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You wouldn’t consider going to a doctor or beautician who isn’t licensed to practice, because we know that licensing is in place as a means of protecting consumers from potentially dangerous situations. Yet, many people will allow anyone to rewire their home – whether licensed to do so, or not. Just placing an ad in the newspaper doesn’t make someone qualified. It is illegal for unlicensed electricians to practice because it’s dangerous! Those who utilize these self-professed electricians are putting their safety and that of their family at serious risk from fire and electrocution. To find out if someone is licensed in Texas, go to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website at www.license.state.tx.us/licensesearch. Select “Inquire by License Type” and “Electricians” from the drop down menu. Then, select “Inquire by County”, and pick your county from the drop down menu. A list will appear of those in your county who are licensed by the state. You can also elect to do a search by name to see if a specific person is qualified. Just type the name in the designated space.
Article courtesy of Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.
By Sen. Carlos Uresti
I recently received a letter from a man recalling an overnight experience he had at Guadalupe River State Park. When he and his wife pulled into park headquarters to get a camping space, they were warned that some Girl Scouts were in the park and there might be some noise. Turned out there were 200 girls and their fathers on a father/daughter camping trip. "For over 48 hours," the man wrote, "the sound of girls laughing, screaming and giggling echoed throughout the park. The girls' bikes zoomed past our campsite at the rate of 1 per minute. The scout leaders lead the girls in sing-a-longs, nature walks, chants and prayers." At first I thought the letter was a complaint — campers are usually seeking solitude — but then I read the next paragraph: "My heart was filled with joy at the sights and sounds I heard from the girls and their fathers becoming bonded together and becoming one with nature at a Texas state park." What a testament to our state park system and the pleasure these outdoor facilities bring to Texas families. But the purpose of his letter was to express concern about news reports that Texas may have to close some of its parks. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the initial funding proposals by the House and Senate are more than $4 million short of the amount needed to keep all 91 state parks up and running. That would put at least nine parks in danger of closing. With all of the pressing needs confronting state budget writers, parks may not be on the same priority list with public and higher education, water and transportation infrastructure, Medicaid, child protection, and public safety. But with Texas Comptroller Susan Combs predicting a 12.4 percent increase in general revenue funds for the 2014-15 biennium, we may not have to make the stark choice of closing parks. Another approach is a simple matter of giving parks the money they are due. My Bexar County colleague, Rep. Lyle Larson, is proposing that we end the practice of raiding the sales tax revenues on sporting goods — money that was originally dedicated to Parks and Wildlife but appropriated for other uses. According to the Houston Chronicle, the proposed 2014-15 parks budget of $140.7 million is about $19 million less than we spent in the 2008-2009 budget cycle, despite soaring costs for maintaining our parks. Even the weather has been a factor, with hurricanes, wildfires, and drought taking their toll. Senate Finance Chairman Tommy Williams said recently he is "not personally interested in seeing any state parks closed," and those are encouraging words. As the budget process proceeds, it will become more clear just what the Legislature can do to prevent that from happening. Senate District 19 contains ten state parks, including Garner State Park in Uvalde County, which many consider one of the crown jewels of the state park system. I share Sen. Williams' goal of keeping all of them open. And I certainly share the sentiments of the letter-writing camper: "Let me urge Governor Perry and the state Legislature to continue to fund the Texas State Park System in order for families to continue to enjoy and appreciate nature. The state park experience allows treasured family time and valuable learning experiences for all." We must keep our parks open for the benefit of all Texans, whether they like the sounds of birds or crickets, gurgling creeks, or Girl Scouts singing with their dads.
AUSTIN
State Sen. Carlos Uresti and other members of the Senate Democratic Caucus filed a Senate concurrent resolution Wednesday urging Congress to swiftly enact meaningful, comprehensive immigration reform. SCR 15 notes that America is a nation of immigrants and that their story is woven into our social and cultural fabric. It states that we require an immigration system that "provides for public safety, national security, economic prosperity, and the well-being of all who live and work in the United States." Uresti, chairman of the Senate Hispanic caucus, said there is a growing consensus among the American public and elected leaders in both political parties that the time is right to address the issue. The resolution cites a January poll by the Associated Press that found 62 percent of Americans support immigration reform. "Everyone has been waiting for a moment like this," Uresti said. "This is an issue of national importance, and our leaders in Washington must not let the opportunity pass. We need a sound immigration policy that addresses not only the need for border security, but 21st Century economic realities and the common decencies that people owe to one another." As far the economic benefits of immigration reform, the resolution cites a 2012 report by the CATO Institute that said reform could lead to a $180 billion gain for American households. Closer to home, a study by the Perryman Group found that Texas would lose $69.3 billion in economic activity, $30.8 billion in gross state product, and approximately 403,000 jobs if all undocumented immigrants were removed from the state. Uresti said immigration reform must reflect the nation's sovereignty and the right to secure its borders, but should not stop there. It must also be compassionate, and address the needs of temporary and migrant workers and young people who were brought to the United States as children without their consent. "The Dream Act must be part of any immigration reform legislation," he said. "The senses of fairness, justice, human dignity, and mutual respect that are imbedded in America's value system demand a pathway to citizenship for these individuals who have no other home." Sen. Uresti represents Senate District 19, which covers more than 35,000 square miles and contains all or part of 17 counties, two international ports of entry, ten state parks, 51 school districts, almost 9,000 miles of highways and county roads, and more than 29,000 producing oil and gas wells. The district is larger than 11 states and 124 Nations, and contains almost 400 miles of the Texas-Mexico border.
At USDA, we’ve made record efforts in the past four years to support homegrown energy. This year, we’re looking ahead to a promising future for biofuels. Biofuels have already contributed a great deal to our economy, to our energy security and to the bottom line on our farms and ranches. Today we’re taking steps to strengthen the biofuels industry and helping innovate the next generation of advanced biofuels. For example, we’ve invested more than $320 million into biofuels research to help accelerate the development of technology needed to take the next big steps. USDA has complemented those investments with the creation of six new research centers across America to develop new strategies for biofuels creation, while ensuring that each region of the nation can contribute to homegrown energy. We are also working to strengthen the whole supply chain for advanced biofuels, from the farmers who grow energy crops to the end users of advanced biofuels. Since 2009, USDA has helped provide an incentive for hundreds of growers to raise nearly 60,000 acres of advanced biofuel crops. We’ve supported more than 200 biorefineries in their efforts to produce advanced biofuels, while making loan guarantee commitments to support construction of nine new advanced refineries across the country. We have also taken steps to identify and expand new markets for these advanced biofuels. For example, USDA is working with the Department of Energy and the Department of the Navy to expand advanced biofuels for military aviation and maritime use. Last summer, the Navy’s “Great Green Fleet” conducted groundbreaking exercises off the coast of Hawaii, with ships and aircraft powered by advanced biofuels. We’re also working with the Federal Aviation Administration to promote the production of advanced biofuel for commercial aircraft. This year, we’re focused on helping advanced biofuel producers reach a goal of 14 million gallons of production. We’ll continue working to identify barriers to the production of these new fuels. We’ll also work with all of our partners to help develop solutions, such as new opportunities for multi-cropping production. In the months ahead, USDA will continue to provide support for research and infrastructure. At the same time, we’ll explore new efforts to provide flexibility for folks all along the supply chain. The production and use of advanced biofuels has already had a very positive impact for our nation, and biofuels hold even more opportunity to create jobs and economic prosperity for rural America in the years ahead.
By Sen. Carlos Uresti
When Gov. Rick Perry laid out his goals for the 83rd Legislature in his State of the State address, he called for tax cuts, more school choice, infrastructure investment, a pro-business climate, and a rejection of Medicaid expansion called for by the Affordable Care Act. Important issues all. But just as important is what the governor left out of his biennial report to state lawmakers — any mention of sanctuary cities, Voter ID, or other legislative initiatives targeting Texas' growing Hispanic population. The omission was welcome to lawmakers like me who fought hard in the last session against such measures. When the 2011 session began, sanctuary cities and Voter ID were declared emergencies that required immediate attention. Both houses passed the Voter ID bill and, later, redistricting plans that ignored the population gains of Latinos across Texas. Sanctuary cities passed the Senate in a special session, but stumbled in the House. The legislative victories of Voter ID and redistricting were short-lived, however. The courts rejected Voter ID as unconstitutional and ordered adjustments in the political boundaries that were used in the 2012 election. Given the legislative majority's zeal to pass these measures two years ago, one might expect an aggressive attempt to reverse that 3-0 record in the current session. Fortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case. While these issues could still resurface, they are certainly not a priority. With Texas' Hispanic population continuing to grow into a potent political force, it is not surprising that there is so little appetite this time for such divisive immigration proposals in the Legislature. Also, the 2012 election showed that minorities are already exerting their influence at the ballot box nationally, and polls indicate that most Americans are eager for immigration reform that's not just strict, but also fair and compassionate. There is a growing realization that Hispanics in Texas are not going to listen to a wider Republican message that is tainted with the anti-immigrant attitude that pervaded the last legislative session. Steve Munisteri, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, recently told The Dallas Morning News: “If somebody thinks you don’t like them because of their race or ethnic background, it doesn’t matter if they agree with you on 99 out of 100 issues. They’re not going to vote for you. We have adopted a change in tone, hopefully, and a reexamination of how we were messaging, and we did that way before the election.” As chairman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus, I welcome that change of tone, even if it was spurred by nothing more than political necessity. It will make it easier for lawmakers of both parties to come together on a whole range of important issues as the session proceeds. A good deal of the governor's State of the State address was great to hear, but when he didn't raise those issues that are so offensive to Hispanics, the silence was golden.
AUSTIN
Gov. Rick Perry will travel to San Francisco, the Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Orange County, departing Sunday, February 10 and returning Wednesday, February 13, to meet with business leaders in the high tech, biotechnology, financial, insurance and film industries. The governor’s trip will be paid for by TexasOne – no tax dollars will be used for his travel and accommodations. This business recruitment trip follows a week-long radio ad buy in the Golden State promoting Texas’ job creation climate. The 30-second spot has been running on six radio stations in the San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Inland Empire and San Diego media markets. To hear the ad, please visit http://www.texaswideopenforbusiness.com/ca.php. The governor, along with Texas Economic Development Corp. Chair Bruce Bugg, several local economic development officials and business representatives, including Oncor, BNSF Railway, and the cities of Allen, Amarillo, Austin, Brownsville, Conroe, DeSoto, Frisco, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, McKinney, Pflugerville, San Antonio and Schertz, will also host a reception for some of the business leaders who have contacted the Governor’s Office through TexasWideOpenForBusiness.com since the ad began running.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is offering free credit monitoring and identity theft services for people whose personal information was found in the possession of a former DSHS employee without authorization.
The former employee, Selena Patino, had worked at the agency’s Mount Pleasant clinic until last fall and was arrested in January on fraud and credit card abuse charges. Prior to her arrest she worked at the Northeast Texas Public Health District.
DSHS has identified people whose information may have been accessed by the former employee and is notifying them by letter of the free services. However, there may be additional potential victims. People who worked with Patino or received services at the clinic and believe they were affected are urged to contact DSHS at 1-800-350-6029 to request the free credit monitoring and identity theft services. DSHS will provide the free services for one year to those affected.
People who think they may be victims of identity theft also should contact the credit bureaus for guidance and be on alert for any evidence of misuse of personal information. If people find evidence that their personal information has been misused, they should notify local law enforcement.
The credit bureaus can be contacted as follows:
• Equifax P.O. Box 740241 www.fraudalerts.equifax.com Atlanta, GA 30374 Fraud hotline (toll-free): 1-877-478-7625
• Experian P.O. Box 2002 www.experian.com Allen, TX 75013 Fraud hotline (toll-free): 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion Email to report suspected fraud at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. P.O. Box 6790 www.transunion.com Fullerton, CA 92834 Fraud hotline (toll-free): 1-800-680-7289
The Cooperative Extension Program of Prairie View A&M and Texas AgriLife wants to encourage you to attend our USDA – NRCS Programs Seminar. The Seminar will be held on February 7, 2013 at 6:00 PM at the Zavala County Justice of the Peace Office, Pct. 4 in La Pryor, Texas. J.M. Villarreal, USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service, will be discussing their conservation and cost share programs. USDA-NRCS has several programs that should be of interest to agricultural producers and they do have a “Beginning Rancher-Farmer Program” and a “Socially Disadvantaged Rancher-Farmer Program” that can assist qualifying farmers to start or expand their agricultural operations. Prairie View A&M University has placed an Extension Agent in Crystal City with the responsibility of providing technical assistance to residents in the areas of Community and Economic Development. Prairie View’s expansion into the Texas-Mexico Border Region is not new. Although, the majority of its Agents are in East Texas, Prairie View A&M currently has Extension Agents in Eagle Pass, Laredo, Edinburg, Raymondville, Rio Grande City, and El Paso working with local limited resources producers. Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program’s Vision is “Meeting Needs…Changing Lives.” For more information about this or other Cooperative Extension Programs, please call Mario A. Morales or Betty Avila at 830-374-2883 or come by our office at 211 N. 1st Avenue, Crystal City, Texas during normal working hours. The Cooperative Extension Program serves people of all ages regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status.
San Antonio, TX
Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT), headquartered in San Antonio, will open a temporary site in Uvalde to aid in the distribution of Girl Scout cookies throughout the council’s western counties. The Uvalde Girl Scout Cookie Warehouse, located at Reno’s Rental at 974 E. Main Street will be open to Girl Scouting’s adult volunteers as they replenish their cookie inventories for troops in Uvalde, Real, Edwards, Val Verde, Kinney, Maverick, Dimmit and Zavala counties. After being picked up from the cookie warehouse in Uvalde, Girl Scouts will sell cookies to customers in Uvalde and surrounding communities. The temporary location will be managed by GSSWT staff and will be open Wed., Feb. 6 through March 1. Hours of operation are Wednesday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The site is closed Sunday through Tuesday. The Girl Scout Cookie Program not only helps girls fulfill their goals, but also helps communities grow. All proceeds from selling Girl Scout cookies stay within the region to provide direct services to girls and adult volunteers and girls get to decide where the money goes. Your purchase of Girl Scout cookies helps girls do great things, such as pay for a fresh change of clothes for an abused victim or cheer up a soldier far from home. Offering eight varieties, each box of Girl Scout cookies is priced at $3.50.
Austin, TX
As the first month of the 83rd legislative session comes to a close, State Representative Poncho Nevárez has been appointed by Speaker of the House, Joe Straus, to three House Committees on Thursday, January 31. These committees include: Culture, Recreation & Tourism; International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs; and Rules & Resolutions. "Throughout this process, I considered Members’ individual expertise and strengths to address our state's challenges, and to ensure the House committees reflect the geographic and demographic diversity of Texas,” Speaker Straus said. “These appointments will allow every Member of the Texas House to make a meaningful contribution to the serious work of this legislative session.” Nevárez is proud to be one of two freshman to be appointed to the newly created International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs, which covers issues dealing with trade within the United States as well as internationally. He understands that this appointment can contribute to growth along the border and throughout his rural district. "My committee assignments reflect the vast reach of Texas, not just across our country, but beyond our borders," Nevárez says. "We will continue to lead in tourism and while being the 14th largest economy in the world, we must be firm in our trade mission and priorities."
