Texas Region to develop and recruit the skilled talent needed to grow an advanced manufacturing infrastructure. With access to a wide network of educational facilities and programs and customized training programs, businesses can be sure that the Rio South Texas Region will be the first and only sustainable provider of rapid response manufacturing anywhere in the world. Featured, during a March networking event for the organization, are, from left: Dr. Shirley Reed, President of South Texas College; John Lloyd, Director of the University of Texas Rapid Response Manufacturing Center; Wanda Garza, NAAMREI executive officer; Diana Peña, STC Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services; J.J. Sáenz; Director, Career and Technology Education (CATE), Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district; William Serrata, STC Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management; and Bonnie Gonzalez, President, Workforce Solutions. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Mar 22, 2010 | Politics
Jesús G. Montoya, an honor student at Edinburg High School, has received this year’s Texas Armed Services Scholarship. Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, made the announcement on Thursday, March 18, honoring Montoya during a presentation at the senator’s office. Montoya’s academic résumé shows an exceptional record of performance in the classroom. Top ten percent in his graduating class at Edinburg High School, Jesus earned 27 hours of credit while concurrently enrolled at the University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College. Montoya earned a flawless 4.0 grade point average while enrolled at the two schools. Featured, from left: Sen. Hinojosa, Jesús G. Montoya, and R. Rick Margo, a recruiter for Texas A&M. See story later in this posting.
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A “Reading Revolution” awaits the Rio Grande Valley community March 22-27 when they attend this year’s FESTIBA (Festival of International Books and Arts) now in it fifth year at The University of Texas-Pan American. A celebration of the arts, humanities and the culture of the Valley, the festival has also become a showcase for activities to promote literacy and a love of reading, particularly by children. A festival highlight will be a special appearance by actress Eva Longoria Parker, who plays the role of Gabrielle Solis on ABC’s popular series, Desperate Housewives. Longoria Parker grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from Texas A&M- Kingsville with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology. She will address spectators at 7 p.m. on the main stage in the UTPA Fieldhouse Parking Lot F. “She (Longoria Parker) is going to bring an element to FEBTIBA that we’ve never had. She is an amazing role model for our students, so they can see the sky is the limit,” said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. Featured participating in March 11 press conference to announce the 2010 FESTIBA schedule of events are, from left: Hidalgo County District Clerk Laura Hinojosa, who also serves as president of the South Texas Literacy Coalition; Letty Leija, director, Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library in Edinburg; Dr. Steven Schneider, director of New Programs and Special Projects, UTPA College of Arts and Humanities; Carol Rasco, president and CEO, Reading is Fundamental; Dr. Dahlia Guerra and her brother, Edinburg Mayor Richard García; and Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, UTPA president. See story later in this posting.
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Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, on Thursday, March 11, introduced Raúl Yzaguirre, featured left, a native of San Juan, to the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Yzaguirre, a well respected and influential activist for Hispanic causes, was nominated by President Barack Obama for the ambassadorship. Yzaguirre chose Hinojosa to speak on his behalf before the committee. “I am very proud to call Raúl my friend and mentor. Whenever I have turned to him for advice, he has always given me wise counsel," said Hinojosa. "I know he will take his experience, his wisdom, his love for people and his passion for education and opportunity to the people of the Dominican Republic." See story later in this posting.
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For the first time, the Museum of South Texas History’s Heritage Ranch Gala will be held in Cameron County, courtesy of Virgil and Carolyn Swanberg, who will be opening their Pair-O-Dice Ranch for the major event. The Heritage Ranch Gala will take place on Saturday, March 27, at the ranch, which lies south of the Arroyo Colorado, which is an ancient distributary channel of the Rio Grande River. The Pair-O-Dice Ranch teems with native and exotic wildlife, surrounded by 65,000 acres of federal wildlife refuge land, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts, especially bird watchers. Featured preparing for the major event are, from left: Committee member Melissa Lackey; Gala Co-Chairman Josie Cappadona; Carola Chapa; Carmen Yzaguirre; Gala Chairman Patsy De los Santos; and Alice Keller. See story later in this posting.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Women’s Issues Committee is busy organizing the 1st Annual “Women’s Empowerment Conference” scheduled for Thursday, June 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference will empower women in various ways. Workshops will focus on such things as: The Essence of a True Leader; Career Success; Entrepreneurship; Health; Personal Image; etc. Keynote speakers from throughout the country will sit on the panels. An international Style Show will also entertain the ladies during their Luncheon. For sponsorship and ticket information on the conference call the MHCC office at 928-0060. Organizers of the conference are featured, seated, from left: Diana González; Connie Hernández, Vice Chair of Women’s Issues; and Edna Posada, Vice Chair of Public Relations. Standing, from left: Illiana Hinojosa; Debbie Coronado; Adelita Muñoz; Vice Chair of Education; Betty Garza; Irene Smith; and Jeanette Noone.
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The Most Reverend Daniel E.Flores, Bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville, on Monday, March 15, met with leaders of the Veterans Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley on the need for a full-fledged Veterans Affairs Hospital for the Valley. Emilio de los Santos, director of the Hidalgo County Veterans Services, explained the need to the bishop and gave reasons why thousands of South Texas veterans desperately need a VA hospital. De los Santos mentioned that the expansion presently being planned at the Harlingen and McAllen VA clinics were a step in the right direction but that it stopped short of providing full hospital services. Even though many veterans are not going to San Antonio, there are still many who must still make the burdensome trip. De los Santos estimated that that the VA was spending from between $1 million and $1.5 million per month on contracted care. The veterans told the Bishop that it would be more cost effective to just open a VA hospital instead. See story later in this posting.
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The Women’s Bar Section of the Hidalgo County Bar Association in cooperation with the Hidalgo County Bar Association, South Texas College, The University of Texas at Brownsville, and Texas law schools hosted the first ever Rio Grande Valley Legal Job Fair in Edinburg. The Rio Grande Valley Legal Job Fair was held at Edwards Abstract and Title Co. On Friday, March 5, candidates from the nine Texas law schools in Texas were represented during the job fair as Valley law firms interviewed potential attorney and paralegal candidates for their firms. See story later in this posting. Representatives of the University of Houston Law Center teamed up with the Women’s Bar Section of the Hidalgo County Bar Association to sponsor the Rio Grande Valley Legal Job Fair in Edinburg. Featured, from left: Rhonda V. Beassie, University of Houston Law Center; Elva Jackson Garza, Vice President/Marketing Manager for Edwards Abstract and Title Co.; Allison H. Regan, The University of Houston Law Center, and Marissa Sandoval with Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton, L.L.P. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jan 31, 2010 | Politics
Sergio Muñoz, Jr., who has made job creation, more health care, better access to education, and improved public safety – including cracking down of sexual predators – the foundation of his campaign, on Thursday, January 28, was endorsed for State Representative, House District 36, by the mayor and city council of his hometown of Mission. “Mission and House District 36 have been leaders in economic development, international trade, and business growth for many years, not only in South Texas, but in the entire state,” said Mayor Norberto Salinas. “Sergio Muñoz, Jr. will deliver on his vision, which will result in the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for our entire region.” Featured, from left: Councilmember Rubén Plata; Councilmember María Elena Ramírez, Sergio Muñoz, Jr.; Mayor Norberto Salinas; Councilmember Nori González Garza; and Mayor Pro Tem Leo Olivarez, Sr. See story later in this posting.
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A kick-off of the strategic planning process for the Hidalgo County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was held recently at The University of Texas-Pan American. CEDS, being developed through input from both public and private sectors, will incorporate results of an asset map of the region identifying its human, intellectual, financial, physical and institutional capital strengths, to help provide a roadmap to ensure the future economic vitality of the region locally and nationwide. The CEDS project – locally titled “IGNITE Hidalgo County” – and the asset map development was made possible by a grant received by the county from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration in 2007. Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez said it was important to have current data for the area in order to solicit companies to relocate or expand here or to successfully gain financial support from the state or other government agencies for projects to enhance area economic development. Featured at the Thursday, January 14 session, from left: Mike Blum, partner and managing broker with NAI Rio Grande Valley; Steve Ahlenius, president/CEO of McAllen Chamber of Commerce; Mayte Garrett, market director for Verde Corporate Realty Services; Ramiro Garza, Edinburg city manager; Dr. Daniel King, PSJA ISD superintendent; James Langabeer, UTPA vice president for Business Affairs; Dr. Fausto Meza, physician administrator with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance; Judge Ramírez; and Mike Willis, vice president of Office of Business Partnerships with Texas Workforce Division. See story later in this posting.
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Hernán De La Rosa, a bus driver with the Edinburg school district, featured second from left, was recently recognized by the local school board for being a hero by saving students from a burning school bus. At 7 a.m. on December 17, De La Rosa called 911 for emergency help when he noticed that his bus was on fire as he drove into the unloading zone at Cavazos Elementary. His bravery included trying to extinguish the blaze with his fire extinguisher, but he quickly realized that the fire had spread. He then evacuated the students from the burning bus in a timely manner, preventing any children from being injured. The school board recognized De La Rosa for his brave and steadfast actions in saving the children and for his quick thinking in stopping the burning bus far enough away from the school, where it could have created more problems for the school campus. De La Rosa is a five-year veteran bus driver for the ECISD. Featured, from left, are: Omar Palacios, board president; De la Rosa; Rudy Zamora, Director of Transportation; and Dr. René Gutiérrez, the superintendent of schools.
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Members of a newly-created organization, United Brownsville, participate in a major ceremony held on Thursday, January 21 at Brownsville City Hall to commemorate the launching of their organization and its efforts to promote their region of the Rio Grande Valley. The wheels of change kept their momentum as The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College and six other entities launched United Brownsville with a signing ceremony at Brownsville City Hall. Starting where Imagine Brownsville left off, the newly formed United Brownsville will have an organizational structure designed to provide a sustainable mechanism for cooperation to leverage institutional resources for the implementation and tracking of the initiatives in the Imagine Brownsville plan. “We must again come together,” said UTB/TSC President and a United Brownsville Board Co-chair Dr. Juliet V. García. “Any one of us alone can achieve small things, but it takes a community to come together to achieve bigger things.” See story later in this posting.
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President George W. Bush in September 2008 signs into law a measure that expanded the definition of a disabled person to individuals who have cancer and diabetes, along with several other major illnesses. As a result, Sergio Muñoz, Jr., a Democratic candidate for House District 36 in South Texas, says he would file legislation in 2011 in Austin that would allow Texas voters to extend the existing property tax freezes to homeowners with cancer, diabetes, and the other major illnesses now considered as physical disabilities by federal law. Under the property tax freeze currently in effect in all Texas school districts and among many cities, counties and community colleges in the state, qualified homeowners still have to pay their taxes, but those taxes – under most circumstances – would never increase. “In light of the changes at the federal level, I believe that the current state property tax freeze protections should be extended to homeowners with cancer, diabetes and the other illnesses identified as disabilities by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008,” said Muñoz. See lead story in this posting.
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