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Pete Gallego
-Washington DC
This thing we call "The Sequester" is a manufactured monster.
Approximately two years ago, the 112th Congress passed extreme across-the-board cuts known as sequestration. This budget measure was designed to be so drastic that it was supposed to force a bipartisan compromise on reducing the deficit. All sides seem to agree that the cuts were never meant to happen.
As we now know, there was no compromise. Partisan gridlock got in the way of good public policy. On March 1, 2013, sequestration took effect. It threatens the future of Texas families and the economic prosperity of our state. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, sequestration would cut economic growth in 2013 by one-third. A report from the House Committee on Appropriations projected a loss of 2.14 million jobs, nearly half of which would come from small businesses.
A 2012 George Mason University study estimated that Texas could lose almost 160,000 jobs. Data compiled by the Pew Charitable Trusts shows that in the area of defense, Texas would be among the hardest hit. Of particular importance to this committee today, is the impact of the sequester on border security, trade, and commerce.
Staff
-Eagle Pass
In recent days, the Eagle Pass Police Department have received new information which is important to be able to clear up the disappearance of Patricia Casares who was last seen in January of 2009. Chief Antonio Castañeda informed The News Gram that they are working with this new information, but do not have any new details in the case. He added that the department has received diverse information through phone calls, letters and such and that all this information is being treated seriously, but unfortunately, all the information received is not all true. There is a detective assigned to this case and there is still a $10,000.00 reward for the person who can provide the information to locate her. She was last seen leaving work at the Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center, minutes later she disappeared at 44 years of age. Her green Dodge Durango was found abandoned at the parking lot of a store on Bibb Ave. During all this time, the EPPD has bee working on this case with hopes of one day getting information that can help solve this case. Her family and friends have been awaiting some kind of resolution, unfortunately as of now, it has not been determined how or why she disappeared.
Staff
-Eagle Pass
On Friday, March 1st, Eliaz Maldonado tendered his letter of resignation as Commissioner of Precinct 1 which he has held since 2005.
Maldonado turned in his letter to County Judge David Saucedo.
He stated that it was a difficult decision, but one he felt he needed to make.
He added that he will focus his attentions on his upcoming federal court hearing in Del Rio.
Maldonado and Rudy Heredia were suspended from their duties by visiting District Judge Dick Alcala who replaced them with interim Commissioners Javier Libson and Daniela Flores-Aleman.
Maldonado has served for almost eight years and feels that he did all he could for the constituents of Precinct 1 trying to provide services for the community, to help low-income families and to complete important projects.
Among these projects was the construction of Lopitegui Park in Las Quintas, the construction of the water park at Maverick County Lake, and other events such his annual Christmas toy drives among many others.
He tried to do the most he could with the funds available.
Maldonado and Heredia face federal charges of having participated in a kick back and bribery scheme in Maverick County.