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Includes federal funding for vital programs, plus local funding for Laredo’s Little Theatre, Gateway Community Health Clinic, Bethany House, LCC and the South Texas Forensics Laboratory

Courtesy Ashley Patterson,

Washington, DC – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today voted for a national investment package providing annual federal funding to the nation’s critical priorities, including funding for veterans and the nation’s housing department. The omnibus bill also includes funding for military construction and the health, labor and education departments, plus funds for the nation’s justice system.

Congressman Cuellar also secured $2.1 million worth of federal funding for local law enforcement, health, transportation and community small business priorities in South Texas, including $1.33 million for these initiatives in Webb County and Laredo.

“This is for our teachers, our students, our police officers, our military and our veterans, and ensures our country is steadily moving forward stronger and more secure in 2010,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding keeps our country functioning and helps the millions of Americans who rely on these federal programs.”

The Consolidated Appropriations bill makes targeted investments in the nation’s vital programs including $518 billion for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and $19 billion for federal student financial aid programs. Over $109 billion will be made available for veterans programs next year and $41 billion for highway infrastructure nationwide.

The measure also includes $7 billion for the U.S. Census Bureau, the agency responsible for conducting the constitutionally mandated 2010 Census next April. Also included is a 35% increase in funding for the Small Business Administration.

Congressman Cuellar also secured significant funding for local law enforcement efforts, including $450,000 for police and sheriff departments to purchase new equipment, of which $250,000 will assist the South Texas Forensics Laboratory serving Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, LaSalle and Starr Counties.

Laredo Community College will receive funding worth $150,000 to help develop a small business center for the community. The training and education facility will provide collaborative workforce programs between students, entrepreneurs, employers and local agencies and industry associations.

“Community centers thrive in Laredo because people take advantage of the opportunities they bring,” said Congressman Cuellar. “It’s about investing in our community, our people and their future. Collectively we can advance our stake in the greater economy.”

Following President Obama’s announcement of $600 million in new federal funding for community health centers around the nation, Congressman Cuellar secured $200,000 for the City of Laredo to work in collaboration with the Gateway Community Health Clinic to conduct a comprehensive community-based health assessment to identify fundamental regional challenges and together develop an action plan.

This assessment will be a collaborative effort between city and civic leaders, health practitioners, educators and local agencies.

“If we’re able to work together to identify and prioritize the health challenges we face, our community can overcome those circumstances together,” said Congressman Cuellar.

The Bethany House of Laredo will also receive $230,000 for their Emergency Food and Shelter Project, to replace existing aged equipment. The organization prepares over 310,000 meals annually for homeless men, women and children, the elderly and disabled and residents of the Bethany House shelter.

“Bethany House is such a giver in our community,” said Congressman Cuellar. “They help provide the essentials to people who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn.”

The non-profit Laredo Little Theatre will also receive $200,000 to replace outdated electronic equipment, electrical wiring, seating, lighting and soundproofing, in addition to expanding parking capacity at the theatre. This community organization features amateur acting and directing opportunities, plus summer children’s productions.

Additionally, Congressman Cuellar secured $300,000 for the Manadas Hike and Bike Pathways, a project to build pathways connecting North Central Laredo to the Rio Grande River Vega Park System. The largely residential area will be able to access most of the region’s school via the connected paths, in addition to, the Boys & Girls Club, area shopping centers and the local Hospital. Construction is expected to begin early next year.

The House passed H.R. 3288, the Consolidated Appropriations omnibus bill, Thursday by a vote of 221-202. If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President, these funds will be made available for fiscal year 2010.