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Friend,
Next week, millions of Americans will head to the polls for a historic election. Bexar County has already seen record-setting turnout during early voting, and I hope everyone will take the opportunity to cast their ballot. To help voters prepare for Election Day, Bexar County has produced this sample ballot with all of the candidates and issues voters will consider this year.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, and polls will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Bexar County allows voters to cast their ballot at any county polling location. To check your voter registration and find polling locations close to you, click here. Keep in mind that political signs, hats, buttons, and clothing are prohibited within a 100-foot distance of polling sites.
Resources For You
Open Enrollment for Medicare and ACA Health Care Plans
Medicare Open Enrollment is open now through December 7. During open enrollment, you can sign up for Medicare, review your current plan, and make changes. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get started.
Two years ago, I voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which strengthened Medicare. Today, most seniors can get free vaccines and insulin for $35/month or less. Starting next year, the IRA will cap prescription drug costs for seniors at $2,000/year. Make sure to enroll in Medicare soon to avoid missing the window for 2025 coverage.
ACA Open Enrollment is open now through December 15. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, many Americans can benefit from lower premiums. To see your insurance options, visit HealthCare.gov.
Special note for DACA recipients: For years, I have been working with my colleagues to expand health care options for DACA recipients. Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris administration expanded eligibility for Affordable Care Act plans to include DACA recipients, who can now enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Improving Energy Efficiency and Lowering Costs for Homeowners
Did you know that simple repairs to your home – like replacing older lightbulbs and sealing ducts – can help you save money on your energy bills?
Earlier this year, I got a $1 million grant to expand CPS Energy’s Casa Verde program, which helps lower-income homeowners cover the cost of energy-efficient home improvements. The funding will help approximately 500 homes become eligible for Casa Verde weatherization. To learn more about the program and apply, click here.
Veterans Day at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
For many years, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery has been a sacred place for veterans and military families to gather on Veterans Day. Earlier this year, I worked with a bipartisan coalition to protect observances at Fort Sam after the VA announced (but then later reversed) plans to shift major Veterans Day events to San Antonio National Cemetery.
My office is honored to attend the Fort Sam ceremony every year, and I will keep working to protect observances at both cemeteries.
Details for this Year’s Ceremony
Veterans Day Observance
When: Friday, November 11 at 9:30 am - 10:30 am CT
Where: 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas
Travel Fair and Passport Services
In September, my office partnered with the State Department, TSA, and CBP for a travel fair that helped nearly 200 San Antonio residents apply for passports, enroll in TSA Pre-Check, and interview for Global Entry.
If you weren’t able to make it to the fair, the State Department has opened up new services to help Americans renew their passports online. To learn more, click here. If you run into unexpected delays, please give my office a call at 210-348-8216.
News From DC
Winning Direct Flights for San Antonio International Airport
Earlier this month – after years of work from San Antonio’s congressional delegation – the FAA granted initial approval for a direct flight between San Antonio and Washington D.C.
This new flight will make it easier for San Antonio’s military families to travel to the nation’s capital and will allow our small businesses – including our growing cybersecurity sector – to work directly with the federal government to support job growth and economic development at home. Over the last few years, I’ve been proud to get funding to improve airport operations and capacity and San Antonio has become an attractive destination for direct flights from across the world. This direct flight is a long-sought win for travelers, businesses, and the military community, and I was glad to work with my Texas colleagues in a bipartisan way to make it happen.
Celebrating Latino Representation in Music and Film
As part of my office’s work within the arts, I have long pushed the federal government to do a better job of recognizing how Latinos have shaped American culture. Over the summer, I asked the public to share their favorite Latino-driven movies and music to shape my nomination lists for film and music archives at the Library of Congress. Thanks to hundreds of suggestions from people like you, my final nomination lists span genres and generations – from film classics including Mi Familia and Y Tu Mamá También to albums including Selena’s Amor Prohibido and Joan Baez’s Diamonds and Rust.
Check out my full list of nominations here and here. The Library of Congress will announce new additions to the National Recording Registry and the National Film Registry within the next six to nine months.
Protecting Secure Mail Delivery
Everyone in San Antonio should be able to count on secure, reliable mail delivery. Over the last several years, new cost-cutting measures at USPS have led to rising complaints about delayed mail and broken cluster boxes. I’ve pushed the post office to reverse harmful operational changes, and I will continue to oppose reforms that negatively affect mail delivery.
Earlier this month, my office visited the Kingwood Heights, Parkwood, Northwest Crossing, and Westover Elms neighborhoods to meet with households who have struggled to get help from the USPS after their cluster boxes were vandalized or damaged. If you need help with USPS services, please give my office a call at 210-348-8216.
Around Town
Celebrating New Funding for Home Repairs
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In October, I joined Merced Housing Texas to celebrate $1 million in funding I got for their Project Building Up, which provides home repairs for seniors and low-income families. I am proud that this funding will provide health and safety upgrades for at least 20 homes in our district.
Highlighting UTSA’s Chicano Research Collections
I was glad to spend a recent morning touring the UTSA Chicano Research Collections. UTSA librarians are doing important work to preserve Mexican American history and I was grateful for the opportunity to thank them in person.
Remembering Robert “Pikin” Quiroga
In September, my son Roman and I joined neighbors from across San Antonio for the Robert “Pikin” Quiroga 20-year celebration in Rosedale Park.
Quiroga, San Antonio’s first World Champion boxer, was tragically killed by his childhood bully. His family has carried on his legacy through anti-bullying programs, and Rosedale Park just honored him by dedicating a new pavilion to his memory.
Visiting University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital
Recently, I joined University Health San Antonio’s new president and CEO, Ed Banos, for a tour of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital. It was great to meet the doctors, nurses, and staff who work tirelessly to keep San Antonio healthy.
Bringing Neighbors Together
In early October, my office stopped by more than a dozen San Antonio Neighbors Together events. These events are an annual opportunity for neighborhoods to build community and promote public safety. Thank you to all who took part!
Get in Touch
My San Antonio and Washington D.C. offices are open to help residents of San Antonio with issues involving the federal government.
To share your views on policy, request a Capitol tour, or get in touch regarding other matters in Washington, please call 202-225-3236.
To get help with a federal agency or get in touch regarding other matters in San Antonio, please call 210-348-8216.
Sincerely,
Joaquin Castro
Member of Congress
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