By David A. Diaz Legislative Media
Rep. Canales lays out option for TSTC to expand into Hidalgo County
House Bill 382 which requires the South Texas College leadership to create a plan to expand courses leading to associate degrees in Edcouch or Elsa by Fall 2019 cleared the final hurdle on Saturday June 20 after Gov. Greg Abbott took no action on the measure which meant it automatically became state law.
The governors decision not to veto the measure which was approved on Sunday May 31 by the Texas Legislature was hailed by Rep. Terry Canales D-Edinburg who is the House author of the legislation. Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. D-Brownsville is the Senate sponsor of the new law.
The governor resisted calls from the South Texas College Board of Trustees and its president Dr. Shirley Reed who had opposed HB 382 who wanted him to kill the bill with a veto.
On Friday June 19 Canales called on Abbott to support the legislation which the governor did by refusing to veto the bill.
The support for HB 382 is documented and widespread and it sends a very clear message that South Texas College has a responsibility to spread its resources throughout Hidalgo County just as other major community college systems in Texas such as Austin Community College which has 11 campuses in a geographic region much smaller than Hidalgo County" said Canales.
The Delta Region which features Edcouch Elsa La Villa Monte Alto and San Carlos is connected by East Highway 107 between Edinburg and Weslaco.
HB 382 states that the board of trustees of the South Texas Community College District shall adopt and implement a plan expanding opportunity for instructional programs consisting of postsecondary courses leading to an associate degree offered in a classroom setting within the corporate city limits of the municipality of Edcouch or Elsa."
In addition to Canales serving as the primary House author of HB 382 joining him as joint authors for the STC Delta Region effort were Rep. Ryan Guilln D-Rio Grande City Rep. scar Longoria Jr. D-La Joya Rep. Eddie Lucio III D-San Benito and Rep. Armando Mando" Martnez D-Weslaco.
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Endorses HB382
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg which is one of the states most influential business medical and public service organizations is also asking Abbott to sign HB 382 into law.
In a letter dated June 3 DHRs chief executive officer Israel Rocha Jr. himself a proud graduate of the Delta Regions Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District rallied support for expanding STC into that portion of the county.
I know first-hand the incredible talent that can be found in these communities as well as well as the growing need that exists for investing in education and training programs for the benefit of residents that do not have the resources or the ability to obtain an education" Rocha wrote Abbott. The Delta Region (has) historically had few opportunities to grow talent locally. Our hospital firmly believes that is important to expand and support our community colleges that serve as the gateway to better jobs and as a step toward further education opportunities."
He noted that DHR currently employs more than 4000 individuals from across South Texas paying an average of $24 per hour plus benefits. But such a skilled professional workforce must have access to higher education.
As we continue to grow our health system we need more nurses medical technicians and other allied health professionals who can help us deliver the best care here at home" Rocha explained. That is why we strongly support any effort to increase educational opportunities in this region and across the Rio Grande Valley."
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Rep. Terry Canales D-Edinburg represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County. HD 4o includes portions or all of Edinburg Elsa Faysville La Blanca Linn Lpezville McAllen Pharr San Carlos and Weslaco. He may be reached at his House District Office in Edinburg at (956) 383-0860 or at the Capitol at (512) 463-0426.
