NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT

Dear Friends,

I hope you and your families are safe and well. I wanted to provide a brief update about what we have been working on to serve the people of the 15th District of Texas. Together, we will continue to seize opportunities and overcome the challenges that our communities face.

Honoring the McAllen Police Department 

I had the privilege of presenting the McAllen Police Department with a congressional plaque recognizing their tremendous service to our city and the officers who have worked tirelessly to keep crime rates low for more than three decades. Their dedication and contributions continue to make the City of McAllen one of the safest cities in the country.

(Congressman Gonzalez presents a plaque to McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez and Commissioner Seby Haddad.)

District Site Visits

My staff and I had the opportunity to visit with stakeholders, constituents and local leaders across the 15th District of Texas. We discussed many important issues ranging from the benefits of the American Rescue Plan, oil and gas jobs, our economy, how to reopen schools safely and helping working families recover from this pandemic and the recent winter storm.

Brooks County

In my visit to Brooks County, I met with Brooks County Judge Eric Ramos, Sheriff Benny Martinez, Brooks County ISD Superintendent Dr. Maria Casas, officials from the city of Falfurrias, local school administrators and residents. We had a great discussion about how the American Rescue Plan and upcoming Community Project Funding will impact their community. I'm looking forward to my next visit.

 (Congressman Gonzalez chats with constituents in Brooks County.)

Jim Hogg County

In Jim Hogg County, we had a productive discussion about COVID-19 relief and how to reopen schools safely. The recently passed American Rescue Plan is going to provide Jim Hogg County with critical resources that will help speed their recovery. 

(Congressman Gonzalez chats with school administrators in Jim Hogg County.)

(Congressman Gonzalez joins Jim Hogg County Judge Juan Carlos Guerra to address area officials and residents during a recent visit.)

Karnes County & Live Oak County

My staff recently met with Karnes County and Live Oak County officials to discuss the American Rescue Plan and other key federal funding that will allow communities to rebuild stronger than before. We appreciate you taking the time to host our team!

(My staff met pictured with folks from Karnes County and  Kenedy, Falls City, Runge and Karnes City.)

(Meeting with Live Oak County, Three Rivers, George West officials and school administrators.)

Duval County

Our meeting in Duval County was very productive. It was great to meet with city officials and constituents. We were grateful to have folks from the cities of Benavides, San Diego, Freer and the Ramirez CISD come to this session and learn more about the American Rescue Plan and how it will lift their communities up despite the pandemic. Thank you to Judge Saenz and all local officials for having us!

(Congressman Gonzalez addresses Duval County and local city officials on the impact of the American Rescue Plan.)

Guadalupe County

My staff had productive sessions in Guadalupe County to discuss the American Rescue Plan and how it's going to impact local communities. It is going to benefit working people, help reopen schools and get folks back on their feet. It was a productive trip meeting with local and city officials and we were fortunate to tour the San Antonio Food Bank which has fed so many families in Guadalupe, Karnes, and Wilson Counties during this time of need. 

(Meeting with Superintendent of Seguin ISD, Dr. Matthew Gutierrez.)

(Picture of my staff meeting with Seguin Mayor Donna Dogden, City Manager, Steve Parker, Councilmembers, and the Community Council of South Central Texas.)

(Productive session with my staff and officials from Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and the cities of Schertz and Marion.)

 (Staff tour of the San Antonio Food Bank.)

Hidalgo County

Meeting with Hidalgo County Judge Cortez

As part of my continuous efforts to help constituents during these trying times, my staff and I met with Hidalgo County Judge, Richard Cortez to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act. Together, we examined the resources that are available to the 15th District of Texas to recover from this public health and economic crisis. These funds will help communities in Texas create new jobs, re-open schools safely, deliver immediate relief to families and contribute to the vaccination effort.

The ability to meet and discuss the needs of constituents with local officials helps my work in the district and Washington.

Meetings with Hidalgo County Precincts 1 & 4 

I met with Hidalgo County Precincts 1 and 4 and constituents from several Hidalgo County cities on Friday, March 26. We had productive discussions on issues that are important to our communities.

(Congressman Gonzalez addressing Hidalgo County Precinct 4.)

Topics ranged from infrastructure, immigration, the American Rescue Plan, funding for future community projects and oil and gas.  I look forward to voicing my constituent's concerns and advocating for additional assistance as we combat this pandemic.

(Congressman Gonzalez addressing Hidalgo County Precinct 1.)

Additional American Rescue Plan Resources to Combat COVID-19

As part of the continuous effort from the Biden Administration to combat COVID-19, I was pleased to announce the additional funding of $9,321,250 for Nuestra Clinica in San Juan, Texas and $4,099,500 for Atacosa Health Center in Pleasanton, Texas. I am committed to fighting for and obtaining the necessary aid to the most affected communities in my district. 

For more information, click here.

Congressman Gonzalez Hosts Vaccine Webinar 

On March 25, 2021, I hosted a virtual Vaccine Webinar, moderated by Dr. John H. Krouse, the Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The discussion centered around past, present, and future challenges to an equitable and accessible distribution of vaccines. We were joined by local health officials and medical professionals who gave their take on how we are currently addressing the pandemic and where we can improve. Our panel continued urging any eligible resident of South Texas to get vaccinated. 

To watch the webinar, click here.  

I will continue working to secure vaccines for urban and rural communities in our district so that every South and Central Texan has access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Reminders & Updates

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.

COVID-19 Vaccines: If you are having trouble getting a vaccine appointment, please contact my office. As of Monday, March 29, 2021 everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.

As always it is my sincere honor to represent the 15th District of Texas. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns relating to federal matters. If you celebrate, I hope you and your family have a safe, healthy and happy Easter this weekend!

*Please do not respond to this email as this inbox is not monitored. Instead, please visit Gonzalez.House.Gov or call us at (956) 682-5545 or (202) 225-2531.*

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress