Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

February 1, 2010

Dear Friends:

On January 4th, the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County officially launched the 2010 Census campaign. The 2010 Census is a count of every person living in the United States and includes people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens.

The census is important to our community and its results affect a wide range of areas such as funding and political representation.

It is important that each of us complete the census form so that we can ensure our community will get its fair share of vital funding. A complete count of the city and county ensures a portion of $400 billion in federal funds to states and local governments to aid community programs, schools, infrastructure and healthcare. In addition, data collected from the census helps determine the apportion of congressional seats to states and redistricting for the state legislature, city council, school districts other political bodies.

In mid-March, households in the area will receive the 2010 Census form by mail. The 10-question form, which is one of the shortest in the history of the census, will ask residents the number of people living in each household as well as their race, age, and whether they own or rent a home. It takes less than 10 minutes and it's easy and confidential.

For more information on the 2010 Census visit www.2010census.gov

U.S. Census 2010 Art Contest!

The Southwest Workers Union has set up an art contest to get the message out about the importance of the census and the need for an accurate count. The theme of the art contest will focus on Texas to encourage participation in the 2010 census and a complete count. The top 30 pieces of artwork will be displayed at the Rendon Photography & Fine Art Gallery in San Antonio, TX with the opportunity to sell your artwork.

For more information on the entry details and deadline, contact Daniela Santoni with the Southwest Workers Union at (210) 299-2666.

Register to Vote Deadline!

Today, February 1st is the voter registration deadline. With the 2010 primary elections on March 2nd and 19 days away from early voting, please be sure to exercise your civic right by registering to vote. To register, residents can pick up a voter registration form at the county voter registrar's office located at the Nueces County Courthouse.

For more voting information, visit the Texas Secretary of State's website or contact the Nueces County Voting Registrar's Office at (361) 888-0404.

Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding Hearing

The House Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding will hold its first interim hearing on Wednesday, February 10th at 1 p.m. in room E1.014 of the Texas State Capitol. The hearing will review ongoing development of federal rules and regulations provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA) and evaluate the impact of those funds on the state's economy. The committee will also review the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' Weatherization Assistance Program, which received increased funding from AARA. The methodology used to distribute funds and the program's effectiveness will also be examined.

Committee hearings are open to the public or may be watched on-line via the State of Texas House website.

Mark your Calendars for Saturday, February 27th!

On Saturday, February 27th, I will be hosting a Veterans' Resources Fair from 11-2 p.m. at the Del Mar Economic Development Center. Meet representatives from the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Veterans Land Board and many other Veterans organizations to learn about the services they provide.

I will keep you updated as more information develops.

This weeks featured non-profit organization

Good Samaritan Rescue Mission

The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission is a 203-bed homeless shelter located at 210 S. Alameda between Six Points and City Hall. Established in 1953, it is the largest and oldest privately funded shelter for the homeless in this region of the state. The Good Samaritan provides food, shelter, clothing, employment, medical care, spiritual counseling, and community supportive services to the homeless population in our area. With almost 3,000 homeless in the area, Good Sam operates eleven ministry areas such as emergency shelter dormitory beds, private rooms, hot meals, a coffee house, a general store, labor force program and many more.

For more information on the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission visit their website.

If you want your local non-profit featured on our eblast, please call us at (361) 906-7027.

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