Latest news with #CesarJ.Blanco
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Senate OKs modernization of student union at UTEP
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Senate passed a bill that supports the expansion and modernization of the Student Union at the University of Texas at El Paso. House Bill 2853 was sponsored by Sen. Cesar J. Blanco, D-El Paso and authored by Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso. The bill raises the cap on the student union fee, last set in 1987, to help finance the demolition of the current facility and construction of a 'new, modern building better suited to meet the needs of UTEP's growing student population,' Blanco's office said. The student body voted to support the incremental fee increase in a campus-wide referendum in September 2024. Blanco issued the following statement: 'When I was a student at UTEP, the Student Union was where we crammed for exams, organized student events, and grabbed a bite between classes. But even back then, it felt outdated. It's always been the heart of campus, but now it's finally getting the investment it deserves. 'UTEP is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country, and its facilities should reflect that momentum. I'm proud to help bring to life a vision that is shaped by student voices that honors the past while building for the future. This new Union will be a hub for connection and Miner pride for years to come.' Perez issued the following statement: 'The student union facility was built shortly after World War II, and generations of UTEP students have walked its halls, studied in its spaces, and built lifelong memories there. At that time, UTEP was a small institution of just 3,000 students; today, it's a nationally recognized university with an enrollment exceeding 25,000. This bill will deliver the modern, state-of-the-art facility our students need and deserve, supporting their success for generations to come. I'm honored that this was my first bill in the Texas House, and I'm proud to see it successfully through the legislative process. I'm also tremendously grateful to UTEP President Heather Wilson, whose tireless advocacy was instrumental in this bill's passage, and to Senator Blanco, who skillfully shepherded it through the Senate.' House Bill 2853 now heads back to the House for concurrence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senator Blanco passes resolution on designating El Paso as ‘Boot Capital of Texas'
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 29, filed by Senator Cesar J. Blanco to designate El Paso as the 'Boot Capital of Texas,' the Blanco's Office said in a press release. The resolution will be sent to the Texas House for consideration, Blanco's office said. 'El Paso is home to world-renowned boot makers, including Lucchese, BlackJack Boots, Stallion Boot Co., Rocketbuster, Caboots, and Tony Lama, among others. Many of these companies have been in operation for over a century, employing time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Together, they have put El Paso on the map as the premier destination for high-quality, handmade Western boots,' Blanco's office said. Blanco issued the following statement on the resolution: 'El Paso has long been the Bootmaking hub of Texas, built by generations of local artisans, small businesses, and manufacturers who set the standard for Western craftsmanship. That rich legacy is why I'm proud to carry this resolution forward—so we can officially recognize El Paso as the Boot Capital of Texas and honor the hardworking community that has made our city a symbol of quality, tradition, and borderland pride. 'With the Senate passage of SCR 29, we're one step closer to formally recognizing El Paso's legacy and leadership in this iconic industry.' El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson also issued the following statement on the resolution: 'El Paso has a rich legacy of craftsmanship, culture, and innovation in bootmaking, and we're proud to be recognized as the Boot Capital of Texas. The City Council's recent resolution reflected the pride we all share in this iconic industry, and I fully support the Senate's effort to make it official across the state.' El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego issued the following statement on the resolution: 'I fully support Senator Blanco' Senate resolution recognizing El Paso as the Boot Capital of Texas. Our community has long been the heart of quality craftsmanship and iconic Western tradition. This honor pairs perfectly with our recent proclamation of El Paso County as the Veterans Capital of the USA—both proudly reflect who we are and what we stand for. ' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
