Constable Silvia Trevino is a 32-Year Law Enforcement Officer with a Master Peace Officer Certification.
Constable Silvia Trevino has a deep-rooted commitment to serving her community. She is a 2nd generation Precinct 6 home grown Houstonian who was born in Precinct 6’s historical neighborhood known as “El Crisol.” She was raised in Precinct 6’s Northside community, and she is a proud graduate from HISD’s Jeff Davis High School. Shortly after graduation, Silvia married the love of her life Victor Trevino. They have 3 wonderful children and 6 precious grandchildren. Silvia and Victor settled in Precinct 6’s East End where they have resided for over 30 years.
In 1983, Silvia decided that she wanted to join the police force and became a Houston Police Officer.
In a class of 70 cadets, Silvia was one of only 6 females who graduated from the Houston Police Academy. She spent 16 years patrolling the streets of Houston, and 5 years serving as one of HPD’s Public Information Officers. Silvia retired from the Houston Police Department after serving 21 years with Honor.
Silvia was equally proud and honored to serve as a Lieutenant for Harris County for 8 ½ years. She was the only female in an all-male Command Staff, and retired from Harris County in 2013.
Silvia’s passion is God, her family, her community and law enforcement. These passions have brought her to where she is today. Silvia wanted to continue serving her community but in a different capacity.
She came out of retirement and ran for Harris County Constable of Precinct 6 where she beat 5 other opponents in the 2016 Primary election with 53% of the votes. In the 2016 General Election, Silvia WON overwhelmingly with 77% of the votes.
Constable Silvia Trevino made history by becoming the first Latina Constable in Harris County; the 3rd largest county in the United States. More importantly, Constable Silvia Trevino became the first Grandma Constable in Harris County.
In September 2017, Fiestas Patrias awarded Constable Silvia Trevino as the Distinguished Hispanic of the Year for 2017-2018. In December, 2017, the Greater Houston LULAC Council 4967 presented Constable Silvia Trevino with the Public Service and Community Leadership Award of Excellence for Law Enforcement. In June, 2018, The Latino Learning Center awarded Constable Silvia Trevino with a Humanitarian Award for their dedication during Hurricane Harvey.
Public Safety Is and Always Will Be Constable Silvia Trevino’s #1 Priority.
Silvia Trevino Harris County Constable,
Precinct 6 5900 Canal Street
Houston, Texas 77011
Main Office: 713-274-3400
• Born and Raised in Precinct 6 • Product of Houston Independent School District
• 32 Years of Law Enforcement Experience • Proven Management and Leadership Experience • Presently Elected Harris County Constable, Precinct 6
• Manages a $12 million dollar Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Budget • Master Peace Officer Certification
• 21 Years Honorable Service – Houston Police Department
• 16 ½ years Patrol Experience – Houston Police Department
• 5 years Public Information Officer – Houston Police Department • Law Enforcement Field Training Certification – Houston Police Department
• Law Enforcement Field Training Evaluator Certification – Houston Police Department • 8 ½ Years Lieutenant – Harris County Constable’s Office
• Married to the Love of her Life, 3 Wonderful Children, 6 Precious Grandchildren
• 2017 – Fiestas Patrias – Distinguished Hispanic of the Year, 2017-2018
• 2017 – LULAC Council 4967 – Public Service & Community Leadership Award of Excellence for Law Enforcement
• 2018 – The Latino Learning Center – Humanitarian Award during Hurricane Harvey
• Wife, Mom, Grandma, Police Officer • Public Safety Is And Always Will Be Constable Silvia Trevino’s #1 Priority
Sima is running for Congress in Texas’ 2nd Congressional District because she believes that we need to bring people together to solve the biggest problems facing Houston and our country. She is a lawyer, a mother of two, a breast cancer survivor, and a political activist helping lift-up social justice causes and building bridges between communities, right here in America’s most diverse city.
After fleeing political upheaval and revolution, Sima’s family arrived in the United States and, through her journey as an immigrant, she saw first-hand the power and promise that America’s freedom can provide hard-working families.
Working diligently with a purpose to ensure that all Americans were afforded the same opportunities as she was, Sima became a leader in bringing communities together across Houston. As a political activist, she worked to elect candidates up and down the ballot, and because of her political acumen and understanding of the Greater Houston area, she became a Senior Advisor and Finance Chair to Beto O’Rourke during his historic 2018 U.S. Senate race. From there, because of her belief in his message of inclusivity, she joined his presidential campaign.
Sima’s tireless philanthropic and nonprofit work to build stronger communities has been recognized by the University of Houston and fuels her desire to further serve her community in Congress.
Today, she is running for Congress because Texans deserve leaders who will bring us together to solve problems —access to affordable health care, respect for women’s choices, and real action on gun violence and climate change, as we have faced first hand here in the Greater Houston area. We deserve leaders who have the political courage to stand up to the politics of fear and division. She believes that at this critical moment in our country’s history, we can’t just stay silent. She’s ready to speak out and build bridges to make it happen.
Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) President Todd Staples delivered an update on the state of the Texas oil and natural gas industry today at the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Energy Forum. Staples discussed the role the industry plays in powering the economies of North Texas and the entire state, as well as the future role of the industry with regard to the economy and society.
“From production, to pipelines, to processing, and ports, Texas oil and natural gas has not only made America less dependent on other nations for our energy needs, but is also improving lives by making available clean, reliable energy for people at home and across the globe,” Staples said. “Continued oil and natural gas production in Texas will play an important role in creating local jobs and investment and providing billions of dollars in revenues for state and local budgets, as well as anchoring our state’s position as a global energy leader.”
“The Chamber is privileged to have partnered with Todd Staples and TXOGA to present this forum,” said Jeff Kitner, Chief Operating Officer of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. “Texas has a significant role in energy production in the United States and throughout the world, and we’re pleased to have played a role in the discussion on this important topic.”
Staples highlighted the many ways the industry remains a strong force in Texas by creating jobs, bolstering local and state economies, funding public education, building roads, and supporting essential and emergency services, all while strengthening the global energy market and helping enhance America’s national security interests. He also discussed the future role of the industry and the factors that will impact the industry’s ability to continue to be an important part of Texas’ strength.
“Consistent policies that will allow for continued investment in energy infrastructure, a recognition of the industry’s unmatched commitment to technology, innovation and research, and an open and fact-based conversation about all energy sources will ensure that our state and our nation can continue to lead the world in energy production, economic strength and environmental progress,” Staples continued.
Earlier this month, TXOGA announced that the industry paid over $16 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties in 2019, setting a new record for the industry. TXOGA’s report detailed how oil and natural gas tax and royalty revenue is used to support education, transportation, healthcare and infrastructure through the State Highway Fund, the Economic Stabilization Fund (commonly known as the Rainy Day Fund), the Permanent School Fund and the Permanent University Fund.
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan filed suit against MRH Clearing, Inc., on Jan. 30, alleging violations of numerous environmental laws.
The County Attorney’s lawsuit says that the defendants illegally disposed of solid waste, conducted illegal outdoor burning, and improperly operated an air curtain incinerator during land clearing operations, in violation of the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Texas Clean Air Act, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulations.
Since 2016, MRH Clearing, Inc. has disposed of land clearing waste on-site by burning it at various locations in Harris County. Sometimes the defendants conducted open burning and sometimes they used air curtain incinerators. These incinerators operate by forcefully projecting a curtain of air across an open pit in which combustion occurs.
When used properly, air curtain incinerators emit less smoke and fewer air particulates than open burning. When used improperly, they do not.
Investigations by the Harris County Pollution Control Services Department repeatedly found that the defendants failed to operate air curtain incinerators properly and that they sometimes burned tree debris without any incinerator. Some of the burn sites were close to places where people work or live and smoke from the burn locations blew into these areas. Employees from Pollution Control Services repeatedly attempted to educate the defendants about the requirements of Texas law with the hope that defendants would voluntarily come into compliance, but the defendants continue to break the law.
County investigators say the company burned at various sites in Harris County including on Highway 90 in east Harris County, Moonshine Hill Loop in Humble, and 6627 FM 1960 West in northwest Harris County. Investigators also found a massive amount of land clearing, construction, and demolition waste, over 1000 cubic yards, stored on the property at Moonshine Hill Loop in Humble.
In his lawsuit, County Attorney Ryan is requesting an injunction requiring the defendants to comply with Texas law, maintain their air curtain incinerators in good working condition, and provide annual training to their employees. In addition, the County Attorney seeks civil penalties for past violations. The Court can potentially assess civil penalties up to $25,000.00 for each day of violation.
“Because of MRH Clearing, Inc.’s continued failure to follow Texas law, I have filed suit against them to protect the people of Harris County from smoke blowing into areas where people live and work,” said County Attorney Ryan. “Keeping the air safe for residents is a priority for my office.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has endorsed Michael Moore, a candidate in the March 3 Democratic primary election for Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 3.
“I am proud to endorse Michael Moore for Commissioner” said Sheriff Gonzalez. “Michael’s experience helping to oversee a $2 billion budget and 20,000 employees is just what Harris County needs.”
Moore served as Chief of Staff for former Houston Mayor Bill White, helping to run the fourth largest city in the United States, with a budget of nearly $2 billion and more than 20,000 employees.
“What a great honor to be endorsed by a dedicated public servant like Sheriff Ed Gonzalez,” said Moore. “I applaud the Sheriff’s innovative public safety strategies and his record of results when it comes to reforming our criminal justice system,” continued Moore.
“I share that vision and will work to make sure the Sheriff has the resources he needs to keep us safe.”
Moore has also been endorsed by Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, former Houston Mayor Bill White, flooding expert Jim Blackburn, the AFL-CIO, Harris County Young Democrats, Area 5 Democrats, Bay Area New Democrats and other community leaders and organizations.
Every community deserves clean air to breathe, safe water to drink and a healthy environment where families can thrive. However, many Harris County families are now suffering the worst effects of environmental injustices after years of going without basic protections. We are working to change this at Precinct One and throughout Harris County.
This past week, Harris County Commissioners Court approved increased monitoring and inspections of concrete batch plants as part of our broader effort to increase environmental protections and build on last year’s work to analyze and correct gaps in pollution control following the ITC fire.
We are committed to strengthening local environmental protections, and we know that when concrete batch plants are out of compliance–people suffer. Our constituents’ health takes priority over companies’ profits.
Lax state regulations are failing people. Harris County refuses to ignore these critical environmental issues affecting our communities, specifically vulnerable ones. Monitoring and inspections at concrete batch plants are key steps we can take to bring environmental justice to all people.
Please know we are also committed to finding answers about the cancer cluster in Kashmere Gardens and Fifth Ward and ensuring the proper cleanup of the creosote contamination located in the community. We also know that this is not unique to Kashmere Gardens and Fifth Ward. There are other sites that need to be cleaned up in Harris County and there are other families struggling with cancer and poor health caused by pollution, neglect and environmental racism.
You have Precinct One’s commitment that we will work with community members, elected leaders, and advocates to protect families from environmental harm. We are dedicated to protecting people’s right to live and work in communities with clean air and water. Our neighborhoods should be places where people feel safe and can live and thrive. We will not stop until this is everyone’s reality.
Let’s continue to work together to protect our families, neighborhoods and the environment as we demand environmental justice for all people.
Pictured during a backstage rehearsal of the “Magic Happens” parade set to debut at Disneyland Park in California Feb. 28, 2020, Mickey Mouse, in an all-new sorcerer-inspired costume, will lead the way from atop a 15-foot tall iridescent magical hat. Performers, known as “magic makers,” represent stylized aspects of “Disney magic” – from beauty to strength and everything in between. The parade will come to life with an energetic musical score and new songs and will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
El nuevo desfile “Magic Happens” debuta en Disneyland Park el 28 de febrero de 2020. Mientras este nuevo espectáculo recorre Main Street, U.S.A., los visitantes celebrarán momentos de magia surgidos de las entrañables historias que han visto en películas de Walt Disney Animation Studios y Pixar Animation Studios. Desde una guitarra legendaria hasta el corazón del océano, estos momentos mágicos cobran vida en carrozas extraordinarias, vestuario creativo y una banda musical nueva y llena de energía. Los visitantes revivirán cuentos clásicos como “Cinderella” (“Cenicienta)”, “Sleeping Beauty” (“La bella durmiente)” y “The Sword and the Stone” (“La espada en la piedra”), así como historias más recientes de “Frozen 2”, “Coco”, “Moana” y muchas más.
Los visitantes, gracias al paquete de comida del desfile “Magic Happens”, pueden disfrutar de un almuerzo delicioso y recibir un vale que provee de acceso a la área reservada para ver el desfile ese mismo día. Para más información acerca del paquete de comida, disponible en Plaza Inn, y para llevar a cabo reservaciones, visite DisneylandEspanol.com o la aplicación Disneyland.
Las cifras
9 carrozas diseñadas se abren paso a través de Main Street, U.S.A., durante el desfile.
2 canciones originales se suman a la banda sonora musical del desfile: el tema principal, titulado “Magic Happens”, y una canción especial para el Gran Final.
Más de 90 artistas luciendo un vestuario de lo más colorido dan vida a “Magic Happens”; más de dos docenas de ellos son personajes Disney.
Creadores del desfile
El equipo de Disney que ha creado este desfile incluye a coreógrafos, diseñadores escénicos, productores musicales y diseñadores de vestuario y maquillaje, así como expertos en producción y tecnología.
Jordan Peterson, director del espectáculo “Magic Happens”, inició su carrera actuando en desfiles, formando parte en 18 de ellos tanto en Walt Disney World Resort como en Tokyo Disney Resort.
David Duffy, director creativo de “Magic Happens”, ha formado parte de Disney Live Entertainment durante casi 30 años. Empezó su carrera actuando en Disney’s Hollywood Studios en Walt Disney World, Florida.
El cantante y compositor Todrick Hall ha coescrito la banda sonora musical y las nuevas canciones para el desfile. Hall, quien fue un miembro del elenco o “cast member”, empezó su carrera en el mundo del entretenimiento en Walt Disney World, Florida, actuando en “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage”.
Un remolino de magia – Mickey Mouse
La ecléctica selección de artistas que dan inicio a este impresionante desfile representa los aspectos más estilizados de la “magia de Disney”, desde la belleza a la fortaleza y todo lo que resta en medio. Estos “creadores de magia”, que normalmente no son visibles para los humanos, siempre están presentes cada vez que una calabaza se transforma en una carroza o una espada es arrancada de una piedra.
Las letras de la canción “Magic Happens” que da comienzo al desfile están impresas en dos de los trajes con el fin de representar la magia de la música.
El vestuario que lucen los artistas durante el comienzo del desfile está inspirado en varias fuentes, incluyendo las pasarelas de moda contemporáneas, con diseños vanguardistas y modernos.
En la primera carroza, 300 luces LED iluminan el sombrero mágico y gigante de Mickey.
El sombrero mágico de Mickey mide casi 15 pies de alto (4.5 metros) y más de 9 pies de diámetro (2.7 metros). Esta carroza ha sido pintada a mano y texturizada con colores iridiscentes personalizados.
Minnie Mouse, Pato Donald, Goofy, Pluto y Chip n’ Dale se unen a Mickey dando inicio a este desfile.
Una ola de magia – “Moana”
Esta es la primera carroza de tamaño real inspirada en “Moana” que ha sido creada para un parque de Disney.
El mar de actores que lideran la carroza de “Moana” representan las olas del océano, haciendo así que el océano cobre vida.
En su canoa viajera, Moana se aventura hacia la cresta de una ola gigantesca. La ola está inspirada en los preciosos grabados de madera “koa” que, enmarcados en paneles LED, proveen de una visión deslumbrante de la magia que surge de los océanos.
Los visitantes podrán descubrir en medio del precioso flujo del océano una (o dos) apariciones sorpresa de personajes entrañables de “Finding Nemo”, de Disney y Pixar. El corazón de Te Fiti también puede ser visto debajo del agua.
Los visitantes podrán ver a la Abuela Tala representada en lo más alto de la carroza en su forma de manta raya, protegiendo a Moana durante su viaje.
La carroza de “Moana” mide más de 32 pies de largo, 22 pies de alto y 12 pies de ancho (9.7x 6.7 x 3.6 metros).
Maui se une a Moana en este viaje, viajando a bordo de su propio pedazo de isla con Pua, el adorable cerdo mascota de Moana.
“Magic Happens” es el debut oficial de Maui en Disneyland Resort.
Los instrumentos de percusión que se escuchan en el módulo Kakamora que sigue a la carroza de “Moana” son tambores tradicionales polinesios.
Un puente a la magia – “Coco”
Esta es la primera vez que “Coco”, el filme de Disney y Pixar, ha inspirado una carroza para un desfile de Disney Parks.
En esta carroza, Miguel aparece en persona por primera vez, celebrando la magia que surge cuando toca su guitarra.
Esta carroza conecta el Mundo de los Vivos con el Mundo de los Muertos a través de un puente de caléndulas a todo color. Más de 30,000 unidades de caléndulas decoran el puente de la carroza de “Coco”.
Los actores al frente de la carroza de “Coco” representan los pétalos preciosos de la flor de las caléndulas al caer del puente, girando y flotando sobre el suelo.
Las actrices lucen faldas que han sido diseñadas para poder transformarse fácilmente en capas, lo que permite la rápida transición de pieza de vestuario a accesorio y al revés. Las faldas fueron creadas por miembros del elenco de Disney Live Entertainment Costuming.
El perro de Miguel, Danté, puede ser visto transformándose de su forma canina a alebrije mientras cruza el puente de caléndulas.
Héctor e Imelda, dos de las figuras animadas, pueden ser vistas en el lado opuesto del puente de caléndulas, actuando para los visitantes del Mundo de los Muertos.
Al final de la carroza, 12 chihuahuas forman parte de un acto de perros cantantes inspirados en la escena de la batalla de bandas en “Coco”.
La carroza de “Coco” mide 11 pies de ancho, 19 de alto y casi 36 de largo (3.3 x 5.7 x 11 metros).
Actores vestidos con trajes de lo más fantásticos, adornados con máscaras, representan los guías espirituales o alebrijes de “Coco”. Emocionados por la canción de Miguel se unen a esta celebración de la familia y la vida.
Un bosque mágico – “Frozen 2”
Los actores y las actrices que lideran esta carroza son una extensión del Bosque Encantado: ellos representan los troncos de los álamos y ellas el follaje.
Esta carroza muestra a Anna y Elsa explorando los misterios del Bosque Encantado protegido por Nokk, el espíritu místico del agua, acompañadas por sus amigos Kristoff, Sven y Olaf.
Esta carroza está diseñada para proveer, a su paso, de una sensación de descubrimiento. Los visitantes se darán cuenta que hay más personajes y detalles mientras la carroza desfila por su ruta.
En esta carroza, Olaf y Sven aparecen como figuras animadas.
La bola de nieve gigante detrás de Elsa incorpora los cuatro símbolos elementales de la película que representan el agua, el fuego, la tierra y el viento.
La carroza de “Frozen 2”, que mide 39 pies de largo (casi 12 metros), es la más larga del desfile.
Un sueño mágico – El gran final
El elegante gran final de “Magic Happens” celebra los momentos mágicos de varias historias clásicas de Disney.
Cada actor que forma parte de este final luce un traje/vestido y bandera distintos, representando el reinado que lideran.
El final une a una colección de personajes mágicos icónicos, incluyendo al Genie (El Genio), Aladdin, Tinker Bell (Campanita), Peter Pan, el Hada Azul, Pinocho y el Hada Madrina. Estos personajes se abren camino mientras se presentan más carrozas, cada una de ellas destacando momentos de magia que transformaron las vidas de sus personajes.
La partitura del final incluye guiños musicales a producciones previas de Disney que tienen un significado especial para el director del espectáculo Jordan Peterson, entrelazando temas del desfile “Remember the Magic” con los de los espectáculos de fuegos artificiales “Wishes” y “Remember… Dreams Come True”.
La calabaza – “Cinderella (Cenicienta)”
La carroza de “Cinderella” o “La Cenicienta” captura el momento “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo”, mostrando a la Cenicienta dentro de la calabaza gigante justo cuando esta es transformada en un carruaje resplandeciente que la conduce al baile.
Sus ramas se transforman en ruedas, mientras las hojas se extienden para convertirse en vidrieras de colores, creando un carruaje que luce como una joya trasluciente.
El carruaje mide 16 pies de alto (4.8 metros) y aproximadamente 10 pies de diámetro (3 metros).
La espada – “The Sword in the Stone (La espada en la piedra)”
En esta carroza, el sabio Merlín abre el camino a un Arturo adolescente quien descubre la magia en sí mismo al arrancar la espada en la piedra y reclamar así su lugar en el trono.
Los visitantes podrán ver a Arquímedes, el búho sabio pero gruñón del filme. En la carroza, Arquímedes en una figura animada con cuello y ojos movibles.
Dos ardillas llamadas Arthur y Hazel están situadas en lo más alto de la arquitectura gótica que presenta la carroza. Ambas son un guiño a la secuencia en la película donde dos personajes se transforman en ardillas.
“Magic Happens” representa el debut oficial de Arturo en el Disneyland Resort.
La carroza mide aproximadamente 19 pies de alto, 15 de largo y 12 de ancho (5.8 x 4.5 x 3.6 metros).
El beso – “The Princess and the Frog (La princesa y el sapo)”
Tiana y Naveen aparecen en medio de un remolino de flores doradas mientras se besan, completando así su regreso a forma humana.
Las flores que se arremolinan alrededor de Tiana y Naveen rotan, creando así un movimiento precioso y mágico.
El árbol que se eleva por encima de Tiana y Naveen está modelado partiendo de un mangle real.
La carroza de “The Princess and the Frog” mide 19 pies de alto y 11 pies de diámetro (5.8 x 3.3 metros).
Érase una vez… un sueño – “Sleeping Beauty (La bella durmiente)”
La escena “felices para siempre” de “Sleeping Beauty” o “La bella durmiente” presenta a las tres hadas madrinas, Flora, Fauna y Merryweather (o Primavera en su versión en español), elegantemente dando vueltas en la cima de los torreones que están al frente de la carroza.
La princesa Aurora es vista bailando con el Príncipe Phillip o Felipe. Su vestido brilla alternando tonos rosados y azules.
Los símbolos en las banderas fueron todos diseñados siguiendo el estilo de la Bella Durmiente, representando así los distintos reinados y banderines que cuelgan en el castillo.
La carroza de la Bella Durmiente es la más alta de todo el desfile: el torreón más alto alcanza aproximadamente los 30 pies (9.1 metros).
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Acerca de Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort cuenta con dos parques de atracciones espectaculares: Disneyland (el parque original de Disney) y Disney California Adventure, además de tres hoteles y el Downtown Disney District, que ofrece experiencias únicas culinarias, de entretenimiento y de compras. Los hoteles del Resort son el lujoso Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, que cuenta con 948 habitaciones y también 50 habitaciones de dos recámaras equivalentes a las unidades de Disney Vacation Club; el mágico Disneyland Hotel, que cuenta con 973 habitaciones (ambas propiedades clasificadas con Cuatro Diamantes de la AAA); y el Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, con 481 habitaciones, que presenta una temática playera. Para más información acerca de las atracciones y las vacaciones en el Disneyland Resort, visita la página www.DisneylandEspanol.com, llamar al (866) 43-DISNEY o consulta con tu agente de viajes. Disneyland Resort, localizado en Anaheim, California, abrió sus puertas el 17 de julio de 1955. Está abierto todos los días del a
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Texas Southern University Acting President Kenneth Huewitt on Thursday participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a $10.4 million Cleburne Street construction project that will improve safety, mobility and drainage in the Third Ward community.
“I cannot say enough about how thankful we are to have a Harris County Commissioner who is willing to partner with the City of Houston to improve streets and sidewalks near Texas Southern University and in one of my Complete Communities. Every community deserves to be a safe and attractive place to live, work, play, study and worship,” said Mayor Turner.
The Cleburne improvements between Ennis and Scott are part of $30 million Commissioner Ellis pledged last year to invest in reconstructing Cleburne and five other streets in the TSU-University of Houston corridor. The projects will improve safe mobility for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders. In addition, drainage improvements will help reduce street flooding during heavy-rain events. Also included will be lighting for safety and landscaping features to beautify the areas. “We dubbed this project the University Corridor,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Well Cleburne will be the official corridor because it connects TSU, UH, Metro rail on Scott and everything in between including Yates High School and Cuney Homes. The Cleburne redevelopment will enhance this beautiful campus and improve the quality of life for students, staff, visitors and the surrounding neighborhood. This is a needed investment in Third Ward.”
On the Cleburne project, Precinct One will contribute a little over $9.5 million and the city will pay $813,027.
“Cleburne Street represents the front door to Texas Southern University,” said TSU Acting President Huewitt. “It also links three historic Third Ward educational institutions – TSU, University of Houston and Yates High School. It is critical that this street reflects the hope that education brings to so many. The improvements resulting from this project will go a long way to not only improve mobility for this community, but also give Cleburne Street a much-needed facelift.”
At a news conference at a pedestrian entrance to TSU campus at Cleburne and Tierwester, Commissioner Ellis, Mayor Turner and Acting President Huewitt outlined the Cleburne project and expanded on its benefits to the university and the neighborhoods. They were joined by Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston Public Works Director Carol Ellinger Haddock,Yates High School principal Tiffany Guillory and two TSU students who worked on the project as interns.
TSU Phase I improvements to Cleburne between Ennis and Scott streets consist of reconstruction of concrete curb and gutter roadway with 8- to 10-foot sidewalks for people walking or biking. It also includes a drainage system, waterline and streetscape enhancements like new street lighting, irrigation system and trees. The improvements will help reduce flooding in the area and will represent a major investment in the Third Ward community.
Work has started on the portion of Cleburne between Ennis and Tierwester and is expected to take 12 months to complete. A contract for the section between Tierwester and Scott is expected to be awarded later this year and completed in seven months.
Other streets slated for improvements near TSU are Blodgett (Scott to Ennis); Tierwester (Blodgett to Rosewood) and Rosewood (Tierwester to Scott). The streets near UH are Cullen (North MacGregor Way and Interstate 45); and Wheeler (Cullen to Scott).
Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg released his plan to make college more fair and affordable, while also better-preparing Americans for success in the 21st century. Our higher education system is not fully delivering on its potential to be an engine of economic mobility and American prosperity. Americans owe over $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt, employers say graduates don’t have the skills needed for workplace success and students from the top 25% wealthiest families attain 50% of all college degrees. As president, Mike will prioritize improving our education system so that it works for everyone by making college more affordable, leveling the playing field across race and income, and equipping students for good careers and greater economic mobility.
Mike’s plan stands in stark contrast to proposed rollbacks by the Trump administration that would deepen equity gaps and weaken student loan protections. The Trump administration is proposing drastic cuts to student aid programs, underfunding workforce development programs, and continues to protect predatory for-profit colleges and universities that in many ways resemble Trump University, the massive scam the president himself used to run.
“Education is the key to unlocking opportunity — I learned that firsthand. Growing up, I attended public schools and took out loans to attend college, where I worked at a campus parking lot. As mayor of New York City and through my foundation, I’ve worked to help many more attend and graduate from college — by making it more accessible and affordable, and by supporting education leaders that are doing great work in our schools,” said Mike Bloomberg. “As president, I will make college more affordable, so that no student ever forgoes college because of cost. I will make federal funding of universities – including HBCUs – more equitable. And I will make the application process fairer, by working to end legacy preference in admissions, so that genes no longer take precedence over grades. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to get a high-quality education – and I know we can deliver it.”
Mike believes that no one should be denied access to higher education because of its cost. His plan will increase college affordability by boosting Pell grants up to $13,000, and by making two-year public college tuition-free for all and debt-free for the lowest-income students. Mike’s plan will also make four-year public college tuition and debt-free for the lowest-income students while tackling the student loan crisis to ensure no one has to pay back more than they can afford.
Mike will combat the inequality in our current system to make sure all students receive the opportunities they deserve. He will call for an end to legacy-based preferences in admissions and provide support for low-income and middle-class students to attend institutions with strong completion and economic mobility rates. Mike will also work to combat the unacceptable underfunding of America’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). He will significantly expand investments in HBCUs, tripling direct federal Title III funding and making substantial investments to help modernize their infrastructure and prepare graduates for careers in STEM fields.
And with two-thirds of today’s jobs already requiring some form of post-secondary education, Mike won’t just boost enrollment rates, he will make sure that students graduate with credentials and skills that prepare them for good jobs and careers. Mike’s plan will help 70% of Americans complete post-secondary degrees or quality credentials within a decade and have the skills needed to earn a family wage.
Americans need quality, affordable post-secondary education to get ahead and thrive. The well-being of our country and communities depends on a diverse, prepared talent pool to build our future, solve problems, and keep our economy growing. Mike’s plan promises that all Americans who would like to pursue higher education can do so.
HOW MIKE WILL GET IT DONE
Mike’s higher education plan is grounded in evidence about what works and in his success as both the Mayor of New York City and a leading education philanthropist. As Mayor, Mike took over a struggling school system and turned it into a national model of reform. He also backed the City University of New York’s pioneering CUNY ASAP program, which provides targeted advising and financial support to help at-risk students complete their degrees. As a philanthropist, Mike has led nationalefforts to increase the number of lower-income students enrolled in top colleges. And as a private citizen, Mike has invested more than any American in opening up post-secondary education to our students and helping them excel.
As president, Mike will:
1. MAKE COLLEGE AFFORDABLE: Double the maximum Pell Grant, make two-year college tuition-free for all and reform federal student loans so no one has to pay back more than they can afford.
Mike will expand Pell grants to help students cover the full cost of college. Mike will expand access and degrees for low-and moderate-income students by increasing the size of maximum Pell grants to $12,690 and removing current barriers for access to Pell Grants for DREAMers and formerly incarcerated students. Supplemental Pell aid would also be provided for institutions graduating large shares of low- and moderate-income students.
Mike will launch a federal-state funding partnership to boost states’ investments. Mike will provide a 2:1 federal match to states that commit to tuition-free two-year public or technical college, supporting funding for low-income students beyond tuition and fees — including books, meals, transportation and child care and make 4-year public college and universities tuition and debt-free for the lowest-income students. Mike’s plan will also expand funding to reduce the cost of textbooks and materials.
Mike will reform the federal student loan system so no one pays more than they can afford. Mike’s plan automatically enrolls all new and existing undergraduate borrowers in income-driven loan programs where they pay back what they can afford – capping repayment at 5% of monthly discretionary income, down from 10% today, on federal student loans up to $57,000. After 20 years, loans would be forgiven tax-free for borrowers with household income under $250,000. Mike will also help relieve existing student debt by providing targeted relief to borrowers who struggle the most and fix the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to extend debt relief to qualifying current public servants.
2. MAKE COLLEGE FAIR: End legacy admissions preferences and expand support for HBCUs and MSIs.
Mike will end admissions legacy preferences and improve fairness to the college-admissions process. He will call for an end to giving children of alumni advantages in the admissions process and support legislation to require institutions receiving federal aid to make public admission rates for legacy and non-legacy admittance along with enrollment and completion rates by race, income and legacy.
Increase completion rates for low- and middle-income students by helping more of them attend selective colleges with high graduation rates. Mike will expand federal support for quality advising and retention programs to help guide low-income students through cumbersome college-admissions and financial-aid application process. This plan will reward selective schools with high or substantially increased low-income and middle-class enrollment and completion — and publicize the best and worst performers.
Mike will expand direct investments into HBCUs, MSIs, and other institutions serving students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented groups. Mike’s plan will triple federal Title III funding for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and prioritize building and modernizing HBCU facilities. Mike’s plan also boosts funding to HBCU medical schools to increase the number of physicians of color and triples funding in Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) – including Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).
3. MAKE COLLEGE COUNT: Help students complete degrees and equip them to succeed.
Mike will invest in plans and evidence-based strategies to boost college completion rates. Mike’s plan will incentivize states to increase degree and credential completion and equip graduates with skills needed for good-paying jobs while closing gaps for low-income students and underrepresented minorities. His federal-state partnership will also fund evidence-based strategies to help students graduate ready for success — informed by the successful and replicated CUNY ASAP and Georgia State models. Mike will also combat food insecurity by facilitating SNAP benefits and covering all meals for low-income students through expanded Pell grants and federal and state funding.
Mike will help working adults enroll in strong programs and get better jobs. Mike will encourage programs to re-enroll and graduate adults who have some college but no degree and pilot a system of Career Security Accounts, career advisors and grants to help part-time learners and working adults pay for quality training programs and move into in-demand jobs.
Mike will strengthen career-training programs so all students have the skills required for good-paying jobs. Mike will help build and upgrade programs and facilities at community and technical colleges working with employers to prepare students for in-demand careers and help enroll one million students annually in work-based degree and credential programs by 2030. His plan to modernize community colleges’ career programs will ensure they are fully accessible to students with disabilities.
Promote transparency by focusing the higher education system on student outcomes. Mike will work with Congress to enact and then implement the College Transparency Act to provide useful, accurate information to students and families by measuring and fairly reporting on student outcomes and improvements across institutions and programs.
Enact the Obama-era policy to ensure career programs lead to “gainful employment” and hold predatory for-profit institutions accountable when taking advantage of students and families.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES:
Gina Raimondo, Governor of Rhode Island and Campaign National Co-Chair “Economic experts agree the most important thing we can do to strengthen our economy is to have a more educated workforce. Mike Bloomberg understands this, and he has a plan to make sure everyone has access to affordable higher education. Tuition-free community college is one of the lowest-cost, highest-impact investments Rhode Island has ever made. Mike’s plan would allow more states to follow suit and ensure that all students are prepared for in-demand careers. We need bold leadership to ensure everyone has the opportunity for a good job and economic security, and I’m glad Mike is leading the way.”
Bev Perdue, Former Governor, North Carolina “Learning doesn’t stop after high school or college. It continues throughout our lives. We need to make it easier for all Americans to be lifelong learners. Whether that’s on the job, after work, or between careers, we need a variety of programs that can accommodate all kinds of learners at every stage of life. Mike Bloomberg knows that the key to better wages is often industry-recognized credentials, and I applaud him for making sure that it’s never too late to earn them. Mike is a lifelong learner himself, and I can’t imagine someone better qualified to revamp the way we think about education than him.”
Dr. Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College “Mike Bloomberg’s plan is forward-thinking and innovative. It is also rational and achievable. His higher education proposal rightly focuses on making college more affordable – but also more valuable. He believes in acknowledging that families are concerned about what their students and graduates will earn. Therefore, it only makes sense that he is a strong advocate for making paid, work-based learning experiences available to all students in the form of apprenticeships, internships, and more. I also strongly support his proposal that we double available Pell grants. It’s good to see a plan that makes education from all sectors more available to students.”
Dr. David Thomas, President of Morehouse College “One of the biggest barriers to higher education is the price tag. Doubling the Pell grant program is an effective way to take down this obstacle for low-income and first-generation students. Pell grants work. They make college possible for so many intelligent young people. And, when these students graduate, they’re not crippled by debts they can’t pay back. They can accept jobs in their chosen professions and they can make valuable contributions to society — on their own terms.”
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University “Higher education can open many doors, but it can also be very expensive. For low-income students, this hurdle sometimes closes the door altogether. I support doubling the Pell grant program — it’s good for all students — and makes it possible to learn without being hamstrung by insurmountable debt. And, income-based loan repayment makes a lot of sense, too. These policies are smart and well help so many students achieve their educational goals and future careers.”
Mark Becker, President of Georgia State University “I am pleased to see that Mike Bloomberg’s higher education policy reflects specific proven programs that Georgia State and the University Innovation Alliance have demonstrated level the playing field for all students and make significant inroads on the college dropout crisis.”
Cordy A. McJunkins, Collegepoint alum and advisor “CollegePoint has helped so many students like myself go to schools we never thought we could attend. I’m excited to see that Mike Bloomberg is proposing to spread these ideas as president so even more students can access the opportunities they deserve.”
Malika Franklin, CUNY ASAP graduate “A higher education degree can open doors for you. It did for me. I graduated from the CUNY ASAP program, a program that helps students earn an associate degree in three years and supports us with access to advisors, career counseling, tutoring, tuition waivers, and financial assistance. I’m now getting my master’s degree at Baruch in higher education and I wouldn’t be here without programs like ASAP. Mike Bloomberg values higher education and believes we need more programs like ASAP. I agree. I have a job because of this program and my degrees have truly changed my life and the opportunities available to me.”
