In The News
Merged RGV University to Walk Long Road Toward National Status
McALLEN — The new regional university for South Texas could mean much more than the creation of a medical school for the Rio Grande Valley, but the road to potential national status won’t come immediately. If University of Texas System leaders have their way, the merger between UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville will bring about a national-level research institution — complete with academic and economic multipliers as well as more funding sources. The status is coveted by Texas lawmakers because there are only three Tier One schools in the state. The UT System on Monday said it would not...
Democrats Applaud Obama’s Immigration Speech; Texas Republicans Remain Skeptical
Both Democrats and Republicans were watching President Obama’s immigration speech very closely today. But after the low-key bipartisanship of Monday, Tuesday brought a campaign-style Obama event and a skeptical GOP response.
Valley Democratic Congressmen Support Fiscal Cliff Deal
The Rio Grande Valley’s two sitting Democratic congressmen applauded a last-minute deal to avoid the fiscal cliff but suggested another contentious fight on Capitol Hill could put them on a rocky road for the next two years.
Newly elected Latino legislators Urged to Seize Moment on Reform
The U.S. Congress has had quite a rocky time of late, and in recent polls Americans have given pretty dismal marks to the increasingly polarized House and Senate. Today’s newly sworn-in Latino legislators say they are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work, and political observers say these new legislators don’t have a choice.
Education Budget Focuses on College Affordability
Higher Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Ruben Hinojosa urges Republican Chairman to not let student loan interest rates rise in July.
Modest Cuts in Obama Budget
Congressman Hinojosa is still looking for ways to retain the mission of the Kika de la Garza Subtropical Research Center in Weslaco.
Congressman, city leaders mull strategies for getting truck traffic to Donna bridge
Congressman Hinojosa and local officials look for creative solutions that will bring commercial traffic to the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge in the near future.
Hispanic Members Urge FTC Scrutiny of Express Scripts - MEDCO Merger
Congressman Hinojosa expresses concern about proposed merger's impact on health care access for low-income families.
U.S. House Votes to Ease Restrictions on For-Profit Colleges
Congressman Hinojosa votes against lifting some federal restrictions on U.S. aid to students who attend for-profit colleges and universities.