Galveston

A statement from Chris Bell, candidate for Texas Senate District 17, on the announcement that 3,800 employees at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB) will lose their jobs:

"The loss of 3,800 jobs at UTMB - nearly one third of the institution's workforce - is a devastating blow to the Galveston economy, which is already suffering from the crippling effects of Hurricane Ike. Far too many Texas families are still trying to piece their lives and their homes back together, and these job losses place are a huge roadblock to recovery.

The past weekend has been an ordeal for our neighbors in Houston and across Southeast Texas, and though the power hasn’t come back on yet at our home, we at the Bell family count ourselves among the very lucky ones. Others across Senate District 17 in Galveston, Port Arthur and other hard-hit places have lost their homes and, most tragically, some have lost their lives.

My campaign is fully focused on helping our community heal and, if you are able, I hope you will join us.