Retiring Superintendent gets almost a quarter million dollars for unused vacation?
Austin ISD Superintendent Pat Forgione got a big fat check this week – for unused vacation. He had a whopping 172 days accumulated; however, according to the Austin American-Statesman, Forgione’s contract, does not allow unused sick and personal days cannot be carried over and are not compensated.
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/education/entries/2009/06/30/superintendent_to_get_21527872.html
The school board should be recalled for this. This payment is totally irresponsible and outrageous. Question: if the contract said he could not carry forward unused time, but he obviously did - this doesn't appear to be a legal payment, does it? And he is going to be making his $8,433 a month in addition to his new job salary. Isn't that double-dipping? And people say we don't spend enough on education -- we spend too much on education overhead and not enough on teachers and classroom instruction. AISD school board members should be ashamed -- and this should serve as an example of what should NEVER be done. That money could hire five teachers!!! It could be used to help students. AISD School Board President Mark Williams, Vincent M. Torres, Lori Moya, Cheryl Bradley, Sam Guzman, Christine Brister, Robert Schneider, Annette LoVoi and Karen Dulaney Smith should explain this irresponsible act. Weren't they watching his leave time? Should he be paying for leave time not accumulated this year? Explain this to the taxpaying public, please! Here is the District’s website:
http://www.austinisd.org/inside/board/members.phtml/ You can email the school board members at: trustees@austinisd.org or call the District at 512- 414-1704.
-- Peggy Venable, pvenable@afptx.org
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Texas leader walks citizens through important "cap and trade" debate and what it means to you
Commissioner Michael Williams (R-TX) has begun a multi-part series on the “cap and trade” legislation making its way through Congress.
Part 1: http://www.williamsfortexas.com/posts/14
Each day this week, Commissioner Williams will post the next part of the series. The goal is to educate what “cap and trade” is and expose it for what it truly is: a national energy tax that will harm all Texans and Americans.
The education portion is important. In May of this year, Rasmussen reported the following findings:
“Given a choice of three options, just 24% of voters can correctly identify the cap-and-trade proposal as something that deals with environmental issues. A slightly higher number (29%) believe the proposal has something to do with regulating Wall Street while 17% think the term applies to health care reform. A plurality (30%) have no idea.”
Subsequent topics will include:
• Waiting to exhale: the EPA endangerment finding
• Cap and trade 101
• All cap and trade programs are not created equal
• The disproportionate adverse impact CO2 cap and trade will have on Texas
• It’s worthless without China
• How you can help!
Part 1: http://www.williamsfortexas.com/posts/14
Each day this week, Commissioner Williams will post the next part of the series. The goal is to educate what “cap and trade” is and expose it for what it truly is: a national energy tax that will harm all Texans and Americans.
The education portion is important. In May of this year, Rasmussen reported the following findings:
“Given a choice of three options, just 24% of voters can correctly identify the cap-and-trade proposal as something that deals with environmental issues. A slightly higher number (29%) believe the proposal has something to do with regulating Wall Street while 17% think the term applies to health care reform. A plurality (30%) have no idea.”
Subsequent topics will include:
• Waiting to exhale: the EPA endangerment finding
• Cap and trade 101
• All cap and trade programs are not created equal
• The disproportionate adverse impact CO2 cap and trade will have on Texas
• It’s worthless without China
• How you can help!
So the NYTimes CAN keep a secret!
Wanted to share the best part -- posts about the NY Times and their moral standard or lack thereof:
It has been revealed that one of the reporters for the NY Times was kidnapped seven months ago in Afghanistan. Apparently, the NY Times and all their buddies managed to keep the incident quiet because they feared for the man’s life. It was the only right thing to do, according to the report.
Which makes me wonder how their guy, a mother’s son, is more important than all of the other mother’s sons in the military that the NY Times worked hard to put in danger? Isn’t the news the news? Obviously not. More obvious is that the NY Times considers their people “better” than the kids of flyover America.
We can presume that an appeal for secrecy on national security grounds by the Obama administration would be given much greater consideration than an appeal by the Bush administration. This is, after all, the Times
I don’t think there were any constitutional issues involved in escaping from the Taliban the way their definitely were with the everyone but al Qaeda surveillence KGB op
Read the NYT explanation/editorial here: http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/boot/70801
It has been revealed that one of the reporters for the NY Times was kidnapped seven months ago in Afghanistan. Apparently, the NY Times and all their buddies managed to keep the incident quiet because they feared for the man’s life. It was the only right thing to do, according to the report.
Which makes me wonder how their guy, a mother’s son, is more important than all of the other mother’s sons in the military that the NY Times worked hard to put in danger? Isn’t the news the news? Obviously not. More obvious is that the NY Times considers their people “better” than the kids of flyover America.
We can presume that an appeal for secrecy on national security grounds by the Obama administration would be given much greater consideration than an appeal by the Bush administration. This is, after all, the Times
I don’t think there were any constitutional issues involved in escaping from the Taliban the way their definitely were with the everyone but al Qaeda surveillence KGB op
Read the NYT explanation/editorial here: http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/boot/70801
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Could Friendswood get a citizen-friendly city council out of this mess?
Friendswood taxpayers, there could be a silver lining in the action of your city council. By their sheer arrogance, they could lose their office and you could elect true representatives of the citizens. Mayor David Smith may put entire council at risk.
The Charter provisions that may require Council to forfeit their office are provided below --
Sec. 3.06. Vacancies, forfeiture, filling of vacancies.
(a) Vacancies: The Office of a Councilmember or Office of the Mayor shall become vacant upon his/her death, resignation, removal from office in any manner authorized by law, or forfeiture of his/her office.
(b) Forfeiture of office: A Councilmember or the Mayor shall forfeit his[/her] office if he/she:
(1) Lacks at any time during his/her term of office any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by law;
(2) Violates any express prohibition of this Charter;
(3) Is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or
(4) Fails to attend three consecutive regular Council meetings without being excused by the Council.
(c) Filling vacancies: When a vacancy shall develop, the Council shall provide for the filling of such vacancy in the manner provided by law.
(Ord. No. 214, § 1, 3-4-1974, election 4-6-1974; Res. No. R88-15, § 3, 5-9-1988; Res. No. R2002-10, § 7, 2-18-2002, election 5-4-2002)
As such, Council must prove that they are not violating the prohibition found in 8.05 (f) --
(f) Elections to authorize debt: Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Section 8.05 to the contrary, the Council shall be prohibited from incurring debt not payable from then current revenues unless a proposition therefor has been approved by the voters at a Special Election held for such purpose; provided, however, the Council shall be authorized to incur debt without the necessity of a Special Election if necessary due to an emergency or urgent public necessity, which emergency or urgent public necessity shall be expressed in the ordinance or resolution authorizing such debt.
The City Council and Mayor Smith appear to have little regard for the citzens or the Charter, but perhaps that could be their demise. Yes,there could be a silver lining in their actions...and good news for taxpayers!
The Charter provisions that may require Council to forfeit their office are provided below --
Sec. 3.06. Vacancies, forfeiture, filling of vacancies.
(a) Vacancies: The Office of a Councilmember or Office of the Mayor shall become vacant upon his/her death, resignation, removal from office in any manner authorized by law, or forfeiture of his/her office.
(b) Forfeiture of office: A Councilmember or the Mayor shall forfeit his[/her] office if he/she:
(1) Lacks at any time during his/her term of office any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by law;
(2) Violates any express prohibition of this Charter;
(3) Is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or
(4) Fails to attend three consecutive regular Council meetings without being excused by the Council.
(c) Filling vacancies: When a vacancy shall develop, the Council shall provide for the filling of such vacancy in the manner provided by law.
(Ord. No. 214, § 1, 3-4-1974, election 4-6-1974; Res. No. R88-15, § 3, 5-9-1988; Res. No. R2002-10, § 7, 2-18-2002, election 5-4-2002)
As such, Council must prove that they are not violating the prohibition found in 8.05 (f) --
(f) Elections to authorize debt: Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Section 8.05 to the contrary, the Council shall be prohibited from incurring debt not payable from then current revenues unless a proposition therefor has been approved by the voters at a Special Election held for such purpose; provided, however, the Council shall be authorized to incur debt without the necessity of a Special Election if necessary due to an emergency or urgent public necessity, which emergency or urgent public necessity shall be expressed in the ordinance or resolution authorizing such debt.
The City Council and Mayor Smith appear to have little regard for the citzens or the Charter, but perhaps that could be their demise. Yes,there could be a silver lining in their actions...and good news for taxpayers!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friendswood Mayor David Smith's hush money threat
The Galveston Daily News missed the point
An article in today’s Galveston paper misrepresented the situation confronting Friendswood taxpayers. Taxpayers deserve to know the facts.
Fact #1: Taxpayers already rejected the $9 million bond initiative the city leaders recently proposed.
Fact #2: Now the city council wants to spend $11 million and claim they won’t incur any debt. Give me a break – did the “need” the $9 million or not? If not, why did they ask taxpayers for it.
Fact #3: This paper also failed to mention one itsy bitsy tiny point. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued a letter last Friday saying that the City didn’t have the authority to purchase the land in Alvin, since it is outside the City’s jurisdiction and the City Charter doesn’t expressly grant that authority.
No matter, say the city attorney, Mayor David Smith and the Council ignore the AG and now proceed to attempt to extort them with blood money (or did I say “silence them”).
Fact #4: The reporter also got it wrong that the city can issue certificates of obligation without voter approval. The City Charter says “debt” and the City leaders are claiming that the $11 million can be paid out of existing revenue streams.
They also claim it to be an emergency – good grief, Charlie Brown – err, David Smith – since when is a ball park a public emergency? The city claims that the projects they are proposing using the certificates of obligation for aren’t the same as the bond initiative, but some look the same to me.
Finally, the City isn’t just up against these five citizens. I think the City leaders will be surprised to find the citizens who voted against the bond initiative will also oppose this $11 million gimmick.
The city leaders have to hope that this threat of $1 million bond in hush money will keep alert residents quiet so the City can purchase the land which City leaders have already signed for and which the developer is already improving…unless the AG gets involved again.
In any case, the Citizens of Friendswood are being taken for a very expensive joy ride by their elected officials. Problem is, it’s not so joyful. Citizens will pay for the lawsuit either way. Friendswood Mayor David Smith is using Friendswood taxpayer dollars for this lawsuit boondoggle.
Friendswood elected officials should be ashamed of their antics!
Peggy Venable, taxpayer advocate for 15 years
And Director, Americans for Prosperity-Texas
Click here to read the flawed Galveston Daily News report:
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=61bae0c100093019
An article in today’s Galveston paper misrepresented the situation confronting Friendswood taxpayers. Taxpayers deserve to know the facts.
Fact #1: Taxpayers already rejected the $9 million bond initiative the city leaders recently proposed.
Fact #2: Now the city council wants to spend $11 million and claim they won’t incur any debt. Give me a break – did the “need” the $9 million or not? If not, why did they ask taxpayers for it.
Fact #3: This paper also failed to mention one itsy bitsy tiny point. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued a letter last Friday saying that the City didn’t have the authority to purchase the land in Alvin, since it is outside the City’s jurisdiction and the City Charter doesn’t expressly grant that authority.
No matter, say the city attorney, Mayor David Smith and the Council ignore the AG and now proceed to attempt to extort them with blood money (or did I say “silence them”).
Fact #4: The reporter also got it wrong that the city can issue certificates of obligation without voter approval. The City Charter says “debt” and the City leaders are claiming that the $11 million can be paid out of existing revenue streams.
They also claim it to be an emergency – good grief, Charlie Brown – err, David Smith – since when is a ball park a public emergency? The city claims that the projects they are proposing using the certificates of obligation for aren’t the same as the bond initiative, but some look the same to me.
Finally, the City isn’t just up against these five citizens. I think the City leaders will be surprised to find the citizens who voted against the bond initiative will also oppose this $11 million gimmick.
The city leaders have to hope that this threat of $1 million bond in hush money will keep alert residents quiet so the City can purchase the land which City leaders have already signed for and which the developer is already improving…unless the AG gets involved again.
In any case, the Citizens of Friendswood are being taken for a very expensive joy ride by their elected officials. Problem is, it’s not so joyful. Citizens will pay for the lawsuit either way. Friendswood Mayor David Smith is using Friendswood taxpayer dollars for this lawsuit boondoggle.
Friendswood elected officials should be ashamed of their antics!
Peggy Venable, taxpayer advocate for 15 years
And Director, Americans for Prosperity-Texas
Click here to read the flawed Galveston Daily News report:
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=61bae0c100093019
Friday, June 19, 2009
Census fraud?
Outspoken Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann, Minnesota Republican, said the questions have become "very intricate, very personal" and she also fears ACORN, the community organizing group that came under fire for its voter registration efforts last year, will be part of the Census Bureau's door-to-door information collection efforts.
"I know for my family the only question we will be answering is how many people are in our home," she said. "We won't be answering any information beyond that, because the Constitution doesn't require any information beyond that."
Shelly Lowe, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Census Bureau, said Mrs. Bachmann is "misreading" the law.
She sent a portion of the U.S. legal code that says anyone over 18 years of age who refuses to answer "any of the questions" on the census can be fined up to $5,000.
The Constitution requires a census be taken every 10 years. Questions range from number of persons in the household and racial information to employment status and whether anyone receives social services such as food stamps.
Mrs. Bachmann said she's worried about the involvement of ACORN, the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now, in next year's census.
"They will be in charge of going door to door and collecting data from the American public," she said. "This is very concerning."
ACORN has applied to help recruit workers to help conduct the census. Republican lawmakers and some public interest groups have expressed concern over their involvement.
ACORN staffers have ben indicted in several states on charges of voter registration fraud stemming from the organization's efforts to register voters last year.
Mrs. Bachmann, who is in her second term in the House, has become a lightning rod for criticism from Democrats and liberal talk show hosts for her unapologetic conservative views.
She said she considers that "a badge of honor."
"It's clear when a person speaks out against those policies they become a target, and that should be concerning to everyone," she said.
New census question scould be: How many are in the household, what race, income, are you registered to vote? if so, for what party? If not, register as a Democrat by signing here...
"I know for my family the only question we will be answering is how many people are in our home," she said. "We won't be answering any information beyond that, because the Constitution doesn't require any information beyond that."
Shelly Lowe, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Census Bureau, said Mrs. Bachmann is "misreading" the law.
She sent a portion of the U.S. legal code that says anyone over 18 years of age who refuses to answer "any of the questions" on the census can be fined up to $5,000.
The Constitution requires a census be taken every 10 years. Questions range from number of persons in the household and racial information to employment status and whether anyone receives social services such as food stamps.
Mrs. Bachmann said she's worried about the involvement of ACORN, the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now, in next year's census.
"They will be in charge of going door to door and collecting data from the American public," she said. "This is very concerning."
ACORN has applied to help recruit workers to help conduct the census. Republican lawmakers and some public interest groups have expressed concern over their involvement.
ACORN staffers have ben indicted in several states on charges of voter registration fraud stemming from the organization's efforts to register voters last year.
Mrs. Bachmann, who is in her second term in the House, has become a lightning rod for criticism from Democrats and liberal talk show hosts for her unapologetic conservative views.
She said she considers that "a badge of honor."
"It's clear when a person speaks out against those policies they become a target, and that should be concerning to everyone," she said.
New census question scould be: How many are in the household, what race, income, are you registered to vote? if so, for what party? If not, register as a Democrat by signing here...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Friendswood Leaders: Smile, You're Exposed
Friendswood City Council: “We sue the citizens”
"We make real estate decisions in executive committee." Friendswood City leader says to citizen: “What does it matter who we sue and what we sue?” "We sue the citizens." Then: We’ve had 131 (public) information requests in City Hall. (Hum...wonder why?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnyTkkvr1o&feature=related
YouTube of Friendswood’s Barker Rant
Friendswood Council Member Mike Barker admits involvement in city efforts to purchase property outside the Friendswood city limits and from a friend of 30-years, David White. But he reserves his right to do business with White in the future. No matter -- the City doesn't have jurisdiction to purchase land outside their jurisdiction. Barker spends over 6 minutes railing on those "ruthless" citizen watchdogs who dare challenge the City leaders' right to ignore the City charter. You can't make this stuff up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39cjlQfG6cs&feature=related
"We make real estate decisions in executive committee." Friendswood City leader says to citizen: “What does it matter who we sue and what we sue?” "We sue the citizens." Then: We’ve had 131 (public) information requests in City Hall. (Hum...wonder why?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnyTkkvr1o&feature=related
YouTube of Friendswood’s Barker Rant
Friendswood Council Member Mike Barker admits involvement in city efforts to purchase property outside the Friendswood city limits and from a friend of 30-years, David White. But he reserves his right to do business with White in the future. No matter -- the City doesn't have jurisdiction to purchase land outside their jurisdiction. Barker spends over 6 minutes railing on those "ruthless" citizen watchdogs who dare challenge the City leaders' right to ignore the City charter. You can't make this stuff up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39cjlQfG6cs&feature=related
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friendswood City Council not so friendly...
Friendswood City Council sues citizens???
Mayor David J.H. Smith and the city council appear to have lost their marbles and Americans for Prosperity activists in Friendswood have sounded the alarm. The City of Friendswood has not been able to get voter approval for bonds the council wants to issue, so the city council has gone to court to ask if state law allowing for the issuance of tax revenue certificates of obligation without voter approval trumps the Friendswood City Charter which prohibits issuing CO's without voter approval. They will be in Travis County District Court on Monday, 179 miles away from the Citizens of Friendswood (over 350 miles round trip). So much for citizen participation…
This lunacy is best explained here: http://lonestartimes.com/2009/06/09/friendswood-city-govt-run-amuck/ and here: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/06/10/Friendswood_journal/news/6-4_fj_lawsuit.txt. The following is from the Friendswood Journal News article:
Friendswood Mayor Smith said during Monday's session at City Hall. "We're the plaintiffs. We sue the citizens, per se, the citizens of the state of Texas…"
Since when should elected officials overrule the voters, let alone sue the citizens so the officials can dig deeper into taxpayers' pockets. Cities are not political subdivisions of the state, and that is why they have city charters. Clearly, the voters of Friendswood were justified in changing the city charter prohibiting city leaders from issuing non-voter approved bonds. Now we see why. Friendswood is carrying $74 million in debt (principal plus interest) and has a population of only 33,486…that represents city debt of $2,242 per man, woman and child.
Mayor David J.H. Smith and the city council appear to have lost their marbles and Americans for Prosperity activists in Friendswood have sounded the alarm. The City of Friendswood has not been able to get voter approval for bonds the council wants to issue, so the city council has gone to court to ask if state law allowing for the issuance of tax revenue certificates of obligation without voter approval trumps the Friendswood City Charter which prohibits issuing CO's without voter approval. They will be in Travis County District Court on Monday, 179 miles away from the Citizens of Friendswood (over 350 miles round trip). So much for citizen participation…
This lunacy is best explained here: http://lonestartimes.com/2009/06/09/friendswood-city-govt-run-amuck/ and here: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/06/10/Friendswood_journal/news/6-4_fj_lawsuit.txt. The following is from the Friendswood Journal News article:
Friendswood Mayor Smith said during Monday's session at City Hall. "We're the plaintiffs. We sue the citizens, per se, the citizens of the state of Texas…"
Since when should elected officials overrule the voters, let alone sue the citizens so the officials can dig deeper into taxpayers' pockets. Cities are not political subdivisions of the state, and that is why they have city charters. Clearly, the voters of Friendswood were justified in changing the city charter prohibiting city leaders from issuing non-voter approved bonds. Now we see why. Friendswood is carrying $74 million in debt (principal plus interest) and has a population of only 33,486…that represents city debt of $2,242 per man, woman and child.
Friday, June 5, 2009
TXMO and AFP-TX clearly don’t see eye-to-eye
Texas Monthly just released their list of best and worst legislators. Whoop-tee-do. What warped glasses were they looking through?
The TXMO list is subjective, but this is an insight into the magazine’s “inside the beltway” mentality. It does not represent the taxpayers’ perspective.
Some of their Best are actually the Worst, some of their Worst are actually the Best, some Honorable Mentions are in Left Field, Some Dishonorable Mentions are most honorable legislators and some of the so-called “furniture” are actually movers and shakers.
Let’s get real. Sure, Texas Monthly has a right to their own perspective. No one should be mislead that their views represent the views of most Texans.
We will be issuing our own Legislative Report Card to Texas Taxpayers, which will not subjectively
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Sen. John Carona (R-Dallas), Sen. Robert Duncan (R-Lubbock), Craig Eiland (D-Galveston), Rob Eissler (R-The Woodlands), Brian McCall (R-Plano), John Otto (R-Dayton), Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie), Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston), Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), John Zerwas (R-Richmond)
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Worst: Wayne Christian (R-Center), Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas), Jim Dunnam (D-Waco), Allen Fletcher (R-Tomball), Kino Flores (D-Palmview), Sen. Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay), Sen. Mario Gallegos Jr. (D-Houston), Richard Peña Raymond (D-Laredo), Debbie Riddle (R-Tomball), Sen. Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands)
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Honorable mention: Sen. Kip Averitt (R-Waco), Dan Branch (R-Dallas), Sen. Robert Deuell (R-Greenville), Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio), Mark Strama (D-Austin), Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio)
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Dishonorable mention: Betty Brown (R-Terrell), Norma Chávez (D-El Paso), Carl Isett (R-Lubbock), David Leibowitz (D-San Antonio), Tommy Merritt (R-Longview)
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Furniture: Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco), Fred Brown (R-College Station), Al Edwards (D-Houston), Joe Farias (D-San Antonio), Sen. Chris Harris (R-Arlington), Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington), Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. (D-Brownsville), Solomon Ortiz Jr. (D-Corpus Christi), Inocente “Chente” Quintanilla (D-El Paso), Ralph Sheffield (R-Temple)
Rookie of the Year: Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth)
Stay tuned: Americans for Prosperity-Texas, the taxpayer and free-market advocates, will be releasing their report card soon. It will be based on actual votes, bills carried and leadership on behalf of taxpayers. The AFP-Texas rating won't be subjective. Sorry, TXMO readers, we will try to set the record straight!
The TXMO list is subjective, but this is an insight into the magazine’s “inside the beltway” mentality. It does not represent the taxpayers’ perspective.
Some of their Best are actually the Worst, some of their Worst are actually the Best, some Honorable Mentions are in Left Field, Some Dishonorable Mentions are most honorable legislators and some of the so-called “furniture” are actually movers and shakers.
Let’s get real. Sure, Texas Monthly has a right to their own perspective. No one should be mislead that their views represent the views of most Texans.
We will be issuing our own Legislative Report Card to Texas Taxpayers, which will not subjectively
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Sen. John Carona (R-Dallas), Sen. Robert Duncan (R-Lubbock), Craig Eiland (D-Galveston), Rob Eissler (R-The Woodlands), Brian McCall (R-Plano), John Otto (R-Dayton), Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie), Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston), Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), John Zerwas (R-Richmond)
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Worst: Wayne Christian (R-Center), Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas), Jim Dunnam (D-Waco), Allen Fletcher (R-Tomball), Kino Flores (D-Palmview), Sen. Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay), Sen. Mario Gallegos Jr. (D-Houston), Richard Peña Raymond (D-Laredo), Debbie Riddle (R-Tomball), Sen. Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands)
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Honorable mention: Sen. Kip Averitt (R-Waco), Dan Branch (R-Dallas), Sen. Robert Deuell (R-Greenville), Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio), Mark Strama (D-Austin), Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio)
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Dishonorable mention: Betty Brown (R-Terrell), Norma Chávez (D-El Paso), Carl Isett (R-Lubbock), David Leibowitz (D-San Antonio), Tommy Merritt (R-Longview)
Liberal Texas Monthly’s Best: Furniture: Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco), Fred Brown (R-College Station), Al Edwards (D-Houston), Joe Farias (D-San Antonio), Sen. Chris Harris (R-Arlington), Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington), Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. (D-Brownsville), Solomon Ortiz Jr. (D-Corpus Christi), Inocente “Chente” Quintanilla (D-El Paso), Ralph Sheffield (R-Temple)
Rookie of the Year: Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth)
Stay tuned: Americans for Prosperity-Texas, the taxpayer and free-market advocates, will be releasing their report card soon. It will be based on actual votes, bills carried and leadership on behalf of taxpayers. The AFP-Texas rating won't be subjective. Sorry, TXMO readers, we will try to set the record straight!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
We don't want Canadian health care plan in the U.S.
Be afraid – very afraid!
Did you see this? Jack Layton, the head of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), is meeting with Obama administration officials this week to try to help mold Obama's working healthcare plan into something that resembles Canada's.
If Layton is successful, Canadians’ liberal health care lobby stands to greatly benefit.
Learn more about why we don't want the Canadian health care plan in the U.S. After all, where would Canadians go for prompt, quality care? Check out our newest effort:
www.PatientsUnitedNow.com
And thanks to Heritage Foundation for bringing this article to us: http://townhall.com/columnists/JillianBandes/2009/06/03/canadian_healthcare_coming_to_america
Did you see this? Jack Layton, the head of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), is meeting with Obama administration officials this week to try to help mold Obama's working healthcare plan into something that resembles Canada's.
If Layton is successful, Canadians’ liberal health care lobby stands to greatly benefit.
Learn more about why we don't want the Canadian health care plan in the U.S. After all, where would Canadians go for prompt, quality care? Check out our newest effort:
www.PatientsUnitedNow.com
And thanks to Heritage Foundation for bringing this article to us: http://townhall.com/columnists/JillianBandes/2009/06/03/canadian_healthcare_coming_to_america
Government to Lobby Itself
We’ve seen it at the local level in Texas – taxpayers (via local taxes) being forced to fund lobbyists who lobby the state. Now, the feds are playing that game.
As a candidate, Barack Obama repeatedly pledged that no lobbyist would work in his White House. But does that policy apply to his auto companies? It’s a timely question, as General Motors, soon to be majority-owned by the U.S. government, announced this week that it planned to retain its in-house lobbying staff (although it is cancelling contracts with its outside lobbyists).
GM issued a statement explaining the decision, stating that the company has “an obligation to stay engaged” on key issues.
Thanks for pointing this out, Heritage Foundation. Read more here: http://blog.heritage.org/2009/06/03/gm-to-keep-lobbyists-government-to-influence-itself/
If you want to end this practice, work with us at Americans for Prosperity. Join now - go to www.afptx.org
-- Peggy Venable
As a candidate, Barack Obama repeatedly pledged that no lobbyist would work in his White House. But does that policy apply to his auto companies? It’s a timely question, as General Motors, soon to be majority-owned by the U.S. government, announced this week that it planned to retain its in-house lobbying staff (although it is cancelling contracts with its outside lobbyists).
GM issued a statement explaining the decision, stating that the company has “an obligation to stay engaged” on key issues.
Thanks for pointing this out, Heritage Foundation. Read more here: http://blog.heritage.org/2009/06/03/gm-to-keep-lobbyists-government-to-influence-itself/
If you want to end this practice, work with us at Americans for Prosperity. Join now - go to www.afptx.org
-- Peggy Venable
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