A.D. Ibarra

-Eagle Pass

Local leaders convened at the new JAC (Joint Assistance Center) at Eagle Pass Junior High which will now serve as the headquarters for all people seeking assistance from state and federal programs in the wake of flooding which overcame an large area of our community last weekend.

"We want to thank the members of the media who have been a very important part of this process," stated Maverick County Judge David Saucedo before a large crowd of mass media at the secondary school, "we will now be here in a centralized location to facilitate flood relief victims access to aid and for more information relating to these services, Mayor Cantú will address you."

"We are now in transition and we are centralizing ourselves in order to better monitor the distribution of aid and assistance for resources to be given to those that need it," added the city leader, "We'd like to thank all of the outreach agencies who have come to our assistance.  In terms of housing for these victims, the Eagle Pass Housing Authority will be assessing the needs of people who have already applied for Section A housing, and may even move you up on the waiting list if you live in affected areas."

Forms can be filled out at EPJ and the Southern Baptist Mud-Out Crews, CASSE is also here to fill out applications and the county commissioners from affected areas are passing out cleaning kits to home who are in need.  TDHCA has funding for appliances and mattresses, but you need to come by to apply.

St. Vincent De Paul has come to provide assistance and are taking applications as well and will distribute gift cards to those in need.

The city and county continue picking up debris, but residents are asked to separate the debris, by wood and even dead animals which need to be taken to their proper disposal place to assist Public Works and the MC Road & Bridge Department.

Judge Saucedo added that The Church of Latter Day Saints has been graciously donating their time and efforts which include the distribution of hygiene kits and bottled water.

He said there was talk of residents not getting their kits and other stories of abuse which he said should diminish with now that the aid station has been centralized.

"We've been working with outside communitites such as Val Verde County, Kinney, Dimmit and Zavala who have sent assistance to aid in clean-up efforts and we really appreciate their initiative."

An account is being set up at First National Bank under the name Mission Border Hope and Mayor Cantú stated that it would be under Eagle Pass/Maverick County Disaster Relief Fund where monetary donations can be made.

Sheriff Tom Schmerber was asked if curfews were still in effect to which he responded, "Curfews are from 7:00-10:00 PM.  Do not go to  see the disaster site, this is causing problems.  Sheriff Boyd from Dimmitt County has sent deputies to assist us in surveillance to deter looting in these areas and in areas such as Las Quintas.  If anyone sees anything out of the ordinary, please let us know at 773-2321."

"There was looting on the second day, so if you don't belong there, stay away."

Sheriff Schmerber, Chief Deputy Rick Fuentes and their staff were very instrumental in rescue efforts on Saturday morning and are to be commended along with all other agencies who assisted such as the EPISD, the US Border Patrol, Regional Emergency Operations, Texas Parks and Wildlife, EPFD, plus the many volunteers who may not yet be known, but whose exploits will soon come to light as there was no loss of life in this incredible disaster.

Kickoff Events in Austin, Dallas, and Houston Mark 100 Days Until Open Enrollment Starts

AUSTIN, TX – With open enrollment in the new health insurance marketplaces just 100 days away, Enroll America – the nation’s leading healthcare enrollment coalition – is launching the Get Covered America campaign in Texas to start a conversation with consumers about the benefits of health coverage and the new health care options they’ll have starting October 1^st.

 
“This fall, affordable health insurance will finally be available to the millions of Americans who need it, and we’re here to spread the word to people in Texas, to let them know what their options are and how they can enroll,” said Mimi Garcia, Texas State Director for Enroll America. “We’ll be engaging consumers across Texas, by knocking on doors, gathering folks together at information sessions, and working with local organizations and community centers. We have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers in place who are committed to making sure that come October, people across Texas will have the information and tools they need to choose an affordable health care plan that works best for their families.”

 
As a result of the Affordable Care Act, a new Health Insurance Marketplace will open in Texas that will allow Texans to compare prices and shop for health insurance – by phone, on-line, or in-person.  The insurance plans offered through the Marketplace will cover doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, prescriptions and more.  And there will be financial assistance available for many Texans. 

 
Get Covered America has staff and volunteers on the ground in Texas engaging people directly by going door-to-door, talking to consumers at places like grocery stores and community centers, and working with local organizations – like community health centers, places of worship, and schools - to get the word out about the new Marketplace.  A central component of the Get Covered America effort will be engagement with young people, key minority communities, and women.  The campaign will partner with groups like the Center for Public Priorities, Texas Health Institute, Texas Organizing Project, the Austin Sustainable Food Center, Central Health, the United Way for Greater Austin, City Square, the Greater Dallas Community Council, Gateway to Care, and Good Neighbor Healthcare Center.

 
“We at Gateway to Care, and the over 167 organizations we collaborate with on working to improve access to health care resources in the Texas Gulf Coast Region, are excited to be working with Enroll America to prepare for the opportunities related to the Affordable Care Act,” said Ron Cookston, Executive Director, Gateway to Care. “Working with Get Covered will be invaluable to our enrollment effort.  Over several campaigns we have found that neighborhood efforts are more successful when respected public media sources help raise awareness.  Together we will be able to have a significant impact that would be impossible if we each worked separately.”

Kicking off the campaign this week, the Get Covered America team is hosting a national virtual strategy session on Thursday, June 20^th, where interested volunteers will learn about the campaign and how to inform their communities about the enrollment process. On Saturday, June 22^nd, Get Covered America will join Austin City Council Member Mike Martinez for a Press Conference at City Hall Plaza. Also on Saturday, Get Covered America volunteers will be gathering together in Dallas and Houston to talk directly with local residents.  County Judge Clay Jenkins will join Get Covered America volunteers in Dallas.

 
To augment the in-state efforts, the campaign is also launching online and social media communications to help arm consumers with important information they’ll need when they’re shopping for insurance – including where they can go to get unbiased, no-nonsense help signing up for coverage, and how they can find out if they qualify for financial assistance.

Obama Administration releases report detailing work on 23 Executive Actions laid out in January

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Obama Administration released a new progress report detailing the completion of or significant progress on 21 of the 23 executive actions President Obama laid out in January to help reduce gun violence, and the continuing work toward completing all twenty three. At an event at the White House today, Vice President Joe Biden highlighted the significant progress this Administration has made on strengthening the existing background check system, empowering law enforcement, making schools safer, encouraging responsible gun ownership, ending the freeze on gun violence research, preserving the rights of health providers to protect their patients and communities, and improving access to mental health care.

As part of this progress, the Vice President announced the fulfillment of two executive actions. The Departments of Education, Justice (led by the FBI), Homeland Security (led by FEMA), and Health and Human Services are jointly releasing guidance to schools, institutions of higher education, and houses of worship on how to work with first responders and other community partners to plan and prepare for emergencies such as active shooter situations, tornadoes, and earthquakes. 

Additionally, the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice have expanded access to federal training on active shooter situations for law enforcement, first responders, and school officials with additional outreach, new online resources, improved training curricula, exercises with law enforcement at all FBI field offices, and DHS security briefings for 100 school districts across the country.

Additional information can be found via the below links.

PROGRESS REPORT:

Progress Report on Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence Click Here.

FACT SHEETS:
Emergency Management Planning: Click Here.
Training First Responders and Schools on Active Shooter Situations: Click Here.

GUIDES:
Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans: Click Here.
Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education: Click Here.
Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship: Click Here.