Cuellar enters race for 28 th Congressional District

 

Henry Cuellar

 

Laredoan Henry Cuellar, former seven-term member of the Texas House of Representatives and former Texas Secretary of State, challenges Democratic incumbent Ciro Rodriguez for the new 28th Congressional District in the March 9 primary election.

Cuellar said he seeks the Democratic nomination to continue his fight at the federal level to ensure that district residents receive the representation they deserve.

Raised by migrant farm workers, Cuellar worked his way through Georgetown University in Washington, DC before going on to earn a master's degree, law degree, and Ph.D. "My parents always instilled in me that with hard work and determination, I could overcome any obstacle. I want every child in the 28th District -- regardless of their background -- to have the opportunity and help from their congressman to realize the American dream of getting an education, buying a home, building a family, and securing their future," said Cuellar.

"As a state representative for 14 years, I fought to bring improved funding for education, healthcare, and economic development in the district I represented," said Cuellar. "If elected to Congress in the 28 th District, I will continue to work hard and produce real results in these same areas."

Cuellar served on the powerful Texas House of Representatives Appropriations Committee for 10 years and as chair of the Subcommittee on Education. Under his leadership, higher and public education received the highest increase in funding of all state programs, giving students increased access to a quality education. Cuellar also authored the $325 million TEXAS Grant, the largest scholarship program in the history of Texas .

"As your congressman, I will deliver increased funding to middle-class working families who are trying to send their children to college," said Cuellar. "And working with local community leaders, we will direct more federal dollars to aid rural school districts and high-growth school districts."

While serving in the Texas House, Cuellar's proven record of accomplishments in healthcare reached every corner of the state, giving increased access to those who needed it most. This included the creation of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and increased healthcare funding for seniors and rural health providers.

"If elected, I will continue to protect CHIP and expand affordable health insurance for working families," said Cuellar. "I will also earmark more federal dollars for rural hospital districts to help them construct facilities with state-of-the-art medical technology, and ask the Veterans Administration to partner locally to provide veterans with healthcare close to home. We need to end the long drives and the long waits."

Cuellar also plans to focus on economic development to benefit small and family-owned businesses, including farmers and ranchers. "Too many people have lost hope for better jobs and better wages," said Cuellar. "We must reduce the tax burden on these enterprises and combat pointless policies that rob us of true economic development."

The new 28th District is comprised of Atascosa, Bexar (part), Comal (part), Frio, Guadalupe, Hays (part), La Salle, McMullen, Webb (part), Wilson, and Zapata counties.

Cuellar is married to the former Imelda Rios of Laredo , and is the father of two daughters, Christina Alexandra, 10, and Catherine Ann, 6.

To learn more about Cuellar's accomplishments and priorities, visit www.henrycuellar.com or call the campaign headquarters at (956) 724.1212.