| 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. | | 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. | | |
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