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New Senior VP for Research & Dean of Graduate College

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New Senior VP for Research & Dean of Graduate College
Dr. Can Saygin was named the new senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College, effective Aug. 1, 2022. (Courtesy Photo)
Dr. Can Saygin was named the new senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College, effective Aug. 1, 2022. (Courtesy Photo) BGD Image Source: googlemaps

Texas Border Business

By News and Internal Communications RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley announced today the appointment of Dr. Can (pronounced John) Saygin as the new senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College, effective Aug. 1, 2022. “I am looking forward to playing an impactful role in developing and implementing the vision, programs, and infrastructure that will continue growing the Research Enterprise and expanding the Graduate College at UTRGV,” said Saygin. Saygin joins UTRGV from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he served as senior associate vice president for Research and professor of Mechanical Engineering.

“In his new role at UTRGV, Dr. Saygin will guide institution-wide efforts to grow comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and collaborative graduate and research programs to advance the process of designation as an R1-Classification institution and elevate the stature of the university to improve the lives of people in the Valley and beyond,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey.

Bailey thanked Dr. Sandra Hansmann who, for the past year, served as interim dean of the Graduate College.

“We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the entire Division of Research staff, which also did a great job maintaining operations during this transitional period,” he said.

ABOUT DR. CAN SAYGIN

He joined UTSA in 2006 and has held a variety of administrative roles during his tenure, including advisor to the President for Strategic Initiatives; senior vice provost for Institutional Intelligence and Strategic Initiatives; interim dean of Graduate School; and senior vice provost for University Planning.

Saygin has directed several projects funded by the Air Force Research Lab, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Defense, the Boeing Company, the Ford Motor Company, UT Health San Antonio, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and various manufacturing industries in San Antonio. He has also led regional advanced manufacturing efforts under the designation of Alamo Manufacturing Partnership.

He is the recipient of the UTSA College of Engineering 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award, the UTSA President’s 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence, and The University of Texas System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award in 2012.

Saygin received his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing systems and automation from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara in Turkey.

Pain at the Pump

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Pain at the Pump
The price of gasoline remains elevated, with the national average briefly surpassing $5 per gallon before retreating modestly. Image for illustration purposes
The price of gasoline remains elevated, with the national average briefly surpassing $5 per gallon before retreating modestly. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Dr. M. Ray Perryman
President and Chief Executive Officer
of The Perryman Group

The price of gasoline remains elevated, with the national average briefly surpassing $5 per gallon before retreating modestly. In parts of the country (particularly those distant from refineries), it’s already well above that level. Unfortunately, I think that prices will generally stay relatively high through the summer driving season before abating to some extent. 

One plan which has been put forth is to pause the federal gasoline tax. This approach would likely provide some modest relief in gasoline prices to the extent that the savings are passed along to consumers. However, the federal tax is only $0.18 (less than 4% of the current cost), so such a move is not a game changer. In California, where prices exceed $6 per gallon, the legislature has acted to send rebates. Whether federal or state, these types of actions may help consumers, but don’t shift the underlying market dynamics. In fact, how much gets passed through relates to some arcane interactions of elasticities of supply and demand, which I will spare you at this point. 

As with any product or service, supply and demand are clearly important. As prices rise, people tend to buy less while suppliers have an incentive to increase the amount they are producing. We are indeed seeing this phenomenon, with demand for gasoline lower this year than last even though the economy continues to add jobs and people are ready to get out and about after being restricted by the pandemic. During the summer, demand will likely remain strong as people take advantage of being able to travel more freely. With airlines dealing with challenges which are causing waves of flight cancellations and delays, road trips have even greater appeal. Once we get into the fall, consumption will decline. Longer-term trends, such as greater fuel efficiency and greater use of hybrid and electric vehicles, will gradually impact usage patterns. 

As to supply, oil production is ramping up in the Permian Basin (by far the largest oil production region in the US), as well as the Eagle Ford, the Bakken, and even Saudi Arabia. That should help, as about 59% of the cost of gasoline is the underlying crude oil. However, refining capacity is constrained due to declines during the pandemic, the shutdown of a sizable Louisiana facility emanating from Hurricane Ida, and the transition of several plants into making biofuels. Nonetheless, facilities and expansions are coming online, non-critical maintenance is being postponed, and we’re importing more refined products. 

In short, the summer months will likely see high costs remain in effect. The good news is that there are factors of both supply and demand that are beginning to put downward pressure on gasoline prices. That’s the power of markets. Stay safe.

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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 2,500 clients over the past four decades.

Increased Patrols to Keep Roads Safe During 4th of July Weekend

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Increased Patrols to Keep Roads Safe During 4th of July Weekend
In an effort to keep our communities safe, each agency pledges to increase patrols to keep drunk drivers off our roadways. Image for illustration purposes
In an effort to keep our communities safe, each agency pledges to increase patrols to keep drunk drivers off our roadways. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, the Edinburg Police Department, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, the McAllen Police Department, and the Pharr Police Department would like to remind the public about the importance of driving sober. In an effort to keep our communities safe, each agency pledges to increase patrols to keep drunk drivers off our roadways.

Drunk driving is far more prevalent during the holidays and it is essential to work together to deter driving under the influence. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports from 2016 to 2020, 1,390 drivers were killed in traffic crashes over the Independence Day holiday period-41% of those drivers were intoxicated. It is why, the Edinburg Police Department and our neighboring counterparts, will increase patrols and have officers on alert for impaired drivers. 

We hope that families have an enjoyable, memorable, but safe Fourth of July weekend. If you plan to drink, plan for a designated driver, call a cab, or ride-share service.

Edinburg and neighboring departments remain ‘no refusal’ cities. If an officer has probable cause to believe that an individual may be driving under the influence and refuses a breathalyzer test, authorities can obtain a warrant for a blood draw. 

First-time offenders convicted of driving while intoxicated can face up to a $2,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail with a minimum of three mandatory days behind bars, as well as the loss of their driver’s license for up to a year.

A second offense can result in a fine of up to $4,000, one month to a year in prison upon conviction, and loss of their driver’s license for up to two years. Upon his/her third conviction, an individual may face a fine of up to $10,000, a sentence of two to 10 years in prison, and the loss of their driver’s license for up to two years.

The 4th of July is a holiday that is rich in Freedom celebrated with Family, Friends, and Food.  Your law enforcement agencies wish you a safe and Happy 4th of July.    

If you suspect someone is driving drunk, please contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911.  

Supporting Religious Liberty Win at the U.S. Supreme Court 

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Supporting Religious Liberty Win at the U.S. Supreme Court 
“The Constitution and the best of our traditions counsel mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship and suppression, for religious and nonreligious views alike.”  Image for illustration purposes
“The Constitution and the best of our traditions counsel mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship and suppression, for religious and nonreligious views alike.”  Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas –Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated a major win for religious liberty as the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Coach Joseph Kennedy’s claim against a school district that fired him for engaging in public prayer after football games at Bremerton High School in Washington state — sometimes including athletes who wished to participate. The school district claimed that Coach Kennedy’s on-field prayers violated the First Amendment. 

In October 2021, Attorney General Paxton and a coalition of 22 other states urged the Supreme Court to take up the erroneous decision against Coach Kennedy reached by the San Franciso-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Supreme Court granted the petition, and in March 2022, Texas co-led a multi-state amicus brief with Arizona, Alaska, and Florida in support of the merits of Coach Kennedy’s case. 

Just yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Coach Kennedy consistent with the arguments Attorney General Paxton set forth in his briefing: “Both the Free Exercise and Free Speech Clauses of the First Amendment protect expressions like Mr. Kennedy’s,” Justice Gorsuch wrote for the majority. “The Constitution and the best of our traditions counsel mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship and suppression, for religious and nonreligious views alike.” 

“Coach Kennedy was doing what high school football coaches all over the country do: praying a prayer of thanksgiving on the field,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I am overjoyed that the Supreme Court held that nothing about this violated the U.S. Constitution. My prayer is that more coaches will now feel free to exercise their First Amendment rights like Coach Kennedy did.” 

Read the 6-3 Supreme Court opinion here.  

Houston truck driver admits to transporting 145 in trailer 

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Houston truck driver admits to transporting 145 in trailer 
Anthony Alfred Boring arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint April 15 on IH-35 approximately 29 miles north of Laredo. He was driving a tractor that was pulling a locked utility trailer. Image for illustration purposes
Anthony Alfred Boring arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint April 15 on IH-35 approximately 29 miles north of Laredo. He was driving a tractor that was pulling a locked utility trailer. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – A 73-year-old Houston man entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to transport an undocumented alien, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Anthony Alfred Boring arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint April 15 on IH-35 approximately 29 miles north of Laredo. He was driving a tractor that was pulling a locked utility trailer.

Upon questioning about what he was hauling, Boring appeared shocked. His face also turned pale, his eyes became glassy, and he sunk into his seat. He then shrugged his shoulders and mumbled “I don’t know.”

Law enforcement unlocked the trailer and discovered 145 individuals in the trailer. A total of 86 were from Mexico, 49 from Guatemala and five, three and two from Honduras, El Salvador and Ecuador, respectfully.

One of the people described how hot it was in the trailer and that it was excessively packed with bodies. Further, there was no drinking water in the trailer.

At the time of his sentencing, Boring faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.


Texas State Parks Share Six Tips for Staying Safe on the Trails

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Texas State Parks Share Six Tips for Staying Safe on the Trails
As we enter the summer months, Texans are heading to Texas State Parks to enjoy time outdoors. Last year, 43 state parks reported 102 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Image for illustration purposes
As we enter the summer months, Texans are heading to Texas State Parks to enjoy time outdoors. Last year, 43 state parks reported 102 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas— As we enter the summer months, Texans are heading to Texas State Parks to enjoy time outdoors. Last year, 43 state parks reported 102 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Since January 1, 54 heat-related incidents have already been reported, compared to 34 reported by this time last year.

With temperatures soaring into the triple digits, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is sharing their suggestions for staying safe in the outdoors.

Here are the top six heat hacks recommended for park visitors:

Hydrate– It’s important to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour in the heat to replenish your body and prevent dehydration. Don’t forget to bring enough for your four-legged family members too.

Block the Rays– Apply a generous amount of sunscreen or sunblock before heading outdoors. Be sure to reapply every couple of hours, and after swimming or sweating.

Dress Smart– Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing; a hat, correct shoes, sunscreen and wet bandanas to keep you cool while in the sun. For pets, protect paws against blistering by hitting the trails during cooler times of the day when the ground isn’t hot or by putting booties on pets to help shield paws from the hot ground. Touch the pavement or ground with the back of your hand. If you cannot hold it there for five seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Stay Salty– Food helps keep up energy and replace salt lost from sweating. Eating snacks such as jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna and dried fruit is a fantastic way to nourish your body while on the trails.

Buddy System– Two brains are better than one. It’s beneficial to have someone with you in hot conditions so you can look after each other on the trail. With high temperatures hitting Texas, heat-related illnesses are common and having a friend around to help recognize the early symptoms can save you from getting sick.

Plan Ahead– Study the map and have it with you, avoid relying on your phone for maps since service may be unavailable in back-country areas. Average hikers move at 2 miles per hour, so allow yourself plenty of time to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Make sure to rest in a cool or shaded area to recover from the heat if necessary. It is also a good idea to let someone know your plan before you hit the trails and what time you should be back. That way, if you become lost, people know where to look.

  • Courtesy Images

Dogs are as susceptible to heat as their humans are, so it is good practice to ensure that you bring enough water and snacks for four-legged hiking buddies to last the entirety of the trip. Also, be mindful of ground temperatures before hitting the trails. Since dogs aren’t wearing shoes, they can be prone to injury.

Additionally, visitors should heed notices posted at trailheads about site specific conditions before setting out for the day. Park staff are also a valuable resource for folks wanting to know about trail and forecasted conditions before starting their walk.

For more information about heat safety, visit the TPWD website.

Texas State Park reservations can be made online anytime or by calling the Texas State Park Reservation Center at 512-389-8900 on weekdays during normal business hours or anytime online on the TPWD website.  Overnight reservations can be made up to five months in advance, and day passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. If your plans change, please modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow someone else to enjoy the park as we do expect the park to reach capacity limits.

Find a park in your area at http://texasstateparks.org/.

Inspired by Her Abuela’s Home Cooking

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Inspired by Her Abuela’s Home Cooking
Cynthia Villarreal has fond childhood memories of eating her abuela’s, or grandmother’s home cooking, so much so, that the South Texas College alumna went on to own Casa de mi Abuela, a successful food venture in honor of her beloved grandmother. STC Courtesy Image
Cynthia Villarreal has fond childhood memories of eating her abuela’s, or grandmother’s home cooking, so much so, that the South Texas College alumna went on to own Casa de mi Abuela, a successful food venture in honor of her beloved grandmother. STC Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

By Amanda Sotelo

MCALLEN, Texas – Cynthia Villarreal has fond childhood memories of eating her abuela’s, or grandmother’s home cooking, so much so, that the South Texas College alumna went on to own Casa de mi Abuela, a successful food venture in honor of her beloved grandmother.

Villarreal and her 17-year-old daughter Ximena Martinez share the business which has grown greatly over the past two years. 

“Cooking is in our blood; it’s a family affair, said Villarreal, who is also the chief executive officer of one of the Valley’s most prominent seafood restaurants – Villa del Mar. “I’ve grown up in the business, grown up watching family cook and following in their footsteps, so to have this opportunity and to share it with my daughter has been the most beautiful experience.” 

Although Villarreal’s culinary journey started early in life, it wasn’t until her husband’s sudden passing in 2009, that she decided to pursue a college degree in the field, enrolling at STC and eventually graduating with an associate degree in Culinary Arts in 2012. 

“I wanted a college education and to achieve a college degree that would make me more credible in the culinary world,” she said. “I wanted this to be an example for my daughter so she could see it’s never too late, and to be a professional in my craft. STC has helped make it all happen.”

The journey wasn’t always easy for Villarreal, who was a single mom, working and attending classes. 

Doubts in herself and her abilities would sneak in every so often, but she credits former STC Culinary Arts instructor Chef Emma Crepes with helping her see the value in her skills.  

“I was nervous, intimidated even, because I didn’t know a lot of English, but Emma told me something that hit hard and has stuck with me ever since,” she said. “She told me ‘Food doesn’t have a language,’ this changed my life forever.”

With advice from Crepes and her other instructors, keeping in mind that food has a universal language, Villarreal went on to excel in the program. 

Immediately after graduating from STC, Villarreal took a general manager role at Villa and created three of their most iconic salsas: El Ostion Endiablad, La Ranita Habanera and El Sirenito,but with her duties focused more on the administrative side of the restaurant, Villarreal needed to find an outlet that would allow her to practice her true passion: cooking. 

“Cooking is what I want to be doing; creating dishes that can be enjoyed by many,” she said. “This is why La Casa de mi Abuelawas created. It was supposed to be a small side project.” 

Creating a line of ready-made stews that grew in popularity within the Rio Grande Valley community, Villarreal and Martinez took a few of their popular dishes such as Rajas Poblanas, Chicharron Prensadoand Papas Picositasand entered them into H-E-B’s annual Quest for the Texas Best contest. 

So, in 2021, La Casa de mi Abuelafinished in the top 20 out of more than 1,200 entries in the contest, allowing the stews to make it to the shelves of more than 20 local grocery stores across the Rio Grande Valley, including five H-E-Bs. 

“We are so proud, yet humbled of how far we’ve come,” said Villarreal. “We created this product to help families with busy lifestyles still enjoy home cooking and to know they’re popular among our community and that we continue to grow is surreal.” 

Villarreal and Martinez research, create and test every one of their products within their food manufacturing business, produce cooking shows on YouTube and are in the process of opening a store front and restaurant.

“Getting to where we are today hasn’t always been easy, but together, we’ve created something great that has supported and inspired our family, and it all started for me at STC,” said Villarreal. “There’s nowhere to go but up. It’s been a beautiful journey with my daughter, and we’re excited about what’s to come and to continue filling homes with the flavors of La Casa de mi Abuela.”

For more information on STC’s Culinary Arts program, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/culinary-arts/.

Mayor Villalobos Proposes Tax Relief for McAllen Citizens

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Mayor Villalobos Proposes Tax Relief for McAllen Citizens
Pictured above, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos who took office on June 14, 2021. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Pictured above, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos who took office on June 14, 2021. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

During the commissioner’s meeting on Monday, June 27, 2022, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos proposed tax relief for McAllen residents. This morning, he told Texas Border Business the city has worked under a tight budget and is being frugal with spending, but the city has done well. “A couple of weeks ago, we gave our employees a bit of assistance.” He said, “I have directed our city manager to look into the possibility of a little tax relief.  I am hoping and think we may be able to do it.”

Video taken from the City Commission meeting. Courtesy City of McAllen

Mayor Villalobos mentioned that the meeting had a lot of essential items for discussion, among them, this one item was the most important. 

He added that city management, employees, and commissioners had worked diligently during times of inflation and other issues. “Our task is to ensure taxpayers’ money is managed properly.” 

The mechanism to come out with a tax relief consists of the same. “Tight management continues to ensure that my proposed tax relief is acceptable for our 2023 budget.” He continued, “That means every department is fully staffed, but not overstaffed.”

From the beginning of his tenure as mayor, Villalobos has shown that he is a conservative and fiscally responsible. “That is why we have to look at every aspect of our budget, and even if it’s a small tax cut, that would mean at least a little bit of relief for our residents.”

Villalobos believes that management can make it work. “I think the rest of the commission will support it.”

As he explained, he is not in favor of raising taxes to create relief. “People know I have fought tax hikes, and I will continue to do so.”

He emphasized that the tax relief he is recommending is a small one. “It cannot be a big tax relief because we have to consider the size of our municipality and the services provided need to continue to be excellent and efficient as always.” 

“We have the best police department, the best fire department, the best streets, water, and sewer systems. We have the best of everything. And to keep the same level of services, of course, we must keep up with a certain amount of revenue stream coming in.”

He noted that appraisals keep going up, and people will generally be paying a little bit of an increase everywhere. “If we can reduce it a little bit and do our part, it will benefit the community.” 

Villalobos pointed out that city management and commission will start working on the 2023 budget in a few weeks. “We will get all the numbers from the appraisal district, expenses, and estimated revenues. Then we can figure out what we can do, but I strongly believe that we will have the commission’s support, and with management’s hard work, we will be able to do it.”

According to Mayor Villalobos, what prompted the idea of the tax relief is the overall inflation causing so much pain to McAllen’s residents. “We, as a city, have done well. We should extend the benefit to our residents.”

“It’s almost impossible to lower rates generally, but now and then if we can, we should.  I think we can,” Mayor Villalobos finalized.

Additional $105.5 Million For School Safety, Mental Health Initiatives

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Additional $105.5 Million For School Safety, Mental Health Initiatives
Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, Senate Finance Committee Chair Joan Huffman, and House Appropriations Chair Dr. Greg Bonnen announced the transfer of $105.5 million to support additional school safety and mental health initiatives through August 31, 2023. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, Senate Finance Committee Chair Joan Huffman, and House Appropriations Chair Dr. Greg Bonnen announced the transfer of $105.5 million to support additional school safety and mental health initiatives through August 31, 2023. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, Senate Finance Committee Chair Joan Huffman, and House Appropriations Chair Dr. Greg Bonnen announced the transfer of $105.5 million to support additional school safety and mental health initiatives through August 31, 2023. This additional funding will boost actions the State of Texas has already taken to make schools safer and support the mental health of children, teachers, and families following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

$100.5 million will be transferred to state agencies and programs to enhance school safety and mental health services in Uvalde and throughout Texas. The funding will provide:

  • $50 million for bullet-resistant shields;
  • $5.8 million to expand the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) statewide;
  • $4.7 million to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to increase Multisystemic Therapy (MST) across the state;
  • $950,000 to HHSC to expand Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) teams across the state;
  • $7 million for rapid response training by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center and $3 million for local law enforcement agencies to offset travel expenditures associated with the training; 
  • $7 million to the Texas School Safety Center for on-site campus assessments to evaluate access control measures;
  • $17.1 million for school districts to purchase silent panic alert technology; and
  • $5 million to the Texas Department of Public Safety to expand fusion center research and capabilities.

State leadership also approved up to $5 million to be used by the Hill Country Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) Center to assist in evaluating mental health services in the Uvalde community and preparing a needs assessment for the legislature. 

“The State of Texas is acting swiftly to ensure our schools are secure and that children, teachers, and families across Texas have the support and resources they need to be safe as we work to prevent future tragedies like the heinous crime committed in Uvalde,” said Governor Abbott. “Our communities – urban and rural – are stronger when Texans are safe and healthy, and I thank my partners in the legislature for quickly addressing the need to expand critical mental health and school safety initiatives in the Lone Star State.” 

“With the new school year starting in a few short months, it is of paramount importance that we provide this funding to improve school safety and mental health services,” said Lieutenant Governor Patrick. “A few weeks ago, I said I wanted to ensure we provided bullet-resistant shields to our schools as soon as we could. Schools must be equipped with all the tools they need to protect our students. This funding will also address important mental health care issues. In the upcoming session, we will build on the $100 million we appropriated in 2019 after the Santa Fe tragedy, for these issues, and more.”

“Funding these much-needed initiatives marks the first of many steps that we will take at the legislature to respond to the horrific events in Uvalde and prevent another tragedy like this from happening again,” said Speaker Phelan. “Important policy discussions and debates remain on how the legislature will tackle issues such as school safety, mental health, firearm safety and more, but this important first step will ensure that action is taken and implemented before school starts again in August. The Texas House looks forward to working more on these issues in the coming months and throughout the 88th Legislature beginning in January.”

“Immediately providing over $100 million in additional support for mental health and school safety initiatives will ensure these additional resources are available prior to the 2022 – 2023 school year,” said Senator Huffman, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “However, this additional financial support is not the end, as the legislature will continue to prioritize these initiatives during the next budget cycle.”

“In response to the recent tragedy that struck Uvalde, today the legislature has taken action to provide funding for necessary mental health services and school safety resources,” said Dr. Bonnen, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “Continuing on the investments made throughout past sessions, this commitment will ensure additional telehealth services are quickly available to more school-aged children both within the Uvalde community and across the state. This comprehensive approach to mental health services and enhanced school safety resources will ensure that actions are undertaken prior to the start of the school year, with a continued conversation and additional funding to be provided during the upcoming legislative session.”

Read the proposal letter from state leadership and the approval letter from the Governor. 

Governor Abbott has taken significant action to provide all available resources to support the Uvalde community following the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School. Those actions include:

  • Initiating the State of Texas’ comprehensive plan to assist and support members of the community, including co-locating state agency representatives to the Family Assistance Center for on-hand assistance in finding benefits.
  • Issuing a disaster declaration to accelerate all available state and local resources to assist the Uvalde community.
  • Requesting Texas legislative leaders convene special legislative committees to begin examining and developing legislative recommendations on school safety, mental health, social media, police training, firearm safety, and more. 
  • Directing the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to begin immediately conducting comprehensive school safety reviews to ensure all Texas public schools are following the appropriate procedures to maximize school safety.
  • Directing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide strategies to make Texas public schools safer through heightened safety standards.
  • Instructing the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) programs to provide training to all school districts across the state, prioritizing school-based law enforcement.
  • Directing TEA, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to expand and accelerate the ability to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas reporting system.
  • Investing an initial $5 million to establish a long-term Family Resiliency Center in Uvalde County to serve as a hub for community services, including access to critical mental health resources.
  • Working with the OneStar Foundation to create a one-stop webpage for donations to support the victims’ families, teachers, and the Uvalde community.
  • Directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to ensure all children in Uvalde have access to behavioral health resources and community support.
  • Directing TEA to create a new Chief of School Safety and Security position within the agency. 
  • Urging the Texas District & County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) to increase lie-and-try prosecutions of people who lie on information provided for gun background checks.

CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Indecency with a Child at Anzalduas International Bridge

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CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Indecency with a Child at Anzalduas International Bridge
CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry. USCBP Image
CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

MISSION, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Anzalduas International Bridge apprehended Jesus Maria Velazquez Guerra, a male Mexican citizen and lawful permanent U.S. resident from Lasara, Texas wanted for indecency with a child. 

“CBP is committed to bringing those wanted individuals in to face their day in court, especially those wanted for heinous crimes such as sexual offenses against children,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

On June 26, 2022, 77-year-old Jesus Maria Velazquez Guerra arrived from Mexico at the Anzalduas International Bridge and a CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering Velazquez was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant from Willacy County Sheriff’s Office. Velazquez had an outstanding warrant stemming from allegations from an incident earlier this month. He is charged with two counts of indecency with a child, a second-degree felony in the State of Texas.

A Mission police officer arrived to take custody of Velazquez and transported him to the county jail.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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