AUSTIN — Next Tuesday, July 16th, Governor Rick Perry, the Rio Grande Valley Legislative Delegation and UT System leaders will celebrate the ceremonial signing of SB 24, authored by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, legislation to merge UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville and to create a free standing medical school.

There will be two celebrations in the Rio Grande Valley on July 16th where Governor Perry will sign SB 24 into law, and the transformation of South Texas through education will soon begin. This will also be an opportunity to express appreciation to our Legislators, UT System leaders, the medical community, business leaders, public officials, parents, students and all residents throughout our communities who helped transform a dream into a reality.

President Robert Nelsen will host a gathering at the UT Pan American Student Union Theater at 9:30 a.m. for a ceremonial signing of the legislation, followed by a reception at 10:30 a.m. President Juliet Garcia will host another ceremonial signing event at UT Brownsville's Performing Arts Center later the same day at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception at 2:00 p.m.

"The ceremonial signing of SB 24 by Governor Perry will be a historic day. The expansion of educational opportunities will create greater access to healthcare, and the related healthcare businesses that the medical school will attract will be a great boost to our quality of life in South Texas. There will be more jobs, lower poverty levels, higher educational levels, more healthcare services, more doctors, more access to those doctors and more resources to serve the unique and critical needs of the people of the Valley.

I am proud that we stood united as a delegation embracing a regional mindset to secure the passage of SB 24. The vision of a new university and a medical school has united our communities and will provide endless educational and healthcare benefits for our families in the Rio Grande Valley and all of Texas for decades to come," Senator Hinojosa stated.

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