Rep. Aaron Peña's News Under the Dome - 2009 End of Year Edition

News Under the Dome   Issue 19 December 2009  Welcome back to another issue of Under the Dome! As 2009 comes to a close we would like to give you a recap of some important news and events from this past year in South Texas. In This Issue Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Rio Grande Valley Medical School and Veterans Issues Highlight Successful Session Millions in Funding Secured for Infrastucture Improvements New Distict Office to Serve Delta Community 2010 Census and Redrawing Lines for Stronger South Texas Rep. Pena Files for Re-Election Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year     During the holiday season as we gather with family and friends please remember to celebrate responsibly.   Have a blessed Merry Christmas and let us look forward to a New Year of endless opportunities.    I appreciate your friendship.  Please call on me or my office if we can be of service.   Medical School, Veterans Care Equals Successful Session for South Texas   . South Texas claims another successful session with the passage of legislation creating a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley.  Rep. Peña has called on the state of Texas to partner with the federal government in using the proposed new health science center to house a veterans hospital for a deserving South Texas community.  Disabled veterans finally received the long awaited tax exemption of their property taxes. Staying true to addressing veterans issues Edinburg WWII hero Pedro Cano will be awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.    While states across the nation were forced to cut programs and raise taxes, Texas passed a balanced budget without sacrificing important services.  While uncertain times may lie ahead Texas can continue to be a model of success if we continue to work together.    Millions of Dollars Secured for Vital Infrastructure Improvements       Edinburg, Elsa and Sullivan City received a major investment in infrastructure improvements.  Millions of dollars are headed to South Texas to address drainage, water and sewer needs in those communities.    Elsa has been awarded over $12 million for water treatment, sewer treatment and drainage improvements.  Edinburg will receive $1.9 million for drainage improvements and equipment upgrades for its water and wastewater plants.  Sullivan City is going to receive $500,000 for flooding and drainage infrastructure development.    We will continue to monitor state and federal funding sources for important infrastructure improvements for our community.  New District Office to Serve Delta Area Community     The Delta Area welcomed Rep. Peña to the community in September. Rep. Peña opened a new state district office in Edcouch that will serve the surrounding communities of Elsa, La Villa, Monte Alto and Hargill. The office is located at the Mercado Delta on 510 N. Yellowjacket Dr. across the street from Edcouch Elsa High School.  Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.  The phone number is 956/262-8244 and fax 956/262-8824.    Rep. Peña still maintains his Edinburg District office located at 323 W Cano.  That phone number is 956/383-7444.  Please come by and share your comments, concerns or questions with us at our Edinburg or Edcouch location. The 2010 Census and Redistricting Congressional Lines for South Texas   Census 2010 will be taking its decennial count and it is so important for our community to be involved.  Census data helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars in federal funds are distributed annually. This money can be used for improving our roads, hospitals, and schools. The questionnaire is ONLY 10 questions and will take 10 minutes to complete.    Census data also determines how congressional, state senate and state house lines are drawn.  Texas is expected to receive an additional three to four congressional seats.  We need to fight for one of those seats for South Texas.  So please tell family, friends and neighbors how important it is to fill out the census questionnaire.  Rep. Peña: I am Running for Re-election     With the blessing of my family and the support of community and business leaders I have filed for re-election to a 5th term to the Texas House of Representatives.  Together we can build upon the success of the last few sessions.   There is important work that lies ahead.  As a member of the House Committee on Redistricting I will fight for a new congressional seat for South Texas.  Our veterans need a hospital and we must build and fund a world class medical school in the Rio Grande Valley.    I hope to continue to count on your support as we work every day to make a Stronger South Texas.  Thank you for reading another issue of Under the Dome.  With your help we can make 2010 a great one.   Sincerely,   Aaron Peña, Jr. State Representative   State Rep. Aaron Peña Under the Dome is a newsletter designed to compliment my blog in communicating issues and ideas important to the people in our district and the state of Texas.   Community Links A Capitol Blog City of Edinburg City of McAllen Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Llano Grande Center for Research and Development Rep. Peña Capitol Website South Texas College The University of Texas Pan American News Links Edinburg Review KURV Radio News Channel 5 Rio Grande Guardian Team 4 News The Monitor

Aaron Pena | P.O. Box 1637 | Edinburg | TX | 78540

Rep. Veronica Gonzales: Best Wishes for 2010

 

Dear Friends,

 

As another year comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the past 12 months and look forward to what 2010 has in store for us. 2009 was a busy year and I am proud of what we experienced and accomplished together. Here are a few photos to commemorate this year. I wish all of you a safe and happy New Year's celebration and a prosperous and blessed 2010.

 

Sincerely,

Veronica Gonzales

State Representative, District 41

 

Rep. Gonzales visiting with the La Joya Federation of Teachers at the State Capitol

 

South Texas College Students meet with Rep. Gonzales at the State Capitol

 

Rep. Gonzales touring the Rio Grande Valley with Speaker Joe Straus

 

Rep. Gonzales receiving the Texas Association of Community Health Centers' Legislative Champion Award

 

Rep. Gonzales chairing the House Committee on Border & Intergovernmental Affairs

 

Rep. Gonzales addresses the Texas Border Infrastructure Coalition

 

Dentist Day at the Capitol

 

Rep. Gonzales attending the Aspen-Rodel Institute in Aspen, Colorado

 

Rep. Gonzales presenting booster seats to underprivileged families

 

 

 

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State Representative Veronica Gonzales

District 41

Capitol Office (512) 463-0578

District Office (956) 686-5501

Cimarron's New Year 2010 Event

Join Our Mailing List! The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce 202 W. Tom Landry Mission, Texas 78572 956-585-2727

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce | 202 W. Tom Landry | Mission | TX | 78572

Texas Onion Fest 2010

PRESS RELEASE

 Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Alicia Aguilar/Martha Noell

Address:  301 W. Railroad.                                                   Phone: 956-968-2102

      Weslaco, TX 78596                                              Fax:    956-968-6451

                    Website: www.weslaco.com

December 30, 2009                                                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Plans Set for Texas Onion Fest

WESLACO, TX – The 2010 planning committee for the Texas Onion Fest is working full speed ahead on the event scheduled for March 27th.

 The Texas Onion Fest celebrates the development of the world famous Texas 1015 Onion which was developed in Weslaco, Texas, by Dr. Leonard Pike at the Texas A&M University Extension Service. The name of the 1015 onion came from the suggested planting date, October 15.  The festival brings the community together for a fun filled day of onion eating contests, cooking demonstrations, recipe contests, entertainment and so much more.

The event is a perfect marketing venue for businesses wishing to communicate their message to a highly targeted audience. Corporate marketing sponsorships play an integral role in the development of the Texas Onion Fest.  We can offer the opportunity to strengthen corporate image and promote brand identity.  Opportunities are available which include exposure in pre-event marketing and advertising. 

The Texas Onion Fest is a coordinated effort of the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce.  As a member of the Texas Festival and Events Association, the event is held in high regard across the state. In 2009, the Onion Fest was awarded with eight marketing and advertising awards including Best Event Video for its marketing efforts by peers in the TFEA. 

For further information please contact the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce at 956-968-2102 or visit our website - www.weslaco.com/OnionFest.

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The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce, celebrating 75 years serving the community, works for the development and voice of business success in Weslaco by providing opportunities for all businesses and individuals who invest in the community.

Pharr Chamber Winter Texan Expo - January 14

Happy New Years 2010 Upcoming Events Winter Texan Appreciation Expo Save 50% Pharr Winter Texan Appreciation Expo , this year expo  will be held on Thrusday, January 14, 2010 at the Pharr International Convention Cente. If your business would like to participate now is the chance to do so, please print this coupon and come  by our office for a 50% off on your booth which will be a 10 x 10 for only $ 100.00. Hurry!! thier is only 15 booths left... FREE ADMISSION Offer Expires: Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Pharr Chamber of Commerce | 308 W. Park St. | Pharr | TX | 78577

Weslaco Complete Count Committee Census Contest

PRESS RELEASE

Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Alicia Aguilar/Martha Noell
Address:  301 W. Railroad.                                      Phone: 956-968-2102
     Weslaco, TX 78596                         Fax:     956-968-6451
                                                 Website: www.weslaco.com

December 29, 2009                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Select a slogan for the Weslaco Census efforts!

WESLACO, TX - The Weslaco Complete Count Committee, a local group of citizens assisting with the 2010 U.S. Census, is looking for a slogan for the Weslaco Census count. The Census, which is conducted every 10 years, will be conducted this spring. It is very important that every resident of Weslaco be counted! An accurate census count of Weslaco will help the community in many ways, some of those include:
-       Allows Weslaco to participate in the $300+ billion in federal funds to assist our area in many ways. State funds are also distributed based on census figures.
-       Transportation needs and funding for highways is determined by the population.
-       An accurate count will direct funds to the area to assist people in poverty.
-       The population count assists in attracting new businesses.
-       Census numbers reapportion the United States House of Representative seats and therefore will better represent Weslaco's needs in Washington D.C.
-       The census assists in the planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other vital health services.

To participate in the Weslaco Census Slogan contest, please submit a three to five word slogan that will best explain to Weslaco residents why it is critical that Weslaco citizens must be counted in the 2010 Census. Submission deadline is Wednesday, January 13, 2010. The winning entry will be recognized with a photo in the local paper and will be awarded valuable coupons from local merchants.

Send your entry to:
Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce
P O Box 8398
301 W. Railroad
Weslaco, TX 78596

Phone: 968-2102
Fax: 968-6451
E-mail: chamber@weslaco.com

Free H1N1 Clinic for City of Mission Residents

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Press Release For Immediate Release Free H1N1 Clinic for City of Mission Residents   City of Mission in conjunction with the Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department   To benefit the Residents of the City of Mission, with emphasis on the following at risk population: ·      Children and young adults 6 months through 24 years of age ·      Pregnant women ·      People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age ·      Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, and ·      People 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for complications of 2009 H1N1                                                 infections because of certain health conditions   Note: Children 6 months - 9 years old will need a second dose of H1N1 vaccine 4 weeks apart.     Date:               Tuesday, December 29, 2009   Time:              9:30 AM - 4:00 PM   Place:             Mission Boy's and Girl's Club                         209 W. 18th Street, Mission, Texas   Note: After some basic health history questions, a professional medical provider will administer the vaccination.  This flu vaccination is not mandatory, but it is the best way to protect yourself and others from H1N1 flu.      The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Crystal C Santos Executive Assistant   In observance to the holidays our office will close on December 31, 2009 at 12:00 noon and we will reopen our doors on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 8:00 am.

Brownsville Navigation District - December 2, 2009

BND - December 2, 2009: "
Brownsville Navigation District Board Meeting - December 2, 2009
Agenda.

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Dr. Joseph Arevalo Explains Whiplash Injuries

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Events for January 2010

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Events for January 2010 Hello Chamber Member, Here are some of our Mission Chamber of Commerce upcoming events for January 2010.   Sincerely, Crystal Santos, Executive Assistant   15th Annual Mission Community Health Fair  Proudly sponsored by Mission Regional Medical Center.    Sunday, January 10, 2010 8:00AM-12:00PM Sharyland High School Gym (corner of Bus 83 & Shary Rd) 1106 North Shary Road Mission, TX 78572-4652   FREE health screenings!   For booth information please contact us at (956) 585-2727.   Buenas Tardes Luncheon   Wednesday, January 13, 2010 12:00PM The Club at Cimarron 1200 South Shary Road Mission, Texas 78572   This event serves as a marketing opportunity for the Mission Chamber members and friends to network and share their business with other professionals. Be our guest for our upcoming luncheon and make your reservation at (956) 585-2727.   7th Annual Golf Tournament    Monday, January 18, 2010 10:00AM Registration 11:00AM Shotgun Start The Club at Cimarron 1200 South Shary Road Mission, Texas 78572 For more information contact Crystal Santos at (956) 585-2727.   Join Our Mailing List!

Weslaco Chamber Greetings

Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce E-News   Greetings!        You still have plenty of time to shop our local retailers!  Downtown has great unique holiday gift items like home accessories, fine jewelry, western wear, fashion accessories & clothing,  children's books & gifts and so much more!  Most stores downtown are open 9a to 6pm.  On the expressway, choices abound - electronics, tools, home fashion, name it, they have what you need for your last minute shopping needs.  Stores open late!  So, get out there and...   SHOP WESLACO!                             Info On-the-Web   Chamber Page Download Community News   Chamber News   Follow us on Twitter See our videos Be a fan on Facebook

Weslaco Area Chamber Of Commerce 301 W. Railroad St., Weslaco, TX  78596 (956) 968-2102 office  (956) 968-6451 fax www.weslaco.com

Season's Greetings from The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce

Season's Greetings Wishing you...  every happiness this Holiday Season has to offer and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being our member and friend. We look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year. In Observance of the Holiday, our office will be closed December 24 & 25 (Thursday and Friday).  We will reopen on Monday, December 28, 2009 for normal business hours. All the best to you and your family The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce