NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT

Dear Friends, 
 
I hope you and your families are doing well. It has been a busy couple of weeks and I wanted to provide you with a brief update about what I have been working on to serve the people of the 15th Congressional District of Texas. Together, we will continue to seize opportunities and overcome the challenges our communities face.   

Discussed the 15th District of Texas’ Priorities with President Biden 

On Tuesday, October 5th, I spoke with President Biden about  a number of items affecting our region. We discussed the importance of establishing a safe and orderly immigration process that also stems the flow of migrants into our local communities. 

We also discussed the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act. President Biden was clear—the Build Back Better Act would be a lower number than originally proposed, but will nonetheless be the largest investment into the U.S. this generation. I am encouraged and hopeful that we can enact  the life-changing provisions of this bill such as lower prescription drug prices, expanding Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing, the extension of the Child Tax Credit and more. 

Hosted the Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, in South Texas 

On Wednesday, October 6th, I welcomed United States Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, to the 15th District of Texas. 

We toured Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA)  Early College High School and spoke with students, listened in on classes, and were treated to a wonderful performance by the student Mariachi band. South Texas schools  are preparing our students to be the leaders of tomorrow, and PSJA Early College High School is a prime example of the outstanding educational opportunities in our area. 
 
 
Secretary Cardona and I also spoke with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) students about what we can do at the federal level to support our students as they complete higher education and enter the workforce. As one of the largest Hispanic Serving Institutions, Secretary Cardona was able to see how UTRGV is paving the way for our future Hispanic leaders in South Texas and throughout the nation. Thank you to all the students who attended. We value your perspective. 
 
Hosted Inaugural Youth Advisory Council Meeting for the 15th District of Texas

On Tuesday, October 12th, I met with 17 high school and college students from a variety of educational institutions in South Texas. I am proud to  convene the  Congressional Youth Advisory Council for the 15th District of Texas. This initiative is designed to ensure our future leaders have a seat at the table and the opportunity to discuss important issues and solutions. While other members of Congress have Advisory Councils, I am one of the few in the entire nation to have one focused on working with the young future leaders in our region. 

I am confident the youth in our community will drive the positive change our world needs. It was a pleasure to hear their ideas and the issues that are important to them. I look forward to continuing our conversation at our advisory council meetings. 
 
 
My Statement on the Reopening the Mexico and Canada Borders for Non-Essential Travel 

On Tuesday, October 12th, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, announced the reopening of non-essential border crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders for fully vaccinated individuals. Below is my statement regarding the recent news: 

“Yesterday’s announcement that the U.S. will allow fully vaccinated, non-essential travelers to enter through land ports of entry is welcome news for families and businesses in South Texas. I am pleased to see that the Biden Administration heeded our community’s calls to safely resume cross-border travel. This is an important and long-overdue step to getting our economy back on track.” 

Special Guest for AARP Texas Telephone Town Hall  to Discuss Our Seniors’ Health Care Priorities 

On Wednesday, October 13th, I was honored to join AARP Texas for a telephone town hall to speak with South Texans about the impact of high prescription drug prices and legislation I am working on to lower these costs and support family care givers.  

Met with McAllen’s Own Miss Texas, Victoria Hinojosa 

On Thursday, October 14th, I met with the newly crowned Miss Texas USA, Victoria Hinojosa. It was an honor to meet with Ms. Hinojosa and express the pride of not only those in McAllen, but all of South Texas for this prestigious accomplishment. 

Awarded $2 Million to UTRGV from the Department of Energy 

On Friday, October 4th, I announced that the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was awarded $2,000,000 from U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear  Security Administration. 

This funding will be used to  develop the DOE Consortium of Advanced Additive Manufacturing Research and Education for Energy Related Systems, which will focus on engaging, recruiting, and preparing students from underrepresented groups for careers in Advanced Manufacturing in energy-related fields. 

Read the full release here. 

Presented Over $28 Million to Edcouch-Elsa ISD from the American Rescue Plan Act 

On Friday, October 15th, I watched some great Friday night football between Edcouch-Elsa and  PSJA Memorial and presented Edcouch Elsa ISD with $28,035,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.  

I voted for the American Rescue Plan because our community needed help to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation allocated money to help pay for remote learning tools, combat learning loss, and protect our educators and students as they return to the classroom. 

Thank you to the students, faculty, and parents for having me! 

Presented $4 Million To Region One Education Service Center from the U.S. Department of Education 

On Friday, October 15th, I presented Region One Education Service  Center with a $4,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for  the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP Partnership).  

This program provides funding to support and increase a  cohort of low income middle and high school  students’  preparedness for post-graduate education and career goals. I am excited to see where their hard work will take them in the years to come. 
 

 
Read the press release here. 

Announced Funding for  Mission and Seguin Police Departments  from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). 

Last week, I announced that the Mission and Seguin Police Departments were selected to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Mission Police Department will receive $21,116 from the “Supporting Law Enforcement Agencies in Seeking Accreditation” grant and Seguin Police Department will receive $177,799 from the “De-Escalation Law Enforcement Agency” grant. 

This funding will support the development of new strategies, promote safe crime, build knowledge, and craft creative approaches to prevent crime. I am thankful to our first responders and law enforcement for their diligent efforts to keep our community safe, and I am proud the bring them the tools to modernize and expand their efforts to protect and serve South Texas. 
 
Reminders & Updates    
 
Rental Assistance Resources   
  
The pandemic has hit many individuals and families hard. Resources are available to help those struggling with rental payments and looming eviction notices.    
 
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (956) 682-5545 if you need assistance with any of these resources. 
      
    
 
Get Vaccinated To Protect Against the Delta Variant     

South Texas has led the country in vaccinations, but we’re not out of the woods yet. With the spread of the Delta variant, we must be vigilant and do your part to protect our community.       

Get vaccinated and help us return to normal. 

      
Find locations to get your COVID-19 vaccine here.       
 
Investing In America’s Communities Program      

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing the $3,000,000,000 from the American Rescue Plan to fund six collective programs:    

• Build Back Better Regional Challenge   
• Good Jobs Challenge 
• Indigenous Communities   
• Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation      
• Statewide Planning, Research and Networks

Please Be Advised: Extreme Passport Delays. Apply Early!      

Due to the ongoing pandemic, passport processing centers are experiencing delays in the renewal process. The U.S. State Department recommends renewing your passport at least six months before you plan to travel, and urgent day-of appointments are reserved only for life-and-death cases.  

• Reduces a borrower’s monthly payment.    
• Provides a $500 appraisal credit to the lender at the time the loan is purchased if an appraisal was obtained for the transaction.      
• Waives the 50 basis point adverse market refinance fee for loans at or below $300,000.      
• Allows a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) up to 65%.      

To learn more click here.         
 
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit           
          
For residents of the 15th District of Texas that need assistance paying for internet, I encourage you to utilize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency  Broadband Benefit program. The Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband (high-speed internet) bills for qualifying low-income households.          
           
To learn more about the program and to apply, click here.        
 
Small Business Administration Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance Applications            
           
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting requests to reevaluate declined Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance applications. To request a reevaluation, applicants should follow these steps:   

• Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]”  
• Include in the body of the email identifying information for the application including application number, business name, business address, business owner names(s), and phone number.  
• Please also include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the decline, if available. SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete our review.          

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 in relation to federal matters.           
 
*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