SEN. LUCIO ASKS SOUTH TEXAS CITIZENSTO LOWER FLAGS IN MEMORY OF REP. IRMA RANGEL

AUSTIN,TX--In memory of state Rep. Irma Rangel, who passed away early this morning at an Austin hospital, state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) is requesting all South Texas citizens to fly flags at half-staff at all buildings, including private and residential.

"Although Gov. Perry has asked that flags be flown at half-staff at state buildings, I feel that this honorable lady and true 'Texas Hero' deserves to be remembered by every resident throughout South Texas, her hometown," said Sen. Lucio. "So I am asking her fellow Texans throughout her district and mine, and beyond, to fly their flags at half-staff.

Sen. Lucio paid tribute to the former Democrat from Kingsville today in the Texas Senate during session. In his remarks he stated, "She touched so many lives in so many ways. I have seen so many tears as I walk the halls of this great building today."

The following counties comprise Sen. Lucio's and the late Rep. Rangel's distrcts:

District 27 - Sen. Lucio - Cameron, Willacy, Kleberg, Kenedy, part of Hidalgo counties

District 43 - Rep. Rangel - Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy, Brooks, Jim Hogg, part of Cameron counties