News

by Joey Gomez
Rio Grande Guardian

McALLEN, April 30 - Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick has made history by visiting the Rio Grande Valley and taking the initiative so the region can succeed, said state Rep. Kino Flores, D-Palmview, on the campus of South Texas College on Wednesday.

Flores used a special appreciation event for Craddick by STC, and spoke with trademark frankness on the role the Speaker has played in putting Valley priorities "at the forefront" of Texas policy. STC falls within Flores' District 36.

"I have three pages to read but I'm not going to do that," Flores said, addressing the crowd of STC school officials, state Reps. Veronica Gonzales, D-McAllen, Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, and business leaders.

"I'm going to tell you that this man has made history," Flores said. "When was the last time you had a Speaker of the House in McAllen, Texas? When was the last time you had a Speaker, a Republican, in an 80 percent population that votes Democrat who has taken the initiative so that we can succeed?"

"He (Craddick) has the courage to stand with us, ladies and gentlemen. I have stood with him, and I will continue to stand with him because he has made history because he put our priorities, our children, at the forefront."

The event was an opportunity to say "thank you" to Craddick on behalf of STC for his contribution in helping secure a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree program at the school. Only two other junior colleges in Texas have been as lucky, Midland and Brazosport.

Craddick was also praised for helping restore $157 million for community employee health insurance. The funding was vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry at the end of the last legislative session.

"He has done many things for the College, all the way from the founding of the college, our funding, and today we are thanking him for two major contributions," said STC President Shirley Reed.

"It's not about Democrats or Republicans, it's about everybody working together for the betterment of the Valley," Reed said. "He knew that our economic development depends on having highly skilled technicians. Second, after Gov. Rick Perry vetoed health insurance, he played a very active role in getting that reversed and getting commitment with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, that funding will be reversed."

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