During the last stop of the day at VFW Post 6290, a delegation of Woodsboro residents, led by Tony Abila and his brothers, presented the congressman with a petition.
Signed by more than 300 Woodsboro residents, the group asked the congressman to assist the community to alleviate the arsenic in its municipal water supply, which remains above state safety guidelines.
“I promise I will give you a written answer,” Hinojosa said.
The congressman said his constituents in Refugio County and in the Valley benefited from the stimulus package. Of the $867 billion targeted to the program to jump-start the economy, $860 million already has been contracted and awarded to the 15th Congressional District.
“That is a very substantial amount,” he said. “When all is bid out, we should have $1 1/2 to $1.3 billion in contracts in these 12 counties.”
County Judge Rene Mascorro weighed in on the congressman’s interest in the county and his help.
“From day one, you’re probably the most visible congressman we’ve ever had,” Mascorro said.
Although the county does not represent a large portion of the congressman’s district, the judge said, “we appreciate the way you care just as much for Refugio County.”
The first stop on the tour was Woodsboro ISD where Hinojosa received details of the $1.3 million all-purpose dome set for construction in the near future and funded largely through a FEMA grant.
“I’m impressed, this is a really nice project,” Hinojosa said.
One of the key supporters of WISD’s grant request for the dome, Hinojosa pledged to continue to support WISD’s efforts to upgrade the school.
“The grant has been a lifesaver,” said Robbie Thomas, school board president.
Although categorized on the FEMA grant as a shelter, Superintendent Steven Self said, “We’ll get use out of it every day.”
The representative pointed out that Texas schools that were once considered poor schools changed status and are now considered rich school districts with the increase in oil and gas revenues.
“Some of these schools are having to turn money back to the state when they have not been updated in years,” said Judy McAda, the representative’s local assistant.
After a meeting with the board, the representative met with high school students in the auditorium, visited Refugio Memorial Hospital’s Wellness Center, Refugio High School and ended up with a meet and greet the candidates at VFW Post 6290.
“Our country needs all of you to go to college,” Hinojosa told the high school students. “The higher your education, the higher your salary and fringe benefits will be.”
Hinojosa worked to get a bill passed to make Pell grants easier to obtain.
“This is the largest investment since the GI Bill,” he said. “We want to make sure you have every opportunity to go to college.”
He ended the visit by challenging the high school students set lofty goals to step in his shoes and walk the halls of Congress to continue his work.
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