Terry Canales delivers the invocation on the House Floor before the start of the legislative day on May 25, 2021

Proposition 2 on November’s ballot addresses the growth and planning challenges we all see so clearly: the roughly 1,000 new Texans a day aren’t bringing their own roads and bridges with them!

This cycle South Texas is projected to receive a windfall of infrastructure dollars, amounting to over $2.2 billion for the next 10 years. For comparison, in 2015 South Texas was only scheduled to receive $596 million for the following 10 years. That’s a 270% increase in South Texas infrastructure funding. You, me, and every South Texas resident has a reason to celebrate this victory, and here is why.

“Our government should not be in a position to decide what is good for us to know and what is not good for us to know. Taxpayers have an absolute right to see how their money is spent. We must repair and strengthen the Texas Public Information Act to ensure accountability and transparency in Texas government.”

Expanding Medicaid would provide necessary care to an estimated 2.2 million uninsured adults. Expanding the coverage would lead to lower premiums, and lower prescription drug costs and will infuse Texas with an estimated $10 billion of federal funds every year.

Originally Published in the Rio Grande Guardian: https://riograndeguardian.com/canales-expanding-medicaid-would-provide-care-for-2-2-million-texans/0

Every year the American press celebrates Sunshine Week, which is a time to not only inform the public but also stress the
importance of open government and the dangers of government secrecy. This year, after a seemingly long hiatus, Texas finally has something to celebrate regarding transparency and open government, and I am proud to have been leading many of these fights alongside the Texas Press Association. 

State Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, was appointed by Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen to the Sunset Advisory
Commission, which conducts rigorous evaluations or each state agency or program.

The Watchdog loves it when folks get involved in their government by becoming fellow watchdogs and keeping a sharp eye on their leaders’ doings. I need the help.

That's why I'm pleased to tell you about a new state law that will change the face of all local governments in Texas.

This new law has gotten very little attention, but it's quite significant, even stunning.

Some residents across the Rio Grande Valley have been forced to endure a sort of battle of wits with elected officials who don’t seem interested in being responsive to those who elected them. Several elected bodies have restricted access to public comments during open meetings, or constantly changed the timing of comment periods in efforts to avoid certain speakers or certain issues.