Guillen Announces Funds to Help South Texas Families Cover Summer Cooling Costs

As temperatures and utility bills both continue to rise across Texas, State Representative Ryan Guillen (D-Starr County) today reminded South Texas residents that $97 million in funds is available to help ease the burden of high-energy costs that come with our state's hot summer months.

Help is available through a network of 43 city, county, and nonprofit agencies serving all 254 counties in the state through the Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs' Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).

"South Texas summers often take a physical and financial toll on our communities' most vulnerable residents," said Rep. Guillen. "This program helps income eligible households pay a portion of their utility bills while learning how to better manage their energy usage for a more affordable home environment."

According to TDHCA Executive Director Tim Irvine, CEAP plays a critical role in the Department’s mission of promoting affordable housing, given that energy costs consume a much greater percentage of a low-income household’s annual income than that of the average Texas household.


“The cost of cooling a home absolutely can impact a family’s ability to afford their home,” Irvine said. “This program helps many of the state’s most vulnerable residents, especially elderly persons and persons with disabilities, meet their utility costs and avoid a potential health or financial crisis. Just as important, it can help them achieve greater self-sufficiency in the long term.”

2010 RGCCISD Election Results

 2010 RGCCISD Election Results

Trustee, Place 3
(I) Cesar Gonzalez                3,573

Trustee, Place 6
Andy Hernandez                  514
(I) Leo Lopez                      3,487

Trustee, Place 7
Claudio McKee                   407
(I) Basilio D. Villarreal, Jr.    3,572

ELECTION PROBE CONTINUES; NEW PROBE OF ROMA ISD MAIL-INS

The District Attorney’s Office and the Texas Rangers are continuing to probe allegations of irregularities involving mail-in ballots in the March 2, 2010 county primary elections, and have begun a new investigation concerning complaints about mail-in ballots in the upcoming May 2010 Roma ISD trustee elections.

District Attorney Heriberto Silva indicated on Monday afternoon, April 19, “The investigation of the March 2010 election is ongoing. The 229th District Court grand jury requested an extension of its term and it was granted.”

Silva declared, “New allegations have been made concerning the Roma ISD election. That is a separate investigation. The allegations involving the Roma election also involve mail-in ballots. The Rangers are involved in that investigation also.”

The prosecutor stated, “The complaints about the Roma election first arose in the middle to latter part of last week.”

Silva added, “For the March election, we impounded 112 ballots, but investigated 56 ballots. We don’t know yet how many ballots are being investigated in the Roma (ISD) matter.”

The D.A. pointed out, “The (Texas) Attorney General’s Office has been here to help in the investigation of the March election.”

Silva indicated that one person has been charged with a misdemeanor in connection with the probe of the March election mail-in ballots. Silva indicated that this person “was charged with picking up ballots without properly signing them.” This individual’s case has been referred to the County Attorney’s Office.

On Monday, April 12, a visiting state district judge rejected the petition of District Clerk challenger Dave “Chachi” Jones asking that a new election be called. After a recount was conducted earlier, incumbent District Clerk Eloy Garcia’s margin of victory remained at 88 votes.

In early March, Silva stated, “The allegation is that the mail-in ballots, a total of 112, were delivered without the ballots being signed on the outside. If it’s not your ballot and you deliver it, you have to sign the outside of the ballot.”

D.A. CONTINUES TO PROBE MAIL-IN BALLOT ALLEGATIONS

The District Attorney’s Office and the Texas Rangers are continuing to probe allegations of possible irregularities involving mail-in ballots in the March 2 primary elections.

District Attorney Heriberto Silva told The Rio Grande Herald on March 4, “I’m investigating whether 112 mail-in ballots delivered to the Post Office were delivered in violation of the statute.”

Silva emphasized, “Right now these are merely allegations. We will follow up and investigate the allegations.”

“The envelopes were impounded, not the ballots,” explained the D.A. “I did not take custody of the ballots, but the envelopes and applications for mail-in requests.”

Silva stated, “We were told by the (Rio Grande City) Postmaster and the Texas Rangers that there is an issue regarding mail-in ballots. The Postmaster contacted his superior and the Rangers contacted our office. I started an investigation based on what the Ranger told me.”

Silva continued, “I requested that the Ranger take custody of the ballots. I got a court order from District Judge Garza that the ballots be impounded…We made the request on Monday (March 1); the ballots were impounded on Tuesday (March 2).”

The official explained, “The allegation is that the mail-in ballots, a total of 112, were delivered without the ballots being signed on the outside…If it’s not your ballot and you deliver it, you have to sign the outside of the ballot.”

Silva pointed out, “Anyone who assists the voter (casting a mail-in ballot) must sign that they provided the assistance.”

“I consulted with the (Texas) Secretary of State’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office,” he declared, “I am requesting the Rangers’ continued assistance.”

During the middle of last week, KRGV-TV, Channel Five reported that a recount would be taking place in the District Clerk’s race. After ballots were counted, incumbent Eloy R. Garcia, seeking a second term, held an 88-vote lead over challenger Dave “Chachi” Jones. Garcia received 3169 votes, or 50.7 percent, to 3081 votes, or 49.3 percent, for Jones.

The Rio Grande Herald attempted to contact Silva on Monday, March 15, but was unable to reach him.

The Herald also tried to contact Elections Administrator Rafael Montalvo on Monday, but was unable to reach him.

CUELLAR AMENDMENTS HELP TO CRACK DOWN ON PREDATORY MORTGAGE LENDING

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar today joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act. The bill, which cracks down on predatory lending practices and ensures that the mortgage industry follows basic principles of sound lending, responsibility, and consumer protection, passed the U.S. House on a 300-114 vote.

Included in the bill were amendments authored by Congressman Cuellar to study the real-world impact of a major new lending accountability measure and to provide housing counseling in Texas colonias.

“There is no doubt that today’s financial crisis is the result of irresponsible, abusive, and predatory practices in mortgage lending,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This bill is a direct response to the collapse of the housing market, and it will help to rebuild an economy that reflects our values of fairness and responsibility.”

A key provision the bill would require mortgage lenders to retain a 5% stake in the loans that they originate. The measure is intended to address a critical vulnerability in the mortgage market that contributed to the economic collapse.

“In the run-up to the financial crisis, many lenders had no reason to care whether a borrower could afford the payments on their mortgages,” Congressman Cuellar explained. “By the time payments came due, the lender had already pocketed the closing fees, repackaged the debt into securities, and offloaded the risk to someone else.”

Congressman Cuellar amended the bill to require the Government Accountability Office to assess whether the 5% requirement is the appropriate stake to reduce systemic risks, to monitor any shifts in practice by securitizers attempting to evade the new rule, and to recommend to Congress whether additional accountability measures are needed.

“This amendment is all about governing with our eyes open,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Requiring lenders to maintain a stake in their loans is a promising first step. Now we must conduct the oversight needed to ensure that this law is actually protecting homeowners, rebuilding the economy, and preventing this kind of collapse from ever happening again.”

Congressman Cuellar’s second amendment would clarify the mission of the new Office of Housing Counseling in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The original legislation instructed the office to focus on “areas that lack sufficient services”; Congressman Cuellar’s language ensures that colonias are included among these high-priority areas.

“By recognizing the unique economic challenges facing colonias, my amendment ensures that residents have access to the guidance and support that all borrowers need to ensure that they get the best deal possible,” Congressman Cuellar said.

In addition to Congressman Cuellar’s provisions, the bill includes numerous other measures to crack down on predatory practices and promote responsible lending:
·Requires lenders to ensure a borrower's ability to repay, based on income, credit history, indebtedness and other factors.
·Prohibits unfair lending practices, including the bonuses known as "yield spread premiums" that lenders pay to brokers to inflate the cost of loans.
·Brings accountability to the secondary market for home loans by holding participants liable under federal law for ensuring responsible lending
·Imposes penalties for irresponsible lending by making predatory lenders accountable to consumers for rescission of the loan and the consumer’s costs for rescission.
·Expands protections for high-cost mortgages by lowering the interest rate and the points and fee triggers that define high cost loans.
·Requires additional disclosures for consumers regarding mortgage loans, including the maximum that a consumer could pay on a variable rate mortgage, the amount of settlement charges, the charges included in the mortgage, the amount the consumer must pay at closing, and the fees paid to a mortgage originator.
·Protects tenants who rent homes that go into foreclosure by providing tenants with 90 days to relocate if they are using a unit as a primary residence.

VARIOUS ISSUES DISCUSSED AT MARCH COUNTY MEETINGS

The County Commissioners discussed a fairly wide variety of issues at their regular meeting on Monday morning, March 9 and their special meeting on Monday morning, March 16.
On March 9, the commissioners voted to name Rose Benavidez as director for the Rio South Texas Economic Council.
County Judge Eloy Vera explained, “The purpose is to promote this region to attract large businesses. We did agree to become members. Rose Benavidez made a presentation supporting this organization. I suggest we name Ms. Benavidez to serve as director.”
Federal/State Programs Coordinator Rafael Montalvo declared about the 2007 ORCA Project, “We’re waiting for the state to allow the drawdown to begin.” He added, “We sent out the application for the Renewable Energy Project.”
The commissioners were told that International Bridge revenues for February 2009 totaled $214,160, an increase of $19,310 from the February 2008 figure of $194,850. The February 2009 total showed a decrease of $11,744.50 from the January 2009 amount of $225,904.50.
At the March 16 special meeting, County Tax Assessor/Collector Carmen A. Pena explained about the February 2009 report, “The revenues not going to the county are going to the hospital and STC (South Texas College).”
Judge Vera commented, “The adjustments make the collection rate seem higher than it actually is. This is not reflected in the original budget. The appraisers say that can’t be avoided. The delinquent attorneys don’t come into the picture until taxes are not paid.”
After brief discussion, the commissioners rejected a resolution to submit an application to the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) for Colonia Planning.
Montalvo explained, “It looks like the most we can get is $15,000 because not enough people will benefit. This involves a subdivision in Escobares. I question whether we should apply. The $15,000 will not make a dent in what we need.” The commissioners then approved a motion rejecting the application.”
The commissioners approved the Election Equipment Lease/Rental Fee. Montalvo, who is also Elections Administrator, indicated, “It looks like the only election (in May) will be in Grulla. It looks like Escobares and the hospital will cancel.”

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR ANNOUNCES $243,000 IN FUNDING FOR THE COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL OF SOUTH TEXAS

New economic recovery investment will create jobs, strengthen public transportation
Washington, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar today announced that the federal economic recovery bill will provide $243,000 to the Community Action Council of South Texas to assist with its public transportation system.
Specifically, the agency will use the money to purchase three 8-12-passenger busses equipped for persons with disabilities and two seven-passenger vans. Each of the three busses has been designated for Duval, Jim Hogg, and Zapata counties, while the two vans will be used by Starr County residents. The transportation system has its presence in rural areas and is mostly used by residents for various purposes, including visits to the doctor’s office, trips to the grocery store, and for recreational activities.
“This is one more way that the economic recovery bill is creating jobs and strengthening our economy in counties served by the Community Action Council of South Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “In these challenging economic times, these funds will help strengthen the Community Action Council of South Texas to help employees get to work, help families get to the store, and help drive our economy forward.”
Three of the four counties – Jim Hogg, Starr, and Zapata – served by the Community Action Council of South Texas are in Congressman Cuellar’s 28th District.

CUELLAR AMENDS WATER BILL TO STUDY RIO GRANDE POLLUTION, IMPROVE COLONIAS’ WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives today voted overwhelmingly to pass the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009, major legislation that invests $18.7 billion over five years in strengthening America’s wastewater infrastructure. Included in the bill were amendments authored by Congressman Henry Cuellar that call for new studies of wastewater discharge into the Rio Grande and of colonias’ water infrastructure needs.
“A clean and plentiful water supply is critical to public health, and it is the foundation of economic success for every household, every business, and every farm in Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This bill, and the amendments I authored, will help build and maintain the water infrastructure that the Texas economy depends on. Just as importantly, the bill will create 480,000 jobs over the next five years, helping to strengthen today’s economy even as it improves tomorrow’s water supply.”
The first of Congressman Cuellar’s amendments would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the State Department, the Mexican government, the International Boundary Waters Commission, and state and local governments, to study wastewater treatment facilities that discharge into the Rio Grande River and provide recommendations to improve monitoring, information sharing, and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico.
“Families and communities living on the Rio Grande depend on the river for their health and livelihood,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Especially in the midst of an ongoing drought, the quality of the Rio Grande is of critical importance to Texas communities.”
Pollution from both sides of the border poses a significant threat to the Rio Grande’s water quality. According to the Congressional Research Service, pollution on the Mexican side mainly consists of raw sewage from urban areas pouring directly into the river, while pollution from the American side includes industrial and agricultural waste products.
Congressman Cuellar’s second amendment would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study rural water infrastructure in colonias along the U.S.-Mexico border, specifically examining the colonias’ comprehensive planning needs relating to water and wastewater infrastructure.
“This study will provide a blueprint for future Congressional action to provide basic utility service to colonias,” Congressman Cuellar said. “It is the first step toward helping colonias develop into more modern and economically viable communities.”
During his time as a state legislator, Congressman Cuellar passed the landmark H.B. 1001 to help stop the growth of colonias in Texas.
Congressman Cuellar’s amendments were incorporated into a broader package of amendments offered on the floor by Congressman James Oberstar of Minnesota. The amendment passed without opposition, and the broader legislation later passed by 317-101. The bill now goes to the Senate for further action.