$65M boost for El Paso cancer center, Downtown deck plaza gains ground in state budget

By El Paso Matters Staff, El Paso Matters This is your weekly news roundup, which takes a quick look at some developments in government, politics, education, environment and other topics across El Paso.  El Paso to Receive $65 Million More for Cancer Center from State

The Texas House and Senate have passed the state 2026-27 budget, which includes $65 million for the first comprehensive cancer center in El Paso. The budget now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for approval. This would bring total state funding for the cancer center to $130 million. “This investment is a major step toward closing the gap in access to care for Hispanic and rural patients, and toward meeting the rising demand for cancer treatment in Far West Texas,” state Sen. César Blanco, D-El Paso, said in a news release.