July 4th is about celebrating an idea and a dream that became a nation.
The Declaration of Independence is the document at the center of our festivities. It is the document – along with the Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation – that Americans hold dearest to their hearts. But like those documents, its power is felt across the globe by all who demand freedom. Continue Reading »
Senator Eddie Lucio Jr., published in the Austin American-Statesman
The reaction to Gov. Rick Perry’s proposal of a budget compact has been a mixture of deference, derision and doublespeak.
The governor has outlined some noble goals that the Texas Legislature would do well to bind itself to — such as truth in budgeting and preserving a strong rainy day fund . Ultimately, though, I believe the governor has a good idea upside down. Continue Reading »
One of the Valley’s proudest legislative moments happened nine years ago, when the Regional Academic Health Center first opened the doors of its Medical Education Division in Harlingen. For many Texas doctors, an education that started in central Texas could now finish in the Valley. Continue Reading »
On March 1, the state of Texas changed the way that Medicaid operates in the Rio Grande Valley. Under the new law, which I have consistently voted against, the state offloads Medicaid patients to participating health care companies who co-ordinate their benefits on the cheap. This new system, referred to as “managed care”, is a big change that has led to big problems. Continue Reading »
Recently, I was privileged to speak before the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, sharing with them the effect that faith has had upon my role as a public official. Continue Reading »
In 1937, during the great depression and amidst rumors of war, the people of Brownsville searched for a way to liven up both their spirits and the town. The result, in 1938 was the first Charro Days festival. In the same spirit, the Brownsville community has annually designated somebody “Mr Amigo” since 1964 – a Mexican citizen who has contributed relations between the United States and our southern neighbor. Finally, in 1986, the Sombrero Festival was founded, adding even more color, music and food to Charro Days. Continue Reading »
As a young man, I grew up during a time of social change and global upheaval, characterized by a young President, John F. Kennedy, and major legislative achievements. The elections of 1960 and 1964 were pivotal events in American History. The Voting Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act if 1965 held American states accountable to the constitution. Opportunity was affirmed throughout the Union. Continue Reading »
Senator Eddie Lucio Jr., published in the Brownsville Herald
We can all agree that Christmas is a time of competing forces. It is a time for spiritual contemplation and yet there is so much planning and organizing to be done. It is a time for family – for meals and merriment – and yet so many remain alone and hungry. “Christ’s Mass” is a religious festival and yet so many people seem to have overlooked this. Continue Reading »
This Halloween, millions of children across the United States will be putting on a costume and going door to door in search of candy. Though most of them have already planned their outfit, I want to suggest an idea for the undecided how about going as the Texas state budget? Continue Reading »
Higher Education has always been a guiding passion during my tenure as a state Senator.
Over the years, I have been privileged to witness the budding growth of Texas A&M Kingsville, the University of Texas at Brownsville, the University of Texas-Pan American and the Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen. Continue Reading »
