Congratulations, Taxpayers, you may be paying a lobbyist a half million dollars –
To lobby against you
Former Rep. Fred Hill has a new title -- lobbyist. It appears Mr. Hill left the legislature and fell into a lucrative business making as much as over a half million dollars lobbying. Funny things is, we taxpayers are paying his salary. He’s working for taxing entities and some of their associations.
We don’t know just what he’s making, because he isn’t required to report that, even though he’s taking tax dollars. But the range is anywhere from $360,000 to almost $675,000.
Taxing entities could do a lot with that money, other than lobby against taxpayers.
That’s right, he has joined the ranks of former Rep. Carter Casteel who, upon her defeat, went right to work for the Texas Association of Counties. TAC is one of the organizations using our tax dollars to oppose taxpayer protections.
So for taxpayers who want to limit the growth of government, beware. If you want the opportunity to determine just how much government you want and are willing to pay for, Fred Hill is lobbying against you. And he’s doing it on your dime.
You may remember Fred Hill as the legislator who said that taxpayer protection legislation was like “a snake in the grass” and that he needed to “take a hoe and kill it.”
We hear he is still gathering city clients -- and some are just saying "no."
This information was found in the Texas Ethics Commission lobby reports:
Hill, Fred (00020297)
(972)897-3160
909 N. Waterview Drive Richardson, TX 75080
City of Allen
305 Century Parkway Allen, TX 75013
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$25,000 - $49.999.99
Client Start Date: 01/28/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
City of Coppell
PO Box 478 Coppell, TX 75019
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$25,000 - $49.999.99
Client Start Date: 01/22/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
City of Farmers Branch
13000 William Dodson Parkway Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$25,000 - $49.999.99
Client Start Date: 01/25/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
City of Richardson
411 W. Arapaho Rd. Richardson, TX 75080
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$50,000 - $99,999.99
Client Start Date: 01/28/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
Conference of Urban Counties
500 W. 13th Street Austin, TX 78701
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$50,000 - $99,999.99
Client Start Date: 01/16/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
Texas Association Of Counties
1210 San Antonio Street Austin, TX 78701
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$150,000 - $199,999.99
Client Start Date: 01/16/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
Town of Addison
PO Box 9010 Addison, TX 75001
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$25,000 - $49.999.99
Client Start Date: 01/24/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
Town of Flower Mound
2121 Cross Timbers Road Flower Mound, TX 75028
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$10,000 - $24,999.99
Client Start Date: 01/14/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
Update - Hill has two new clients...
City of Dallas
1500 Marilla 4E Dallas, TX 75201
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$25,000 - $49.999.99
Client Start Date: 02/03/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
PO Box 660163 Dallas, TX 75266
Type of Compensation: Prospective
$10,000 - $24,999.99
Client Start Date: 02/05/2009
Client Term Date: 12/31/2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Our Rights Go Up In Smoke
AFP - Texas organized a grassroots rally at the Capitol on Thursday to counter smoking ban activists led by none other than neo-politician and champion cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.
While we all admire Armstrong's tremendous accomplishments in life, his support of a statewide smoking ban in Texas is a tremendous mistake. Smoking bans infringe on personal freedom and choice, and they violate private property rights.
So the AFP members showed up with their signs and spirit to let the Legislature - and the gathered media - know there's more than one side to this debate.
Thursday gave us a taste of how contentious this fight will be in the Legislature; about 10 minutes after the AFP folks showed up at the Capitol to protest peacefully, they were cordoned off by an even-larger number of Texas State Troopers.
First, the troopers tried to move the AFP activists far away from the Capitol steps, saying they had no permit - therefore, no right - to protest the ant-smoking rally. When the activists challenged that claim, the troopers simply stood in front of the group. When challenged even further about the Constitutional rights that were apparently being violated, the troopers did this:
Caution tape? Really?!!
Who were they trying to protect the crowd from? Opposing views?
AFP's intern James took the free speech violations in stride:
In the end, AFP got a lot more attention for their cause, thanks to the troopers' attempt to keep their opposing voices at bay. Their views got a lot of media play, which they might not have received otherwise. So maybe AFP owes a big "Thank You" to the Texas DPS for sending out the troopers and helping their cause.
Click the links below to see AFP and the smoking ban protest in the news:
(Be sure to read through all of the comments, then post your own!)
Lance Armstrong lends support to statewide smoking ban
Some breathe deeply, others fume as Armstrong lends support
Watch the video here
Armstrong rides back into Texas to help ban smoking
Armstrong urges smoking ban in Texas
It's important to make your voice heard in the debate. Luckily, you don't have to worry about Texas State Troopers censoring your voice on Internet forums, so post away!
While we all admire Armstrong's tremendous accomplishments in life, his support of a statewide smoking ban in Texas is a tremendous mistake. Smoking bans infringe on personal freedom and choice, and they violate private property rights.
So the AFP members showed up with their signs and spirit to let the Legislature - and the gathered media - know there's more than one side to this debate.
Thursday gave us a taste of how contentious this fight will be in the Legislature; about 10 minutes after the AFP folks showed up at the Capitol to protest peacefully, they were cordoned off by an even-larger number of Texas State Troopers.
First, the troopers tried to move the AFP activists far away from the Capitol steps, saying they had no permit - therefore, no right - to protest the ant-smoking rally. When the activists challenged that claim, the troopers simply stood in front of the group. When challenged even further about the Constitutional rights that were apparently being violated, the troopers did this:
Caution tape? Really?!!
Who were they trying to protect the crowd from? Opposing views?
AFP's intern James took the free speech violations in stride:
In the end, AFP got a lot more attention for their cause, thanks to the troopers' attempt to keep their opposing voices at bay. Their views got a lot of media play, which they might not have received otherwise. So maybe AFP owes a big "Thank You" to the Texas DPS for sending out the troopers and helping their cause.Click the links below to see AFP and the smoking ban protest in the news:
(Be sure to read through all of the comments, then post your own!)
Lance Armstrong lends support to statewide smoking ban
Some breathe deeply, others fume as Armstrong lends support
Watch the video here
Armstrong rides back into Texas to help ban smoking
Armstrong urges smoking ban in Texas
It's important to make your voice heard in the debate. Luckily, you don't have to worry about Texas State Troopers censoring your voice on Internet forums, so post away!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I'm glad to be a Texan
Texans, we have it good in our state.
Thanks to our leaders, we are entering this legislative session with money in the bank and our leaders are not looking to tax increases to pay the state bills.
Governor Rick Perry outlined a legislative plan which does not include tax inccreases, and encourages legislators to live within the states' means.
But teacher unions and some big-government advocates are whining for more state spending in Texas. We taxpayers should be saying “thanks” for not putting us in the situation California is in.
In stark contrast to Texas, tax refunds are now on hold in California.
ABC News' Teddy Davis Reported today that tax refunds are now on hold in California for the first time in state history.
The California Franchise Tax Board has been directed not to send tax refund claims to the Comptroller beginning today even before a 30-day delay in tax refunds goes into effect.
During the delay a combined 2.74 million California individuals and businesses will have their tax refund held by the state.
The $1.99 billion in what should be refunds will be used to pay for education, debt service, and other payments that have first claim to state funds.
California has had no money in its general fund for the past 17 months, and has been paying its bills by borrowing from Wall Street and special internal funds.
If the state's legislators and governor do not reach a budget agreement that brings immediate funds into the state's coffers, the state's borrowed funds will be entirely exhausted at the end of February, according to the controller's office.
So, Texans - stop whining. We've got it good in Texas, thanks to our fiscally responsible leadership.
Thanks to our leaders, we are entering this legislative session with money in the bank and our leaders are not looking to tax increases to pay the state bills.
Governor Rick Perry outlined a legislative plan which does not include tax inccreases, and encourages legislators to live within the states' means.
But teacher unions and some big-government advocates are whining for more state spending in Texas. We taxpayers should be saying “thanks” for not putting us in the situation California is in.
In stark contrast to Texas, tax refunds are now on hold in California.
ABC News' Teddy Davis Reported today that tax refunds are now on hold in California for the first time in state history.
The California Franchise Tax Board has been directed not to send tax refund claims to the Comptroller beginning today even before a 30-day delay in tax refunds goes into effect.
During the delay a combined 2.74 million California individuals and businesses will have their tax refund held by the state.
The $1.99 billion in what should be refunds will be used to pay for education, debt service, and other payments that have first claim to state funds.
California has had no money in its general fund for the past 17 months, and has been paying its bills by borrowing from Wall Street and special internal funds.
If the state's legislators and governor do not reach a budget agreement that brings immediate funds into the state's coffers, the state's borrowed funds will be entirely exhausted at the end of February, according to the controller's office.
So, Texans - stop whining. We've got it good in Texas, thanks to our fiscally responsible leadership.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Italy ISD Superintendent Makes $91,400 Annually
For some reason, tiny Italy ISD (student population: 629) paying Superintendent Jimmy Malone $91,400 annually just seems a bit high.
Am I the only one who thinks that?
Am I the only one who thinks that?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Texas counties gearing up to fight taxpayer protections
When is the reduction in the rate of growth a spending cut?
It appears the Texas Association of Counties and some county officials are preparing to fight taxpayer protections again this session.
While many taxpayers are complaining about property taxes, TAC spokesmen are saying “Counties aren’t the problem.” (Actually, local governments are growing faster than Texans’ paychecks – four times faster!)
But the facts don’t get in the way of big-government advocates.
There is a survey traveling around the counties by TAC asking how revenue or appraisal caps would "hurt" them. I am trying to get a copy of that survey - not all counties are doing it.
I also am hearing from some of the "new" county commissioners who are just now going through their TAC indoctrination that they are informed how the caps would "take money away" from the county.
Hum... since when is a reduction in the rate of growth a "spending cut"??? It's amazing that businesses deal with that every day - and certainly families are sitting around their kitchen table making cuts to their family budgets now. They aren’t necessarily cutting the rate of growth but actually cutting their spending.
Below is an example of the "fuzzy math" being used by county officials in Burnet County.
_______________________________
Burnet officials warn of service cuts if Legislature pass revenue caps
Revenue caps could harm county budget
by Hal Brown
Highland Lakes Newspaper
Virtually all the non-statutorily required services Burnet County offers would be wiped out of the county budget if the state imposes revenue caps in the next legislative session, county commissioners said Tuesday.
While there is no specific proposal to cap county revenues, the Texas Association of Counties was surveying commissioners courts to see the effects of a 5 percent, 3 percent or 0 percent cap on county revenues above the county effective rate. (The effective rate is the rate which allows revenues in a new budget year to precisely equal the budget in the past year.)
As figures by County Auditor Kevin Smith, said County Judge Donna Klaeger, a 5 percent cap would mean a decrease of $1,0880,432; a 3 percent cap would mean a decrease of $1,851,637 and 0 or no increase would mean $3,207,932 less.
The projected 2009 budget is $17,911, 244, but much of that figure is statutorily required programs the county must fund.
"If we lose $1,080,000 it really doesn't matter how we prioritize them, we lose all of them," said Precinct 4 commissioner Joe Don Dockery. The Legislature, he said, "needs to have an understanding how deep a cut this is."
Precinct 1 Commissioner Bill Neve said there has been talk about putting revenue caps as a local option.
"If citizens come to us with a petition to cut revenues, we have to put it on the ballot," he said.
Klaeger said with a $1 million cut the county would probably have to drop all funding except for the area fire departments and emergency medical services.
That could mean cuts in county allocation to Department of Public Safety funds, employee benefits, the agricultural extension service, parks, government trappers, animal control, courthouse and facility security, non-profit organizations, the Special Operations Unit drug enforcement taskforce, the county library and Interface Recycling, among others.
It appears the Texas Association of Counties and some county officials are preparing to fight taxpayer protections again this session.
While many taxpayers are complaining about property taxes, TAC spokesmen are saying “Counties aren’t the problem.” (Actually, local governments are growing faster than Texans’ paychecks – four times faster!)
But the facts don’t get in the way of big-government advocates.
There is a survey traveling around the counties by TAC asking how revenue or appraisal caps would "hurt" them. I am trying to get a copy of that survey - not all counties are doing it.
I also am hearing from some of the "new" county commissioners who are just now going through their TAC indoctrination that they are informed how the caps would "take money away" from the county.
Hum... since when is a reduction in the rate of growth a "spending cut"??? It's amazing that businesses deal with that every day - and certainly families are sitting around their kitchen table making cuts to their family budgets now. They aren’t necessarily cutting the rate of growth but actually cutting their spending.
Below is an example of the "fuzzy math" being used by county officials in Burnet County.
_______________________________
Burnet officials warn of service cuts if Legislature pass revenue caps
Revenue caps could harm county budget
by Hal Brown
Highland Lakes Newspaper
Virtually all the non-statutorily required services Burnet County offers would be wiped out of the county budget if the state imposes revenue caps in the next legislative session, county commissioners said Tuesday.
While there is no specific proposal to cap county revenues, the Texas Association of Counties was surveying commissioners courts to see the effects of a 5 percent, 3 percent or 0 percent cap on county revenues above the county effective rate. (The effective rate is the rate which allows revenues in a new budget year to precisely equal the budget in the past year.)
As figures by County Auditor Kevin Smith, said County Judge Donna Klaeger, a 5 percent cap would mean a decrease of $1,0880,432; a 3 percent cap would mean a decrease of $1,851,637 and 0 or no increase would mean $3,207,932 less.
The projected 2009 budget is $17,911, 244, but much of that figure is statutorily required programs the county must fund.
"If we lose $1,080,000 it really doesn't matter how we prioritize them, we lose all of them," said Precinct 4 commissioner Joe Don Dockery. The Legislature, he said, "needs to have an understanding how deep a cut this is."
Precinct 1 Commissioner Bill Neve said there has been talk about putting revenue caps as a local option.
"If citizens come to us with a petition to cut revenues, we have to put it on the ballot," he said.
Klaeger said with a $1 million cut the county would probably have to drop all funding except for the area fire departments and emergency medical services.
That could mean cuts in county allocation to Department of Public Safety funds, employee benefits, the agricultural extension service, parks, government trappers, animal control, courthouse and facility security, non-profit organizations, the Special Operations Unit drug enforcement taskforce, the county library and Interface Recycling, among others.
Death tax kills jobs
The only things for certain are death and taxation. And the death tax includes them both.
Obama wants to reinstate the death tax at a rate of 45%.
But at a time when unemployment rates are climbing and we need to grow the economy, the death tax strikes most heavily at small- and medium-sized family-owned businesses that generate the majority of new American jobs.
You may recall the 2001 tax bill incorporated a 10-year phase-out that eliminates the tax only for a single year. Then the rate goes all the way back in 2011 to the confiscatory 55% rate of the Clinton era, with a mere $1 million exclusion.
It was designed to further tax the super-wealthy. The super wealthy have foundations and other tax dodges to shield themselves from much of the tax.
By contrast, "family-run firms and farms particularly feel the pinch of the estate tax, because they are less likely to have the liquid resources needed to meet their estate tax liabilities."
This lost capital reinvestment translates into fewer workers on business payrolls. One former Congressional Budget Office director, estimates in a new study that the economy would create roughly 1.3 million more small business jobs with no death tax rather than with a 45% rate.
Foreign governments understand this relationship, which is why they have been slashing their estate taxes in recent years. According to the American Council for Capital Formation, the U.S. has the third highest estate tax in the developed world -- 49% if you add the federal rate and average state rate, just below 50% in Japan and South Korea.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123180759988175649.html
For those of us who cut our teeth on Ann Rand, it’s worth a read: WSJ’s Stephen Moore’s opinion piece “Atlas Shrugged: From Fiction to Fact in 52 Years”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123146363567166677.html
Obama wants to reinstate the death tax at a rate of 45%.
But at a time when unemployment rates are climbing and we need to grow the economy, the death tax strikes most heavily at small- and medium-sized family-owned businesses that generate the majority of new American jobs.
You may recall the 2001 tax bill incorporated a 10-year phase-out that eliminates the tax only for a single year. Then the rate goes all the way back in 2011 to the confiscatory 55% rate of the Clinton era, with a mere $1 million exclusion.
It was designed to further tax the super-wealthy. The super wealthy have foundations and other tax dodges to shield themselves from much of the tax.
By contrast, "family-run firms and farms particularly feel the pinch of the estate tax, because they are less likely to have the liquid resources needed to meet their estate tax liabilities."
This lost capital reinvestment translates into fewer workers on business payrolls. One former Congressional Budget Office director, estimates in a new study that the economy would create roughly 1.3 million more small business jobs with no death tax rather than with a 45% rate.
Foreign governments understand this relationship, which is why they have been slashing their estate taxes in recent years. According to the American Council for Capital Formation, the U.S. has the third highest estate tax in the developed world -- 49% if you add the federal rate and average state rate, just below 50% in Japan and South Korea.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123180759988175649.html
For those of us who cut our teeth on Ann Rand, it’s worth a read: WSJ’s Stephen Moore’s opinion piece “Atlas Shrugged: From Fiction to Fact in 52 Years”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123146363567166677.html
Monday, January 5, 2009
Straus appears to have cinched TX House Speaker position
Now that Rep. John Smithee has pulled out of the Speakers’ race, it appears Rep. Straus will become the next Texas House Speaker. Here is some information being circulated on Rep. Straus:
Rep. Joe Straus III
• District 121, which includes the communities of Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills, Windcrest, and northeast San Antonio.
• Elected to the Texas House of Representatives in a special election in February 2005. Filled seat held by Elizabeth Ames Jones, whom the Governor appointed to the RR Commission.
• During the most recent legislative session, he was appointed to the Committee on Economic Development, where he serves as vice-chairman, the Committee on Regulated Industries, and the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. As a member of the Regulated Industries Committee, Representative Straus chaired the Subcommittee on Energy Conservation and Efficiency, which developed a major bill that puts Texas on the cutting edge of energy efficiency. Representative Straus has also been appointed to the Select Committee on Electric Generation Capacity and Environmental Effects, which will study the state's energy demand and expected growth for the next 50 years in order to develop long-term energy plans for Texas.
• Received the Defender of the American Dream Award in 2008 from Americans for Prosperity for his record of commitment for protecting taxpayers.
• Received the Texas Public Power Association's Public Official Award for leadership and contributions to public power. He was also given the Legislative Service Award by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club for his work in the area of energy efficiency
• Has previously served on the Management Committee of the Bexar County Republican Party, as a precinct chairman, and on numerous campaign committees for federal, state, and local candidates. He served in the administration of President George H. W. Bush from 1989 through 1991 as Deputy Director of Business Liaison at the U.S. Department of Commerce and also in the Reagan administration as Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of Customs. In 1986, he was U.S. Representative Lamar Smith's campaign manager in Smith's first race for Congress. In the Texas House, Representative Straus serves as a member of the House Republican Caucus Policy Committee.
• Was selected by the Speaker of the House to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures' 2006 Leadership Institute for legislators who show outstanding leadership promise and the ability to effect change. In 2008, Texas Monthly selected Representative Straus as one of the 35 Texans who will shape the future of the state.
• Is a principal in the insurance and executive benefits firm of Watson, Mazur, Bennett & Straus, L.L.C. He is affiliated with National Financial Partners, a leading financial services company in the insurance, investments, and benefits industry
• Currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center as well as on the Texas Cord Blood Bank. Previously Mr. Straus served on the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Zoological Society, the Texas Nature Conservancy, the Southwest School of Art and Craft, and the Winston School.
• Graduate of Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Political Science. He is an avid sportsman with a lifelong passion for Thoroughbred horseracing and breeding. He is married to Julie Brink Straus. They have two daughters, Sara and Robyn
• 2008 Election: only opponent was Libertarian, Straus received 77% of the vote.
• The son of San Antonio grandee and GOP stalwart Jocelyn (Joci) Straus and Joe Jr. Joci and Joe serviced as chair of the UT Health Science Center’s Development Board for 20 years.
• Parents Joci and Joe Straus Jr. are significant donors to Planned Parenthood of San Antonio. ($1,000 per year for five years.)
• Received $1000 campaign contribution from Planned Parenthood of San Antonio's PAC in 8/2008. Also receive campaign contributions from Mindi Alterman, Chair of the board of PP/San Antonio, totaling $600 (in 2005 and 2007).
• "As for abortion, Straus noted that he supports restrictions on the procedure, including a requirement that parents give their consent before their minor children terminate a pregnancy. But he also made it clear that he favors laws that give women abortion rights. 'I support existing laws on abortion,' he said. 'I believe the laws that are currently in place are not at this point a state matter.' " AP 1/5/09
• Currently has more than $622k in his campaign account, Texans for Joe Straus.
• “Genial and pragmatic, he’s a proponent of low taxes, economic growth, and other totems of fiscal conservatism, but he’s no friend to hectoring social conservatives—and he’s all for lowering the level of anger at the Capitol. He’s also one of the rare pols who see their time in office as public service.” Texas Monthly
Rep. Joe Straus III
• District 121, which includes the communities of Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills, Windcrest, and northeast San Antonio.
• Elected to the Texas House of Representatives in a special election in February 2005. Filled seat held by Elizabeth Ames Jones, whom the Governor appointed to the RR Commission.
• During the most recent legislative session, he was appointed to the Committee on Economic Development, where he serves as vice-chairman, the Committee on Regulated Industries, and the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. As a member of the Regulated Industries Committee, Representative Straus chaired the Subcommittee on Energy Conservation and Efficiency, which developed a major bill that puts Texas on the cutting edge of energy efficiency. Representative Straus has also been appointed to the Select Committee on Electric Generation Capacity and Environmental Effects, which will study the state's energy demand and expected growth for the next 50 years in order to develop long-term energy plans for Texas.
• Received the Defender of the American Dream Award in 2008 from Americans for Prosperity for his record of commitment for protecting taxpayers.
• Received the Texas Public Power Association's Public Official Award for leadership and contributions to public power. He was also given the Legislative Service Award by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club for his work in the area of energy efficiency
• Has previously served on the Management Committee of the Bexar County Republican Party, as a precinct chairman, and on numerous campaign committees for federal, state, and local candidates. He served in the administration of President George H. W. Bush from 1989 through 1991 as Deputy Director of Business Liaison at the U.S. Department of Commerce and also in the Reagan administration as Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of Customs. In 1986, he was U.S. Representative Lamar Smith's campaign manager in Smith's first race for Congress. In the Texas House, Representative Straus serves as a member of the House Republican Caucus Policy Committee.
• Was selected by the Speaker of the House to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures' 2006 Leadership Institute for legislators who show outstanding leadership promise and the ability to effect change. In 2008, Texas Monthly selected Representative Straus as one of the 35 Texans who will shape the future of the state.
• Is a principal in the insurance and executive benefits firm of Watson, Mazur, Bennett & Straus, L.L.C. He is affiliated with National Financial Partners, a leading financial services company in the insurance, investments, and benefits industry
• Currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center as well as on the Texas Cord Blood Bank. Previously Mr. Straus served on the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Zoological Society, the Texas Nature Conservancy, the Southwest School of Art and Craft, and the Winston School.
• Graduate of Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Political Science. He is an avid sportsman with a lifelong passion for Thoroughbred horseracing and breeding. He is married to Julie Brink Straus. They have two daughters, Sara and Robyn
• 2008 Election: only opponent was Libertarian, Straus received 77% of the vote.
• The son of San Antonio grandee and GOP stalwart Jocelyn (Joci) Straus and Joe Jr. Joci and Joe serviced as chair of the UT Health Science Center’s Development Board for 20 years.
• Parents Joci and Joe Straus Jr. are significant donors to Planned Parenthood of San Antonio. ($1,000 per year for five years.)
• Received $1000 campaign contribution from Planned Parenthood of San Antonio's PAC in 8/2008. Also receive campaign contributions from Mindi Alterman, Chair of the board of PP/San Antonio, totaling $600 (in 2005 and 2007).
• "As for abortion, Straus noted that he supports restrictions on the procedure, including a requirement that parents give their consent before their minor children terminate a pregnancy. But he also made it clear that he favors laws that give women abortion rights. 'I support existing laws on abortion,' he said. 'I believe the laws that are currently in place are not at this point a state matter.' " AP 1/5/09
• Currently has more than $622k in his campaign account, Texans for Joe Straus.
• “Genial and pragmatic, he’s a proponent of low taxes, economic growth, and other totems of fiscal conservatism, but he’s no friend to hectoring social conservatives—and he’s all for lowering the level of anger at the Capitol. He’s also one of the rare pols who see their time in office as public service.” Texas Monthly
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Will Democrats elect the Texas House Speaker?
Will Republican Legislators allow the Democratic members to select the Speaker?
The 11 dissident Republicans selected two-term State Rep. Joe Straus as their candidate for Speaker, and that selection is expected to be supported by 64 Democrats. They are making the decisions this weekend. What would that do? It would provide 75 votes for a Speaker, with most of the votes coming from Democrats. Some information on Straus is here: http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=49917
The following voting record has been sent around by a number of groups – but you can see all announced speaker candidates’ voting records here:
Speaker_Candidates_composite_conservative_scores_NEW_2.pdf
AFP’s Jason Moore began the scorecard, and Eliza posted it on the AFP website. The great thing about this scorecard is it includes the declared candidates’ voting records from a number of fiscal and social conservative groups. For the full scorecard (to find the “undeclared” candidates like Straus, go to the individual organizations’ scorecard links).
Texas voters should make sure their Texas House member knows how they want them to vote – to find your legislator, click here. http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Address.aspx?Address1=13419+Wisterwood+St&City=Austin&ZipCode=TX&DistrictType=ALL&Submit1=Submit (please note that IF your House member has changed, this State website lists the current member, and those newly-elected in November will not be listed on this site until they take office Jan. 13.)
Rep. Joe Straus Supported:
Making it easier to perform late-term, third-trimester abortions (SB 419, vote 672, 2005). And in the 2007 session, he received a 100 percent voting record from the radical pro-abortion group NARAL, and the pro-abortion group Planned Parenthood contributed to his reelection campaign
Homosexuals as foster parents (SB 6, vote 327, 2005)
Expanded casino gambling (HB 10, vote 939, 2007)
Increased gaming and gambling (HB 2265, vote 749, 2007)
Increased sale and consumption of alcohol during Sunday morning church hours (HB 168, vote 357, 2005)
Making it easier to sell alcohol without community approval, as is currently required (SB 1626, vote 852, 2005)
Increasing state budget spending by an amazing 19 percent over only two years (SB 1, vote 946, 2005)
Rep. Joe Straus Opposed:
Using statistically-proven methods to strengthen marriage and reduce divorce by encouraging pre-marital counseling (HB 2685, votes 384, 437, and 1407, 2007)
Parental rights, opposing a bill to let parents know the service-referrals that school counselors are making for their children (HB 2136, vote 592, 2007)
School choice (HB 1, vote 235, 2007)
The 11 dissident Republicans selected two-term State Rep. Joe Straus as their candidate for Speaker, and that selection is expected to be supported by 64 Democrats. They are making the decisions this weekend. What would that do? It would provide 75 votes for a Speaker, with most of the votes coming from Democrats. Some information on Straus is here: http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=49917
The following voting record has been sent around by a number of groups – but you can see all announced speaker candidates’ voting records here:
Speaker_Candidates_composite_conservative_scores_NEW_2.pdf
AFP’s Jason Moore began the scorecard, and Eliza posted it on the AFP website. The great thing about this scorecard is it includes the declared candidates’ voting records from a number of fiscal and social conservative groups. For the full scorecard (to find the “undeclared” candidates like Straus, go to the individual organizations’ scorecard links).
Texas voters should make sure their Texas House member knows how they want them to vote – to find your legislator, click here. http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Address.aspx?Address1=13419+Wisterwood+St&City=Austin&ZipCode=TX&DistrictType=ALL&Submit1=Submit (please note that IF your House member has changed, this State website lists the current member, and those newly-elected in November will not be listed on this site until they take office Jan. 13.)
Rep. Joe Straus Supported:
Making it easier to perform late-term, third-trimester abortions (SB 419, vote 672, 2005). And in the 2007 session, he received a 100 percent voting record from the radical pro-abortion group NARAL, and the pro-abortion group Planned Parenthood contributed to his reelection campaign
Homosexuals as foster parents (SB 6, vote 327, 2005)
Expanded casino gambling (HB 10, vote 939, 2007)
Increased gaming and gambling (HB 2265, vote 749, 2007)
Increased sale and consumption of alcohol during Sunday morning church hours (HB 168, vote 357, 2005)
Making it easier to sell alcohol without community approval, as is currently required (SB 1626, vote 852, 2005)
Increasing state budget spending by an amazing 19 percent over only two years (SB 1, vote 946, 2005)
Rep. Joe Straus Opposed:
Using statistically-proven methods to strengthen marriage and reduce divorce by encouraging pre-marital counseling (HB 2685, votes 384, 437, and 1407, 2007)
Parental rights, opposing a bill to let parents know the service-referrals that school counselors are making for their children (HB 2136, vote 592, 2007)
School choice (HB 1, vote 235, 2007)
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