Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

Austin – Today, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst unveiled Senate Bill 1, the Legislative Budget Board's base budget for 2008-2009 and outlined his budget priorities, including $48 million for El Paso's medical school.  

Senator Shapleigh has spearheaded El Paso's effort to build a four-year medical school since first taking office in 1997.  Over five sessions, Senator Shapleigh has worked tirelessly with the entire El Paso community to realize this dream.  "Our number one goal for El Paso is to fully fund the $43.8 million needed for 1st and 2nd year faculty.  With the full amount in the base bill, we're off to a great start," said Senator Shapleigh.

El Paso's medical school will serve as a cornerstone of renewed economic development, health and opportunity for the El Paso community.  "With vision, leadership, and resources, El Paso will be the Capitol of Hispanic Health. Our city has the opportunity to lead the nation as the first medical center to focus on education, research, and care focused on the opportunities and challenges unique to Hispanics in the United States," Senator Shapleigh added.

As the second largest American city on the U.S.-Mexico border, with an 80 percent Hispanic population, El Paso is the logical place to realize this vision.