Promise of $5 Million in RAHC Funding Closer to Success

Austin - In February State Representative Aaron Peña filed legislation appropriating $5 million dollars in funding for the Regional Academic Health Center at the University of Texas Pan American. Today legislation was added to Article 3 of the state's biennial budget securing that amount. This session Pena made RAHC funding one of his top legislative priorities.

"Critical funding for the RAHC in Edinburg is one step closer to reality," said Representative Peña. "These $5 million dollars will help staff the facility with world-class researchers and scientists."

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio administers the RAHC's medical education component in Harlingen and the medical research division in Edinburg. UTPA serves as a partner in providing faculty, administrative and research support for Edinburg's facility. Research areas may include the study of diabetes, emerging infectious diseases, aging, environmental health, mental health and other conditions that may affect residents in Deep South Texas. The $20 million dollar Edinburg campus houses 12 laboratories, state-of-the-art class room spaces and administrative offices.

Peña is serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives. He is Chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means.