[Snapshots] Armadillos, Resolutions and Hotdogs!

Check out these shots from the Helotes Health and Wellness Fair on March 22nd!

Over 100 people came for free health screenings, dinner, music and more. Thank you to everyone who participated and our wonderful community sponsors!

From the top:

Our intern Stephanie, dressed as an armadillo, shows visitors the right place to turn.

Rep. Garza delivers a resolution in honor of Mayor Tom Schoolcraft in front of the Helotes City Hall.

Artist Ryan Forester draws one of many caricatures.

Our intern Leighton stands in front of City Hall dressed as Harry the Hemoglobin to welcome visitors.

Delicious hotdogs grilled by Legislative Assistant Karson Nance were a part of the free meal served by Garza staff members.

Rally Against the HHS Mandate on March 23rd

Cities Nationwide to Rally Against the Health and Human Services Mandate

Representative John V. Garza to Participate, Pledges Support

San Antonio, TX- When President Obama’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandate first came to light, the Latino National Republican Coalition immediately responded with the Faith and Freedom First Rally on Feb. 18. Rep. Garza, who opposes the mandate, pledged his support for the February rally and now plans to do so again. On March 23rd, the “Stand Up for Religious Freedom- Stop the HHS Mandate!” rally will take place in over 100 cities nationwide to show united opposition against the mandate and its narrow exemption addition. The rally is organized by Citizens for a Pro-Life Society and the Pro-Life Action League, and Rep. Garza will be one of thousands who show their support.

“We will not tolerate attacks on our faith,” Rep. Garza said. “We will not surrender our freedom of religion. That is why I plan to participate in this rally and why I encourage other to do so as well.”

The Stand Up for Religious Freedom Coalition will participate as well. The Coalition is protesting the mandate because of “the federal government’s definition of what constitutes a religious institution through the narrowly constructed ‘exemption’ to the HHS Mandate, a definition which is both false and beyond the federal government’s authority to make” and “that religious institutions, even after President Obama’s so-called ‘accommodation,’ are being forced to facilitate contraception, sterilizations and abortion-inducing drugs through the health plans they are mandated to provide.”

Jobs are coming to District 117!

Schlumberger North America has opened a new operations facility in southern Bexar County. Schlumberger, one of the world’s biggest oil companies, has invested $19 million into the area to be closer to the Eagle Ford Shale oil reservoir. The company is expected to hire 100 new employees over the coming months and already employs 400 people.

The Eagle Ford Shale oil boom means incredible opportunity for both San Antonio and the smaller cities that surround it. I’m excited about the new jobs, and because I represent District 117, I urge companies to invest in the area in a way that establishes healthy communities for years to come. Regional planning must include roads, power, water and sewer improvements. That way the infrastructure of the small rural towns that surround San Antonio and the Eagle Ford Shale area can handle the population boom and support long-term industry.

Another important part of the growth process is creating enough family housing. Oil fields have experienced a rapid increase in vice crimes and drug abuse in the past. Encouraging families to move with their newly hired family member can help prevent history from repeating itself. More families also means a bigger population boost and increased tax revenue, especially for small rural areas.

Schlumberger is a great example of the new jobs and increased revenue this oil boom will bring us. We have an opportunity like never before. By 2020, the Eagle Ford Shale play is expected to employ close to 68,000 people and generate over $20 billion in revenue. I’d like to see the increased funds used to build more medical facilities and renovate institutions of higher education, since diversifying investment means more economic stability for future generations. Really, the opportunities are endless. I thank Schlumberger for choosing to invest here, and I look forward to what the future will bring.

(Map created and owned by the San Antonio Express-News)

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