Bill Overview
Title: A bill to designate the El Paso Community Healing Garden National Memorial, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill designates the Healing Garden located at 6900 Delta Drive in El Paso, Texas, as the El Paso Community Healing Garden National Memorial.
Sponsors: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals connected to and visitors of the El Paso Community Healing Garden National Memorial
Estimated Size: 200000
- This bill designates a specific location in El Paso, Texas, as a national memorial.
- Such designations primarily impact individuals who live in or visit the area where the site is located.
- The Healing Garden is a community space likely used for reflection and remembrance, impacting people who lost loved ones or are otherwise connected to the event it commemorates.
- While the garden is situated in the United States, as a national memorial, it may draw visitors and attention from beyond local or state residents.
Reasoning
- The policy affects a specific location in El Paso, Texas, and is likely most relevant to individuals who live in or visit the area, making the target population largely centered in El Paso and the surrounding regions.
- Key groups impacted include local residents, survivors, family members of victims, and those involved in the incident memorialized at the Healing Garden.
- While the memorial may draw some national attention or visitors, the most direct and immediate impact will be on the local community.
- The budget is limited to under $3 million over 10 years, suggesting a focus on maintaining the garden and giving it national recognition rather than large-scale development.
- Given the budget, direct economic benefits such as increased tourism may be modest, but there will be gains in community morale and remembrance.
Simulated Interviews
School Teacher (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the recognition of the Healing Garden as a national memorial. It gives the site more significance and honors those we lost.
- I hope the designation will bring more visitors who not only enjoy the garden but also reflect on why it exists.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Local Historian (Las Cruces, New Mexico)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a historian, I think it's important to preserve sites like these as part of our national narrative.
- The garden's designation might help fund educational programs about the incident, which is a positive outcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Veteran (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was initially wary of government spending on projects like these, but I've seen how they help with healing.
- The garden as a national memorial may bring veterans closer, as we understand the importance of remembering sacrifice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The national recognition of the garden might increase awareness and engagement around social issues.
- I hope this results in more visitors who learn and act in support of affected communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Non-profit Director (Houston, Texas)
Age: 53 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This designation can leverage more funding and awareness for the site, which are critical for the ongoing support of the impacted community.
- National recognition might open new doors for collaboration with other memorials and organizations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Tour Guide (Juarez, Mexico)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although I'm not American, the new status of the garden might encourage cross-border visitors who are interested in these cultural sites.
- I see potential for increased tourism interest that could benefit my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Social Worker (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a meaningful addition to the places where people can gather to process their experiences.
- I believe the memorial status will ensure the garden's long-term value in therapeutic and community work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Journalist (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A new angle for reporting and storytelling, especially if the site receives national attention and visitors.
- It adds diversity to the stories we can tell about national memorials and collective memory.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
City Planner (Austin, Texas)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognizing spaces like these helps solidify community bonds and the importance of public spaces.
- I'm curious to see how the designation impacts urban planning and community initiatives in El Paso.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Community Organizer (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The national memorial status acts as a reminder that we are not forgotten, and our healing remains a national interest.
- I plan to organize events that leverage this recognition to strengthen community ties and resilience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000 (Low: $150000, High: $400000)
Year 2: $260000 (Low: $160000, High: $420000)
Year 3: $270000 (Low: $170000, High: $440000)
Year 5: $290000 (Low: $180000, High: $460000)
Year 10: $320000 (Low: $200000, High: $500000)
Year 100: $800000 (Low: $500000, High: $1200000)
Key Considerations
- The designation would recognize a site of historical significance and could increase tourism to the area.
- There might be initial public and private costs associated with upgrading accommodations and signage.
- Costs will be spread across various entities but primarily borne by federal funds designated for national memorials.