Dear john,

This week is National Community Development Week, a time to highlight the importance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) programs to build strong, resilient, and vibrant communities across America. 

As a Senior Appropriator, I will continue prioritizing increased funding for more community projects across South Texas. In the FY24 Appropriations cycle, I requested an increase of $960 million in funding for three important HUD programs:

1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

2. HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

3. Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG)

Together, these opportunities strengthen communities by helping deliver access to adequate housing and expanding economic opportunities.

As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices:

• Washington D.C.: (202) 225-1640
• Laredo: (956) 725-0639
• San Antonio: (210) 271-2851
• Rio Grande City: (956) 487-5603

I joined the City of Laredo in presenting a proclamation for National Community Development Week. Over the past 5 years, I have secured over $25 million in HUD federal funding, resulting in numerous projects that benefit Laredo. Such projects include the Arturo Benavides Splash Pad Project, the San Enrique Affordable Elderly Housing Project, and the Vietnam Veterans Walking Trail and Plaza. I look forward to continuing our work with the City of Laredo to deliver more projects that enhance our quality of life.

I announced $2,910,420 in federal funding for Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) to promote graduate-level opportunities for Hispanics through their Next Level Engineering (NLE) Project. The Project will expand courses and institutional resources for Hispanic graduate-level students by developing a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Systems Engineering and graduate certificates in engineering fields. An MS Degree in Systems Engineering can lead to career opportunities in aerospace and defense, software development, engineering services, automotive manufacturing, information technology services, medical device manufacturing, and many more rewarding fields. Thank you to Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp and TAMIU President Pablo Arenaz for your commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Hispanics.

Patrick O'Connor is my Legislative Director in my Washington, DC office. He is a University of Maryland graduate. Patrick oversees my legislative team with a specific focus on Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Energy issues. Patrick started as an intern for me in 2015, and has been a staffer in my office for 8 years. In his free time, he likes to read, watch movies, and spend time with friends and family. Thank you, Patrick, for your service!

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, attended a meeting between U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz and the City of Laredo. At the meeting, the discussed different plans to enhance border security while amping efforts to preserve the environment. Thank you to Chief Ortiz, Mayor Treviño, and the U.S Border Patrol and City of Laredo staff who attended. I look forward to collaborating with both entities. 

My Duval County Outreach Coordinator, Marco Salazar, attended the Duval County Easter Egg Hunt in San Diego. Thank you to Judge Arnoldo Cantu, Duval County Sheriff Romero Ramirez, and the Duval County officials for once again delivering a special Easter for our kids. 

My Bexar County Outreach Coordinators, Eric Cleveland and Jesus Martinez, joined Northeast Lakeview College for the announcement of a $25,000 scholarship award from the Kellum Cares Foundation. Thank you for continuing to make higher-education more accessible in our area!

My Starr County Outreach Coordinator, Robert Bazan, attended the Roma Little League Opening Day Ceremony. Best of luck to all of the players, coaches, and teams participating this season!

My Bexar County Outreach Coordinator, Eric Cleveland, attended the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Breakfast. During the breakfast, the chamber updated stakeholders on their upcoming projects that will benefit many small businesses. Thank you for supporting our local economy!

Melissa attended the One Pill Can Kill Educational Summit at Texas A&M International University. In 2022, the DEA Laboratory discovered that six out of ten fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. This is an increase from the DEA’s previous assessment in 2021 that four out of ten fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills were found to contain a potentially lethal dose. The DEA is raising awareness to help stop fentanyl-related deaths. Thank you to all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement entities for keeping drugs off our streets!

My Bexar County office visited the City of St. Hedwig. Thank you to Mayor Dee Grimm and City Manager Maria Hernandez for your hospitality. I look forward to continuing our strong partnership in serving the St. Hedwig community.

My Laredo office attended the LULAC 2023 Orgullo Latino Legacy Awards Gala. The Orgullo Latino Legacy Awards Gala is an annual fundraiser that provides scholarships to high school students in Webb County. The Gala celebrates and recognizes "individuals or organizations for their contributions, achievements, and support to the Latino community." This year's recipients include Janet Zapata, owner of 550 Pizzeria, David Gonzalez, UISD Superintendent, and L&F Distributors. Congratulations!

My Bexar County office presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to outgoing CEO of Southside First, Gloria Cardenas. Congratulations, Gloria, on your retirement. Thank you for your dedicated service to our community!

My Starr County office attended the Rio Grande City Library and Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Poetry Slam held at Grulla Elementary. Thank you to the event organizers and everyone who participated.

Eric also visited VFW Post 8315 in Schertz, a new addition to TX-28. I look forward to working with our veterans from Guadalupe County. Thank you for your service!