By MQSullivan
Created 05/11/2009 - 4:12pm
"We now know who is, and isn't, serious about weaning Texas from oppressive property taxes. The Texas House narrowly stopped a constitutional amendment that would have allowed more entities to claim a piece of your property, and your wallet.
According to the uncertified vote total, this land-grab was stopped by 44 Republicans -- of the 76 currently serving as the nominal majority. On the other hand, every Democrat voted FOR the new property tax levy except those who were absent (Barbara Mallory Caraway, Rene Oliveira and Senfronia Thompson).
The legislation in question was House Joint Resolution 112, a constitutional amendment creating new taxing entities "for emergency services districts ... at a rate not to exceed five cents..." As a constitutional amendment, it required two-thirds of the House voting for it (or, 100 of the 150 members). Therefore, the correct vote was to vote against HJR112.
These kinds of emergency services are a core function of government and should be what is funded first by local taxing entities under their current taxing capacities and systems. The net effect of HJR112 would have been to allow more non-essential spending that bloats government and imperils economic growth. At a time when taxpayers are demanding relief from high property taxes, one wonders how this was allowed to move through the process in the first place. A quick back-of-the-envelope math shows 58% of the Republicans in the Texas House voted right, and 36 voted wrong. (The rest were absent.)
According to the Texas Legislature Online [1], those voting with taxpayers (and against HJR112) included: Doc Anderson; Jimmie Don Aycock; Leo Berman; Dwayne Bohac; Dennis Bonnen; Dan Branch; Fred Brown; Angie Chen Button; Warren Chisum; Frank Corte; Joe Crabb; Tom Craddick; Brandon Creighton; Joe Driver; Rob Eissler; Gary Elkins; Allen Fletcher; Dan Flynn; Dan Gattis; Charlie Geren; Kelly Hancock; Linda Harper-Brown; Charlie Howard; Bryan Hughes; Todd Hunter; Carl Isett; Jim Keffer; Lois Kolkhorst; Jodie Laubenberg; Ken Legler; Jerry Madden; Doug Miller; Sid Miller; Tan Parker; Ken Paxton; Larry Phillips; Debbie Riddle; Ralph Sheffield; Mark Shelton; John Smithee; David Swinford; Larry Taylor; Randy Weber; and Beverly Woolley. Absent Republicans included: Bill Callegari, John Davis, Phil King and John Otto. (Despite what the Legislature's website says, I'm told State Rep. Wayne Christian did actually vote correctly.) "
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Dr. Donald May...................
"Ladies and gentlemen, This is a time for courage.
"We are gathered here today on the Plains of West Texas in common purpose. We are here to remind our government that this is our country, We the People are still in charge, and our government is still our servant and not our master.
"Our Nation’s founding document is The Declaration of Independence. It tells us that our rights come from God and not from a small group of elite men and women. "Our Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” Our Constitution was written for ordinary Americans like you and me. Our Constitution protects us from our government and from the politicians. "Our President has complained that our Constitution gives ordinary people too much protection. He has ridiculed us for the high value we place on our Bibles, our guns, our personal property, and our liberty. He tells us we do not deserve to keep the money we have earned. We are told freedom has not worked. Personal responsibility, free enterprise, and Liberty have not been effective. Our government will now make more of our decisions for us. Other than our military, I can think of not one government agency I have ever found to be helpful.
"And speaking of our military, how about those Navy Seals blowing the heads off those three terrorist pirates? Don’t you just wish our entire government would function with such efficiency, professionalism, and courage?
We watch in disbelief as our beloved United States is weakened economically, militarily, and morally by a radical President and his eager accomplices. What has taken generations to build is systematically destroyed and replaced with the same Socialist evil that brought poverty, destruction, and despair to untold hundreds of millions. "The problems we face today have occurred because we have not defended our Nation from Socialism. For too long we have allowed the wrong people to make the worst possible decisions. The Bible warns us of class hatred. The radical leadership of our government daily fans the evil flames of class envy. Our European and Canadian friends beg us to not make the same Socialist mistakes they did. The President of the European Union warned our President that his Socialist economic plans are taking the world down the “road to Hell.”
"The path to power for Socialists includes taking God and guns from the citizens. Without spiritual and physical protection, people cannot defend themselves and their liberty. They soon become slaves. We are angered that our President apologizes for the exceptionalism and heroism of the United States of America. We are deeply troubled he told others the United States is not a Christian nation. We are angered that we have been called cowards and racists because we oppose Socialism. Socialism is not racial. Socialism is an equal opportunity destroyer.
We are angered that a recent Department of Homeland Security report has singled out our military men and women who are returning home as being radical threats. The report also characterizes you and me as right-wing extremists and radicals because we favor smaller government and lower taxes. "You and I are average citizens who believe just like most of our fellow Americans. We want our government to leave us alone and to keep its hands off our money, our religion, or guns, our private property, and our lives. We demand that our government stop spending money it does not have. "Stop confiscating our money and private property. "Stop printing money. "Stop subsidizing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the other failed financial institutions and companies.
"Mr. President, stop appointing tax cheats to positions of power and influence. "Mr. President, secure our borders. "Mr. President, do not divert money from our missile defense, F-22 Raptors, and other vital military equipment. This gives encouragement, aid, and comfort to our enemies. Protecting us is your number one job. "Mr. President, do not give voting rights to millions of illegal aliens and felons. You have no more right to create new voters for your benefit than you do to use our money to buy the 2010 and 2012 Elections.
"We gather peacefully here today because there is a growing concern for what our government is doing to us and to our future. We fear for the very survival of our Republic. Yet there is much to make us hopeful and to fill our hearts with optimism and courage. This is still our country! The Constitution of the Unites States belongs to We the People. Our Constitution still protects us from our government.
"Call every possible elected official, including our President, Vice President, and the Speaker of the House. Demand that they stop stealing our money and giving it to ACORN and their other political supporters in order to buy votes. Call Senators Cornyn and Hutchison, and (your) Representative. Thank them. Urge them to do much more. Remind them now is a time for action and not for campaigning. "Volunteer to work on our 2010 Census. Confront ACORN. Keep our Census honest. We must not allow our President to take control of our Census for his political advantage. "We must replace as much of our far left Congress as possible in 2010. Get involved. Do not let ACORN control our 2010 Election. "Talk with someone every day who does not understand our nation’s history and our great heritage. Tell them why the United States is a good and prosperous nation. It still remains that brightly lit city on the hill. It still is the best hope for all mankind.
"Talk with all of the young people you can find. They are our future. Many do not understand what they have and that their future is being destroyed. "Encourage your elected State officials to pass legislation that will protect us from our Federal government. Governor Rick Perry and others are doing that right now for Texas. Thank them and pray for them. "This is a time for strong peaceful action. Let us pray that We the People can quickly return our government to its Constitutional responsibilities. Our President and Congress were elected to be our servants and not our masters.
"May God help our President and Congress to quickly realize the error of their ways and stop their reckless and unwarranted spending, cut our taxes, and reduce the size of our Federal bureaucracy. If they do not, may God grant us the courage and determination to vote them out of power next year. "May God richly bless and protect each of you, and our Constitution, as together we pursue Liberty!"
Delivered at the Lubbock, Texas, TEA Party by Dr. Donald May Tax Day, 15 April 2009
"We are gathered here today on the Plains of West Texas in common purpose. We are here to remind our government that this is our country, We the People are still in charge, and our government is still our servant and not our master.
"Our Nation’s founding document is The Declaration of Independence. It tells us that our rights come from God and not from a small group of elite men and women. "Our Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” Our Constitution was written for ordinary Americans like you and me. Our Constitution protects us from our government and from the politicians. "Our President has complained that our Constitution gives ordinary people too much protection. He has ridiculed us for the high value we place on our Bibles, our guns, our personal property, and our liberty. He tells us we do not deserve to keep the money we have earned. We are told freedom has not worked. Personal responsibility, free enterprise, and Liberty have not been effective. Our government will now make more of our decisions for us. Other than our military, I can think of not one government agency I have ever found to be helpful.
"And speaking of our military, how about those Navy Seals blowing the heads off those three terrorist pirates? Don’t you just wish our entire government would function with such efficiency, professionalism, and courage?
We watch in disbelief as our beloved United States is weakened economically, militarily, and morally by a radical President and his eager accomplices. What has taken generations to build is systematically destroyed and replaced with the same Socialist evil that brought poverty, destruction, and despair to untold hundreds of millions. "The problems we face today have occurred because we have not defended our Nation from Socialism. For too long we have allowed the wrong people to make the worst possible decisions. The Bible warns us of class hatred. The radical leadership of our government daily fans the evil flames of class envy. Our European and Canadian friends beg us to not make the same Socialist mistakes they did. The President of the European Union warned our President that his Socialist economic plans are taking the world down the “road to Hell.”
"The path to power for Socialists includes taking God and guns from the citizens. Without spiritual and physical protection, people cannot defend themselves and their liberty. They soon become slaves. We are angered that our President apologizes for the exceptionalism and heroism of the United States of America. We are deeply troubled he told others the United States is not a Christian nation. We are angered that we have been called cowards and racists because we oppose Socialism. Socialism is not racial. Socialism is an equal opportunity destroyer.
We are angered that a recent Department of Homeland Security report has singled out our military men and women who are returning home as being radical threats. The report also characterizes you and me as right-wing extremists and radicals because we favor smaller government and lower taxes. "You and I are average citizens who believe just like most of our fellow Americans. We want our government to leave us alone and to keep its hands off our money, our religion, or guns, our private property, and our lives. We demand that our government stop spending money it does not have. "Stop confiscating our money and private property. "Stop printing money. "Stop subsidizing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the other failed financial institutions and companies.
"Mr. President, stop appointing tax cheats to positions of power and influence. "Mr. President, secure our borders. "Mr. President, do not divert money from our missile defense, F-22 Raptors, and other vital military equipment. This gives encouragement, aid, and comfort to our enemies. Protecting us is your number one job. "Mr. President, do not give voting rights to millions of illegal aliens and felons. You have no more right to create new voters for your benefit than you do to use our money to buy the 2010 and 2012 Elections.
"We gather peacefully here today because there is a growing concern for what our government is doing to us and to our future. We fear for the very survival of our Republic. Yet there is much to make us hopeful and to fill our hearts with optimism and courage. This is still our country! The Constitution of the Unites States belongs to We the People. Our Constitution still protects us from our government.
"Call every possible elected official, including our President, Vice President, and the Speaker of the House. Demand that they stop stealing our money and giving it to ACORN and their other political supporters in order to buy votes. Call Senators Cornyn and Hutchison, and (your) Representative. Thank them. Urge them to do much more. Remind them now is a time for action and not for campaigning. "Volunteer to work on our 2010 Census. Confront ACORN. Keep our Census honest. We must not allow our President to take control of our Census for his political advantage. "We must replace as much of our far left Congress as possible in 2010. Get involved. Do not let ACORN control our 2010 Election. "Talk with someone every day who does not understand our nation’s history and our great heritage. Tell them why the United States is a good and prosperous nation. It still remains that brightly lit city on the hill. It still is the best hope for all mankind.
"Talk with all of the young people you can find. They are our future. Many do not understand what they have and that their future is being destroyed. "Encourage your elected State officials to pass legislation that will protect us from our Federal government. Governor Rick Perry and others are doing that right now for Texas. Thank them and pray for them. "This is a time for strong peaceful action. Let us pray that We the People can quickly return our government to its Constitutional responsibilities. Our President and Congress were elected to be our servants and not our masters.
"May God help our President and Congress to quickly realize the error of their ways and stop their reckless and unwarranted spending, cut our taxes, and reduce the size of our Federal bureaucracy. If they do not, may God grant us the courage and determination to vote them out of power next year. "May God richly bless and protect each of you, and our Constitution, as together we pursue Liberty!"
Delivered at the Lubbock, Texas, TEA Party by Dr. Donald May Tax Day, 15 April 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Blood pressure check
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLJxmJZXgNI
If you need a blood pressure check then check out this video on illegal immigrants.
If you need a blood pressure check then check out this video on illegal immigrants.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The PISD follows the same tax-and-spend practices
PISD taxpayers you need to be on watch and ready to defend your property in the near future.
Local Watchdog Theresa Fraser has been following the tax-and-spend practices of Boerne ISD for several years, and the information she's gathered is shocking:
In 10 years, local tax revenue collected by BISD has increased more than 300% to educate just 38.5% more students. (Click here to see a spreadsheet showing the tax revenue increase.)
The Boerne Star has run a series of articles profiling local school board candidates. Some candidates have bragged that the school district hasn't had to raise taxes, but that is disingenuous at best. While the tax rate may not have gone up, revenue certainly has.
So the question for the candidates remains: With so much excess in tax revenue, can Boerne ISD residents expect to see any property tax relief?
This story is from the folks at AFP Texas.
Local Watchdog Theresa Fraser has been following the tax-and-spend practices of Boerne ISD for several years, and the information she's gathered is shocking:
In 10 years, local tax revenue collected by BISD has increased more than 300% to educate just 38.5% more students. (Click here to see a spreadsheet showing the tax revenue increase.)
The Boerne Star has run a series of articles profiling local school board candidates. Some candidates have bragged that the school district hasn't had to raise taxes, but that is disingenuous at best. While the tax rate may not have gone up, revenue certainly has.
So the question for the candidates remains: With so much excess in tax revenue, can Boerne ISD residents expect to see any property tax relief?
This story is from the folks at AFP Texas.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Did the establishment win
It is hard to say if the PISD establishment gained any ground during the recent school board elections. There is change and time will tell if the right decisions were made by the voters. I would venture to say that if every board position was up for election on Saturday and every incumbent had an opponent that the results would have been a complete new school board. However, this was not the case and we now have to see how things will work out between the new and the old. Eusay and Antwine are not former school personnel and this could be good for the taxpayers. If they start to support administration decisions without questions then voters will know they made bad choices.
Problems exist with the hired leadership and I think most know that a change has to take place. It is never pleasant to send someone on their way, but if this school district and the children in this district are going to prosper then a new captain is going to be required.
Problems exist with the hired leadership and I think most know that a change has to take place. It is never pleasant to send someone on their way, but if this school district and the children in this district are going to prosper then a new captain is going to be required.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Illegal PISD board member
It appears from reading the local rag that we have a current PISD board member who is illegally serving on the PISD school board. He has enrolled his children in a school in the metropolis of DFW, bought a residence in that location, and has sold his main residence in Camp County.
Where is the leadership to take action to ask this person to resign? I understand the board has addressed the issue, but only one board member wanted to push for the resignation/removal. Did a little research and state law is clear on this issue. He must resign, and technically the law says he has already resigned. He resigned the day Camp County no longer became his permanent residence. Twi-light Super and board president you have a job to do and and it is called LEADERSHIP. Twi-light Super you get paid the big bucks to make tough decisions and here is a tough decision. Get busy! SHOW SOME LEADERSHIP.
Where is the leadership to take action to ask this person to resign? I understand the board has addressed the issue, but only one board member wanted to push for the resignation/removal. Did a little research and state law is clear on this issue. He must resign, and technically the law says he has already resigned. He resigned the day Camp County no longer became his permanent residence. Twi-light Super and board president you have a job to do and and it is called LEADERSHIP. Twi-light Super you get paid the big bucks to make tough decisions and here is a tough decision. Get busy! SHOW SOME LEADERSHIP.
Friday, May 8, 2009
PISD rhetoric two
Last posted about the discussion of a possible bond election. At one of the coffee shop round table discussions this AM it was reported and discussed that a PISD educator has possibly violated her duties by engaging in inappropriate acts with a student of the PISD. The law does not look kindly on such an individual who prey upon those they are to educate in a more appropriate manner.
Is the PISD keeping this on the quiet side in order to not negatively impact a possible future bond election? The mind is left to wonder on its own! The PISD has come forth with no statements to at least acknowledge the possible incident and any action they may have taken.
OK, I give them the benefit of the doubt in protecting the educator for the possible violation of trust. I believe innocent until proven guilty. It appears the PISD has put the individual on leave with pay pending outcome of investigation (this is not confirmed). As a grandparent with a grandchild in the PISD system I would want and demand to know what the possibilities are and could be with regard to my grandchild having contact with this educator. I guess no one in the PISD administration has children, grandchildren, etc.
They already had one educator this year removed from the employment rolls for having 'weed' in his auto on campus. PISD administration never made any public comments with regards to this incident. Least we forget the PISD board member who was cited in another county for having alcohol on school property. Once again this proves bad leadership on behalf of the administration of the PISD. You want a first class school system then start cleaning house and start with Twi-light Super.
Is the PISD keeping this on the quiet side in order to not negatively impact a possible future bond election? The mind is left to wonder on its own! The PISD has come forth with no statements to at least acknowledge the possible incident and any action they may have taken.
OK, I give them the benefit of the doubt in protecting the educator for the possible violation of trust. I believe innocent until proven guilty. It appears the PISD has put the individual on leave with pay pending outcome of investigation (this is not confirmed). As a grandparent with a grandchild in the PISD system I would want and demand to know what the possibilities are and could be with regard to my grandchild having contact with this educator. I guess no one in the PISD administration has children, grandchildren, etc.
They already had one educator this year removed from the employment rolls for having 'weed' in his auto on campus. PISD administration never made any public comments with regards to this incident. Least we forget the PISD board member who was cited in another county for having alcohol on school property. Once again this proves bad leadership on behalf of the administration of the PISD. You want a first class school system then start cleaning house and start with Twi-light Super.
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