Hispanic Heritage Month

Dear Friends,

This weekend marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, the national recognition and celebration of Hispanic culture and the contributions of Hispanic Americans in the United States. The commemoration lasts from September 15 to October 15 every year. This celebration is particularly important to the Rio Grande Valley because of our large Hispanic population and our significant contribution to the growth of Texas. The 2010 Census numbers indicate that Hispanics in Texas accounted for 65% of our State's population growth in the last ten years, with much of this growth occurring in South Texas.

However, the Hispanic population has suffered in many ways as a result of the 82nd Legislative Session. Most noticeably, the current redistricting plan negatively impacts Hispanic voters, despite such a tremendous increase in the Hispanic population. The redistricting maps were drawn statewide so as not to allow for the creation of minority opportunity districts, including Hidalgo County, where an additional state representative and congressional seat could have easily been added.

My own current district, District 41, was redrawn by the Legislature to include less than 2% of my original district. However, I am committed to continue the fight to ensure that the Valley receives adequate funding and a strong voice in our State’s decision making. This is why I have chosen to run in my newly-created district, District 40, which includes parts of Pharr, Edinburg, Hidalgo, San Juan, Linn and San Manuel.

Hispanics will continue to suffer as the effects of the 2010 election and 2011 legislative session budget cuts are implemented. Higher education grant programs were severely cut by $1 billion, while the financial aid program TEXAS Grants was reduced by about $59 million compared to the last biennium. Of the thousands of students who benefit statewide from these programs, the majority are Hispanic. These grants have made college and career goals more attainable for our Hispanic families and by eliminating such a large amount of funding there will be a detrimental effect on our students.

Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to celebrate Hispanic culture but also reminds us that we need to work together to elect lawmakers who will protect the interests of the Hispanic community. Your vote is your political voice, a voice that is the first step in solving our State's education, healthcare and budget problems.

Sincerely,

Veronica Gonzales
District 41