U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández makes Valentine’s Day cards with third graders Friday at Gonzales Community School in Santa Fe to send to veterans. Courtesy photo
From the Office of U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, visited the Gonzales Community School Friday in Santa Fe to make Valentine’s Day cards for veterans with third grade students. During her visit, Leger Fernández spoke with teachers about her work to support educators and students across the Third Congressional District.
Rep. Leger Fernández launched her “Valentines for Veterans” program last year, to connect kids with local veterans to show them appreciation, gratitude and support for their service in uniform by making homemade Valentine’s Day cards.
“It was so fun to make valentines with the students at the Gonzales Community School. Little acts of kindness go a long way and I always say that small gestures have a big impact,” Leger Fernández said. “I’m happy our children get to learn about our veterans and show them gratitude for their bravery and service. This is what love looks like.”
Rep. Leger Fernández is a strong supporter of veterans. She voted for the PACT Act, which increases funding for the VA to help serve veterans suffering health ailments because of exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances. She also has voted for many bills to provide resources for veterans. This includes the American Rescue Plan, which delivered $17 billion in aid to veterans across the country.
Rep. Leger Fernández successfully opposed the closure of four community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) in her district. She visited every clinic that was at risk of closure and held listening sessions in every affected community as part of her “Voices for Veterans” or “Voces de Veteranos” tour. Today, the four VA Clinics in Gallup, Española, Raton and Las Vegas are open and provide services for veterans.
As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Leger Fernández worked to secure critical investments for schools, educators, and students. She secured $23,552,000 for Community Projects including education initiatives around the district. The American Rescue Plan, passed with her support, sent more than $1 billion to invest in New Mexico’s schools, including to ensure schools could reopen safely during the pandemic. She also cosponsored and led numerous bills, including the Learning Recovery Act, to ensure students have access to essential educational resources and do not fall behind in school.
“The most valuable thing we can give our children is quality education. When our kids have the resources they need, they grow up to be their best selves and help our communities thrive,” Leger Fernández said.