tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297257022012-02-16T01:27:27.380-06:00JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-14364134901117390802010-11-03T22:06:00.002-06:002010-11-03T22:25:07.872-06:00

press release on author steve alten's newest book ...Greed runs amok, driving a global recession that divides the classes. Perpetual corruption coming from our appointed leaders fuels distrust among the masses. Endless war breeds fanaticism, leading to widespread hatred that rallies the public to turn against religious minorities and immigrants. The political landscape festers into a climate of

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-57848763102088338932009-07-16T07:13:00.000-06:002009-07-16T07:14:10.618-06:00

from peter stern ...It is NOT the People of Texas who want PerryThe millions in Gov. Rick Perry's reelection campaign "trust fund" were contributed by a handful of select investors. It is the same small crowd that has provided Perry consistently with support and funds for years. The millions must speak volumes to Texas voters!Last week Gov. Rick Perry notified publicly that he had raised 4.2

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-32543133222599448262009-06-17T21:16:00.000-06:002009-06-17T21:17:43.323-06:00

from texans for public justice ...Ideological PACs and Democratic Resurgence Fuel Record SpendingAustin -A record number of political action committees (PACs) spent almost $120 million in Texas' two-year 2008 election cycle, a 21 percent increase over the preceding cycle, a new report finds. This jump is remarkable for a non-gubernatorial election year. Ideological PACs led the expansion, pouring

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-34269934729713622802009-06-17T21:13:00.001-06:002009-06-17T21:15:07.401-06:00

from michael quinn sullivan ...Friend, what do you think of earmarks? You know, they aren't just part of the porky diet of Washington, DC. Our lawmakers in Austin engage in the same behavior. Who is the porkiest of them all? Who is the king and queen of earmarks? We started looking through Article XI of the budget and found the Earmark Queen is State Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin), while the King

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-25458177498981061452009-06-17T21:12:00.001-06:002009-06-17T21:12:54.808-06:00

By Kathleen Hartnett WhiteCarbon cap-and-trade proposals have carried staggering price tags, but check out the carbon whopper in President Barack Obama’s budget plan.In the section entitled “Jumpstarting the Economy and Investing for the Future,” the President proposes an “auction” of initial carbon allowances. Sound market friendly? Not really! This is a new tax per ton of manmade carbon dioxide

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-18487749689240587362009-06-17T21:10:00.000-06:002009-06-17T21:11:57.559-06:00

By John W. WhiteheadAfter 12 years of protracted debate, it looks as if the nation will finally get a federal hate crimes law that applies to crimes motivated by a person's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. All this despite the fact, according to the FBI, that of the nearly 1.5 million violent crimes in the U.S. in 2007, only 1,460 were reportedly based on

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-32536409015761105542009-06-17T21:08:00.000-06:002009-06-17T21:09:18.228-06:00

By Ronald L. Trowbridge, Ph.D.I worked in Washington, D. C., with Congress virtually every day for nine years. I know how the place works, and I have come to the findings that most government activity can be boiled down to two words: coerced charity.How can any human being be against charity for others in genuine need? Do we tell people without health insurance to go ahead and suffer or die? But

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-49675634192079309212009-06-17T21:04:00.001-06:002009-06-17T21:06:03.416-06:00

from peter stern: Slime-Ball Perry Rides AgainGovernor Rick Perry is scamming the people of Texas again.Perry's recent Press Release conveys the message that he signed an eminent domain bill HJR 14 that gives Texans the right to vote in November on this proposed amendment to protect their homes and property from being taken by the government and given to someone else.This is more Perry posturing.

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-87980972616069537982009-06-15T10:34:00.001-06:002009-06-15T10:34:39.189-06:00

from a press release ...Austin, Texas - The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) today urged Texans to support a constitutional amendment in November that would limit entities from condemning private property for public development, but urged Governor Perry to use a special session to address eminent domain reform that would further protect property owners."While the

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-72181761289770690132009-06-15T10:21:00.000-06:002009-06-15T10:22:06.410-06:00

By John W. WhiteheadJune 15, 2009"Irresponsible, manipulative, and deceitful marketing efforts push products and programs that harm children physically, emotionally, socially, mentally, morally, and even spiritually. Children today face increased exposure to sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, guns, foul language, bullying, violence, and fattening foods. And many of us are simply standing by as

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-34360921102577320142009-06-15T10:19:00.003-06:002009-06-15T10:20:18.872-06:00

from a press release ...HJR 14 allows Texans to vote on constitutional amendmentAUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today joined lawmakers in highlighting the importance of House Joint Resolution (HJR) 14 that allows Texans to vote on a constitutional amendment to strengthen land owners’ rights. The amendment, which will be voted on in November 2009, would achieve unprecedented protection of private

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-90269929323941163522009-06-15T10:19:00.002-06:002009-06-15T10:20:02.824-06:00

from a press release ...After Years of Promoting the Seizure of Private Property for Toll Roads, Perry Heads to State Landmark to Exploit a Measure Which Doesn’t Need His SignatureAustin- After years of promoting the controversial Trans Texas Corridor and his 2007 veto of legislation that would have protected private property owners, today Rick Perry held a make-believe ceremony at the Alamo to “

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-83851914504914329552009-06-15T09:36:00.001-06:002009-06-15T09:36:50.737-06:00

Writer: Kathleen Phillips, 979-845-2872,ka-phillips@tamu.eduCOLLEGE STATION - It's happy hour for Texas wineries.Research now shows that wines produced in the Lone Star State share the anti-cancer traits known to exist in wines from other producing regions.Extracts from two Texas red wines decreased cancer cell growth in a comparable magnitude as other wines previously studied, according to Dr.

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-32600664808553082082009-06-12T16:49:00.001-06:002009-06-12T16:50:33.570-06:00

from an associated press story:Oil prices have more than doubled since March even though demand is down for the year and American storage tanks are bloated with a huge surplus.i don't understand the economics of it all ... makes no sense to me.

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-57159000055611802422009-06-10T10:27:00.002-06:002009-06-10T10:30:59.215-06:00

this spring has proven busier than i thought it would be ... topped off with my becoming a first-time homebuyer. THAT was and has been an experience.hope to be posting again soon to the blog – there should be more time now as i no longer have the commute to do,my apologies to the several people whose comments i just inadvertently deleted instead of accepting. did not mean to do that.

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-23561988435859238592009-02-25T22:35:00.002-06:002009-02-25T22:39:49.818-06:00

Action is First Lifetime Ban Issued by Commission(AUSTIN) — The Texas Residential Construction Commission has permanently revoked the registration of a business and the company’s agent.This action follows a five-month investigation by the Texas Residential Construction Commission that begin in September 2008 following a meeting held in Jarrell attended by State Rep. Dan Gattis, R-Georgetown,

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-22188872579976137922009-02-25T22:30:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:30:51.840-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has reappointed Tom Pauken of Dallas as chairman and employer representative of the Texas Workforce Commission for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015. The commission oversees and provides workforce development services to employers and job seekers throughout the state.Pauken is a former businessman, vice president of a venture capital company, president of a small business,

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-33901537990649235182009-02-25T22:26:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:29:55.084-06:00

from the texas workforce commission ...The Wall Street Journal has said that the nation can learn from the Texas Model of economic development: low taxes, fiscal restraint, and regulatory reform. Instead, the federal government seems hell bent on following the California Model: high taxes, fiscal mismanagement, and regulatory overkill.To see the likely results, all we have to do is look at what’s

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-14169567136913526742009-02-25T22:25:00.002-06:002009-02-25T22:26:16.298-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has appointed three members to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2015. The board makes parole decisions for Texas prison inmates, determines conditions for parole and mandatory supervision, and makes recommendations on clemency matters to the governor.Juanita M. Gonzalez of Round Rock has 23 years experience in the Texas criminal justice system.

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-20143300207563780392009-02-25T22:25:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:25:29.398-06:00

AUSTIN – The U.S. Department of Commerce has named Texas the top exporting state in the nation for the seventh year in a row based on 2008 export data. Texas’ exports increased more than 14 percent over the last year, totaling $192.14 billion, approximately $23.92 billion more than 2007.“Maintaining our rank as the nation’s top exporting state is proof positive that Texas has sound policies in

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-76203511693084553592009-02-25T22:24:00.002-06:002009-02-25T22:25:10.823-06:00

AUSTIN – Texas employers can save hundreds of millions of dollars by utilizing the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). In Fiscal Year 2008, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) assisted businesses by identifying nearly $154 million in potential tax savings, which are available to employers who hire job seekers from qualified targeted populations.“It’s an especially good time for employers

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-3721478878990799652009-02-25T22:24:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:24:25.250-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has named Elizabeth Seale of San Antonio president of the OneStar Foundation, effective Mar. 23, 2009. The foundation connects nonprofits with expertise and resources to build their capacity to meet the needs of Texans, including recruiting and retaining volunteers. The foundation also administers the federal AmeriCorps grants in Texas as well as other grants and programs

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-615550288959384012009-02-25T22:23:00.000-06:002009-02-25T22:24:02.109-06:00

Lender settles investigations in Texas, 10 other states to resolve deceptive lending allegationsAUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today launched a restitution program that will make $7.46 million available to eligible Countrywide Financial Corp residential mortgage customers. Though the State’s 2008 agreement with Countrywide will provide $345 million in total benefits to Texas

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-78975953849481618342009-02-25T22:20:00.000-06:002009-02-25T22:21:50.535-06:00

Austin, Texas - Members of the Railroad Commission of Texas have elected Commissioner Victor Carrillo to serve as chairman of the state's oldest regulatory agency. Carrillo last chaired the Commission from September 2003 through September 2005. Much of the Commission’s work is overseeing the Texas oil and gas, surface mining, and pipeline industries, including exploration, production, and

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-26023568174693810712009-02-25T22:19:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:19:15.525-06:00

WASHINGTON, Texas -- The 173rd anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence will be commemorated Feb. 28 and March 1 at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The free, two-day celebration, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, brings to life the early 1800s Republic of Texas era. The two-day celebration at the 293-acre park along the Brazos River transports visitors

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-35737785653881961692009-02-25T22:17:00.002-06:002009-02-25T22:18:44.188-06:00

Three fugitives featured on the DPS Top 10 Most Wanted list were apprehended recently.* Richard Donny Carrillo, DOB 9-13-75, was arrested Monday night in Midland by the U.S. Marshals Service and the DPS.* Raul Flores Jr., DOB 2-7-73, had been on the Top Ten Most Wanted list since 2006. He was detained by local law enforcement officers in Matamoros, Mexico, on Friday and brought across the

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-63335391554614067122009-02-25T22:17:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:17:35.811-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has reappointed three members to the Texas Optometry Board for terms to expire Jan. 31, 2015. The board oversees licensing and regulation of optometrists in Texas.Dixon Golden of Center is a therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist in private practice. He is a member of the Sabine Optometric Society and Texas Optometric Association. He is also president

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-76435149197198477192009-02-25T22:16:00.000-06:002009-02-25T22:17:14.446-06:00

Thomas Ruocco has been named the chief of Criminal Law Enforcement for the Texas Department of Public Safety. His appointment took effect Feb. 2."Tom Ruocco brings a wealth of experience to DPS, and we are excited about the future of the Criminal Law Enforcement Division under his leadership," said interim DPS Director Stanley E. Clark.The DPS Criminal Law Enforcement Division investigates

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-33397750181741860982009-02-25T22:15:00.002-06:002009-02-25T22:16:06.126-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Marty Akins of Austin and reappointed Rebecca Spurlock of North Richland Hills to the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers for terms to expire Jan. 31, 2015. The board serves as the licensing and regulatory authority of athletic trainers in Texas.Akins is a limited partner with Eagle Eye Ranch LP and a lawyer with Akins and Associates. He is a member of the

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-69072202250771645882009-02-25T22:15:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:15:16.945-06:00

Fredericksburg couple cited for falsely claiming nutritional bars can cure depressionAUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged Nature’s Candy Inc., and its directors, Michael D. and Teresa Zygmunt, with violating the Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.According to the state's enforcement action, the defendants’ unlawfully marketed their

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-49608693979096812162009-02-25T22:12:00.000-06:002009-02-25T22:13:22.196-06:00

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Fugitive Unit last Tuesday arrested a convicted sex offender who accessed a social networking Web site in violation of his parole conditions. According to Fugitive Unit officers, Jesse Clay Scott, 33, of Seguin used both his home computer and his cell phone to access his MySpace.com account. Scott was paroled in 2008 after serving five-and-a-half

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-78583536827454380062009-02-25T22:11:00.000-06:002009-02-25T22:12:12.544-06:00

AUSTIN — The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today that the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has obtained a default judgment against Vocational Training Center Inc., dba Vocational Educational Training Center Inc. (V-Tech) in the 68th District Court of Dallas County. The Irving-based career school failed to file an answer to a lawsuit filed by TWC and did not appear at any of

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-36602677307980847602009-02-25T22:10:00.000-06:002009-02-25T22:11:10.112-06:00

Dating violence is far too common among teenagers across the nation. According to a recent survey, one in five teens who have been in a serious relationship say they have been hit, slapped or pushed by their partner. Even more disturbing: 30 percent of all murders involving females ages 15 to 19 are committed by their romantic interest.This month, the Office of Attorney General (OAG) is joining

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-39285080352395594802009-02-25T22:08:00.000-06:002009-02-25T22:09:22.474-06:00

Gov. Perry: Now is the Time to Secure the Water Supply for Texas’ Future AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today emphasized the need to fund the State Water Plan, which would ensure a cost-effective and reliable supply of water for Texas’ growing population well into the future. Speaking at the Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA) Conference, the governor proposed that funding be provided to a new

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-88320334616161471242009-02-25T22:07:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:07:23.881-06:00

Encourages Texans to get heart-healthy during American Heart MonthWASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today announced his support for the Heart Disease Education, Analysis and Research, and Treatment for Women Act, S. 422. Sen. Cornyn co-sponsored this legislation in the 110th Congress as well. The legislation aims to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease,

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-9645987821338750132009-02-25T22:06:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:06:35.086-06:00

Funding to Assist Students with DisabilitiesWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas’ senior Senator, today announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $300,000 grant to Southern Methodist University (SMU) to implement technological solutions to better serve students with disabilities.“We must provide each student with the necessary tools to succeed in

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-76713672410844404292009-02-25T22:05:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:05:21.506-06:00

Calls for “Transparent and Non-Politicized Census”WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas’ senior Senator and the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, today released the following statement regarding the nomination of former Washington Governor Gary Locke to the position of Secretary of Commerce:“I congratulate Governor Locke on

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-41670255878045859712009-02-25T22:04:00.003-06:002009-02-25T22:04:35.656-06:00

Participates in bipartisan White House Fiscal Responsibility Summit to discuss best way forward for our economyWASHINGTON—U..S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today participated in the White House Fiscal Responsibility Summit, where he was joined by many of his colleagues to discuss the current state of our economy and the long-term fiscal challenges our nation faces.

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-71266300254365904252009-02-25T22:04:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:04:13.231-06:00

WASHINGTON—Dallas Love Field will receive a federal grant worth $3,387,010 for airport improvements, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Friday. The funding comes through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).“These funds will be used to address needed maintenance and safety improvements at Dallas Love Field,” Sen. Cornyn said. “In addition,

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-58279756631482134362009-02-25T22:03:00.003-06:002009-02-25T22:03:48.579-06:00

HOUSTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, recently visited a recruiting station from the U.S. Army Houston Recruiting Battalion and met with recruiters to hear about their recruiting experiences and learn about the preventive measures the Army is implementing to address the alarming trend of suicides in the Battalion. Since 2001, the Houston Recruiting Battalion has lost four Army recruiters to

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-344636115196673462009-02-25T22:03:00.001-06:002009-02-25T22:03:13.600-06:00

By U.S. Senator Kay Bailey HutchisonOn September 11, 2001, the United States peered into the face of evil when 19 foreign terrorists brought the violence of Islamic extremism onto our soil, claiming the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans. That day changed the course of history, delineating the post-9/11 era from the days that came before. In the eight years since, America and its allies have boldly

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-85830708855377323032009-02-25T21:52:00.001-06:002009-02-25T21:52:39.796-06:00

What is in that Texas drinking water?It's not the first time that Bill Hammond, the President of the Texas Association of Business has shared some pretty ignorant comments, e.g., when several years ago Hammond stated that public education should increase class sizes to cut back on teacher personnel costs. Sorry, that's just dumb.The latest tidbit from Bill Hammond likens the unemployment money

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-65731602626818417542009-02-25T21:50:00.001-06:002009-02-25T21:50:43.044-06:00

Once again the state is interfering in people's lives.It is NOT government's job to tell women they must have ultrasound tests before getting an abortion. I recommend instead that state government, from Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Attorney General Greg Abbott to our Senate and House focus on the decade-long urgent issues that have NOT been resolved.Some of the top issues still

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-52514298690852643032009-02-25T21:48:00.001-06:002009-02-25T21:48:51.842-06:00

By Gina Parker FordBig Brother has lost his mind; and the government has gone wild! Conservative talk show host Gary Bauer describes the enormity of the stimulus bill in these terms: “It is the largest single expenditure in America’s history. It dwarfs major initiatives like the Louisiana Purchase, the space program, the New Deal, and the Iraq war, even in inflation-adjusted dollars.” Moreover,

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-83509396192077243762009-02-25T21:46:00.000-06:002009-02-25T21:47:13.841-06:00

American Politics:It took at least one decade to get the U.S. into such dire economic straits.Although the GOP had at least 7 years to get us moving towards a better direction under the G.W. Bush administration and a Republican majority in Congress, they failed to do so --- mostly due to the need for greed.So what is it about American politics that leaves its ugly mark on our political, social

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-58961367668655053152009-02-25T21:44:00.001-06:002009-02-25T21:44:55.539-06:00

from peter stern ...Remember back in October 2006 "proper" Perry pounced on the diversion of tax dollars?One month before the elections our "beloved" and "proper" governor pretended he was concerned about how legislators take tax dollars collected from one issue and divert it to another? Where has he been for 8 years? [sarcastic rhetorical question]For years legislative loopholes have enabled

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-82020121211070912862009-02-25T21:43:00.002-06:002009-02-25T21:44:02.804-06:00

By Marc A. Levin, Esq.As state agencies are asked to prune 2.5 percent of their budgets, lawmakers must take a hard look at Texas’ corrections budget during this legislative session. Our state’s prison population has grown from 50,000 in 1990 to more than 157,000 today , while our incarceration rate is the nation’s second highest.Fortunately, this means there are plenty of opportunities for

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-2229810827182144272009-02-25T21:43:00.001-06:002009-02-25T21:43:31.924-06:00

By John W. WhiteheadOur young people are growing up in a world in which GOD is the new four-letter word. Look around and you will find that while it is permissible for children in many public school systems and homes to read novels with graphic language and watch sexually explicit commercials on TV, talking about God or religion is taboo.Few objections are raised over the kind of music kids are

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-64072141164812378062009-02-25T21:37:00.000-06:002009-02-25T21:42:33.038-06:00

from peter stern ...Why not just use "debt forgiveness" instead of all the bail-outs and prospective mortgage saving plans which are more complicated and yet unproven in success rates.Debt forgiveness has been a proven fail-safe in the past for many nations, including those of ancient Greece and Rome.http://www.efinancialblog.com/history-money-debt-vanquished/Why isn't Pres. Obama and Congress

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-62323630415239581942009-02-24T22:28:00.001-06:002009-02-24T22:28:15.988-06:00

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s Address to Congress:“I applaud the President for his commitment to building a more honest, responsible, and open government, and I stand ready to assist him to that end.“During his first month in office, the President has made himself available to members

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-27217732335023950612009-02-24T22:27:00.001-06:002009-02-24T22:27:48.530-06:00

"The President showed off his amazing oratory skills tonight, but we aren’t going to solve the problems facing this country with rhetoric.I appreciate his willingness to address issues within the health care system and Social Security.But the main focus of his speech was fixing our economy and I agree with President Obama now is a time for fiscal discipline.However, we disagree on the ways to

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-8292145271789172942009-02-24T22:26:00.001-06:002009-02-24T22:30:32.116-06:00

ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENTTO THE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESSUnited States Capitol THE PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States -- (applause) -- she's around here somewhere. I have come here tonight not only to address the distinguished men and women in this great chamber, but to speak frankly and directly to the men and women

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-86894671113748211302009-02-18T22:53:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:54:21.440-06:00

The Senate Hub on YouTube - www.youtube.com/senatehub - has launched their “Senator of the Week” program, and Senator Cornyn is the first recepient. As Senator of the Week, Sen. Cornyn posted a video to the Senate hub site and also on his YouTube site – www.youtube.com/SenJohnCornyn - asking Texans and Americans what they think about the supposed "economic stimulus" package recently passed by

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-1024267252565665512009-02-18T22:51:00.002-06:002009-02-18T22:53:15.792-06:00

-As Prepared for DeliveryPhoenix, ArizonaFebruary 18, 2009I’m here today to talk about a crisis unlike any we’ve ever known – but one that you know very well here in Mesa, and throughout the Valley. In Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs, the American Dream is being tested by a home mortgage crisis that not only threatens the stability of our economy but also the stability of families and

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-20848480601967770072009-02-18T22:51:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:51:11.605-06:00

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, made the following statement regarding the President’s decision to send additional troops into Afghanistan.“I support President Obama’s decision to send additional troops into Afghanistan to bring peace and stability to an extremely volatile country and region.“Military experts and our commanders on the ground there have said they need more troops to

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-79643981828332991972009-02-18T22:50:00.003-06:002009-02-18T22:50:46.412-06:00

Nomination Period Closes This Week, One of the Highest Civilian HonorsWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas’ senior Senator, in conjunction with The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, today announced that the nomination period for the Above & Beyond Citizen Honors closes this Friday, February 20, 2009. Citizens may submit an eligible nominee by completing the

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-19628155243136429722009-02-18T22:50:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:50:20.449-06:00

Signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment ActDenver, ColoradoFebruary 17, 2009It is great to be in Denver. I was here last summer to accept the nomination of my party and to make a promise to people of all parties – that I would do all I could to give every American the chance to make of their lives what they will and see their children climb higher than they did. I am back today to say

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-36680919008244885622009-02-18T22:49:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:49:30.569-06:00

“A Better Approach That Will Actually Restore America’s Economic Strength Remains Available”WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today issued the following statement regarding his vote against the conference report on the Democrats’ spending plan:“A stimulus bill would have been a good idea if it had been focused on the right priorities—fixing housing first,

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-42143032664429721142009-02-18T22:48:00.003-06:002009-02-18T22:48:53.810-06:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas’ senior Senator, spoke on the floor of the Senate in opposition to the economic stimulus bill. Below are excerpts of her floor speech:“First of all, the bill was written without any Republican input. It was written in the House of Representatives by the Democrats. There were no amendments allowed. The committees were not allowed

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-64102985750962755092009-02-18T22:48:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:48:17.729-06:00

Commitment Comes After Hutchison Meets with Leppert, Calls BG CoxWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas’ senior Senator, today got a commitment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create a Trinity River Project office in Dallas, and to assign a point-person to oversee project operations and work with city officials. On Thursday, Sen. Hutchison met with

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-89254937436797233922009-02-18T22:47:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:47:28.868-06:00

‘We must recognize the policies that haven’t worked – and get behind the ones that will’WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Finance committee, made the following remarks on the Senate floor Friday:“The Administration and many of my colleagues have argued that we cannot rely on the same strategies that got our economy into this crisis to get us out of it. I agree. I

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-7640298615654443382009-02-18T22:45:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:46:39.511-06:00

from the office of congressman joe barton ...Washington, D.C.: Congressman Joe Barton (R-Arlington/Ennis) released the following statement Friday after Democrats rammed a massive social spending conference report through the House of Representatives by a vote of 246-183:“The bill passed by the House today contains too much spending and will not achieve the desired result – creating jobs. The

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-32628548135126316782009-02-18T22:44:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:44:36.160-06:00

Award recognizes his support and contributions to the National GuardWASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today was awarded the Charles Dick Medal of Merit Award from the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), for his outstanding contributions in support of the National Guard. Sen. Cornyn was nominated by the National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) and was presented the

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-88789826156560174342009-02-18T22:42:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:43:08.584-06:00

WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas’ senior Senator, was unanimously reelected to a second consecutive year as Chairman of the Board of Visitors (BOV) at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She previously served as Chairman of the Board from 1998 to 2000 and in 2008 before being reelected to serve again this year. “Serving as Chairman of the Board

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-63902110871801717322009-02-18T22:41:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:42:31.282-06:00

By U.S. Senator Kay Bailey HutchisonThroughout Texas this coming Monday, children will enjoy a day off from school. Although the federal government honors “Washington’s Birthday” each year on the third Monday of February, Texas goes one step further by concurrently observing “Presidents’ Day,” a state holiday that celebrates all of our past Presidents.Our forty-four presidents have included men

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-12526649912828259422009-02-18T22:40:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:41:16.872-06:00

Legislation Also Raises the Debt Limit to A Record $12.14 TrillionWASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, made the following statement regarding his vote against the Democrats’ $1.2 trillion stimulus proposal:“I support President Obama’s call for swift action to revive the nation’s economy and put Americans back to work. Unfortunately, this proposal fails on

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-53480977500250931832009-02-18T22:36:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:36:14.894-06:00

By U.S. Senator Kay Bailey HutchisonWith the U.S. economy in recession and unemployment soaring, many American families are struggling to meet their fundamental needs: a heated home, groceries, adequate clothing, and medical care. According to health officials, when the economy suffers, many people give up routine care, including checkups, immunizations, and treatment for minor conditions.

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-67226936540614983752009-02-18T22:34:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:35:26.653-06:00

By U.S.. Sen. John CornynYou’ve heard it described as medium heavy, sweet and low in sulfates. Its presence pre-dates the arrival of the first Anglo-American settlers to Texas. And today, its industry pumps millions in revenue into the Texas economy each year.While crude oil may first come to mind, this liquid is Texas wine. More than three centuries ago—long before the first wine grapes arrived

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-10675447475808505202009-02-18T22:30:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:30:45.302-06:00

from peter stern ..."Bail-out"Soon American dictionaries may have a new definition for this word, perhaps something like:...a process by which a Federal Government relieves the financial disarray, monetary chaos and general overburdening of banks, CEO's who fly around the globe in their luxury jets, delusional [auto] manufacturers, the elite corporate sector, private individuals, homeowners who

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-34278349964798197772009-02-18T22:28:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:30:16.052-06:00

from gov. rick perry ...Help Us Turn the Tide in Washington and Stop These Irresponsible BailoutsPresident Obama (has) signed a spending bill drafted by Congress full of pork and special interest handouts totaling nearly $800 billion. The Democrats think this bill will change our country's financial fortunes, but you and I know better. This latest bailout brings our federal government's

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-82235634862964955842009-02-18T22:25:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:26:25.933-06:00

Stimulus Bill Ignores Current Government SpendingPetaluma, Calif. - President Barack Obama hopes the stimulus bill willcreate jobs and stimulate America's faltering economy withapproximately $550 billion in additional government spending over thenext few years.In addition to new spending, the stimulus bill should have includedprovisions to address over $600 billion a year the governmentcurrently

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-46387457573904754712009-02-18T22:23:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:23:42.103-06:00

by Peter SternAppointments make the Governor more powerful.Every year they try to modify the Texas Constitution in some ways, so why don't legislators attempt to take-away some of the appointment powers of the governor?Most Texans don't know it, but the state constitution was developed by our founders to make certain government does NOT get too big and powerful. Consequently, the position of

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-57227914708071898282009-02-18T22:20:00.002-06:002009-02-18T22:21:21.388-06:00

By John W. WhiteheadCharles Darwin expounded the theory of evolution in his 1859 book The Origin of Species. It was in that book that Darwin theorized that plants and animals evolve and develop without the aid of an intelligent Creator through a process of natural selection, which ensures the "survival of the fittest." His work eventually dislodged people from the traditional notion that they

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-75891319665430808742009-02-18T22:20:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:20:21.478-06:00

by Kathleen Hartnett WhiteAfter providing more than $30 billion of taxpayer money to save U.S. automakers from bankruptcy, new federal powers have not wasted time before complicating the U.S. auto industry’s return to profitability.Among his first moves, President Barack Obama directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider California’s request to establish state-only

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-88894238701640668202009-02-18T22:18:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:19:09.697-06:00

By John W. WhiteheadBetween Congress' $800 billion economic stimulus package and the Treasury's $1.5 trillion bank bail-out plan, our nation will be in the red for many, many years to come. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be fazing our representatives in Congress, who are carrying on their business as usual. Indeed, in the midst of our current economic meltdown, with countless Americans

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-35132917801789513292009-02-18T22:16:00.001-06:002009-02-18T22:16:46.107-06:00

By Gina Parker FordWinston Churchill once said, “Courage is rightly considered the foremost of the virtues because upon it, all others depend.”Courage is the key character trait of a great leader. Every February, we celebrate great leaders in American history by celebrating Washington's Birthday, commonly known as Presidents' Day.Even though George Washington had almost no formal education, all

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-46368446583082394942009-02-18T22:09:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:10:01.442-06:00

Texas children and their parents can thank special interest driven Gov. Rick Perry for unaffordable tuition costs.In his reelection bid [2010], Perry is proclaiming himself to be the hero who will reduce tuition costs. Unfortunately, the reality is that Gov. Perry is a major cause of increased tuition.Is college for wealthy elitists only? The answer is, "We're getting there."Three years ago Gov

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-88065627465110956982009-02-18T22:05:00.000-06:002009-02-18T22:08:16.554-06:00

by James QuinteroFinding a job in Texas just got harder.Last month, the Texas Workforce Commission reported that the state’s economy shed 25,700 jobs in December 2008. Among the hardest hit industries were manufacturing and trade, transportation, and utilities which lost a combined 16,100 jobs.The state’s unemployment rate rose to 6 percent, its highest level since July 2004, and is projected to

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-46200762257446570212009-02-05T08:17:00.000-06:002009-02-05T08:18:17.692-06:00

good for obama! he's putting a cap on executive pay for any company accepting bailout money. it's about time there's some accountability put into place. i just want to know who the IDIOT 'compensation experts' are that told the associated press obama's move 'could set a precedent for government regulation that undermines performance-based pay.'ap also had an exclusive report that computers in

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-70441375334859001522009-02-03T21:06:00.000-06:002009-02-03T21:07:04.414-06:00

January, 2009: Four Months after IkeHurricane Ike left its mark on Galveston Island just four months ago. Our stories from the last few months include personal anguish and loss as we cope with physical destruction to many properties, disruption of our daily lives, and the economic threat to our institutions.The hurricane was not unprecedented, however. The Great Storm of 1900 left much greater

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-66918068951346007632009-02-03T21:03:00.002-06:002009-02-03T21:05:53.869-06:00

MAN ARRESTED IN NEW MEXICO FOR SENDING THREATENING WHITE-POWDER LACED HOAX LETTERS TO BANKS ACROSS THE U.S.DALLAS — At a press conference held Feb. 3 in Dallas, acting U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas, Robert E. Casey, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas FBI, and Randall C. Till, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division of the U.S. Postal

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-30103068249523732952009-02-03T20:59:00.002-06:002009-02-03T21:00:33.959-06:00

By Craig McDonaldThe Obama administration's demands for ethical reforms in Washington have failed to echo in Austin. Texas' top political leaders are too content with the status quo that keeps their seats safe, their campaign war chests full, their big donors happy and their future lobbying careers lucrative.Texans who welcome the new president's call to restore the vital trust between a people

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-56151239164452958422009-02-03T20:58:00.001-06:002009-02-03T20:58:53.759-06:00

Now here we have a perfect match for the 2012 Presidential Election: Palin/Perry a.k.a., "two peas in a straight-jacket".Why doesn't this woman go away? The GOP is nuts to support Palin.Hopefully, Palin's support will add to Perry's doom here in TX....Peter Stern of Driftwood, TX is a political writer well-known and published frequently throughout the Texas community and nationwide. He is a

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-1591176340774077192009-02-03T20:54:00.001-06:002009-02-03T20:57:49.543-06:00

from the american small business leaguePetaluma, Calif. – President Barack Obama's latest economic stimulus plan may have been heavily influenced by powerful corporate lobbying.Some of President Obama's earlier campaign promises that would have directed hundreds of billions of dollars back into the middle class economy may have been killed by an intensive and well-financed lobbying campaign

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-44753425446834035942009-02-03T20:53:00.001-06:002009-02-03T20:53:59.406-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has reappointed Joe L. Ward of Telephone to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011. The board administers Texas soil and water conservation law, and coordinates conservation and pollution abatement programs throughout the state.Ward is a rancher, community volunteer and retired businessman. He is director of the Bigbee Cemetery

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-349510183692717902009-02-03T20:09:00.004-06:002009-02-03T20:52:36.117-06:00

NEW ORLEANS – Texas Solicitor General James Ho appeared Feb. 3 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, where he defended young Texans’ right to begin each school day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Under a 2003 law, Texas schools begin each morning with a minute of silence for students to “reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity.” A

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-83763370670812397462009-02-03T20:09:00.001-06:002009-02-03T20:09:22.947-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has reappointed Jesse D. Hickman of Palestine to the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015. The authority stores, controls, conserves and protects the waters of the Upper Neches River.Hickman is owner of Northside Storage. He is past president of the Palestine New Car Dealer Association and a member of the Texas Automobile Dealers

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-84182183925552194252009-02-03T20:08:00.003-06:002009-02-03T20:08:42.030-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has reappointed Norman W. Darwin of Weatherford to the Injured Employee Public Counsel for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011. The public counsel helps injured employees in the workers’ compensation system, oversees the ombudsman program and advocates on behalf of injured employees to ensure balance and fairness for all in the system.Darwin is a former attorney in private

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-60695871109614954622009-02-03T20:08:00.001-06:002009-02-03T20:08:20.049-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has appointed three members to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2015. The board adopts rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of the university. Sue S. Bancroft of Argyle is a retired University of North Texas professor. She is a member of the Greater Denton Arts Guild, Musicians Union, and Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-35552389879626786482009-02-03T20:07:00.001-06:002009-02-03T20:07:52.299-06:00

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has declared emergency items for the 2009 legislative session. The emergency designation will allow lawmakers to begin considering these issues in the initial 30 days of the legislative session.The emergency items include:•Legislation to provide supplemental appropriations to state agencies and institutions related to hurricane response and recovery associated with the

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-27136674725784527072009-02-03T20:05:00.001-06:002009-02-03T20:07:14.204-06:00

DPS is asking for the public's help after finding almost five tons of marijuana in an abandoned school bus in Webb County.A DPS Highway Patrol trooper on routine patrol saw the school bus on the side of the road Saturday morning on U.S. 59 and went to investigate.He discovered more than 9,210 pounds of marijuana worth $3.9 million.The 560 bundles of marijuana were hidden under cardboard and in a

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-10877655743867791622009-02-03T19:57:00.000-06:002009-02-03T20:03:33.107-06:00

commenting on today's news ...i can't imagine what the customs people in australia thought when they caught an australian man was caught smuggling two doves into his country. he had them wrapped in an envelope and in his pants ... wonder how he explained the 'cooing'? at least it's a moment of levity in another gloomy news day.and then there's wells fargo & co. the bank received $25 billion in

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-41460309443610890742009-02-03T00:03:00.001-06:002009-02-03T00:03:50.267-06:00

(some thoughts on reports from the AP and other sources):1) China, the same China that is primarily financing the U.S. bailout, has 26 million migrant workers out of work. That’s kind of like the U.S. spending untold monies on an Iraq War when so many needs go unmet at home.2) The U.S. stimulus plan includes “billions for cops” – expectations are that crime is going up with the unemployment

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-53792959717886650552009-02-02T22:31:00.001-06:002009-02-02T22:31:57.491-06:00

TEMPLE, TEXAS –Up to $58.4 million in financial assistance is available to agricultural producers identified in partnership proposals through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), established in the new farm bill to promote ground and surface water conservation and water quality improvement.The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking project proposals from

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-36842859785053245502009-02-02T22:27:00.000-06:002009-02-02T22:28:12.230-06:00

Texas Legislature Should Offer Options and Further Deductions to Make New Tax EquitableAUSTIN – Small business owners would like a choice between the old franchise tax and the new business tax, according to the results of the National Federation of Independent Business’ 2009 Member Ballot. Moreover, small business owners overwhelmingly agree the state should allow businesses to deduct the cost of

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-7078195398390173332009-02-02T22:26:00.000-06:002009-02-02T22:27:17.925-06:00

The Libertarian Party of Texas revealed its legislative plan today to help create new jobs and save small business owners. The LPT Legislative Agenda for 2009 calls for the elimination of the business margins tax."When people are losing jobs and businesses face bankruptcy, this is not the timing for taxation, it is time for repeal" says Libertarian Party of Texas chair Pat Dixon.The party's

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-58517955450996617412009-02-02T22:24:00.001-06:002009-02-02T22:24:37.485-06:00

HB 758Representative Trey Martinez Fischer has filed legislation to make Texas streets safer by making it a punishable offense to text from a wireless device while operating a moving vehicle.House Bill 758 prohibits reading, writing or sending a text message while operating a moving vehicle with the exclusion of peace officers or emergency response providers. The offense is punishable by hefty

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-60606807290200274722009-02-02T22:20:00.000-06:002009-02-02T22:21:01.464-06:00

By John W. Whitehead"All men having power ought to be mistrusted."—James MadisonMany Americans, desperate for change in their lives and government after years of war and increased economic hardship, are looking upon Barack Obama as a savior, comparing him to Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln and Jesus Christ. Even civil libertarians who had fought to defend our constitutional freedoms

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-53172121413085040562009-02-02T22:10:00.001-06:002009-02-02T22:13:04.190-06:00

Group Cites Legislative Opportunities to Act on Parks and Wildlife Funding(Austin)-The Sierra Club said that one way to fight the growing incidence of obesity in Texas is to enhance funding for and promotion of outdoor recreation. Yesterday the state demographer released a study projecting a tripling of the obesity rate in Texas over the next thirty years, with subsequent impacts on medical

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29725702.post-44334957663696873692009-02-02T22:09:00.001-06:002009-02-02T22:09:35.288-06:00

Sierra Club State Legislative Priorities –81st Texas Legislature (2009) Clean AirStrengthening of statutory requirements and provision of significant funding for efforts to reduce toxic and other harmful air emissions from existing industrial plants and electric power plants, prevent air quality deterioration by new coal-fired power plants, and reduce air emissions from vehicles Smart Energy

JoAnn Livingstonnoreply@blogger.com0