November 14 Edition

What’s New - Links to articles only

CCISD - CCISD rated best large school district in Texas

Higher Education - Fall 2007 Success Through Education Program scholarship winners announced

Government - Attorney General Abbott's Fugitive Unit arrests four Sex Offenders – two from Houston – who violated parole on Halloween

Government - Gov. Perry awards $576,000 to Crime Stoppers programs

Government - Cornyn urges fairness for Texas taxpayers; Decries obstruction of two key Tax Relief bills

Gardening - County pecan growers display their successes

Religion - A traveling companion

November 7 Edition

What’s New - Links to articles only

League City News
- The 14th Annual Festival of Trees is set for the week after Thanksgiving

Higher Education - Lecture advises how to avoid scams and Harvest Fair

Government - Two Auto Credit Insurance Companies agree to premium refunds; AG files legal action against another

Government - Gov. Perry Announces U.S. Small Business Administration Assistance for Galveston and Jefferson Counties

Government - Cornyn introduces bill to extend college tuition deduction

Gardening - Make plans for moving houseplants back inside

Religion - Learning our lessons

October 31 Edition

Police: Blue Santa program needs more help

Program needs gifts and donation

From The City of League City Police Department

October 31, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—The League City Blue Santa Program is gearing up for the holidays. The program gives toys and bikes to children in the community that may not otherwise receive anything for Christmas.

The Blue Santa Program is coordinated by the Community Services Officer of the League City Police Department. They are assisted by volunteers from the Vehicle Maintenance Department, Police Department, E.M.S., Fire Department and the community.

The program also provides gift certificates to families so they may buy food from a local grocery store. In 2006, we provided gifts to over 155 families and over 460 children. We currently provide toys for children who are infants up to those who are 14 years of age.

This year, Blue Santas’ Elves are hosting a Christmas party for the families. You may register at the League City Police Department, starting November 1st until December 7th.

The program is currently in need of gifts for children ages 0 to 2, 10 to 14, and cash donations. If you have any questions please contact Ofc. Christy Galyean at 281-338-8201.

10 Women — 10 Perspectives art exhibit

- Opening Reception November 1^st

“Mythical. Spiritual. Fantastical. Intuitive. Intimate. All are words that describe the creative works to be displayed in 10 Women, 10 Perspectives.”—Jean Rudniki, Change Magazine

October 31, 2007

HOUSTON—The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake has invited ten artists to share their unique perspectives with Houston’s Bay Area between November 1st and November 29th. The opening reception will take place on November 1st from 7 to 9 p.m. – admission is free.

Following is a breakdown of the featured artists, where they come from and the media in which they work:

Julie Brook Alexander – Houston - photographic collage

Tara Conley - Houston - sculpture (soft sculpture, installations, 3D hanging works)

Rebecca Etcheverry - Cypress - abstract painting

Amy Guidry – Lafayette, La. - painting (close range portraiture)

Gabriella Nissen – Houston - photography

Donna Perkins – Baytown - mixed media drawings

Natalie Skynear – Galveston – paintings

Georganna Tapley - Galveston - 3 D mixed media, installations, drawings, paintings

Saralene Tapley – Galveston - mixed media figurative paintings

Sandra York – Houston - abstract paintings

This exhibit is generously underwritten by Beyond Beauté with Change Magazine as media sponsor. Lisa Hamilton, executive director of TAACCL expressed her gratitude, “Shirley Terry-Lopez and Carla Medlenka have joined forces to help us present the work of these first rate artists. Their support made this extraordinary exhibit possible.” 

Shirley Terry-Lopez, who is not only the president/CEO of Beyond Beauté Salon and spas but a well-known advocate for women’s health said, "When I was asked to sponsor this incredible event there wasn't even a second thought except Yes! In my 21 years of supporting and directing women to go beyond old beliefs and give birth to the incredible women they truly are, I can't imagine any other way to express and share their unique wonder than through an expression of art. These10 talented women not only create an awareness of the beauty of art on canvas, they serve as cheerleaders for other women by lighting a pathway for their journey to their own success story. Now, that is well worth supporting!!"

Change Magazine publisher Carla Medlenka said, "I am thrilled and honored to support women in the arts. It is a bold and courageous soul who tackles a blank canvas, page or space and fills it with her personal expression for all the world to see. The creative process is indeed an agent for change and reflects the artist in each of us. When we honor and celebrate the creative process, we welcome and encourage our own inspiration and potential. I look forward to stepping out of reality and into the works of these ten talented women—A much needed breath of fresh air!"

The exhibit will be on display through November 29th. Patrons can view the work Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or during Clear Lake Infiniti Open Mic Jazz on November 15th from 7 – 9 p.m. The Center is located on NASA Parkway across from the Johnson Space Center.

About The Arts Alliance Center of Clear Lake

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake (TAACCL) is Bay Area Houston’s cultural arts center. The alliance consists of over 50 nonprofit arts organizations, including educational institutions, dance and drama theatres, guilds of basket-weavers and quilters, writers' leagues, choral groups and musicians, from bluegrass to symphonies.

Since 1997, the Center has hosted monthly multi-media art exhibitions, year-round arts classes for all ages, and live performances ranging from concerts to dramatic recitals. The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit multidiscipline arts organization, and is conveniently located across from NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Public arts programs at The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake are made possible in part by a grant from Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) and generous contributions from the City of Nassau Bay and the City of Webster.

Charity Ellis has been named director of alumni and community relations at University of Houston-Clear Lake. Ellis began serving as director Sept. 1.

UH-Clear Lake names alumni and community relations director

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

October 31, 2007

HOUSTON—University of Houston-Clear Lake named Charity Ellis director of alumni and community relations. Ellis, who joined the university in 2006 as coordinator of alumni relations, officially stepped into the position Sept. 1.

“Charity has done an outstanding job in her service as coordinator, enhancing existing programs and developing new ones with great success,” said UH-Clear Lake Associate Vice President for University Advancement Dion McInnis. “Among her many duties in the short term will be to hire two coordinators to assist alumni and community relations pursue its goals under her leadership.”

Ellis joined the university after a four-year stint as community resources and education manager at Bay Area Turning Point Inc. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UH-Clear Lake in 2002.

“I’m looking forward to this new challenge,” said Ellis. “I’ve met and worked with some wonderful people during this past year, and I look forward to continuing that work as well as developing new programs and opportunities.”

As the coordinator, Ellis oversaw outreach and programming to university alumni and community; managed and implemented special projects and initiatives; and served as liaison to numerous community groups who work closely with the university. She also created the copy for the bimonthly eConnections newsletter sent to university alumni.

Future plans for Ellis as director include hiring two coordinators who will assist in sustaining and strengthening alumni relations initiatives and community relations programs.

She also will continue refining the current programs available as well as expanding their offerings. Ellis’ most recent development includes the creation of alumni association identification cards for the university’s 44,000 alumni. The card allows alumni to more easily enjoy all of their benefits including a free subscription to university magazine Egret and alumni newsletter eConnections; free career information, job postings, networking, résumé and interview assistance from the Office of Career and Counseling Services; free computer training classes offered by the University of Houston System IT Training Department; 10 percent discount on face-to-face courses offered by Center for Advanced Management Programs; 10 percent discount on all classes offered by the Foreign Language Program; a student discount rate on all UHCL Cultural Arts performances; and socials, lectures and career-networking events throughout the year.

For more information about the association or how to get involved, contact Ellis at 281-283-2019 or ellisc@uhcl.edu.

University of Houston-Clear Lake offers more than 30 undergraduate and over 40 graduate degree programs, as well as a doctoral program, from its four schools, which include the School of Business, School of Education, School of Human Sciences and Humanities, and School of Science and Computer Engineering.

Higher Ed Calendar

Gardening - County Pecan Show on Thursday, November 8

Religion - A place to stand

October 24 Mini-Edition

Modifed photo credit- Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

Attorney General Abbott halts foreclosure rescue scam's unlawful Texas operations

Clients of Foreclosure Assistance Solutions urged to call their lenders immediately

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

October 24, 2007

AUSTIN – The 408th District Court has issued a temporary injunction against a Florida-based “foreclosure rescue” scheme. Under the court order sought by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, Foreclosure Assistance Solutions, LLC of Florida, and its principal operators, Herb Zerden and Adolfo Quintero, as well as J.W.W. Services, Inc. of California and owner John Woodruff, are prohibited from targeting and deceiving Texans who fall behind on their mortgage payments.

Last September, the Attorney General obtained an emergency restraining order and froze assets belonging to Foreclosure Assistance Solutions and its various operators. The temporary injunction issued this week extends the initial order, securing approximately $750,000 in fees that the defendants charged more than 700 Texans who paid for its services. The monies will remain frozen pending further orders from the court.

“This court ruling prohibits these unscrupulous ‘services’ from unlawfully preying on struggling homeowners,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans who fall behind on their mortgage payments should be very wary of anyone promising to save their homes for a large fee. We will remain vigilant and will take aggressive enforcement action to protect Texas consumers.”

According to the Attorney General’s enforcement action, the defendants mailed cards and letters to homeowners who were facing foreclosure because of delinquent mortgage payments. The defendants’ promotional materials boasted established relationships with mortgage companies and banks nationwide. These purported relationships, Foreclosure Assistance Solutions claimed, would enable it to persuade lenders to refrain from foreclosing on its customers.

Homeowners who responded to Foreclosure Assistance Solutions were pressured to immediately sign a $1,200 contract. Once Foreclosure Assistance Solutions received its fee, company representatives rarely interacted with clients. When homeowners repeatedly called the company seeking information or action, they were ignored. Because the terms of the company’s customer contract strictly prohibited homeowners from directly contacting their mortgage companies, Foreclose Assistance Solutions’ inaction worsened the situation for many homeowners.

The temporary injunction prohibits the defendants from continuing to target and mislead troubled Texas homeowners.

The court’s order also requires that Foreclosure Assistance Solutions disclose important account information to its Texas customers. Specifically, the defendants must provide each of its customers with a written statement describing every contact the company’s representatives had with the customer’s mortgage company. The disclosure statement must include the specific dates of contact, the mortgage company representative with whom they spoke, and the results of the contact. If Foreclosure Assistance Solutions representatives learn they cannot prevent a home from going into foreclosure, the company is obligated to notify the home owner within 48 hours. Foreclosure Assistance Solutions must also provide refunds to any of its existing customers it is unable to help.

The Attorney General reminded the company’s customers that they should not wait for Foreclosure Assistance Solutions to contact them about the status of their mortgage. Homeowners need to call their lenders immediately and ask what preventative measures, if any, the defendants have taken on their behalf.

The pending legal action seeks court-ordered restitution for homeowners who were harmed by the defendant as well as civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Additionally, the Attorney General has requested up to $5,000 per violation for failure to register as a business that conducts telephone solicitations.

The Office of the Attorney General is engaged in a variety of efforts to protect Texas homeowners. Last month, Attorney General Abbott launched the Texas Residential Mortgage Fraud Task Force, a partnership that involves key state regulatory agencies to take a proactive stance towards tracking and prosecuting mortgage fraud.

This month, Attorney General Abbott urged three of the largest mortgage lenders and servicing companies doing business in Texas to take steps to address the high rate of foreclosures in the state. In meetings with EMC Mortgage, Countrywide Mortgage and Litton Loan Servicing, he outlined five measures that the companies should implement to restore borrowers’ financial stability, including stepping-up efforts to convert adjustable rate mortgages to fixed-interest loans; subjecting more delinquent loans to mitigation first rather than immediately submitting them to an antagonistic collections process; improving communication and outreach with consumers; waiving penalties and fees while companies work with troubled homeowners; and promptly addressing complaints filed against them with the Office of the Attorney General.

Earlier this year, Attorney General Abbott secured $21 million in restitution for Texas homeowners who were harmed by lending giant Ameriquest Mortgage Co. That case resolved allegations that the company and its affiliates did not clearly disclose certain terms to homeowners, including unpredictable adjustable rates.

Homeowners who believe they have been harmed by this or similar fraudulent businesses may call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 252-8011 or file a complaint online at www.oag.state.tx.us.

Gardening - Proper care can prevent early demise of trees & shrubs

Religion - Reflections in an ancient church

October 17 Edition

My apologies. Most of the web pages were placed on this news site Wednesday, October 17, and were accessible using the text links in the vertical navigation bar on the left-hand side of the page. I should have placed a note about this on the October 10 home page.

The Webmaster.

What’s New - Links to articles only

Government - Texas Attorney General arrests 14 sex offenders for illegally using MySpace.com

Government - Gov. Perry awards $6.2 million in S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act programs

CCISD - New superintendent to join School District in January

Higher Education - Award-winning author Peter Sis spoke at Oct. 13 writing conference, Book exhibition continues

Government - Cornyn seeks action on overdue efforts to help families of fallen first responders

Our Neighbors - First annual Bay Area Houston Arts Festival

Gardening - Banana plants producing a bumper crop of fruit

Religion - Learning our lessons

News in Depth

Texas Attorney General arrests 14 sex offenders for illegally using MySpace.com

Cyber Crimes, Fugitive Units arrest 14 convicted sex offenders with MySpace.com profiles

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

October 17, 2007

DALLAS– Investigators with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes and Fugitive Units arrested 14 previously convicted sex offenders who illegally created profiles on MySpace.com.

After receiving a subpoena from Attorney General Abbott earlier this year, MySpace.com provided investigators with a list of registered sex offenders who use the popular social networking site.

“These arrests are a stark reminder for parents whose children use social networking sites,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Each of the 14 convicted sex offenders was arrested for illegally using MySpace.com to establish an online presence. All Texans must remain vigilant about dangers posed by online sex predators.”

Attorney General Abbott added: “By sharing a user profile database with law enforcement, MySpace.com is providing critical information to law enforcement. Other social networking sites should follow MySpace.com’s lead, partner with law enforcement, and help protect their online users from criminals who use the Internet to prey on children.”

In September, Cyber Crimes and Fugitive investigators arrested in the Houston area the following previously convicted sex offenders who violated parole or probation requirements that specifically prohibit them from using the Internet:

Dallas area MySpace parole violators arrested included the following:

• Troy Benton Baker, 27, arrested Sept. 6 in Gladewater; convicted in Wisconsin in 1998 of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

• Michael Ray Barnette, 47, arrested Sept. 5 in Dallas; convicted in Tarrant County in 1992 of driving while intoxicated and public lewdness.

• James William Boyd, 47, arrested Sept. 5 in Fort Worth; convicted in Tarrant County in 1984 of aggravated sexual assault.

• Mike Edward Calloway, 41, arrested Sept. 5 in Haltom City; convicted in Tarrant County in 1997 of indecency with a child by sexual contact.

• Daniel Joseph Marcotte, 46, arrested Sept. 6 in Arlington; convicted in Tarrant County in 1995 of sexual assault of a child.

• Priscilla Ambriz, 27, arrested Sept. 19 in San Antonio; convicted in Bexar County in 1993 of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

• David Waller McDaniels, 41, arrested Sept. 18 in Sunrise Beach Village; convicted in Harris County in 1984 of indecent exposure.

In May, the Texas Attorney General subpoenaed MySpace.com . The subpoena forced the network to release subscriber information for all of the registered sex offenders who have established online member profiles. As a result, MySpace.com provided Attorney General Abbott with data from Sentinel Safe, a database of information on registered sex offenders that the network compiled to verify the identities of their users. Investigators immediately launched the nation’s first large-scale crackdown on offenders using the site, arresting seven previously convicted sex offenders who had set up online profiles.

Attorney General Abbott has repeatedly pressed MySpace.com and other social networking sites to implement definitive safety measures to protect their young users from sexually explicit images and unwanted sexual advances. Since the push from Attorney General Abbott and other attorneys general, MySpace.com has taken steps to improve safety on its site, including screening profiles for inappropriate content and making certain profiles private.

Since taking office, Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2003, he created the Cyber Crimes Unit, which protects children from online sexual exploitation.

The Cyber Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Unit, which locates sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children, have combined to arrest more than 600 sex offenders. Cyber Crimes Unit investigators also have traveled to schools and communities statewide to offer educational cyber safety programs.

In May 2006, Attorney General Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit was awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention to establish an ICAC Task Force. The Texas Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force is one of almost 50 federally funded task forces across the country dedicated to this project.

For more information on Attorney General Abbott’s efforts to crack down on sex predators, visit the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011.

Government - Texas Attorney General arrests 14 sex offenders for illegally using MySpace.com

Gov. Perry awards $6.2 million in S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act programs

Operation Border Star ongoing along the border region

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

October 17, 2007

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry awarded $6.2 million in grants to 80 programs across the state that are dedicated to combating violent crimes against women and offering services to victims of these crimes. The grants are awarded under the federal S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and are distributed by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD).

“Deterring violence against women is only part of our mission; we must also take every stride we can in offering hope and support to victims of abuse,” Perry said. “Through additional education and assistance, we will reinforce the message that despicable acts of violence against women will not be tolerated.”

Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs.

The awards include:

Award Amount Recipient Project Title
$79,803 Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse Inc. Legal Advocacy Program
$63,548 Arte Sana Latina Victim Outreach
$77,613 Atascosa Family Crisis Center Inc. Atascosa Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Program
$84,444 Bastrop County Women's Shelter Violence Against Women Project
$56,907 Brazos County Rape Crisis Center Inc. Sexual Assault Victim Assistance
$93,824 Cameron County Domestic Violence Unit
$21,319 Central Texas Council of Governments Training on Violence Against Women Issues
$69,703 City of Austin Assistance to Female Victims of Domestic Violence
$25,000 City of Cedar Hill Family, Youth, and Victim Services Civilian Investigator
$92,921 City of Corpus Christi Victim Assistance Program
$26,000 City of Dallas Sexual Assault/Stalking Law Enforcement Training
$75,860 City of El Paso Domestic Abuse Response Team
$75,544 City of Fort Worth Domestic Assault Response Team
$77,520 City of Fort Worth Enhanced Domestic Assault Response Team
$72,822 City of Grand Prairie Domestic Violence Task Force
$59,586 City of Lewisville Family Violence Investigation and Prevention Investigator
$71,820 City of McKinney Investigating and Educating Grant
$187,726 City of San Antonio Early Intervention For Women Living In Domestic Violence
$35,331 City of San Saba Dove Project-Intervention through Counseling and Assessment of Need
$76,420 City of Waco Waco Family Violence Unit Detectives and Coordinator
$62,000 Conference on Crimes Against Women Inc. The Third Annual Conference on Crimes Against Women
$80,000 Dallas County Regional Training Coordinator
$80,000 Dallas County Protective Order Prosecutor
$227,000 Dallas County Collaborative Domestic Violence Project
$40,000 Denton County Prosecution Enhancement Grant
$80,000 Denton County Family Violence Expansion Grant
$74,100 East Texas Crisis Center Rural Family Justice Project
$92,310 El Paso County Domestic Violence Unit
$32,500 Family Service Association of San Antonio Inc. Kidshare Domestic Violence Intervention Services
$80,000 FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center Victim Assistance Program
$44,789 First Step of Wichita Falls Inc. Domestic Violence Shelter and Sexual Assault Crisis Program
$52,304 Focusing Families Victim's Legal Support Services
$79,020 Fort Bend County Violence Against Women Prosecutor
$40,000 Fort Bend County Violence Against Women Investigator
$35,093 Fort Bend County Women's Center Inc. Crisis Hotline
$38,014 Friends for Hope Inc. Evidence Collection, Training and Victim Empowerment
$52,000 Friendship of Women Inc. Outreach Intervention Project
$38,226 Grayson County Domestic Violence Investigator Program
$72,511 Gregg County Violence Against Women - Prosecution Project
$30,551 Hale County Crisis Center Inc. Violence Against Women Support and Outreach
$80,000 Harris County Caseworker Intervention Expansion Project-District Attorney
$76,353 Harris County Police Training for Violence Against Women
$41,017 Harris County Domestic Violence Enhancement/Victims Assistance
$80,000 Harris County Protective Order Prosecutor Project-District Attorney
$56,193 Harris County Felony Family Violence Caseworker Project
$61,249 Harris County Crime Victims' Assistance Unit-Precinct 5
$83,587 Hill Country Crisis Council Inc. VAWA Victim Assistance Project
$40,000 Hope of South Texas Inc. Sexual Assault Crisis Program
$80,000 Houston Area Women's Center Family Violence Hispanic Outreach
$80,000 Jefferson County Family Violence/Crimes Against Women Unit
$206,065 Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas Rural Safe at Home Project - S.T.O.P. VAWA
$70,199 Lubbock County Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit
$80,000 Montgomery County Women's Center Protective Order Project
$76,019 New Beginning Center Inc. Shelter Advocacy Project
$26,000 Newton County VAWA Special Prosecutor Project
$34,782 Pecan Valley Regional Domestic Violence Shelter Victim's Service and Legal Advocacy Project
$27,732 Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission Victims of Violent Crime Training for Law Enforcement
$34,768 Political Asylum Project of Austin Program Representing Immigrant Survivors of Abuse
$65,286 Potter County Potter County Domestic Violence Task Force
$80,000 Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County RCC Legal Advocacy Program
$67,413 SAFE PLACE of the Permian Basin Inc. Family Violence Reduction/Prevention Program
$62,195 Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas Inc. Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Project
$47,320 Starr County Victims of Domestic Violence Assistance Program
$250,000 Tarrant County Domestic Violence Diversion Program
$174,271 Texas Association Against Sexual Assault Community Multicultural Victim Education Project
$288,574 Texas Council on Family Violence Training/Technical Assistance: Statewide Response to Family Violence
$449,345 Texas Municipal Police Association Sexual Assault and Family Violence Investigators Course
$105,000 Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Inc. Rural Protective Order Project
$80,000 The Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc. The Bridge Crisis Intervention and Training Services
$18,636 Tralee Crisis Center for Women Inc. Victim Assistance Project
$90,837 Travis County Family Violence Accelerated Prosecution Program
$44,639 Tyler County Violence Against Women Special Prosecutor
$80,000 Victim Assistance Centre Inc. Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE) Domestic Violence Programs
$31,864 W.A.V. Project Women Against Violence
$7,966 Webb County Webb County Crime Victims Community Outreach Services Program
$35,766 Williamson County Crisis Center Law Enforcement Orientation and Rural Community Outreach
$47,556 Wilson County Violence Against Women Prevention Program
$40,000 Wintergarden Women's Shelter Inc. Victims' Direct Services Project
$99,922 Women Together Foundation Inc. Hidalgo County Outreach Project/Un Nuevo Amanecer
$55,029 Women's Shelter of South Texas Therapeutic Services for Sexual Assault Survivors

Government - Gov. Perry awards $6.2 million in S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act programs

Education Support Center at 2425 East Main Street, League City, Texas. Photo credit: CCISD.

New superintendent to join School District in January

The Board completed the approval process for hiring the current superintendent of Alvin ISD at a recent school board meeting.

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

October 17, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—“I am also thrilled to report Dr. Greg Smith will officially get on our bus in January as your new Superintendent,” said current Superintendent Sandra Mossman. “Dr. Smith, a veteran of CCISD, is currently the superintendent of Alvin ISD. I worked with Greg and know he will serve this district well. I will stay on board until the Winter break.”

CCISD - New superintendent to join School District in January

Award-winning author and illustrator Peter Sis was the featured speaker at the Children Between Worlds Exhibition and Conference, Oct. 13 at University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston.

Award-winning author Peter Sis spoke at Oct. 13 writing conference, Book exhibition continues

- The Children Between Worlds international book exhibition will be on display Oct. 8-20.

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

October 17, 2007

HOUSTON—Acclaimed author and illustrator Peter Sis took center stage as the featured speaker for the Children Between Worlds Exhibition and Conference, hosted by University of Houston-Clear Lake’s School of Education . The conference was held Saturday, Oct. 13, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at UH-Clear Lake , 2700 Bay Area Blvd. , Houston .

Sent to the United States by the Czechoslovakian government to produce a film for the 1984 Olympics, Sis, a young award-winning film producer, opted to remain in the United States rather than return to his communist-ruled homeland. Receiving asylum and beginning his career anew, he ultimately became a six-time winner of The New York Times Book Review: Best Illustrated Book of the Year, and in 2003 received the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship Award reserved for those who have demonstrated extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits. Sis’ most recent book, “The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain,” released in August 2007, is a personal account of his experiences while in the communist-led country.

Ralph Fletcher, a children’s book author and a noted authority on writing prose and poetry, also spoke. Fletcher is considered one of the most influential writers for teachers today.

In addition to the conference speakers, the event featured the Children Between Worlds international book exhibition, which will be on display Oct. 8-20. The book exhibit originated at the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany, and includes more than 75 children’s books emphasizing tolerance and open-mindedness toward all people. The collection’s purpose is to promote dialogue between cultures, awaken interest in other cultures, and demonstrate to children that people of different backgrounds can be united through human interaction.

The International Youth Library was established through the efforts of Jella Lepman, a Jewish German survivor of World War II who was horrified by the book burning carried out in Nazi Germany.- After the war, she was determined to find a way to bring peace and stability to war-torn Europe .- She believed the first messenger of peaceful co-existence was through children’s books, and in the early 1950s with support from influential people like Eleanor Roosevelt, Lepman realized her dream and established the library in Munich to house exemplary children’s books from around the world.

Every two years, the library’s International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) issues a call to the international community to nominate children’s books for inclusion in the library. Peter Sis, Naomi Shihab Nye and Jerry Spinelli are three writers from the United States whose books were selected to be featured in the traveling exhibition.

The conference and exhibit was sponsored by the UH-Clear Lake School of Education’s Greater Houston Area Writing Project, the Texas Association for the Improvement of Reading, the Greater Houston Area Reading Council and the UH-Clear Lake Student Reading Council.

University of Houston-Clear Lake offers more than 30 undergraduate and over 40 graduate degree programs, as well as a doctoral program, from its four schools, which include the School of Business, School of Education, School of Human Sciences and Humanities, and School of Science and Computer Engineering.

Higher Education - Award-winning author Peter Sis spoke at Oct. 13 writing conference, Book exhibition continues

Cornyn seeks action on overdue efforts to help families of fallen first responders

Stands with widow from Katy, Texas during her testimony in Judiciary Committee hearing to expedite benefits

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

October 17, 2007

WASHINGTON—At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Oct. 4 U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the committee, said that government bureaucracy and red-tape are preventing the survivors of fallen first-responders from receiving the benefits that they deserve under current law. The Judiciary Committee held a hearing today entitled, “Justice Denied? Implementation of the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act.” Sen. Cornyn highlighted the tragic passing of a volunteer fire chief in Katy , Texas , whose widow testified at today’s hearing, as an example of why government reforms and action are needed to ensure America ’s first responders and their families are being protected.

The Hometown Heroes bill extends the current Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to public safety officers who die as a result of a heart attack or stroke within 24 hours of being on duty, responding to an emergency or participating in a training exercise. Heart attacks and strokes represent a significant risk among public safety officers, accounting for nearly half of all firefighter deaths each year. Approximately four years after the bill was signed into law, however, the Justice Department has approved only 12 Hometown Heroes claims, while denying 50 families this important benefit, and leaving more than 240 applications unanswered.

Below are Sen. Cornyn’s opening remarks at today’s hearing:

“Thank you Mr. Chairman for holding this important hearing and for asking Jo Ann Tilton of Katy, Texas, to testify. I appreciate having the opportunity to raise additional awareness about her case.

“On October 20, 2004, volunteer firefighter Gary Tilton died of a heart attack. Three years later, Jo Ann Tilton comes before this committee seeking answers. Ms. Tilton wrote to my Dallas office in May of 2006 about the adjudication of her husband’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) claim, which she submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in January 2005. The determination still to be made is whether or not Mr. Tilton’s cardiac event was actually a “line of duty” event. His heart attack occurred after performing his duties as Volunteer Chief of the Katy Fire Department.

“Not only has DOJ taken an extraordinarily long time to process the claims, but DOJ has given Ms. Tilton different answers every time, most of the time telling her nothing. On April 24, 2007, my office received a letter from the DOJ stating that the PSOB office had completed its review of Mrs. Tilton’s claim and she would receive written notification within the next 10 days. Then, on September 5, 2007, my office received another letter from the DOJ stating that her husband’s file had been sent to the forensic pathologist to undergo another medical review.

“We’re coming up on three years that Ms. Tilton’s has been waiting for a decision to be made on her claim and waiting for a straightforward answer. This is unacceptable. It speaks to the need to reform our tangled bureaucracies that are unable to make timely, efficient decisions on matters of great personal importance to the families of our nation’s first responders.

“I hope that this hearing highlights that need so that people like Ms. Tilton may receive closure on this chapter of their lives, instead of facing continued confusion, frustration, and disappointment.”

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn seeks action on overdue efforts to help families of fallen first responders

First annual Bay Area Houston Arts Festival

HOUSTON—For two days in October, artisans and fine crafters will converge near NASA Johnson Space Center along Upper Bay Road for the 1^st Annual Bay Area Houston Arts Festival. This event held Friday, October 19^th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 20^th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will also feature musical entertainment, Greek dining, concessions, and children’s activities.

Thanks to JSC Federal Credit Union and Lakeshore Learning, children will enjoy activities planned especially for them. Shelley Shanks a celebrated local artist has designed a tremendous area of fun, including rides and amusement, pumpkin painting, a hay dig for treats, face painting, henna tattoos and more. In addition, children can participate in decorating a Seabrook pelican, compliments of the Pelican Path Project of Seabrook. 

Arts and Crafts lovers are invited to shop the booths of 20 area artists and 70 crafters at the 1st annual Bay Area Houston Arts Festival. Attendees can purchase original creations from various mediums, including jewelry, painting, ceramics, and more, while children explore hands-on art activities and games, underwritten by JSC Federal Credit Union.

Music lovers can relax and enjoy live performances by Nuevo Flamenco, Ben and Rose, Victoria Stones, and Asteris Greek Dancers, while savoring the culinary flavors of Greece with Mediterraneo Market & Café’ just outside The Arts Alliance, or a soothing cup of coffee at JJ’s Beans in the Life Center at Gloria Dei.

The two-day festival takes place along Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay, beginning at The Arts Alliance Center of Clear Lake past the store fronts of Upper Bay Road to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Entry into the festival is free and sponsored in part by the City of Kemah, the City of Nassau Bay, and JSC Federal Credit Union.

Entry into the festival is free and sponsored in part by the cities of Kemah, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, and Webster.

About The Arts Alliance Center of Clear Lake

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake (TAACCL) is Bay Area Houston’s cultural arts center. The alliance consists of over 50 nonprofit arts organizations, including educational institutions, dance and drama theatres, guilds of basket-weavers and quilters, writers' leagues, choral groups and musicians, from bluegrass to symphonies.

Since 1997, the Center has hosted monthly multi-media art exhibitions, year-round arts classes for all ages, and live performances ranging from concerts to dramatic recitals. The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit multidiscipline arts organization, and is conveniently located across from NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Public arts programs at The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake are made possible in part by a grant from Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) and generous contributions from the City of Nassau Bay and the City of Webster.

Our Neighbors - First annual Bay Area Houston Arts Festival

Gardening

Religion - Learning our lessons

Older News: October 12 Update

Older News: October 10, 2007

The Wings Over Houston Airshow soared over Ellington Field October 6 and 7

October 10, 2007

HOUSTON–During the Wings Over Houston Airshow Oct. 6 and 7, visitors experienced a day of military jet demonstrations, aerobatic performances and the reenactment of battle with vintage WWII aircraft. Wings Over Houston is one of the top four air shows in the United States in its category.

Photo by Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

Our Neighbors - The Wings Over Houston Airshow soared over Ellington Field October 6 and 7

What’s New - Links to articles only

CCISD - Subject Area Subcommittee Members Needed - Join Now!

League City News
- Blue Santa Program needs gifts and donations

Higher Education - Conference attendees gathered to bridge gap in leadership disparity

Government - Cornyn: Congress agrees DeBakey well-deserving of Congressional Gold Medal

Government - Cornyn honored by Texas Border And Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalitions

Government - Former Gonzales paramedic investigated by Cyber Crimes Unit sentenced to nine-year prison term

Government - Gov. Perry: Border Security Council to hold public meetings in border communities

Gardening - Seasonal color in the fall landscape

Religion - God of the new now

News in Depth

Subject Area Subcommittee Members Needed - Join Now!

- Textbooks need updating.
- An immediate response may be needed due to a tight deadline.

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

October 10, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—The Clear Creek Independent School District is in the process of adopting instructional materials (textbooks/systems) for use beginning in the 2008-2009 school year.

The District is seeking parents to serve on Subject Area Subcommittees to help in the adoption process.

Parents who wish to serve on an SAS are invited to fill out a form of interest, which may be obtained from the Clear Creek ISD Office of Public Information, 2425 East Main Street, League City or downloaded from the District’s website.

A copy of this form, adapted to facilitate delivery by e-mail, is available at the links below as an html document, as a Microsoft Word 2003 document, as a Microsoft Word 97 and higher document, and as a rich text file document. Just fill out the Word document and then copy and paste it into your e-mail program or send it as an attachment to slchapma@ccisd.net
Ms. Chapman can be reached at 281-284-0091 .

(You can also cut and paste the html document into your e-mail program and then provide the requested information.)

Please note: The deadline for returning the completed application according to this release of CCISD news information is Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2007. However, Oct. 13 is this Saturday, so please submit the information by e-mail as soon as possible.

1. Click here to go to the Volunteer Interest Form for the Subject Area Subcommittee as html document

2. Volunteer Interest Form for Subject Area Subcommittee as Word 2003 document

3. Volunteer Interest Form for Subject Area Subcommittee as Word 97 and higher document

4. Volunteer Interest Form for Subject Area Subcommittee as rich text file document

At least one parent will serve on each of the subcommittees involved with selection of textbooks for Mathematics, Grades K-2 or 3-5.

As part of the textbook adoption process, general hearings will be held at a future date. These dates will be advertised throughout the District. Interested school personnel and the public are invited to attend.

If there is more than one parent per SAS interested in serving, the professional members of the SAS committee shall elect the parent.

The responsibilities of an SAS member include attending SAS meetings, abiding by District adoption/selection guidelines and policies, submitting a plan involving colleagues to SAS textbook facilitator.

Any questions may be directed to Sue Chapman, Elementary Mathematics Coordinator at 281-284-0091 or slchapma@ccisd.net.

Note: Some information added by the webmaster.

CCISD - Subject Area Subcommittee Members Needed - Join Now!

Blue Santa Program needs gifts and donations

From The City of League City Police Department

October 10, 2007

Benefiting League City Police Department BLUE SANTA PROGRAM
	WHEN: October 20, 2007 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: LEAGUE PARK 500 EAST MAIN LEAGUE CITY
Please bring a new toy to help make a child’s Christmas special!

League City News
- Blue Santa Program needs gifts and donations

Conference attendees gathered to bridge gap in leadership disparity

More women leaders needed

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

October 2, 2007

Today women make up more than 80 percent of elementary school teachers, yet only 18 percent of school districts are headed by women, and the percentage of African-American and Hispanic women in educational leadership positions is far lower. Margaret Grogan, professor and chair of educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri-Columbia, delivered these startling statistics at the University of Houston Clear Lake’s School of Education ’s first Women in Leadership Conference.

Addressing approximately 90 women and men at the one-day seminar, Grogan applauded steps made by women in the last 15 years, but noted, “They are only steps.”

“Women and men in positions of power must deliberately mentor more women and especially more women of color,” Grogan emphasized.

Women bring critical perspectives and valuable skills to leadership positions, she told the group. Research has shown that women in leadership place a greater emphasis on improving the educational system then their male counterparts. School boards more often look to women as leaders in educational reform since many women come to leadership with a background in classroom teaching. They bring with them a greater knowledge of teaching and learning, as well as curriculum. In addition, women are found to have stronger interpersonal skills and show more responsiveness toward parents and community groups, further strengthening their effectiveness as educational leaders.

Grogan also shared what she felt were important “next steps” in helping narrow the gender gap. Women must be encouraged to take on the challenge of leadership within the educational system. Women already in leadership positions must speak out about the satisfaction and joy they derive from their work. Also, pre-service women teachers must be directed towards leadership as a way to remain close to teaching and learning.

Joining Grogan as conference speakers were Juanita Simmons, also of the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Sophia Jones-Redmond of Northern Illinois University.

“Don’t just respond to change – create the change,” Simmons said, challenging participants to reach out to women both as mentors and peers and to share information, resources and success.

The conference was organized by UH-Clear Lake faculty to help facilitate mentoring between school administrators and students enrolled in the university’s educational programs, especially emerging majorities such as Hispanics. While networking and mentoring organizations are in place at the state and national level, there is no such representation specific to the Gulf Coast area. They plan to make it an annual event.

Attended by a broad spectrum of individuals within the educational system, participants included undergraduate students, classroom teachers and school administrators, and attracted participants from as far away as Beaumont, as well as outlying schools in the Houston area such as Cy-Fair and Fort Bend County .

Response among the participants was positive.

“Inspiring …I never envisioned a woman as superintendent,” UH-Clear Lake graduate student Melody Maxon said. “I plan to be here next year.”

Middle school principal Carol Batiste drove from Beaumont to attend.

“It was a great opportunity to build more relationships,” Batiste said.

Cy-Fair Academic Achievement Specialist Antwanette Hill added she will recommend the conference next year to others. “I think about how many people would have benefited so greatly from being here,” Hill said.

Conference Program Coordinator Christa Boske, UH-Clear Lake assistant professor administration and supervision, expressed satisfaction with the inaugural event.

“It was a significant and successful first step,” Boske said. “It accomplished all we had envisioned and more. Our program speakers – prominent figures in the field of educational leadership – united the students, administrators and instructors into a community with a sense of promise, hope and excitement. ”

Higher Education - Conference attendees gathered to bridge gap in leadership disparity

Cornyn: Congress agrees DeBakey well-deserving of Congressional Gold Medal

Texan recognized for historic contributions to medicine and science

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

October 10, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Oct. 2 issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Michael DeBakey, Chancellor Emeritus of the Baylor College of Medicine and Director of the DeBakey Heart Center at Baylor. Sen. Cornyn is the lead co-sponsor of the legislation, which was originally introduced by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, and passed the Senate in March.

“At age 99, Dr. DeBakey has contributed a lifetime of service to making historic advancements in the medical world,” Sen. Cornyn said. “He has made critical improvements to military medicine, brought key innovations to heart surgery and science, and has made life better for thousands of Texans and people around the world. My congressional colleagues agree: Dr. DeBakey is a fitting recipient for the Congressional Gold Medal, and is well-deserving of this distinguished honor to add to his long list of achievements.”

Dr. DeBakey is recognized worldwide for his revolutionary contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine. Of his many achievements in the field, two of his most important inventions include the roller pump—an essential component of the heart-lung machine—and the DeBakey Ventricular Assist Device, an apparatus implanted into the heart to increase blood flow.

In addition to his work in cardiovascular medicine, Dr. DeBakey is also widely recognized for his efforts in military and veterans’ health care. He helped to develop the concept of Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H.) units, which saved thousands of lives during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Dr. DeBakey also helped to establish the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center Research System. Dr. DeBakey has received numerous, notable awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction in 1969 and the National Medal of Science in 1987.

With passage in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the legislation to award Dr. DeBakey the Congressional Gold Medal will now be sent to the President for his signature.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn: Congress agrees DeBakey well-deserving of Congressional Gold Medal

Cornyn honored by Texas Border And Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalitions

Senator recognized with “Champion of Border Security” award for strong support of border law enforcement community; addresses annual conference

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

October 10, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Ranking Member of the Immigration and Border Security subcommittee, on Sept. 27 received the “Champion of Border Security” award from the Texas Border and Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalitions for his strong support of the border law enforcement community. Sen. Cornyn accepted the recognition as he addressed the annual meeting of the sheriff’s coalitions in San Antonio via teleconference. Some 30 sheriffs were on hand from along the border.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the ‘Champion of Border Security’ award,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I’ll continue working closely with the border law enforcement community to address their needs and concerns. The men and women working on the front lines every day—sheriffs and other first responders—have the clearest picture of the safety and security challenges we face. They deserve our support.”

Sen. Cornyn added: “I secured an amendment earlier this year to double funding for the Border Relief Program from $50 million to $100 million. This program will help border sheriffs do the important work of keeping their local communities safe and contributing to border and national security. The Senate should approve this critical funding soon, so we can make this timely investment in border security—a top concern of so many Texans and Americans across the country. We have a responsibility to ensure border communities don’t have to foot the bill when their local law enforcement officials support our security needs.”

In addition, Sen. Cornyn has consistently advocated for greater funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), which reimburses states and counties for the unfunded mandate of detaining illegal immigrants arrested in connection with crimes other than immigration violations.

“Previous funding commitments have been inadequate for critical security programs, such as the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which does the important work of apprehending illegal immigrants with criminal records,” Sen. Cornyn added. “I will continue to work to see that this and other priorities are addressed on the federal level, including costs associated with operational control of the border.”

Recently, Sen. Cornyn worked with his colleagues to ensure that an additional $3 billion would be devoted to achieving operational control of the border and interior enforcement.

On a related note, earlier this week Sen. Cornyn addressed members of the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) via video teleconference during their annual international conference in Austin . Sen. Cornyn provided attendees with a legislative update on immigration-related activity in Washington .

Sen. Cornyn also discussed the challenges posed by the overgrowth of the invasive plant, Carrizo cane, along the border, as an obstacle for our border agents and local law enforcement. With tall and dense reeds, Carrizo cane provides cover and shelter to illegal border crossers, and even cars and trucks that smuggle drugs into our country. Sen. Cornyn passed an amendment, which was included in the final homeland security bill, to maximize efforts to control the invasive Carrizo cane plant on the border and support the efforts of the Border Patrol.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn honored by Texas Border And Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalitions

Former Gonzales Paramedic Investigated by Cyber Crimes Unit Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison

Keith Berger traveled to Victoria to meet and sexually assault teen he met online

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

October 10, 2007

VICTORIA–A former Gonzales EMS paramedic investigated and prosecuted by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott's Cyber Crimes Unit received a nine-year prison sentence Sept. 27 for using the Internet to prey on children.

Keith Robert Berger, 25, was arrested in February 2007 after he traveled from Gonzales to Victoria with a handgun and condoms to meet and sexually assault a 13-year-old boy he met online. The online profile actually belonged to an undercover Cyber Crimes Unit investigator.

Berger pleaded guilty to one count of online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. Upon release, Berger will have to register as a sex offender for 10 years. 377th District Judge Robert Cheshire also ordered Berger to pay a $500 fine. Assistant Attorney General Angela Goodwin prosecuted the case with assistance from Victoria County Assistant District Attorney Brian Hrach.

“Parents must be ever-vigilant to ensure their children use the Internet safely, and this case proves they have every reason to be watchful,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Our Cyber Crimes Unit investigators have seen first-hand the dangerous criminals that lurk online. We are grateful to Victoria County District Attorney Steve Tyler and the Victoria Police Department for working with our Cyber Crimes Unit to bring this offender to justice.”

Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2003, he launched the Cyber Crimes Unit, which targets online predators by assuming the identities of young teenagers in Internet chat rooms, and the Fugitive Unit, which locates convicted sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole. Attorney General Abbott’s initiative has resulted in more than 600 arrests of such offenders. His office also has obtained convictions against more than 70 men on child pornography charges.

For more information, contact the Texas Attorney General's office at (800) 252-8011 or visit the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

For more information, visit the Office of the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us

Government - Former Gonzales paramedic investigated by Cyber Crimes Unit sentenced to nine-year prison term

Gov. Perry: Border Security Council to hold public meetings in border communities

Operation Border Star ongoing along the border region

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

October 10, 2007

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry Sept. 26 announced the first meetings of the newly-appointed Border Security Council, Oct. 1-3, 2007. The meetings will take place in border communities, offering a public forum for testimony relating to strengthening safety and security in the Texas-Mexico border region and areas statewide. The meetings will occur during the first phase of the State of Texas’ newest border security surge, Operation Border Star.

“Texans know that border-related crime is not isolated to the border region. All Texans, and all Americans, are affected by the smuggling of drugs and humans as they make their way across the Texas-Mexico border and into our communities,” said Perry. “The Border Security Council will play an important role in helping the state coordinate efficient and effective strategies to create a stronger law enforcement presence along the border to prevent and deter criminal activity.”

The first meetings of the Border Security Council will be (all times local):

McAllen
Oct. 1 at 9:00 a.m.
City of McAllen Council Chambers
1300 Houston Ave., 3rd Floor

Laredo
Oct. 2 at 8:30 a.m.
City of Laredo City Council Hearing Room
1110 Houston Street

El Paso
Oct. 3 at 8:30 a.m.
El Paso City Hall Chambers
2 Civic Center Plaza

The Border Security Council focuses on homeland security and economic development along the Texas-Mexico Border. Created in Senate Bill 11 during the 80th Legislative Session, the council is responsible for developing and recommending performance standards, reporting requirements and audit methods for funds allocated to the Office of the Governor for border security. The council also advises Governor Perry on the allocation of homeland security funds.

In coordination with the United States Border Patrol, the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition, the Coastal Bend Sheriffs Coalition and border area police departments, the State of Texas launched Operation Border Star in mid-September. This operation is a unified high intensity, multi-agency effort focused on reducing crime in targeted regions along the Texas-Mexico border. The operation will continue for a time period that will remain undisclosed for operational security purposes.

Operation Border Star draws resources from across the state to support the U.S. Border Patrol, including local law enforcement; Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, criminal intelligence personnel and Texas Rangers; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens; and Texas Military Forces personnel and equipment, including fixed wing aircrafts, and a large arsenal of helicopters with night vision capabilities.

To date, 11,095 pounds of marijuana, 35.4 pounds of cocaine and 7.4 pounds of methamphetamine have been seized as a result of Operation Border Star. Additionally, 170 illegal aliens have been arrested, including three members of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, which is considered the fastest-growing and most violent street gang in the nation today. More importantly, organized smuggling activities have decreased since this operation began. Law enforcement agencies have reported a reduction in the number of calls they have received for assistance, which reflect complaints received from the public to report suspicious or criminal activity. During periods of low smuggling activity, the number of calls decreases.

In support of this operation, the U.S. Border Patrol is hosting Joint Operation Intelligence Centers (JOIC) in each of the five Texas Border Sectors. The establishment of JOICs will enable participating law enforcement entities to maximize the effect of enforcement personnel and resources, while facilitating information sharing. Through this cohesive law enforcement effort, criminal activity with a direct nexus to the Texas-Mexico border will be reduced and higher levels of border security instilled.

“By joining together with our local, state and federal partners, we will support the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol, and protect our communities by dominating the border,” Perry said. “While securing our international borders is ultimately the responsibility of the federal government, Texas can and will assist in that effort to maximize its effect.”

This operation will be substantially expanded during the next year with guidance from the Texas Border Security Council and more than $100 million provided by the 80th Texas Legislature for continued border security efforts.

Government - Gov. Perry: Border Security Council to hold public meetings in border communities

Gardening - Seasonal color in the fall landscape

Religion - God of the new now

Older News: October 3, 2007

Stewart Elementary named a national Blue Ribbon School

First school in CCISD to receive honor

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

October 3, 2007

LEAGUE CITY— A Title I school that went from Acceptable to Exemplary in state accountability ratings in less than four years has just been awarded the No Child Left Behind- Blue Ribbon award. LaVace Stewart Elementary School in Kemah was named a Blue Ribbon school for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

“I am certainly not surprised that Stewart was chosen for this distinguished award. When you walk into that school you can immediately feel the enthusiasm for learning and witness the compassion for children.” said Dr. Sandra Mossman, Superintendent of Schools. “I know the CCISD Board of Trustees echoes my congratulations to Principal Debbie Phillips, the teachers, and students of Stewart on an exceptional job well done.”

Stewart is one of 23 Texas schools and 287 schools nationwide to receive this prestigious education award.

“These schools are proving that when we raise the bar our children will rise to the challenge,” said Margaret Spellings, U.S. Secretary of Education. “It takes a lot of hard work by teachers and students to become a Blue Ribbon school, and it’s a privilege to celebrate their great efforts.”

Stewart is the first school in Clear Creek Independent School District to be named a Blue Ribbon school. The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels.

LaVace Stewart Elementary is a federal Title I school. The Title I program provides financial assistance to schools with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students.

CCISD - Stewart Elementary named a national Blue Ribbon School

October 3 News Links

Government - Attorney General Abbott Launches School Safety Initiative to Protect Texas Students

Government - Saving Lives When Seconds Count: School Safety for Texas Schools

League City News - Police trading cards contest

Higher Education - University announces events

Government - Gov. Perry requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for four Texas counties

Government - Senate overwhelmingly condemns MoveOn.org ad

Gardening - Annual plant seminar & sale: Something old, something new

Religion - Protect your trademark

Older News: September 26, 2007

Education Support Center at 2425 East Main Street, League City, Texas. Photo credit: CCISD.

Join the School Boundary Committee - Deadline Sept. 28, 2007

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

September 26, 2007

LEAGUE CITY, Texas—The Clear Creek Independent School District is proud to announce the formation of the 2007-2008 School Boundary Advisory Committee (SBAC). The mission of SBAC is to develop and present new boundary recommendations to the District's Board of Trustees for the Clear Creek 9th Grade Center Conversion into an Intermediate Campus and for Elementary #25 and #26.

The School Board makes the final decisions on school attendance boundaries and has established a process for receiving community inputs and advice regarding the boundary plan. The SBAC proposal for school boundaries is based on District demographics and a set of criteria approved by the Board. Please complete the form below if you are interested participation in this year's committee. Please complete all fields on this form before you submit it.

A membership drawing will take place on October 1, 2007 at 4 pm in the CCISD Board Room located at 2425 East Main Street in League City.

If you can not submit your application via the web, please send written application to: Clear Creek ISD Office of Operations/Laura Horacefield 2425 East Main Street, League City, Texas.

Phone : 281-284-0041, Fax : 281-284-9903, Email : lhoracef@ccisd.net

Application Instructions

For answers to questions contact Laura Horacefield at lhoracef@ccisd.net or call her at 281-284-0041 or send e-mail to sbac@ccisd.net.

For online Submission of an application form go to the following web page:

http://www.ccisd.net/pub_inf_05/forms/sbac_form.asp

After filling out the form at the bottom of the page, click on the Submit Form button.

Or e-mail the application information to lhoracef@ccisd.net.

SBAC application information is provided below:

SBAC Membership Form

First Name:                                             Last Name:                                            

Child's Campus:

Subdivision:

Address:                                                           City:

State:                                    Zip:

Telephone:                           Fax Number:

Email:

Are you a parent, community member or business leader?

Do you have a student in CCISD?             Campus?

Source: CCISD

September 26 News Links

CCISD - Join the School Boundary Committee: Deadline Sept. 28, 2007

Government - Attorney General Abbott charges foreclosure rescue firm with operating unlawful scam

Government - Gov. Perry activated resources in anticipation of Tropical Storm Humberto

Government - Cornyn says passage of measure to ban tolls a victory for Texas drivers

Higher Education - University clinic offers reading, writing, study skills assistance

League City News
- Family History and College Essay Writing Workshops scheduled

Gardening - October’s garden checklist includes plant sale

Religion - Servant hands

Older News: September 19, 2007

Attorney General Abbott warns against price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Humberto

Governor's disaster declaration triggers AG's price-gouging authority

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

September 19, 2007

BEAUMONT – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott Sept. 14 warned Gulf Coast residents to be wary of price gouging, charity scams and other fraudulent attempts to bilk consumers in the aftermath of Hurricane Humberto.

Gov. Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration for Jefferson, Orange and Galveston counties yesterday after the storm produced heavy rain and wind damage in the region. Under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Attorney General has authority to protect consumers from exorbitant prices during or after official disaster declarations for necessities, including fuel, food, lodging, medicines, repair work and other basic requirements.

"Once the governor has declared a disaster, raising the price of water, fuel, medical supplies or other basic necessities is illegal in disaster areas," said Attorney General Abbott. "Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General will closely monitor affected areas and will take swift legal action against price-gougers, unscrupulous contractors and any others who unlawfully profiteer from the disaster. Texans who believe they have knowledge about unlawful activity should contact the Office of Attorney General to report that information."

Attorney General Abbott urged homeowners and businesses to exercise caution when seeking contractors to help with repairs or before making charitable donations. The Office of the Attorney General offers the following consumer tips:

Home repairs. Be wary of contractors who show up unexpectedly and offer roofing, drywall and other major repairs, particularly those who are not from the local community and low-ball their offer saying that they have material left over from a previous job and insist on an advance cash payment.

Obtain bids in writing from several contractors first and review each one carefully. Ask contractors if they are covered through insurance or a bond, particularly when considering them for a large project. Check with the city to make sure electricians and plumbers have the necessary license and have obtained the required permits.

Get all terms in writing and do not sign a contract without a full understanding of its contents. Do not sign a contract that has spaces left blank. Pay the contractor only as the work progresses, and do not sign a completion certificate until all repairs are done properly. If the work is substantial, consider having an independent inspector look it over before settling the bill with the contractor.

Before hiring a contractor, contact the Better Business Bureau and the Office of the Attorney General to determine whether consumers have filed complaints against the contractor in the past.

Charity scams. Be wary of telemarketers, solicitations by mail, or those who show up unexpectedly urging an immediate donation to an unfamiliar charity which supposedly will aid victims of the disaster. A legitimate charity will offer detailed information in writing about how donated money will be used and will provide a reasonable timeframe within which the donor can make an informed decision.

Be particularly suspicious of solicitors who are long on emotion but short on detail about how donations will be put to use. Always make the donation using a check or money order made out to the charity, and be wary of organizations with names that are very similar but not identical to those of a recognized charity.

Additional information to help consumers protect themselves against price gouging and other disaster-related scams is available on the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us, or by calling (800) 252-8011. Information is available in English and Spanish.

Government - Attorney General Abbott warns against price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Humberto

September 19 News Links

Government - Attorney General Abbott resolves price-gouging case against Rosenberg motel operator

Government - Gov. Perry honors Texas' fallen and injured first responders with Star of Texas awards

Government - Cornyn amendment would have established safety, security standards on Mexican trucks, cargo law for first time

Higher Education - UH-Clear Lake holds open house

League City News
MORE -> Local Author Headlines Book Reviews at Helen Hall Library

Gardening - Don't let landscape become a high-maintenance nightmare

Religion - Music is medicine

Older News: September 12, 2007

Education Support Center at 2425 East Main Street, League City, Texas.Photo credit: CCISD.

Board Of Trustees names sole finalist for Superintendent

Clear Creek ISD to get new leader

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

September 12, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—Dr. Greg Smith was named the sole finalist for Superintendent at the August 27th Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees meeting. Dr. Smith currently serves as the superintendent of the Alvin Independent School District, and has previously served as a deputy superintendent in the Pearland Independent School District, as a principal in the Galveston Independent School District, and as an administrator in Clear Creek ISD. Paula Tomasi, President of the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees, said that the Board is “greatly looking forward to the possibility of working with Dr. Smith” and is “delighted that he may be joining the Clear Creek ISD family.”

Under the Public Information Act, the Board must wait 21 days before they can take final action to employ Dr. Smith as the next superintendent of schools.

Dr. Smith received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, his Master of Science degree in Educational Management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from Texas A & M University on December 16, 2000. His certificates include provisional elementary teacher, professional supervision, professional mid-management and professional superintendent.

Dr. Sandra Mossman, current Superintendent of Clear Creek ISD, believes the transition to a new Superintendent will be a smooth one, and noted that “This district would not miss a step with Dr. Smith.” Dr. Mossman has served as Superintendent of Schools since January 2003 and is retiring from the Clear Creek ISD after 24 years of service.

CCISD - Board Of Trustees names sole finalist for Superintendent

Modifed photo credit- Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

Texas Residential Mortgage Fraud Task Force convenes to address growing housing crisis

Law enforcement, state agencies take aim at dramatic rise in foreclosures, mortgage scams

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

September 12, 2007

DALLAS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and key officials from state regulatory agencies today convened the Texas Residential Mortgage Fraud Task Force, a strategic partnership intended to improve collaboration among residential mortgage regulators and law enforcement officials. Task force members, including the attorney general and top real estate, banking and consumer credit regulators, will examine how to track and reduce mortgage fraud in Texas.

“Home ownership lies at the heart of the American dream,” Attorney General Abbott said. “To better track and prosecute mortgage fraud, the Texas Residential Mortgage Fraud Task Force will form a strategic alliance between law enforcement and regulatory agencies. We are committed to protecting Texas homeowners and cracking down on mortgage fraud.”

The Texas Residential Mortgage Fraud Task Force was created under House Bill 716, which was authored by Rep. Burt Solomons (R-Carrollton) and Sen. Kip Averitt (R-Waco) during the 80th Legislative Session. The 2007 legislation was intended to reduce false or misleading information on residential home loan applications by increasing cooperation among regulators and requiring new disclosures at closing.

Effective Sept. 1, mortgage lenders, bankers and brokers are required to warn loan applicants about the legal consequences of knowingly supplying false information on a residential loan application. Additionally, with the consent of the local district attorney, the attorney general is granted concurrent jurisdiction to prosecute criminal mortgage fraud cases, including those involving money laundering, loan document falsification, and mail or wire fraud.

“House Bill 716 is designed to more easily catch white collar criminals and put them behind bars where they belong,” State Representative Burt Solomons said. “We must take the necessary steps, including strengthening criminal penalties, to protect consumers and legitimate lenders in the mortgage loan process from fraud.”

“Mortgage fraud is a serious, costly crime, and legitimate home buyers end up paying the price,” State Senator Kip Averitt added. “Through the Residential Mortgage Fraud Task Force, we will form a strategic partnership with local, state and federal officials, enabling law enforcement and state agencies to better track and prosecute mortgage fraud and its perpetrators.”

Criminal mortgage fraud includes illegally inflating property appraisals; concealing a second mortgage from a primary lender; and concealing or stealing a borrower’s identity. Under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the OAG has authority to prosecute misleading practices and has recovered millions of dollars for Texans harmed by title scams, undisclosed costs and other unlawful mortgage-related schemes.

State agencies and officials represented on the Texas Residential Mortgage Fraud Task Force include: the Attorney General; the Consumer Credit Commissioner; the Banking Commissioner; the Credit Union Commissioner; the Commissioner of Insurance; the Savings and Mortgage Lending Commissioner; the Texas Real Estate Commission; and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Under Sec. 402.032 (h) of the Texas Finance Code, the attorney general “shall oversee administration of the task force.”

Earlier this year, the OAG obtained $21 million in restitution for Texans harmed by lending giant Ameriquest Mortgage Co.’s deceptive lending practices. The settlement resolved allegations that Ameriquest and its affiliates did not adequately disclose certain terms to homeowners, including whether loans carried fixed or adjustable rates. According to court documents filed by the OAG, Ameriquest also charged excessive origination fees and prepayment penalties, refinanced borrowers into improper loans and inflated appraisals that qualified borrowers for loans.

In 2006, Attorney General Abbott negotiated a landmark agreement with Green Tree Servicing L.L.C., a Minnesota-based firm that services manufactured housing debts in Texas. Under the settlement, Green Tree agreed to assist more than 1,200 Texas homeowners who may have been issued invalid titles to homes they purchased from more than 115 unlicensed retailers in 2003. In a related move, the Attorney General secured an injunction and asset freeze against the unlicensed sellers.

The Office of the Attorney General has also halted scams purporting to save homeowners’ properties from condemnation. It has also cracked down on various title-related and refinancing scams.

To better assist Texans who are considering a mortgage loan, Attorney General Abbott also added new online resources to the agency’s Web site (www.oag.state.tx.us). The new Web page, “Avoiding Home-Buying Pitfalls and Scams,” provides consumers with specific guidelines about the home-buying process as well as other helpful information. The Web page also helps homeowners recognize “foreclosure rescue” scams, equity-stripping schemes and other pitfalls to avoid when refinancing a home.

The most common pitfalls home buyers should be wary of include:

• Interest rate surprises. Consumers should ask their lenders for written information to help them compare and select a mortgage. Prospective home buyers should not hesitate to ask questions about the various types of home loans. For example, adjustable rate mortgages (ARM), have interest rates that periodically fluctuate, where fixed rate mortgages keep the same rate through the term of the loan. While many consumers are willing to accept loans with variable interest rates, they should be prepared for those rates – and their payments – to climb in the future. An interest rate that increases by even a couple of percentage points could add several hundred dollars to a monthly mortgage payment, especially early on when the borrower is carrying a large balance.

• Undisclosed costs. Not all mortgage loans have property taxes rolled into the monthly payment, so consumers should check before closing on the home whether they will have to pay those taxes separately. Consumers may also contact their county appraisal district for an estimate of property taxes. Similarly, while some mortgage loans include home insurance as part of the monthly payment, others might require consumers to obtain and pay the premium separately. If taxes and insurance are included in the monthly payments, these costs can often increase yearly. Thus, even with a fixed interest rate, the monthly cost of home ownership may rise because of taxes or insurance rate increases.

• Predatory refinancing. Homeowners considering refinancing or the need to take out a home equity loan should carefully read all terms of the agreement. If the new contract is for a variable interest rate, homeowners should ask the lender the amount of monthly payments after the rate has adjusted several times.

• “Credit clean-up” services. Consumers should be wary of “credit clean-up services,” which are marketed to prospective home buyers who have imperfect credit. Many of these services charge hefty fees for merely sending letters to credit bureaus that question all items in a credit report. Credit bureaus may temporarily remove the entries pending further investigation; however, as creditors confirm the accuracy of the data, the items reappear on the report. Prospective home buyers gain little to nothing from these services. If negative items in a consumer’s credit report are accurate, only time and diligent bill-paying will eliminate them.

• Title scams. Aspiring home buyers should always use an independent title company to complete their real estate transactions. Title companies conduct important research regarding a property’s legal status. They confirm that prospective home buyers are working with the legitimate property owners – or their representative – and determine whether the property has any outstanding liens, including unpaid taxes or a previous owner’s unpaid mortgage. Consumers should deal directly with a title company and not trust a financing company or seller to act as a go-between.

For more home buying tips, brochures, consumer columns and additional information on the mortgage industry, visit the Office of the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us .

Government - Texas Residential Mortgage Fraud Task Force convenes to address growing housing crisis

A security freeze can protect Texans from ID theft

From Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

September 12, 2007

Now, Texans have a new law to help with the ongoing fight against identity theft. Beginning Sept. 1, Texans may contact one of the three major credit bureaus to request a security freeze on their credit accounts – without first obtaining a police report.

Previously, Texans could only place a security freeze on their credit files after obtaining a police report documenting identity theft. Thanks to Senate Bill 222, which took effect Sept. 1, all Texans can freeze their accounts without first obtaining a police report.

A security freeze enables consumers to stop identity thieves from obtaining credit in their names. A security freeze locks, or freezes, access to consumers' credit reports and credit scores. Without this information, a creditor will not issue new lines of credit to a borrower. When consumers want new credit, they can use a personal identification number (PIN) to unlock access to their credit accounts.

Consumers who want to place a security freeze on their accounts only need to notify one of the three credit bureaus. The notified bureau must then alert the other two.

Under the new law, credit bureaus may charge consumers who do not have a police report up to $10 to freeze credit accounts. The bureaus may also charge up to $12 to temporarily lift the freeze for a specific creditor or remove the freeze altogether. Consumers should contact one of the three credit bureaus for more information on these fees.

Once the security freeze is in place, consumers will receive written confirmation from each credit reporting bureau. The freeze will remain in place until the consumer uses a PIN to request that the freeze be temporarily lifted or removed.

Texans should remember that a security freeze, while an effective safeguard, may not be for everyone. Consumers planning to apply for new credit, an apartment rental, or employment involving a background check may find that a security freeze is somewhat inconvenient. It may take up to three days for a credit bureau to temporarily lift or remove a security freeze. On the other hand, Texans who have little need for new lines of credit may benefit from this new law.

The Office of the Attorney General is committed to fighting identity theft. Potential identity theft victims should review our online Identity Theft Victim's Kit at www.oag.state.tx.us. The kit is designed to help victims begin the process of recovering, both financially and legally. It includes relevant forms and agency contact information that helps victims restore credit and prevent further damage to their good name.

Information on this and other topics is available on the Attorney General's website at www.oag.state.tx.us .

Government - A security freeze can protect Texans from ID theft

Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst Ceremonially sign bill requiring schools to have defibrillators on campus

Equipping schools with defibrillators will increase the survival chance for students who may suffer from cardiac arrest while at school or participating in athletics

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

September 12, 2007

AUSTIN–September 5, Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, visited schools in Austin, Houston and San Antonio to ceremonially sign Senate Bill 7, which requires every public school campus to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) readily available at all University Interscholastic League athletic practices and competitions. Equipping schools with AEDs will increase the survival chance for students who may suffer from cardiac arrest while at school or participating in athletics.

“In a state that has long set the national standard for athletic competition, this bill establishes a benchmark for student safety by requiring the presence of an essential life-saving device at school activities,” said Perry. “Texas knows the importance of putting our students first by taking common sense steps to reduce risk, and improve the chances of survival.”

Each year, approximately 250,000 people die due to coronary heart disease without being hospitalized. Most of these deaths occur suddenly and are caused by cardiac arrest. A victim's chance of survival is reduced by 7-10 percent with every minute that passes without treatment. The American Heart Association estimates that more than 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. In cities where defibrillation is provided within 5-7 minutes, the survival rate from cardiac arrest is as high as 49 percent. According to a report by the House Research Organization, 15 Texas students have died from Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the last 10 years.

“Senate Bill 7 makes a significant investment in our children's safety and well-being. And it's an investment that will give parents peace of mind as their children leave for school every morning and most importantly, will save lives,” said Dewhurst. “Not only will students benefit from having this life-saving technology close at hand, but also teachers, faculty, visitors and virtually anyone visiting a school campus or attending an athletic event.”

SB 7 requires each school to have a defibrillator on campus and an individual present who is trained to use the device. Beginning this year, certain school personnel and students will be trained in the proper use of an AED and administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Additionally, the State Board of Education will include instruction in CPR and AED as part of the essential knowledge and skills of the health curriculum. The Texas Education Agency may accept donations to assist in the cost of providing this instruction. Private schools that accept AEDs or TEA funding for the devices will be subject to the same requirements for training.

“A defibrillator in every school in Texas will result in more lives saved after sudden cardiac arrest,” said Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, author of Senate Bill 7. “In addition to protecting the safety of our children, educators will also now have access to this life saving technology in their schools.”

According to the new law, schools, school district officials and others who might be called upon to use an AED will have immunity from liability. The bill also requires TEA to establish a cardiovascular screening pilot program to screen 6th grade students beginning this school year.

Senate Bill 7 took effect June 15, 2007.

Government - Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst Ceremonially sign bill requiring schools to have defibrillators on campus

University of Houston-Clear Lake’s University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Office of Intercultural and International Student Services held a luncheon recently for finalists in the Celebrating Our Elders scholarship project. Pictured are UH-Clear Lake President William A. Staples (l) and Associate Vice President for Student Services Darlene Biggers (r) with four of the finalists including (l to r) Melissa Ann Piña, Alta Wilson, Monique Y. Medina and Maribel Rush.

University honors ‘Celebrating Our Elders’ finalists

A Celebrating Our Elders exhibit will open Sept. 22 in Atrium I of the Bayou Building

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

September 12, 2007

HOUSTON—University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Office of Intercultural and International Student Services hosted a lunch for a few of the finalists in the Celebrating Our Elders scholarship project who will be transferring to UH-Clear Lake this fall.

Area high school seniors and community college students are invited to apply for Celebrating Our Elders scholarships in spring 2008 by writing an essay about how an African-American or Hispanic elder’s support and inspiration has impacted his/her life personally and academically. If chosen as a finalist by the scholarship committee comprising area African-American and Hispanic leaders, community college leaders and university representatives, the essays are displayed with a photo of the applicant and his/her elder.

The next exhibit honoring Celebrating Our Elders finalists will begin Sept. 22 in the university’s Bayou Building, Atrium I. For more information about Celebrating Our Elders, visit http://www.uhcl.edu/coe or call the Office of Intercultural and International Student Services, 281-283-2575.

Higher Education - University honors ‘Celebrating Our Elders’ finalists

What's happening at the Helen Hall library

September 12, 2007 Update

Fall Reading Program at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City announces a reading program for fall, Book Soup! Just as soup has many ingredients, a library has many different types of books. This program introduces children to the variety of books found at Helen Hall Library. Beginning in September and ending Saturday, November 17 area children may participate in the reading program.

Call the Youth Services Desk at Helen Hall Library for more information at 281-554-1113.

League City News
MORE -> Fall Reading Program at Helen Hall Library

Gardening - Plant of the Week: Spiderwort

Religion - The fifth sparrow

Older News: September 5, 2007

Nominees sought for 2008 ‘Men & Women of Heart’ Gala

September 5, 2007

LEAGUE CITY, TX—Friends of Bay Area Turning Point, Inc. is seeking nominations for the 2008 “Men & Women of Heart” Gala which honors outstanding volunteers who have served the Bay Area with distinction over many years in a variety of philanthropic endeavors.

The honorees will be chosen by a panel of community leaders and presented at the Gala on February 23 in the Crystal Ballroom of South Shore Harbour Resort.

To nominate someone you know with a big heart, send the individual's name, address, phone number, e-mail address and detailed information on his/her volunteer accomplishments to:

Gala Nominees
P.O. Box 590784
Houston, TX 77259-0784

The submission deadline is September 18, 2007.

League City News
- Nominees sought for 2008 ‘Men & Women of Heart’ Gala

Flags flying in League Park.
Photo credit- Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

Federal Court upholds ‘One State Under God’ in Texas Pledge of Allegiance

Denies preliminary injunction; allows Texas schoolchildren to continue reciting Pledge

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

September 5, 2007

DALLAS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott Aug. 28 prevailed in federal court, where a North Texas couple tried to prevent schoolchildren from reciting the Texas Pledge of Allegiance. A federal district judge ruled against David Wallace Croft and his wife, Shannon, who sought a preliminary injunction because the Texas Legislature recently added the words ‘one state under God’ to the state Pledge. Solicitor General Ted Cruz argued on the state's behalf.

“With today's ruling, a federal judge denied the plaintiffs' attempt to prevent Texas schoolchildren from pledging their allegiance to ‘one state under God’ — just as they pledge to ‘one nation under God,’” Attorney General Abbott said. “The United States Supreme Court has repeatedly held patriotic acknowledgments of the Almighty such as these are completely consistent with the U.S. Constitution. Texans can rest assured that we will continue vigorously defending their children's ability to recite the state Pledge of Allegiance each morning.”

The plaintiffs, both professed atheists, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Their children are students in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District.

The voluntary, teacher-led recitation of the Texas Pledge typically follows the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance in classrooms across the state. According to the state's brief, the Legislature added the words “one state under God” to acknowledge the tradition and religious heritage inherent in America's founding.

The state contends the Texas Pledge is an acknowledgment of patriotism and citizenship. It is a practice that mirrors the Declaration of Independence's self-evident truths that citizens are “endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The Attorney General's brief argues that, instead of conflicting with the First Amendment, the Pledge reflects the constitutionally protected freedom of religion.

Government - Federal Court upholds ‘One State Under God’ in Texas Pledge of Allegiance

Texas Attorney General warns homeowners of "Equity Stripping" scams

From Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

September 5, 2007

Missing just one mortgage payment can bring a homeowner to the brink of foreclosure. Late fees and penalties accumulate. Mortgage payments rise. Credit ratings suffer, and debt spins out-of-control.

Equity-stripping scam artists prey on struggling homeowners. When properties with late tax payments appear on a public list at the county clerk's office, these unscrupulous schemers monitor them closely, contacting homeowners by phone, mail or with door-to-door solicitations. They know that a homeowner who misses a tax payment may have fallen behind on mortgage payments as well. Another scheme tempts homeowners with advertisements offering "mortgage rescue" scams.

Equity-stripping scams take various forms and often include promises of upfront cash, repaired credit and assurances that homeowners will be able to keep their homes in the long run. In some cases, a "foreclosure specialist" may claim to arrange for an outside buyer to "temporarily" purchase a home. In return, the owner receives a percentage of the profit in cash while the temporary buyer makes the mortgage payments. Good credit will be restored, the owner will qualify for refinancing and the home will be saved!

Unfortunately, this is rarely the result. Homeowners may receive the upfront cash, but the assurances that debts, including outstanding mortgage payments or tax liens, have been paid are false. In reality, the scam artists have refinanced the house, taken the equity in cash and stopped making mortgage payments, forcing the home back into foreclosure.

In another twist, "foreclosure experts" may promise that homeowners who sign over their property deeds and continue making monthly payments can continue living in their homes. The scammer typically promises to invest the equity and earn enough from those investments to pay off the mortgage. Within a short timeframe, the "specialists" promise, the homeowners will get back their properties, free of any mortgages. Once again, the homeowners usually end up in foreclosure after the company borrows large amounts against the home and strips it of its equity.

In most cases where homeowners lose their homes, the problems began with a single missed mortgage payment. Homeowners facing financial difficulties that could result in mortgage default or foreclosure should consider contacting a credit counseling agency or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Homeowners should never deliberately withhold a mortgage payment. If you are involved in a dispute with a mortgage company or a "mortgage-saving" company, file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission and HUD. Do not default on your loan.

Cash offers to "save" a home may be tempting, but remember that there are few quick fixes to financial hardships. With proper debt management and patience, you can save yourself and your home from financial predators.

Government - Texas Attorney General warns homeowners of "Equity Stripping" scams

Educational Support Center at 2425 East Main Street, League City, Texas.
Photo credit: CCISD.

School District seeks new members for District-wide Educational Improvement Council

Volunteers help the District by reviewing educational policy, goals and objectives

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

September 5, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—The Clear Creek Independent School District is seeking community and business members to serve on the District-wide Educational Improvement Council for the 2007-2008 school year. The Council is involved in establishing and reviewing the District’s educational goals, objectives, and major district-wide classroom instructional programs. Community members are urged to participate in this critical committee.

Community member representatives must reside in the district. Business member representatives need not reside in the district, but must own or operate a business in the district.

The Council meets after school at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Educational Support Center at 2425 East Main Street, League City, Texas 77573. The Monday meeting dates are as follows: September 17, 2007

• October 15, 2007
• November 5, 2007
• December 17, 2007
• February 4, 2008
• March 3, 2008
• April 7, 2008
• May 5, 2008

If interested in serving on the DEIC committee, volunteer forms can be accessed from the District’s Web site at www.ccisd.net or requested from the Office of Public Information at 281.284.0020. [Please fill out an application form if you are interested.] Completed forms must be received by September 10, 2007. Interested committee members may mail the form to:

CCISD
C/O Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
P.O. Box 799
League City, Texas 77573

CCISD - School District seeks new members for District-wide Educational Improvement Council

University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Support Staff Association elected officers for the 2007-2008 academic year. Pictured are (seated, left to right): Carmen Fairbanks, recording secretary; Lorene Nieto, president-elect; Margaret Garcia, president; Daisy Aramburo, treasurer; Shannon Nevol, corresponding secretary; (standing, l-r) Nicole Wheatley, Planning & Budgeting representative (alternate); Javier Gutierrez, historian; Fran Davis, University Life Representative (alternate); Nina Perez, past president; Steve Boardman, Planning and Budgeting representative; Alicia Gookin, University Life representative; and Jane Beach-Martin, Shared Governance & Support Services representative.

University staff association elects new officers

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

September 5, 2007

The University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Support Staff Association elected officers for the 2007-2008 academic year. The university’s Support Staff Association provides representation in all matters relating to the welfare, opportunities, responsibilities and administration of UH-Clear Lake support staff as well as to promote positive and meaningful communication, coordination and unity between the support staff and faculty members, students and administration. The association also promotes opportunities for professional development.

Higher Education - University staff association elects new officers

What's happening at the Helen Hall library

September 5, 2007 Update

Knitting for Beginners at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY, TX—Helen Hall Library in League City offers two, six-part knitting classes for beginners and intermediates taught by Margaret White. Participants should purchase size 7 needles and “sugar/cream” kitchen cotton thread in a light color. Beginners will knit a scarf during the sessions.

The first session runs from Monday, September 10 to Monday, October 15 at 7pm.

The second session runs from Monday, October 22 to Monday, November 26 at 7pm.

Registration is required. Call the Adult Services Desk to register at 281-554-1101.

Story Times at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City offers free story times beginning Tuesday, September 11.

Story times run from Sept. 11 and end on Nov. 14, 2007.

Toddler story time, for 0-2 year olds, is held on Tuesdays at 10:15 am and 11:00 am until November 13.

Puppets, masks, hats, music, stories, fingerplays and action rhymes are used in an engaging manner to entice the 0-3 year old toddler into the world of BOOKS. This is a bonding time for toddler and parent, as well as a socialization period for the little ones. Parents receive a copy of each week's activities, as well as suggestions for at home fun.

Preschool story time, for 3-5 year olds, is held on Wednesdays at 10:15 am and 11:00 am until November 14.

Books, puppets, music, fingerplays, masks, and flannelboard activities attract the 3-5 year old child to the world of the library. The focus of this program is on socialization with others in a fun-filled atmosphere revolving around BOOKS. Each week the children will make a simple craft to help them remember the story. . . and to provide warm memories of the fun to be had at Helen Hall Library! Call the Youth Services Desk for more information at 281-554-1113.

League City News
- What's happening at the Helen Hall library

Gardening - Plant of the Week - Spiderwort

Religion - Hope

Older News: August 29, 2007

Clear Creek students are back in school. Please be on the lookout for children and stop when students are getting on and off school buses. Modified Photo Credit: Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

CCISD - Back to school safety

Have your tires been recalled? Modified photo credit - Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

Texas Attorney General Consumer Alert: FTS tire recall and Tire safety tips

Texans urged to check for potentially dangerous tires distributed by Foreign Tire Sales, Inc.

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

August 29, 2007

The recalled tires were made by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. ("HZ") in China and distributed in the United States under several names, including Westlake, YKS and Compass. The tires were sold from 2004 to 2006 for light trucks, sports utility vehicles, and vans.

How to read a tire. Photo Credit: Attorney General's Office

According to FTS, the U.S. distributor, at least 270,000 tires may have insufficient or missing "gum strips," an important safety feature on certain tires that helps prevent tread separation. More than 50,000 of the potentially unsafe tires are believed to have been sold in Texas.

Consumers should immediately check the sidewalls of their tires for the brand name, size, model, and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Tires subject to today's recall bear the DOT number "FTS" as part of the number.

Consumers who own any of these tires should immediately contact FTS toll-free at (888) 899-9293 or online at www.foreigntire.com. FTS may require consumers to complete a questionnaire and present it to a local dealer to obtain replacement tires. Consumers who own these tires should avoid driving for long distances on hot roads. Contact FTS to locate the closest tire shop or mechanic participating in the recall.

In most cases, consumers should not be charged to replace the defective tires. Check the FTS Web site or hotline for additional information.

Specific tire sizes and models affected:

• LT235/75R-15 CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: 7DT5FTS)



• LT235/85R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: 7DT2FTS)



• LT245/75R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: CR857)



• LT265/75R-16 CR860, CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: 7DT4FTS)



• 5R-15 CR861, CR857 (Partial D.O.T. Number: 7DT6FTS).

Note: Image updated.

Government - Texas Attorney General Consumer Alert: FTS tire recall and Tire safety tips

District seeks committee volunteers

High school scheduling committee forming

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

August 29, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—The Clear Creek Independent School District is seeking volunteers to serve on a High School Rescheduling Committee. The purpose of the committee is to consider possible options for the implementation of alternative scheduling, in part to fulfill the requirements of state-mandated instructional time and credits required for math and science. Community members are urged to participate in this critical committee and must reside in the district in order to be eligible to serve as a committee representative.

If interested in serving on the High School Rescheduling Committee, volunteer forms can be accessed from the District’s website at www.ccisd.net or requested from the Office of Public Information at 281-284-0020. Interested committee members may fax their completed application to (281) 284-9901, or mail the form to:

Clear Creek ISD Office of Public Information

P.O. Box 799

League City, Texas 77573

Completed forms must be received by 12:00 p.m. on September 7, 2007. Participants will be selected in a random drawing process that will occur on September 7, 2007 at 4:00 p.m.

CCISD - District seeks committee volunteers

Free and reduced lunch program applications available

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

August 29, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—League City, Texas- Clear Creek Independent School Students who are unable to afford the full price of school meals will be able to participate in a free and reduced-price meal program (reduced-price meal prices are $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch).

According to Fred Walker, Director of Child Nutrition Services, the district will use guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine eligibility for participation in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program. Qualification standards are based on the number of family members and income.

Applicants must turn in the following information to be considered for the program: names of all household members; social security number of primary wage earner or household member who signs the form; last month’s income and how often it was received for each household member that receives an income; or the Food Stamp or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) case number; and the signature of an adult household member.

Information submitted on the application may be verified as required by law. For more information about the program, call (281) 284-0708.

CCISD - Free and reduced lunch program applications available

New provost selected for UH-Clear Lake

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

August 29, 2007

HOUSTON—University of Houston-Clear Lake named Carl A. Stockton to serve as the university’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Stockton comes to UH-Clear Lake from the University of Texas at Brownsville where he served as dean and Houston Endowed Chair for Education in the School of Education.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Stockton accepted our invitation to join the UH-Clear Lake family,” said UH-Clear Lake President William A. Staples. “He brings a wealth of skills and experiences as well as a fresh perspective to share with us.

“I want to express my appreciation to the members of the search committee for a job well done.”

While in Brownsville , Stockton led the school in acquiring more than $33 million in external funding and doubling enrollment in the School of Education . He successfully directed the university in receiving the first doctoral program in education and established innovative partnerships with 14 area high schools to provide strategic direction and planning for curricular alignment and enrichment.

Other positions held by Stockton include serving as department chair for the Department of Health and Applied Human Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington . Awards and honors include receiving the National Health Education Professional Administrator of the Year Award, the Honorary Fellows Award from the American Association for Health Education for distinguished service to the health education profession and a graduate from the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education, Institute for Management and Leadership in Education. Stockton is also a consulting author for Harcourt Brace Publishing Company’s Comprehensive K-6 Curriculum titled “Health and Fitness.”

Stockton holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education from University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Florida. His educational interests include nutrition, health sciences and public health education.

“I look forward to connecting with the students, faculty and staff at the university as well as getting to know the community,” said Stockton . “ UH-Clear Lake has a tradition of seeking excellence in education and I look forward to the opportunity of carrying the university’s tradition forward through the pursuit of innovation and excellence.”

Stockton succeeds Edward J. Hayes who served as UH-Clear Lake provost and senior vice president from 1994 to 2007. Hayes will continue to teach for UH-Clear Lake ’s School of Education.

Higher Education - New provost selected for UH-Clear Lake

Helen Hall library Photo by Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

What's happening at the Helen Hall library

August 29, 2007

Story Times at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City offers free story times beginning Tuesday, September 11.

Story times run from Sept. 11 and end on Nov. 14, 2007.

Toddler story time, for 0-2 year olds, is held on Tuesdays at 10:15 am and 11:00 am until November 13.

Puppets, masks, hats, music, stories, fingerplays and action rhymes are used in an engaging manner to entice the 0-3 year old toddler into the world of BOOKS. This is a bonding time for toddler and parent, as well as a socialization period for the little ones. Parents receive a copy of each week's activities, as well as suggestions for at home fun.

Preschool story time, for 3-5 year olds, is held on Wednesdays at 10:15 am and 11:00 am until November 14.

Books, puppets, music, fingerplays, masks, and flannelboard activities attract the 3-5 year old child to the world of the library. The focus of this program is on socialization with others in a fun-filled atmosphere revolving around BOOKS. Each week the children will make a simple craft to help them remember the story. . . and to provide warm memories of the fun to be had at Helen Hall Library! Call the Youth Services Desk for more information at 281-554-1113.

Teen Advisory Board at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City hosts a Teen Advisory Board. The Teen Advisory Board is made up of teens ages 12-18 from local schools and home schools. Participation in the Teen Advisory Board can count as community, volunteer, or leadership hours for organizations such as Honor Society.

Meetings are generally held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 pm in the Children's Theater of Helen Hall Library. The meeting schedule for Fall 2007 is as follows: Sept. 5, Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 17, Nov. 7 and Nov. 28.

For more information call Jenny Brewer, Teen Librarian, at 281-554-1108.

Computer Classes at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City will host free computer classes that will introduce the participant to basic Internet skills, such as finding driving directions or locating addresses of people. E-mail tips, using the library on-line catalog, and searching on-line databases will also be included. Classes will be held at 1:30pm on the following Wednesdays;

Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 & Nov. 14. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Register by calling 281-554-1101.

Antiques Round Table at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City will host an Antiques Round Table: Discussion of Provenance at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24

in the Helen Hall Library boardroom, first floor. Bring an item with provenance to share. Tell a story about this antique.

Register with Adult Services, 281-554-1101.

League City News
- What's happening at the Helen Hall library

Older News: August 22, 2007 with Update

Educational Support Center at 2425 East Main Street, League City, Texas.
Photo credit: CCISD.

Notice of public meeting to discuss
budget and proposed tax rate

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

August 24, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—The Clear Creek Independent School District will hold a public meeting at 6:00 p.m., August 27, 2007 in Board Room, Education Support Center, 2425 East Main Street, League City, Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the school district's budget that will determine the tax rate that will be adopted.

Public participation in the discussion is invited. The tax rate that is ultimately adopted at this meeting or at a separate meeting at a later date may not exceed the proposed rate shown below unless the district publishes a revised notice containing the same information and comparisons set out below and holds another public meeting to discuss the revised notice.

Clear Lake High School team best in the world

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

August 22, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—The Clear Lake High School Earth Angels recently competed in the Global Enterprise Challenge in Cardiff, Wales as Team USA.

The students won the honor to represent the United States earlier this year in the Texas and national trials. Thousands of students from around the world competed to represent their own countries, and the final competition included teams from Australia, England, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Wales, and the United States.

The twenty-four hour competition required each team to write a business plan, to make a prototype model, and to create a presentation for a commercially-viable product or service in response to a global issue or concern. The entrepreneurship education program is sponsored by the Scottish Space School Foundation and Careers Scotland and receives strong support from NASA and Space Center Houston.

Astronaut Mike Baker opened the competition with the announcement of this year’s challenge: To produce a working model of an innovative game that will entertain, inform, and educate 8-12 year olds about global citizenship.

Team USA captured the first place prize for their product, an interactive online game called X-Plorer. The members of Team USA: Lauren Anderson, Ankur Dass, Maria Granato, Kevin Kin, Kade Martinez, Prashant Prasad, Lindsay Ripley, and Jack Wehman. Sarah Zarcaro is the team’s teacher/sponsor, and Michael Zarcaro of GeoControl Systems served as the team’s community business mentor.

The following companies, organizations, and individuals were sponsors of Team USA and made the trip to the competition possible: Barrios Technology, Camden Properties, GeoControl Systems, MRI Technologies, Muniz Engineering, The Rotary Club of Space Center, Bill and Tamara Anderson, and Ann and Jim O’Malley.

CCISD - Clear Lake High School team best in the world

Pictured with the winning team (front row) are members of the Indian Student Association executive council including Naeem Vehvaria, Anjali Satam, Imran Ullah Mohammad, Nikhil Reddy Bhomi, Aiyaz Amin Paniwala, Prathap Pabbati, Pavan Anna and Sandeep Chavva.

Seventh annual Cricket Tournament held at University

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

August 22, 2007

University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Indian Student Association hosted its 7th annual ISA-UHCL cricket tournament allowing eight local teams to compete during the weekend matches. The Houston Outlaws won the tournament championship after defeating the Houston Falcons in the final match.

Sponsors of the tournament included AIM Insurance and UH-Clear Lake ’s Student Government Association, Office of Student Life, Office of Dean of Students and the Intercultural and International Student Services Office.

Higher Education - Seventh annual Cricket Tournament held at University

Attorney General Abbott reaches $21 million settlement benefiting victims of predatory mortgage lending

• Ameriquest Mortgage Co. returns $325 million to consumers nationwide
• Claim forms must be submitted by Sept. 10

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

August 22, 2007

EL PASO–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott July 12 announced that Texas homeowners who were harmed by Ameriquest Mortgage Co.’s deceptive lending practices will share in almost $21 million in restitution. Eligible Texans will receive claim forms from the lending giant in the coming days.

The settlement, a part of Attorney General Abbott’s ongoing efforts to combat misleading lending practices, resolves allegations that Ameriquest and its affiliates, Town and Country Credit Corp. and AMC Mortgage Services, did not adequately disclose certain terms to prospective homeowners, including whether loans carried fixed or adjustable rates. The company also charged excessive origination fees and prepayment penalties, refinanced borrowers into improper loans and inflated appraisals that qualified borrowers for loans. About 21,000 Texans who signed contracts with Ameriquest Mortgage Co. between Jan. 1, 1999, and Dec. 31, 2005, may be eligible to receive restitution payments. The amount of each claimant’s payment will be based on the degree of financial harm they suffered because of the company’s financing schemes.

“Texans will not tolerate predatory lending schemes that lock would-be homeowners into a seemingly endless cycle of debt,” said Attorney General Abbott. “We are pleased that Texas homeowners who were harmed by this lending giant will share nearly $21 million in refunds. The Office of the Attorney General will continue protecting homeowners from deceptive lenders.”

This week, eligible consumers will begin receiving letters and claim forms explaining the restitution process. To participate, consumers must complete and mail these forms to the settlement administrator no later than Sept. 10, 2007. The settlement administrator’s toll-free number is (800) 420-5875 and detailed information can be obtained online at www.ameriquestmultistatesettlement.com.

Consumers who opt for restitution relinquish their right to file lawsuits against Ameriquest. Therefore, the Office of the Attorney General encourages consumers to consult with a private attorney before deciding to participate.

Government - Attorney General Abbott reaches $21 million settlement benefiting victims of predatory mortgage lending

Trade In, Trade Up Days at Stein Mart to benefit Interfaith Caring Ministries September 7 and 8

Donors to clothing drive for ICM will receive up to 4 Stein Mart 20% off coupons

By Interfaith Caring Ministries

August 22, 2007

Cleanout those closets and come on down to Stein Mart the second weekend in September. Earn 20% discounts as you make room in your closets for Stein Mart clothing.

The sixth annual Stein Mart/Interfaith Caring ministries Trade In, Trade Up Days will be held on Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8. Each donor will receive up to 4 Stein Mart 20% off coupons. This clothing drive will only be held in Webster at the Stein Mart store located at 19801 Gulf Freeway.

“It has always been a pleasure to work with ICM,” said Forrest Dark, General Manager of Stein Mart.

Participants are asked to bring gently used, good quality, clean fall and winter garments to be donated. Tax receipts from ICM will be available for donors.

Volunteers will be available to receive your donations during the following hours:

• Friday, September 8: noon until 6 p.m.

• Saturday, September 9: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Items of particular need are

• Women’s suits,

• Business dresses,

• Women’s pant suits and

• Standardized dressing for elementary students.

ICM self sufficiency program

Women’s suits are especially useful for our self sufficiency program which helps individuals that are unemployed or underemployed.

Boutique area of the ICM Resale Shop

Many of the items donated in the past have been featured in the Boutique area of the ICM Resale Shop. The ICM Resale Shop is located at the corner of Bay Area Blvd and Hwy 3 (118 W Bay Area Blvd in Webster). Proceeds from the ICM Resale Shop help fund the many programs of ICM.

ICM's role in the community

Interfaith Caring Ministries is an assistance coalition supported by businesses, organizations, churches and individuals. A 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, ICM is celebrating 21 years of serving our neighbors in need.

The mission of ICM is not only to help people in crisis, but also to facilitate their path to self-sufficiency. For the year ending June 30, 2006, ICM provided services to over 3000 families who live within the Clear Creek Independent School District. Additionally, ICM helped over 2300 families that were displaced in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita last fall with food, clothing and gasoline vouchers.

For more ICM info

For more information about Stein Mart’s Trade In, Trade Up Days or other programs of Interfaith Caring Ministries, please contact ICM at 281-332-3881.

Stein Mart

Address: 19801 Gulf Freeway in Webster
Store hours: Mon.- Fri. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sun. noon - 6 p.m.
Phone: 281-554-2611

Note: 2007 Update by Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

League City News - Trade In, Trade Up Days at Stein Mart to benefit Interfaith Caring Ministries September 7 and 8

Religion - Concerning Marriage

Gardening - Heavy shade curtails vigor of lawn grass

Older News: August 15, 2007

A crane is being used to remove a fallen tree limb from a home. Plan ahead to prevent or limit storm damage to your home. Remove dead, brittle, or diseased trees and weak, dead, or overhanging limbs. Also, cleanout and repair gutters and make roof repairs, including tacking down loose shingles and replacing damaged shingles, as soon as possible. Professional help is recommended for large jobs, including tree removal, to prevent injury to you or damage to your property. Professional help is recommended for large jobs, including tree removal, to prevent injury to you or damage to your property. Photo credit - Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online. Chuck Peek is the climber for work being done by Tree Care Services, Joe Soucie, owner.

Don't be scammed in aftermath of storms and flooding

The peak of hurricane season is from August through October.
You may wish to make a list of quality contractors now.

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

August 15, 2007

“Texans will not tolerate anyone who attempts to illegally profit from a disaster,” Attorney General Abbott said. “The Office of the Attorney General will aggressively prosecute anyone who attempts to exploit consumers in the wake of these storms. We will keep Central Texas residents in our thoughts and prayers as we vigorously monitor this situation.”

As emergency response officials begin to gather reports of damaged homes and structures, Attorney General Abbott urged homeowners and businesses to exercise caution when seeking contractors to help with repairs. Abbott offered the following consumer tips:

Home repairs

Be wary of contractors who show up unexpectedly and offer roofing, drywall and other major repairs, particularly those who are not from the local community and low-ball their offer saying that they have material left over from a previous job and insist on an advance cash payment.

Obtain bids in writing from several contractors first and review each one carefully. Ask contractors if they are covered through insurance or a bond, particularly when considering them for a large project. Check with the city to make sure electricians and plumbers have the necessary license and have obtained the required permits.

Get all terms in writing and do not sign a contract without a full understanding of its contents. Do not sign a contract that has spaces left blank. Pay the contractor only as the work progresses, and do not sign a completion certificate until all repairs are done properly. If the work is substantial, consider having an independent inspector look it over before settling the bill with the contractor.

Before hiring a contractor, contact the Better Business Bureau and the Office of the Attorney General to determine whether consumers have filed complaints against the contractor in the past.

Charity scams

Be wary of telemarketers, solicitations by mail, or those who show up unexpectedly urging an immediate donation to an unfamiliar charity which supposedly will aid victims of the disaster. A legitimate charity will offer detailed information in writing about how donated money will be used and will provide a reasonable timeframe within which the donor can make an informed decision.

Be particularly suspicious of solicitors who are long on emotion but short on detail about how donations will be put to use. Always make the donation using a check or money order made out to the charity, and be wary of organizations with names that are very similar but not identical to those of a recognized charity.

Additional information to help consumers protect themselves against these and other disaster-related scams is available on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us, or by calling (800) 252-8011. Information is available in English and Spanish.

Note: The photo and the information with the photo are supplementary.

Government - Tips on home repairs from the Texas Attorney General

Government - Don't be scammed in aftermath of storms and flooding

Teachers awarded an out-of-this-world experience

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

August 15, 2007

LEAGUE CITY – When two area elementary school teachers return to class in the fall, they will have quite a story to share with their students about what they did over the summer.

Pat Denyszyn, a teacher at Ferguson Elementary School, and Samantha Pulse, teacher at Ward Elementary School, were both awarded a full scholarship to attend the highly coveted Boeing Educators Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. The teachers will spend a week participating in simulated space missions, astronaut training and lectures by experts in rocketry and space exploration.

Since 1992, The Boeing program has provided more than 300 educators with many of the resources they need to inspire their students to learn more about math, science and space.

CCISD - Teachers awarded an out-of-this-world experience

League City Elementary School
Photo by Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

School District immunization policy

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

August 15, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—Clear Creek Independent School District immunization requirements are as follows:

CCISD - School District registers elementary students

CCISD - School District immunization policy

University of Houston-Clear Lake honored retired Professor of Computer Science and Information Systems Ted Leibfried at a special ceremony to dedicate the Dr. Ted Leibfried Seminar Room. Family and friends gathered to celebrate the special event. Pictured (l to r) are UH-Clear Lake President William A. Staples; Leibfried’s son, Christian; Leibfried; and daughter, Lisa. Leibfried received emeritus status in 2005. Leibfried’s wife, Betty, is a UH-Clear Lake Distinguished Alumna and a local artist.

University faculty honored

Seminar room named for retired 2005 emeritus Computer Professor.
Also, new emeriti faculty selected.

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

August 15, 2007

Three retired University of Houston-Clear Lake faculty members were honored with emeritus status by the University Of Houston System ’s Board of Regents. New faculty emeriti include Richard Allison, professor of environmental management; Charles W. McKay, professor of software engineering and dean of the School of Science and Computer Engineering; and Tulsi Saral, professor of clinical psychology.

UH-Clear Lake faculty members select faculty emeriti nominees based on their long-term support to the university, in addition to exhibiting a sustained and distinguished record of teaching, scholarship or service.

Once a faculty member has been nominated to receive professor emeritus status the Emeritus/Emerita Nominating Committee, formed of one tenured professor from each of the university’s four schools, reviews the nominations and submits recommendations to the university’s deans, provost and president for final review. All appointment nominations are then reviewed and approved by the University of Houston System Board of Regents.

In addition to the title of professor emeritus, all of the professors have library, computing and parking privileges. They also receive invitations to university functions.

Higher Education - University faculty honored

Cornyn statement in support of the State Children’s Health Insurance Fund reauthorization

Vows to protect texas health care funds & oppose efforts to federalize health care

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

August 15, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn July 30 made the following statement regarding his vote in support of beginning debate on legislation (S. 1893) to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Fund (SCHIP).

“By any standard, SCHIP has been a remarkable success. The rate of children in America living without health insurance dropped by 25 percent from 1996 to 2005, and approximately one million Texas children who would not get care otherwise have benefited.

“Reauthorization of SCHIP is extremely important to Texas , especially as our state strives to continue improving access to quality, affordable health care for children.

“It is my hope that the Senate can have a full and fair debate on this important issue this week. There are a number of areas in the proposed legislation which concern me, however, particularly how they would affect Texas . This proposed bill actually encourages the irresponsible use of funds at the state level, and punishes states, such as my home state of Texas , which have used this program judiciously and according to its initial intent. As written, Texas stands to lose more than $600 million dollars in federal health care funding for next year.

“Moreover, I’m afraid that some of my colleagues have forgotten the original intent of SCHIP, which is to help children in low-income families and not adults who are living well above the poverty level. By seeking to increase spending on SCHIP by roughly 300 percent, it seems clear that some in the Senate are viewing this bill as a gateway to a federally funded, government-run health care program, similar to Canada .

“It is for these and other reasons that I will be supporting an alternate bill to the one supported by the Democratic majority. This legislation will meet the needs of Texas and its children, while ensuring that a massive tax increase is not imposed on working families. I look forward to a full, fair and vigorous debate on this issue in the days ahead.”

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn statement in support of SCHIP reauthorization

All that glitters: Investing in gold and rare coins

From Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

August 15, 2007

The glitter of gold, however, often attracts scam artists who simply want to separate investors from their money. As with all investments, consumers considering gold and gold coins should study the market carefully to avoid falling victim to high-pressure sales tactics.

Many consumers, particularly senior citizens, have been deceived into using their life's savings and other assets to buy coins priced at least three times their fair market value. The Office of the Attorney General has received complaints from consumers who spent thousands of dollars each to purchase "rare" gold coins that sellers claimed would double or triple in value in a very short time.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the value of bullion coins is determined primarily by their gold or silver content, rather than by rarity or condition. Bullion coins are bought and sold worldwide at prices that change daily, depending on world markets.

Fraudulent sellers often overprice their bullion coins or mislead consumers into purchasing imitation metals created by fraudulent "mints."

Aspiring gold and rare coin investors should carefully evaluate any investment claims. Knowledgeable coin collectors, known as numismatists, often research coins and dealers for some time before buying even a single coin. Investment gains in the gold and rare coin market are often the result of careful scrutiny of a coin's quality, rarity, market availability and price.

Always compare grade and value with other dealers before making a selection. Investors should also review the seller's refund policy and be sure to get all other terms of sale in writing. Consumers may contact the Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau before making a purchase to find out if there are complaints against a particular seller.

Investors should also check the grade of the purchased coins with an independent certification service. Fraudulent sellers often inflate the grade of the coins they sell, thereby inflating the price. A third-party grading service can help investors determine the quality and value of coins.

Be wary of high-pressure sales pitches where sellers insist on an immediate decision or promise high rates of return. These tactics are commonly used by con artists to coerce investors into making uninformed purchases.

Before making any investment, especially a sizable one, consumers should consult a trusted individual, such as a financial adviser or other professional who can provide a realistic outlook on various investment options and their expected rate of return. There are also several nonprofit coin dealer associations, such as the American Numismatic Association, that offer tips on selecting a reputable seller who adheres to the association's ethics and arbitration guidelines.

Finally, all consumers should be cautious when providing financial information, including credit card numbers, to salespersons, particularly over the telephone.

Investing in gold and rare coins is much like any other consumer purchase: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. When investors take time to study the market and acquire coins with selected quality and proven rarity from reputable dealers, all that glitters may indeed turn out to be gold.

Government - All that glitters - Investing in gold and rare coins

Gov. Perry awards criminal justice funds

Money awarded for transportable dog kennel

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

August 15, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry July 27 announced an award of $16,468 to the Travis County Sheriffs’ Department to purchase a dog kennel that officers will use to transport their working dogs. The kennel is climate controlled and allows for longer deployment in the field while providing safe, comfortable and effective transportation of the dogs. Funds are awarded under the State Criminal Justice Planning Fund and are distributed by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD).

“With these funds, local law enforcement officials will be better equipped to provide and maintain adequate conditions for their K-9 units, enabling them to better serve their communities and protect its citizens,” Perry said.

The State Criminal Justice Planning Fund supports programs that enhance the criminal and juvenile justice systems through various means, including law enforcement training and development, juvenile delinquency prevention programs, substance abuse treatment programs, special prosecution and criminal investigation units, and victim services programs.

Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs.

Government - Gov. Perry awards criminal justice funds

Gardening - It’s Dry! Seminar on home irrigation system is now appropriate!

Religion - Concerning Marriage

Older News: August 8, 2007

League City Elementary School
Photo by Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

School District registers elementary students

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

August 8, 2007

LEAGUE CITY—Parents or guardians must provide the following documentation as part of the registration procedures:

• Proof of student identity, which can be a certified birth certificate, passport, alien registration card or visa;
  
  
• A Social Security card;
  
  
• Two proofs of residency within the Clear Creek ISD boundaries, such as a utility bill, rent receipt stating name and address or lease or purchase agreement
  
  
• Immunization records are also required to register a child for school, and students must be fully immunized before attending school. Please check the specific elementary school your child is attending to determine if immunizations are available at that location.
  
  
• Last report card or withdrawal form from previous school district.

Continuing CCISD students shall provide

• A current electric or water utility bill for the address identified as residence. A copy of this information will be kept on file.
  
  
• Registration forms will be sent home twice during the school year to ensure all information is up to date.
  

CCISD Archive

CCISD - School District immunization policy

CCISD - School District immunization policy

CCISD - School District registers elementary students

What's happening at the Helen Hall library

August 8, 2007

Local Author at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY——Helen Hall Library in League City is proud to host a visit from local author, R. P. Bonasso. Mr. Bonasso will discuss his book entitled Outback Reckoning with the evening book club on the Monday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m. Please join us for this exciting event! For more information please call Liz Hopkins at 281-554-1106 or email her at ehopkins@leaguecitylibrary.org

History Club at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City invites you to join the History Club.

The History Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at

7:00 p.m. at the Helen Hall Library.

At the next meeting on Tuesday, August 14 at 7:00 p.m. Joseph Crain reviews Evolution of a State by Nicholas Smithwick.

On Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. Sam Hutchison will give a brief history of the Pony Express.

For more information call Joe Brown at 281-332-4257.

LINUX Users Meeting at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—The LINUX Users group meets at Helen Hall Library at 6:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.

Meetings are as follows; Tuesday, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.

For more information, please call 281-554-1111.

Antiques Round Table at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City will host an Antiques Round Table: Discussion of Provenance at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24

in the Helen Hall Library boardroom, first floor. Bring an item with provenance to share. Tell a story about this antique.

Register with Adult Services, 281-554-1101.

Computer Classes at Helen Hall Library

LEAGUE CITY—Helen Hall Library in League City will host free computer classes that will introduce the participant to basic Internet skills, such as finding driving directions or locating addresses of people. E-mail tips, using the library on-line catalog, and searching on-line databases will also be included. Classes will be held at 1:30pm on the following Wednesdays;

Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 & Nov. 14. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Register by calling 281-554-1101.

League City News
- What's happening at the Helen Hall library

UH-Clear Lake hosted international students and the International Space School

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

August 8, 2007

More than 30 high school students from around the world with an interest in space-related careers attended the International Space School at UH-Clear Lake from July 22 through August 22. While at the school, students worked on aerospace projects and gained valuable knowledge from industry leaders at UH-Clear Lake and NASA Johnson Space Center. Students and space school alumni represented at least 25 countries.

On Thursday, Aug. 2, 1–2 p.m., the students linked with and participated in a live chat with the Arctic Mars Researchers in Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada.

Higher Education - UH-Clear Lake hosted international students and the International Space School

Cornyn votes to strengthen Higher Education Act

Bill approved by Senate July 24 includes Pell Grant increases for college students

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

August 8, 2007

WASHINGTON—With the support of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the Senate today passed S. 1642, which strengthens and reauthorizes the Higher Education Act of 1965. Key provisions in this legislation include Pell Grant increases; more information to students and parents about college tuition and fees; simplifying the free application process for Federal Student Aid; and requiring colleges and universities to establish Codes of Conduct for their relationships with lenders.

“Since it was first passed in 1965, this legislation has enabled tens of thousands of Americans to pursue the dream of higher education. It is our responsibility in Congress today to make sure that dream remains within reach for American young people and their families,” Sen. Cornyn said. “This bill takes steps to do that by raising the maximum Pell Grants, streamlining the application process and providing more information to students and parents. It also shines needed light on the lending process to help ensure our institutions of higher learning are protecting their students first and foremost.”

Among other provisions, the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965 includes:

Raising the maximum Pell Grant from $4,050 for academic year 2007-2008 to $5,400 for academic year 2008-09; $5,700 for academic year 2009-10; $6,000 for academic year 2010-11; and $6,300 for academic year 2011-12.

Requiring colleges to establish codes of conduct for their relationships with lenders; prohibits certain revenue sharing agreements; prohibits financial aid officers from taking gifts from lenders; includes greater privacy protections for borrower financial information; requires universities to have at least three unaffiliated lenders on their preferred lender list, and ensures that “benefits to students” are the basis for lenders being placed on their preferred lender list.

Requiring lenders and guaranty agencies to: provide additional financial literacy services; provide additional information on interest rate reductions and repayment options; control the information reported to credit bureaus; and expand assistance to reduce loan default. Provides additional benefits to those living on military bases; provides more loan discharge options for disabled borrowers; expands work-study allowance for books/supplies; and expands the occupations eligible for Perkins loan cancellation.

Authorizing grants for teacher preparation and residency programs; alternative routes to teacher certification; and a state report card on the quality of teacher preparation.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn votes to strengthen Higher Education Act

Cornyn encourages fire departments to apply for Department of Homeland Security grant funding for additional personnel

Offers assistance to fire departments in application process for SAFER grant funding – August 31 deadline

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

August 8, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn encouraged Texas fire departments on Monday to apply for grant funding available to increase the number of firefighters and support their work. Sen. Cornyn offered his assistance to firefighters in the application process, which begins today. The funding comes through the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program.

“The men and women on the front lines of emergency response need more support than ever as they work to keep our communities safe,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I encourage local fire departments in Texas to apply for this important funding, and will assist throughout the application process.”

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program helps fire departments increase the number of frontline firefighters. The goal is for fire departments to increase their staffing and deployment capabilities and ultimately attain 24-hour staffing, thus assuring that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards.

The SAFER grants support two specific activities: (1) the hiring of firefighters, and (2) recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. SAFER is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and is under the Office of Grants and Training of the Department of Homeland Security.

Sen. Cornyn has held roundtables with emergency first responders across the state as part of his ongoing effort to highlight security needs in Texas hometowns. The events provide communities the opportunity to express their needs and concerns directly to Sen. Cornyn.

A total of approximately $110 million is available for fire departments across the nation.

The online application form for the grants is available on the Web at www.firegrantsupport.com. For more information or assistance with the grant process, contact John Wyatt in Sen. Cornyn’s Washington office at 202-224-2934 or visit: www.cornyn.senate.gov.

Fire departments have until August 31, 2007 to complete and submit their applications.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn encourages fire departments to apply for Department of Homeland Security grant funding for additional personnel

Texas Attorney General Abbott enforces state's Right-to-Work Law in El Paso case — Texas workers have the right to not join a union and to refuse to pay union dues

Labor group, employer unlawfully threatened to fire workers who refuse union membership

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

August 8, 2007

EL PASO–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott July 24 took legal action against a labor organization and an El Paso employer for unlawfully forcing workers to join a labor union. The Attorney General is seeking a permanent injunction against the International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA), Local 725, and Deco-Akal, JV and related affiliates, which provide security services to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Service Processing Center in El Paso.

The Attorney General seeks to prevent the defendants from enforcing unlawful contractual provisions against former, current and future employees who refuse to join a union or pay membership dues as a condition of employment.

“The law guarantees important right-to-work protections for Texas workers,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans have the right to work without having to join a labor union or pay union dues. The Office of the Attorney General will aggressively enforce Texas’ right-to-work laws and will take all necessary measures to protect workers’ freedom from compulsory union membership.”

According to the Attorney General’s enforcement action, the SPFPA and Deco-Akal entered into an unlawful collective bargaining agreement that violates Texas’ right-to-work laws. Their unlawful contract required Deco-Akal employees to join the union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. The Texas Labor Code prohibits employers from denying employment to workers who decline to join or make payments to a labor union.

SPFPA officials have falsely claimed that Deco-Akal’s El Paso facility fell exclusively within federal jurisdiction. However, in June, a federal administrative law judge ruled against SPFPA, holding instead that the property was not a federal enclave. The judge’s order stems from Deco-Akal’s indefinite suspension of Juan Vielma, a security guard who refused to pay his contractually mandated SPFPA membership dues. The ruling ordered Deco-Akal to reinstate Vielma and pay back his lost wages and benefits.

July 24’s enforcement action also seeks civil penalties against SPFPA up to $1,000 per violation and reimbursement to employees for any fees employees paid under the unlawful agreement.

Government - Texas Attorney General Abbott enforces state's Right-to-Work Law in El Paso case - Texas workers have the right to not join a union and to refuse to pay union dues

Comptroller Susan Combs urges Texas schools to participate in Texas Fitness Now program

Funds Available — $20 Million — to Help Kids Get Fit

From the Office of Comptroller Susan Combs

August 8, 2007

AUSTIN–In the continued fight against childhood obesity, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs July 24 offered the state’s public schools and charter schools an opportunity to receive $20 million in grants during the next two years to support in-school physical education, nutrition and fitness programs for students in grades 6, 7 and/or 8.

Combs announced the new Texas Fitness Now grant program, aimed at middle school students attending schools where enrollment is at least 75 percent economically disadvantaged.

“Texas Fitness Now will provide crisis money for our schools,” Combs said. “Childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes among children is an epidemic that we, as a state, must address now. Obesity cost Texas businesses an estimated $3.3 billion in 2005 and could cost employers $15.8 billion annually by 2025 if the trend continues.”

Approximately 700 schools qualify for Texas Fitness Now grants. The minimum grant is $1,500, and schools can get more, based upon their enrollment. More than 270,000 students could benefit from the grants.

“The U.S. Surgeon General’s office reports that overweight children have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults,” Combs said. “Texas Fitness Now will help teach kids the importance of physical activity and fitness and lay the foundation for a life of healthy choices and lifestyles as they grow into adulthood.”

Combs secured funding for the grants in the 2008-09 state budget (General Appropriations Act, Article III, Rider 89) and developed the rules for the Texas Fitness Now program in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and other interested stakeholders. TEA will administer the program, evaluate grant applications and award the funds to schools.

Acting Commissioner of Education Robert Scott said, “I appreciate the leadership Comptroller Combs has shown on improving the lives of Texas children. The Texas Education Agency is ready to work with her to improve the health and fitness of our students.”

To be eligible for a Texas Fitness Now grant, a school must ensure that students in grades 6, 7 and/or 8 participate in physical activity for either 30 minutes a day or 225 minutes per two-week period for the entire school year and must have a physical education curriculum that meets the standards of the National Association of Sports and Physical Education.

In addition, the school must:

• Have or be in the process of adopting a Coordinated School Health Program required by the Texas Education Code;
  
  Have a quality physical education program based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that combines education, fitness and nutrition;
  
• Have submitted a wellness and nutrition policy to the Texas Department of Agriculture as required by law;
  
  
• Have established a School Health Advisory Council to review and make recommendations for using the grant;
  
  
  Have certified physical education teacher(s); and
  
  
• Conduct a campus fitness evaluation before Oct. 15 and again at the end of the school year, using an assessment instrument adopted by the state education commissioner and provided free-of-charge to participating schools.

The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) says Texas Fitness Now grants could help participating schools become models for fitness education throughout the state.

"This program rewards innovative thinking in the fight against childhood obesity,” said Julie Shields, TASB’s Assistant Director of Governmental Relations. “It motivates districts to get creative in their physical education classes, but at the same time, it also recognizes that to develop these programs for Texas students costs money. Hopefully, all Texas students will benefit from lessons learned at those schools thinking outside of the box and getting results."

Texas Fitness Now grants may be used to support and enhance physical education, including buying PE equipment; buying equipment to track students’ progress, such as heart monitors and pedometers; selecting or developing an effective physical education curriculum and instructional materials; and training teachers and school administrators to help their students become fit and adopt healthy lifestyles. Schools must use at least 25 percent of the funds for nutrition education.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples particularly applauds the program’s nutrition component. The Texas Department of Agriculture oversees the state’s school nutrition policy.

“A well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise are vital for the health and well-being of all Texans – especially our young Texans,” Staples said. “Texas farmers and ranchers are natural partners in producing and providing healthy, nutritious food for children and will be strong allies in all school fitness efforts. I applaud the Legislature and Comptroller Combs for their foresight on this program.”

The Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD) commends the Texas Fitness Now program.

“There are two major challenges for our professionals to deliver a quality physical education program in Texas schools; one is funding, and the other is the large teacher to student ratio,” said TAHPERD Executive Director Diana Everett. “This grant program will enable many of our teachers and administrators to address at least one of our challenges. Through the Texas Fitness Now grant program, professional physical educators can seek the equipment and resources to teach lifetime habits of physical activity and fitness to their students.”

“We believe we will see measurable, positive results from incorporating more activity into the school day and teaching students to make healthier choices,” Combs said. “We urge all eligible schools to take advantage of this opportunity to start solving the childhood obesity problem.”

Grant Application info

• The deadline for schools to apply for a Texas Fitness Now grant is Oct. 1.
  
  
• More information, including program guidelines and a list of frequently asked questions, is available online at the Comptroller's Web site: www.window.state.tx.us .
  
  
• The actual grant application is available on TEA's Web site at: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/opge/formfund/pe/tfn/proguide.doc .
  
  
• Schools may also contact Marissa Rathbone at TEA, (512) 463-3064, for more information about the Texas Fitness Now program, or
  
  
• TEA's Division of Formula Funding, (512) 463-8525, for more information about grant funding.

Government - Comptroller Susan Combs urges Texas schools to participate in Texas Fitness Now program

Interfaith Caring Ministries distributes over 700 school supplies to children within Clear Creek Independent School District

Donors sought to help with this project

By Interfaith Caring Ministries

August 8, 2007

Interfaith Caring Ministries will distribute over 700 prepackaged school supplies to school aged children who will be attending schools within CCISD.

This program is designed to help low income families who live in our community. ICM believes every child deserves to start school with new school supplies. Many local companies, churches and individuals donate money or school supplies each year to make this event successful.

To qualify for this program, the parent must be low income and able to provide all documentation required. Starting July 9, 2007 school supplies will be given out Monday through Friday from 1:00pm until 4:00pm until supplies are exhausted. For additional information, please call ICM at 281-332-3881.

ICM purchases school supplies in bulk which are prepackaged by grade level. We are asking you to please make a monetary donation of $25.00. This amount would offset the cost of one child receiving school supplies. Donations should be sent to ICM, 631 FM 270, League City, TX, 77573 or can be charged by phone. For more information, please contact Suzy Domingo (281) 332-3881.

Religion - Interfaith Caring Ministries distributes over 700 school supplies to children within the Clear Creek Independent School District

Religion - Concerning Marriage

Gardening - Prepare Your Own Fresh-cut Flower Arrangements

Older News: August 1, 2007

Comptroller Susan Combs announces changes in August 2007 Sales Tax Holiday

Also, new energy savings tax-holiday coming next year

From the Office of Comptroller Susan Combs

August 1, 2007

AUSTIN–Comptroller Susan Combs announced that the date for the annual sales tax holiday has changed from the first weekend of August to the third weekend of August. Combs also said backpacks, a standard item on many kids’ school supply lists, can now be purchased tax free during the sales tax holiday.

“From now on, the sales tax holiday will occur on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of August,” Combs said. “This year, the date is Aug. 17-19.”

Since many school districts are now starting their school year later, the 80th Legislature changed the date of the sales tax holiday to move it closer to the first day of school.

During the sales tax holiday, children’s and adults’ clothing and shoes priced less than $100 — and now backpacks that cost less than $100 — are exempt from state and local sales taxes.

“The Legislature responded to parents’ requests to add backpacks to the list of tax-exempt items,” Combs said. “Backpacks can be expensive, especially for parents who have to buy them for several children. A tax break helps.”

Combs also announced that, starting in May 2008, energy-efficient appliances will be exempt from sales tax during the three-day Memorial Day weekend. Certain appliances with a federal Energy Star rating will be tax-free, including washing machines, dishwashers, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats and incandescent fluorescent light bulbs. Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less and refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less can also be purchased tax free.

“Texas consumers will save about $8 for every $100 they spend on qualifying appliances,” Combs said. “Even more importantly, they will reap savings on their utility bills by purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and the demand for electricity will be reduced.”

The Comptroller predicts families will save about $52.1 million in sales taxes during the August sales tax holiday.

More information about the August sales tax holiday for clothing and shoes can be found on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us .

Government - Comptroller Susan Combs announces changes in August 2007 Sales Tax Holiday

UH-Clear Lake receives $2.5 million in funding to address critical need

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

August 1, 2007

University of Houston Clear Lake’s School of Education, recipient of two grants totaling $2.5 million, will team with school districts in four counties to embark on a comprehensive, five-year plan to address a growing concern in area schools — the shortage of teachers and bilingual counselors trained to work with students who lack English language skills.

“These grants provide our School of Education the opportunity to make a significant impact on one of the most daunting challenges facing education today - meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students,” School of Education Dean Dennis Spuck said.

Seeking a wide-ranging approach to bridge the growing gap between English-speaking students and English language learners, the U.S. Department of Education through its National Professional Development Program awarded $1,255,824 to UH-Clear Lake ’s Collaborative Teaching of English Language Learners (CTELL) program, and $1,325,762 to its Collaborative Bilingual Counselors Training Project III (CBCT-3). Both grants are funded for five years.

“There was a 49.5 percent growth in the enrollment of English language learners in Texas schools between 1994 and 2004, yet only 5 percent of teachers in our local school districts have received training to work effectively with these students,” CTELL Co-Director Judith Marquez said. “We realized that all classroom teachers need the training — not just a few.”

“CTELL starts with our university faculty,”CTELL Co-Director Laurie Weaver explained. “We’ll provide workshops for 60 professors to become knowledgeable in the methods and skills required to work with these students. The faculty, in turn, will incorporate that training into the courses they teach. We’ll reach as many as 250 new teachers each year — over a thousand by the project’s end.”

In addition to the university faculty, 100 classroom teachers will be recruited to receive the training. It is estimated that using this approach can directly impact more than 12,000 students during the five-year period.

An equally pressing concern among educators is the significantly high dropout rate among urban Hispanic students — as high as 47 percent. These statistics are accompanied by high unemployment rates, growing teen pregnancy rates, and a significant number of children identified as economically disadvantaged.

The major focus of the CBCT-3 program is to prepare and place 30 qualified bilingual school counselors in area schools to expressly address the needs of Hispanic English language learners and their families. In addition, CBCT-3 will train four bilingual school counselors at the doctoral level to become program supervisors, university instructors and field evaluators in order to effectively implement counseling programs for English language learners.

“We need more bilingual counselors so students and their parents can feel comfortable with someone to talk to in their native language,” Director of CBCT-3 Cheryl Sawyer explains.

“Counselors support English language learners by providing opportunities for children to learn the value of education as well as ways to cope with the influence of negativity, poverty, drugs, gangs and abusive situations. They help parents understand the resources available to help English language learners succeed in the school setting, access options available for financial support for vocational and higher education, and learn to access social services that can accommodate the mental health needs of a family.”

UH-Clear Lake is teamed with schools in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston and Harris counties to implement these grants. CTELL is partnered with Alvin, Clear Creek, Deer Park, Pasadena and Texas City Independent School Districts , while CBCT-3 is teamed with Angleton, Brazosport, Columbia-Brazoria, Danbury, Dickinson, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hitchcock, La Marque, Pearland and Santa Fe Independent School Districts.

Higher Education - UH-Clear Lake receives $2.5 million in funding to address critical need

Attorney General Abbott, Department of Aging and Disability Services protect residents in Collin County Nursing Homes

Investigators uncover squalid condition endangering more than 40 residents

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

August 1, 2007

AUSTIN–Attorney General Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) have taken emergency action to protect more than 40 seniors living in squalid conditions at the Amberwood Care Center, an assisted living facility in Collin County.

At the Attorney General's request, Travis County State District Court Judge Stephen Yelenosky issued a court order allowing the state to temporarily oversee operations at the nursing home in Celina. Emergency enforcement assistance was sought after a recent DADS inspection uncovered a complete breakdown at Amberwood's Celina facility.

The nursing home is charged with grossly inadequate medical care and unsanitary conditions that pose a risk to the health of its 42 residents. Many of those living at the facility were bedridden and are dependent on ventilators for their breathing.

"Texans will not tolerate those who abuse and neglect our senior citizens," said Attorney General Abbott. "These horrific conditions posed a severe threat to the health and safety of patients who deserve far better. The Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Aging and Disability Services are committed to protecting seniors and aggressively prosecuting those who neglect them."

The agreed temporary restraining order names David Crowson as temporary trustee to immediately assume responsibility for the needs of Amberwood patients. DADS issued $200,000 in emergency funds for much-needed supplies and nursing staff at the nursing home. Facility owner James W. Jewel is prevented from interfering with the trustee's management of Amberwood and with the state's ongoing investigation.

In their reports, DADS inspectors documented the facility's inadequate resources and staffing, often leading to residents' lives being placed at risk. Among their findings, DADS investigators documented the following:

• Patients suffering from bed ulcers, infections and chronic pain. Several languished in various stages of dehydration.
  
• Many residents told investigators that they were not being properly cared for, including an elderly woman who said she had to endure days of pain before a urinary tract infection was treated with antibiotics.
  
• Investigators reported unsanitary conditions throughout the facility. One DADS report described a patient's tracheotomy tube as being "coated with crust." The same patient had a catheter inserted into his arm which was several days old, putting him at risk of serious blood infection.
  
• Machines used to test blood sugar levels of diabetic patients were improperly calibrated.
  
• Ventilators that provided critical breathing assistance were set at dangerously high oxygen flow pressures.
  
• The facility had only 30 bedsheets for 42 residents.

DADS's investigation of the facility is ongoing. The trustee, his staff of nurses and state nurses are currently attending to the immediate needs of the residents and securing their transfer to other licensed facilities.

Government - Attorney General Abbott, Department of Aging and Disability Services protect residents in Collin County Nursing Homes

Gov. Perry announces a $2 Million Emerging Tech Fund Award

The money will be used for the continued development of software modules to assist first responders in continuous real time protection of the border and emergency preparedness and responses in disaster situations

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

August 1, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry announced a $2 million award to SecureOrigins Inc. of El Paso to help bring its emerging technology to market. The grant is awarded through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor’s request and re-authorized this year.

“Technological innovation is the lifeblood of today’s economy. Through these grants, we are investing in potentially life-saving technologies and elevating our state’s emerging technology sector to make Texas a strong competitor in the global marketplace,” Perry said. “Continued investment in emerging technology creates more jobs and generates substantial capital investments, diversifying and enriching our economy.”

SecureOrigins Inc. of El Paso is receiving $2 million for further development of its Intelligent Software Agents (ISA). ISA are software modules that automate specific tasks, provide round-the-clock decision support and collaborate with each other without human intervention to determine best response action.

ISA will be used for such functions as:

• Assisting first responders in continuous real time protection of the border, and emergency preparedness and response involving high volumes of information and fast changing variables. For example, in a disaster situation, the ISA will synthesize complex information from a myriad of sensors and sources to provide simplified options for decision making by first responders.
  
• Assisting cross-border industry in real time visibility of their end-to-end supply chain logistics. For example, sensor devices compatible with ISA would be placed on a delivery truck, moving goods from one country to another to ensure compliance with authorized routes and timing benchmarks. The ISA could detect any interruption of travel or tampering with the vehicle, which would then alert the appropriate authorities of the unexpected activity.
  
• A 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential TETF projects and recommends funding for projects to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.

The 2008-2009 state budget recently passed by the legislature and signed by the governor includes $75 million in new general revenue for the TETF. In addition to previous TETF balances and interest, more than $165 million will be available for the 2008-09 biennium.

To date, the TETF has allocated $89.1 million in grant funds to Texas companies and universities.

The TETF program has three main areas of investment:

• Increasing research collaboration between public and private sector entities through new Regional Centers of Innovation and Commercialization where the seeds of an idea can take root in a university lab and eventually grow into a new product marketed by a new or expanding firm;
  
• Matching research grants provided by both federal and private sponsors to help innovators acquire the capital they need to bring their idea to life; and
  
• Attracting more top-notch research teams from other universities around the nation that will help put Texas universities on the cutting edge of technology research and development.

For more information on the TETF, visit www.emergingtechfund.com .

Government - Gov. Perry announces a $2 Million Emerging Tech Fund Award

Cornyn successful in securing critical border security funding

Senate Democrats reverse objection and agree to cornyn provision to enforce immigration laws

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

August 1, 2007

WASHINGTON—In an overwhelming vote, the U.S. Senate July 25 passed an amendment offered by Senate Republicans to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill which would provide $3 billion in emergency funding for border security. Importantly, the amendment also includes a provision drafted by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to allow this money to be used for enforcing America ’s immigration laws, including electronic employment verification improvements and the increased removal and detention of visa overstays.

Sen. Cornyn, the top Republican on the Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee, said, “Addressing the problem of illegal immigration shouldn’t stop at our borders. We need to restore the confidence of the American people that the federal government is committed to enforcing our immigration laws. This funding will not only put more boots on the ground at our borders but it will also provide additional resources for law enforcement to remove dangerous felons who are here illegally. This is an important, bipartisan step forward to strengthening America ’s security. I’m pleased my colleagues in both parties agreed to this important amendment.”

The amendment would provide emergency funding of $3 billion for:

• Hiring 500 more Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officers per year (FY08-12), 1200 more Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents per year, 200 investigators to combat aliens smuggling, 50 Deputy U.S. Marshals;
  
• 23,000 Border Patrol agents hired, trained, and reporting for duty;
  
• 4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles & 105 ground-based radar and camera towers;
  
• A permanent end to the “catch-and-release” policy with 45,000 detention beds;
  
• Operational control over 100% of the U.S.-Mexico land border;
  
• To allow DHS to present a photo electronically to an employer so that the employer may confirm the identity of the individual when he presents ID;
  
• To require mandatory detention of aliens who overstay their visa by 60 days;
  
• To reimburse local governments that choose to cooperate with ICE in enforcing the immigration laws (INA 287g).

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn successful in securing critical border security funding

Rep. Lampson and Mayor White announce $20.5 million Hobby Airport grant

Funds included for safety measures and equipment

From the Office of Congressman Nick Lampson

August 1, 2007

WASHINGTON—Congressman Nick Lampson (D-TX) and Houston Mayor Bill White jointly announced July 26 a $20,540,181 U.S. Department of Transportation grant for William P. Hobby Airport. These funds will have multiple applications, including acquisition of new land for approaches, funding for safety measures and equipment, the reconstruction of a deteriorated runway, reimbursement costs for taxiway lighting, and conducting an environmental study to address capacity issues at the airport.

Government - Rep. Lampson and Mayor White announce $20.5 million Hobby Airport grant

Religion - Reaching 101%

Gardening - Gardener's Calendar for August

Older News: July 26, 2007

University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Education graduate, Brittnie Coveney, was named Texas Directors of Field Experiences’ Student Teacher of the Year for Texas Elementary Schools. She completed her pre-service internship at Whitcomb Elementary School in Clear Lake and will teach at Falcon Pass Elementary in the fall.

UH-Clear Lake alumna honored

The Texas Directors of Field Experience selected the Elementary Student Teacher of the Year

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

July 26, 2007

University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Education alumna Brittnie Coveney was named the Texas Elementary School Student Teacher of the Year by the Texas Directors of Field Experience, an organization of professionals who coordinate and supervise the placement of student-teacher interns in school classrooms in final preparation for the teaching profession.

“ I encourage the kids to figure things out for themselves,” Coveney said of her teaching style. “My goal is to make it a game or make it fun – where they don’t realize they are accomplishing something I want them to accomplish.”

Coveney, who holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lamar University, earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from UH-Clear Lake in 2006. She performed her pre-service internship at Whitcomb Elementary School in the Clear Creek Independent School District during the 2006-07 school year, ending in May. She has recently been hired by Falcon Pass Elementary in the Clear Creek Independent School District to teach kindergarten in the fall.

The TDFE honor was awarded based on demonstrated skill in planning and presenting a lesson from start to finish. Student teachers from across the state were considered, and an award was given in both the elementary and middle school category. Judges viewed a video-taped classroom lesson to assess the candidate’s skill in engaging the students in the learning process, rousing both enthusiasm and excitement. Coveney’s session featured a second-grade science lesson identifying and understanding the parts of an egg.

“We saw smiles, laughter and learning going on at the same time,” said Harriet Sturgeon, director of the UH-Clear Lake Center for Professional Development, who was also a member of the TDFE award panel.

The award comes as no surprise to Clear Creek Independent School District Supervisor, Deani Quick, Coveney’s district supervisor at Whitcomb.
“ Her lessons always incorporate lots of hands-on, interactive activities that keep her students engaged and excited about learning,” says Quick.

Coveney will be recognized at the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education’s Fall Teacher Education Conference in El Paso, Texas in October. The award also includes an honorarium.

For more information about UH-Clear Lake’s School of Education, visit http://soe.uhcl.edu or call 281-283-3612.

Higher Education - UH-Clear Lake alumna honored

Texas Attorney General charges Mannatech with unlawful, misleading sales practices

Illegal scheme markets supplements as cure for cancer, improved health

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

July 26, 2007

DALLAS–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott July 5 charged Coppell-based Mannatech, Inc., its owner, Samuel L. Caster, and several related entities with operating an illegal marketing scheme in violation of state law. Today's enforcement action stems from a large-scale investigation by state authorities, who examined Mannatech's dubious claims about the health benefits of its products.

Documents filed in Travis County district court reveal Mannatech's scheme to exploit families, including those challenged by cancer, Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis and other serious illnesses. According to investigators, exaggerated claims about the therapeutic benefits of Mannatech's dietary supplements and nutritional products were unlawfully used to increase sales. The attorney general's enforcement action asserts that Mannatech's deceptive practices pose a health risk to seriously-ill consumers who may forgo traditional medical attention because of the company's false claims.

"Texans will not tolerate illegal marketing schemes that prey upon the sick and unsuspecting," Attorney General Abbott said. "Aided by an army of multi-level sellers and their fictitious claims about its products, Mannatech has aggressively marketed supplements to countless unwitting purchasers. With today's enforcement action, the Office of the Attorney General seeks to shut down an elaborate scheme to defraud innocent consumers across the nation."

Mannatech, a self-described "global wellness solutions provider," claims scientific validation from the field of glycoscience, which is the legitimate study of sugars, their structure and how they function. Through its multi-level marketing network, Mannatech claims that its proprietary products' main ingredients, glyconutrients, enhance the body's cell-to-cell communication and improve overall health.

Today's lawsuit charges Mannatech with encouraging their salespersons' false statements by allowing sellers to continue utilizing various sales tools, brochures, videotapes and personalized Web sites that exaggerate the supplements' effectiveness. According to investigators, the defendants encourage product user "testimonials" that tout their supplements' alleged healing effects. These exaggerated testimonials, along with misleading "before and after" photos, are displayed prominently in seminar booths, brochures, videos, sales associates' personal Web sites and training materials. Together, these marketing techniques mislead consumers into believing that the supplements dramatically cure or treat serious illnesses.

In fact, the company's health claims are not supported by legitimate scientific studies, nor are its products approved as drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The defendants are accused of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which can result in civil penalties of $20,000 per violation. In addition to DTPA violations, the attorney general, along with the Texas Department of State Health Services, also charges Mannatech with violating the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under the Act, the defendants face penalties of up to $25,000 per day, per violation.

Mannatech Inc. sells its nutritional supplements in 10 countries, including the U.S., through more than 500,000 independent sales distributors worldwide. It is traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol, "MTEX."

Consumers who encounter a business that is making false claims may file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (800) 252-8011 or online at www.oag.state.tx.us.

Government - Texas Attorney General charges Mannatech with unlawful, misleading sales practices

Texas Attorney General's Cyber Crimes Unit helps parents keep kids safe

From Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

July 26, 2007

Since 2003, the Office of the Attorney General's Cyber Crimes Unit has aggressively cracked down on sex predators who use the Internet to sexually solicit children. Cyber Crimes Unit investigators work undercover, posing as underage teenagers in Internet chat rooms and social networking Web sites. These highly skilled officers have one goal: to catch would-be sex predators before they harm a child. Within minutes of going online, undercover officers are sexually solicited by prowling adults seeking young children.

In less than four years, the Cyber Crimes Unit has arrested more than 90 predators that used the Internet to arrange a meeting where they planned to sexually assault a child. Another 63 offenders have been convicted for posting or trading online child pornography.

Many of these sex predators lurk on Web sites that are prominently used by children and teenagers. During a two-week operation in June, our law enforcement officers investigated and arrested several previously convicted sex offenders who had activated online profiles on the wildly popular social networking site, MySpace.com.

While our Cyber Crimes Unit will continue cracking down on online sex offenders, parents and guardians must help us keep their children safe.

The most important safety tip is simple: parents must be involved with their child's Internet habits. Parents should educate themselves about cyber safety and speak openly with family members about online activities. Children and teens are more likely to come to an adult that they feel is calm and comfortable discussing the subject matter. Parents can contact the Office of the Attorney General for a copy of our Cyber Safety Brochure, which offers valuable information on chat room "lingo" and provides online security tips for both children and adults.

Parents with teens who visit social networking sites should be especially cautious. Our investigators encourage parents to have the passwords necessary to regularly monitor their child's account. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, teenagers are more likely than younger children to get into trouble online. Teens are more likely to explore and reach out to strangers. Sadly, sex predators often exploit the anxiety and confusion that comes with adolescence.

Parents should keep the computer in a common room and limit the use of Web cameras. Digital images are easily captured online and are difficult, if not impossible, to retrieve once they are circulated on the Internet.

Teens and children who are approached by a stranger online should immediately inform a parent, guardian or any other trusted adult. They must not reveal personal information, including photos, video, last names or telephone numbers to strangers. Teens should never, under any circumstance, arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online.

We must speak openly with our children about making good decisions in life, including safely using the Internet to interact with others. We thank all parents and guardians for their commitment to the safety of their children and the future of Texas.

Government - Texas Attorney General's Cyber Crimes Unit helps parents keep kids safe

Gov. Perry awards almost $300 thousand to the Texas State University terrorism response program

Monies awarded for training law enforcement officers throughout the state

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

July 26, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry July 16 awarded $299,508 to the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program at Texas State University. The ALERRT program is designed to train law enforcement officers throughout the state on responding to terrorist situations.

The grant will enable coordination between Texas State University and the Texas School Safety Center in efforts to promote school safety and respond to school violence. Funds are awarded under the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Fund, and are distributed by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division.

“Giving our students the opportunity to learn and grow in a protected environment is essential to helping Texas youth achieve their potential,” Perry said. “By training local and campus law enforcement, the ALERRT program will better secure Texas schools and allow students to focus on their daily academic tasks.”

The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act supports programs dedicated to preventing and reducing violence in schools and communities as well as developing a drug-free environment for youth. These programs foster healthy and safe learning environments that support academic achievement, including alternative education programs and intervention services for children with behavior or substance abuse problems. Funds also support counseling services for children who are victims of family violence or child abuse.

Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs.

Government - Gov. Perry awards $299,508 to the Texas State University terrorism response program

Cornyn announces $182.4 million in homeland security funding for Texas

“This funding is critical to ensuring our first responders, or hometown security, have what they need to keep our communities safe,” Sen. Cornyn said.

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

July 26, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced July 18 that Texas will receive a total of $182.4 million in grant funding for homeland security and emergency preparedness needs from the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Commerce.

The state will receive $65 million to bolster first responder communication through the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Program, and a combined $58.9 million through the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP). In addition, several Texas metropolitan areas will directly receive a total of $58.5 million through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

“This funding is critical to ensuring our first responders, or hometown security, have what they need to keep our communities safe,” Sen. Cornyn said. “We must continue working together on a local, state and federal level to best equip and support those on the front lines of our security.”

Sen. Cornyn added, “Enhancing interoperable communications has consistently been one of the top priorities identified by first responders in the wake of September 11. Communication between first responder agencies and emergency management teams is essential to effective and rapid disaster response and preparedness for threats facing our state.”

Background:

$65 million -- the Public Safety Interoperable Communications Program (PSIC). These grants will help state and local first responders improve public safety communications and coordination during a natural or man-made disaster. The PSIC grant program will assist public safety agencies in the acquisition, deployment and training of interoperable communications systems to enhance the ability of first responders to communicate via voice, data and/or video signals.

$58.9 million -- the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP). SHSP grants will help in the implementation of the State Homeland Security Strategy to address the identified planning, equipment, training and exercise needs for acts of terrorism. LETPP focuses on the prevention of terrorist attacks and provides law enforcement and public safety communities with funds to support intelligence gathering and information sharing; hardening high-value targets; continuing to build interoperable communications; and collaborating with non-law enforcement partners, other government agencies and the private sector.

$58.5 million -- the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). These grants address the unique planning, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high threat, high density urban areas. Funds are provided directly to these metropolitan areas to assist them in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism.

Specific allocations for UASI grants are:

--Houston Metropolitan Area: $25 million (a 50 percent increase from last year)

--Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan Area: $21 million (a 51 percent increase from last year)

-- San Antonio Metropolitan Area: $6.7 million (a 51 percent increase from last year)

--El Paso Metropolitan Area: $5.8 million (this is the first time El Paso will receive UASI funding).

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn announces $182.4 million in homeland security funding for Texas

Religion - Formula for growth

Gardening - Prolonged rainfall leads to invasion of the mushrooms

Older News: July 19

Texas Attorney General, SEC file market manipulation and stock fraud charges against two Harris County residents

Illegal "botnets"used to cheat investors out of more than $4.6 million

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

July 19, 2007

HOUSTON–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott's Special Investigations Unit charged two Texas residents with devising an illegal high-tech scheme to defraud investors out of more than $4.6 million. Both suspects, who were indicted July 3 by a Harris County grand jury, are the subjects of an ongoing investigation by several states and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition to the state's charges, the suspects face securities fraud charges, which were filed July 9 by the SEC.

Darrel Uselton, 40, of Katy, and his uncle, Jack Uselton, 69, of Houston, face organized criminal activity and money laundering charges. According to state and federal investigators, the Useltons reaped millions in illegal profits by promoting shares from at least 13 penny stock companies. The suspects then secretly sold those stocks into an artificially active market they created with manipulative trading schemes, spam e-mail campaigns, direct mailers, and Internet-based promotional activities.

The case is being prosecuted by the Texas Attorney General's Office (OAG) and the Office of Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal with investigative assistance from the New York Attorney General's Office. OAG investigators have seized more than $4.2 million from bank accounts associated with the defendants. Darrel Uselton was arrested by OAG investigators and is currently being held in Harris County Jail in lieu of $8 million bond. An arrest warrant has been issued for Jack Uselton.

"Investors will not tolerate scam artists who use the Internet to illegally manipulate stock prices," Attorney General Abbott said. "Together with several states and the SEC, we have uncovered an elaborate scheme to defraud unwitting investors. The Office of the Attorney General will aggressively prosecute market manipulators, spammers and con artists whose illegal schemes defraud unsuspecting citizens."

SEC Chairman Christopher Cox added: "This latest step in the Commission's anti-spam initiative is intended to protect investors from fraud artists who would treat the investing public as their personal ATM machines. The use of bots to spread investment spam at exponentially higher rates is making this type of fraud an even more virulent threat to ordinary investors. Not only are victims getting hit with get-rich-quick spam, but by turning the victims' computers into zombies, these fraudsters are sending out still more spam to others. Given estimates that up to one quarter of all personal computers connected to the Internet are part of a botnet, and the thriving market in selling lists of compromised computers to hackers and spammers, the SEC is taking this very seriously. We remain aggressively committed to tracking down anyone attempting to use bots to prey on investors with false or misleading spam about securities."

The Commission's complaint, which it filed with the U.S. District Court in Houston, charges the Useltons with orchestrating a series of spam e-mail campaigns. The scheme, which relied on an array of computer "botnets," touted near-worthless penny stocks in millions of spam e-mails sent to potential investors. Those unsolicited electronic messages included baseless price projections and other unfounded claims. Each campaign, which featured a single company, lasted anywhere from several days to several weeks.

According to the SEC's complaint, the Useltons earned more than $4.6 million from their fraudulent scheme between May 2005 and December 2006. The SEC's complaint indicates the Useltons and companies they controlled received unrestricted penny stock shares despite little or no investment. Those shares were allegedly provided in return for their purported financing or promotional activities.

Darrel Uselton was disciplined by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) in 2004 and 2005. In a 2002 action that has since settled, the SEC permanently enjoined Jack Uselton from violating anti-fraud regulations.

Government - Texas Attorney General, SEC file market manipulation and stock fraud charges against two Harris County residents

Gov. Perry rolls Out Texas' bioenergy strategy

Focus on advanced technology will lead to sustainability and global solutions for growing energy needs

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

July 19, 2007

AUSTIN–Governor Rick Perry July 9 joined bioeconomy leaders to roll out Texas’ Bioenergy Strategy, highlighting the state’s achievements in creating a balanced energy portfolio through developments in bioenergy and other energy resources. The governor also awarded a $5 million Texas Emerging Technology Fund grant to Texas A&M University for research and biofuel advancements.

“As a state that grows by 1,000 new residents each day, Texas must take a more innovative approach to developing new methods and research in the field of energy,” said Perry. “By intersecting three of our state’s largest industries – energy, agriculture and petrochemicals – researchers in Texas have made tremendous progress in developing bioenergy and fuel sources from such things as plant cells, compost and fertilizers.”

In 2004, Gov. Perry spearheaded efforts to build industry clusters comprised of leaders in six industry sectors economists forecasted to be future engines of economic development in the United States. One of the sectors, energy, sparked partnerships between the private sector, academia, and the state and federal government to research bioenergy and fuel opportunities in Texas. Today, scientists have developed unique avenues through use of natural materials to create environmentally clean and efficient energy sources. Today, bioenergy and fuel products are successfully competing with traditional manufacturing processes thanks to their ability to cut costs by using natural products, while promoting a greener and more eco-sensitive business.

During the last year, the bioenergy initiative evolved into a larger project focused on the broad realm of bioproducts. Advancements in such fields as biomaterials, biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals have ignited the creation of a bioeconomy in Texas.

“In a place like Texas that not only houses unique terrains and ecosystems unlike any other the world, but also has access to ports, international borders, and other venues for trade, we have a distinct opportunity to further develop and leverage more of our state’s resources to develop a variety of bioproducts,” said Perry.

At the event, Gov. Perry awarded a $5 million Texas Emerging Technology grant to Texas A&M University to help recruit commercially-focused faculty to market innovative research for the next generation of biofuels. Texas A&M and Chevron are also partnering on research efforts to achieve accelerated harvesting of non-food crops for conversion into biofuel products.

The governor recognized the newly formed Texas Bioproducts Industry Council, which will work closely with the private and public sector to strategize the future of bioproducts in Texas. Ongoing research has the potential to promote Texas to a self-sufficient post for energy and fuel, while introducing global solutions to growing energy needs.

Government - Gov. Perry rolls Out Texas' bioenergy strategy

Cornyn: U.S. Senate confirms proven leader Pete Geren as army secretary

Texan unanimously confirmed July 13 by the Senate to serve as Secretary of Army

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

July 19, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement July 13 regarding unanimous Senate confirmation of Preston M. “Pete” Geren, of Fort Worth , to be Secretary of the Army:

“Pete Geren is uniquely qualified to serve as Secretary of the Army. He brings proven leadership to the position. Pete has played a critical role in working to improve the quality of support to our wounded service members and their families after the recent events at Walter Reed. His strong leadership at a difficult time for the Army and the nation was critical to ensuring that our military and their families receive only the best care and support for their service and sacrifice for the country. I’m confident as Secretary he will continue playing a key role in the efforts to improve the care and support members of the U.S. military need and deserve. With his experience and commitment, Pete Geren is the right leader to take charge of an organization whose men and women continue to make such tremendous sacrifices for our nation.”

Sen. Cornyn, along with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, introduced Geren at his committee confirmation hearing on June 19.

Geren, a former U.S. Representative, was nominated by President Bush to serve as Army Secretary on May 24. Geren began work at the Pentagon in 2001 and served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Acting Secretary of the Air Force, then Acting Secretary of the Army. He was in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1997, representing the 12th Congressional district. Geren is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas Law School.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn - U.S. Senate confirms proven leader Pete Geren as army secretary

Religion - Hurray for The failures!

Gardening - The colorful history of bluebonnets (First published on April 11, 2007)

Older News: July 12

Administrator recognized by association

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

July 12, 2007

HOUSTON— The National Conference of the American College Personnel Association – College Student Educators International recently recognized University of Houston-Clear Lake Associate Vice President for Student Services Darlene Biggers as the 2007 Diamond Honoree.

Biggers, who has served as the associate vice president for Student Services since 1994, was selected as an honoree because of sustained contributions to higher education and to the student affairs profession through leadership at the local, state, regional and national levels.

The association’s Standing Committee for Women also honored Biggers with its Outstanding Service Toward the Development of Women for her commitment to the professional and personal development of women.

In 2000, ACPA recognized Biggers with its Distinguished Service Award. She has been an active member of ACPA for 31 years and has held leadership roles on the Legislative Commission, Administrative Leadership Commission and the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrations.

Higher Education - Administrator recognized by association

League City Elementary Teacher honored as outstanding early childhood educator

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

July 12, 2007

LEAGUE CITY – Eileen Hult, a second grade teacher at League City Elementary, was recently presented the acclaimed Marian and Speros Martel Early Childhood Educator Award by the Children’s Museum of Houston. She received $1,000 and a one-year Children’s Museum of Houston membership.

The Martel Award is presented to an outstanding professional in the field of early childhood education. Eileen Hult’s list of credentials is long. She has a M.S. in Early Childhood and is a master reading teacher.

CCISD - League City Elementary Teacher honored as outstanding early childhood educator

Attorney General Abbott Secures Judgment to Shut Down Unlicensed Payday Lender

'Advance Internet' owner John Gill Jr. prohibited from making deceptive loans

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

July 12, 2007

EL PASO–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott secured a court judgment against Advance Internet, also known as Texas Advance Internet, an unlicensed payday lender. The court judgment prohibits the El Paso-based company from continuing its unlawful predatory lending activities.

According to court documents, Advance Internet's owner, John A. Gill Jr., used the guise of on-premises Internet access and "instant cash" to lure consumers into a payday lending scheme. Advance Internet's customers, many of whom were military families, were essentially tricked into entering into fraudulent high-interest contracts.

"Texans will not tolerate predatory schemes to defraud military families," Attorney General Abbott said. "With this judgment, these defendants are prohibited from continuing their unconscionable scheme. The Office of the Attorney General will continue to aggressively enforce the law."

In 2006, Attorney General Abbott charged the defendants with violating numerous provisions of Texas consumer finance laws, including provisions requiring lenders to obtain proper licenses before making loans. The laws also presume that usurious interest contracts like those written by Advance Internet are null and void.

The company tricked consumers into schemes with interest rates as high as 782 percent for short-term cash advance loans. The result was an unending cycle of debt for Advance Internet customers. Texas Advance Internet maintained offices in El Paso, Coryell, Bell and Bexar counties, all counties with military bases in close proximity.

Gill's Internet "rebate" program was a subterfuge used to hook consumers into debt. Customers who signed up were given an immediate $100 "rebate" that was followed by Advance Internet making monthly withdrawals from consumers' bank accounts. These withdrawals continued until the amount, further burdened by exorbitant interest, was repaid. Consumers who elected to pay off the "rebate" early were told they would be assessed a "termination fee" equal to the original amount of the rebate.

Consumers who believe they have been targeted by a deceptive lender may file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, toll-free, at (800) 252-8011 or access the agency's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us .

Government - Attorney General Abbott Secures Judgment to Shut Down Unlicensed Payday Lender

Gov. Perry signs legislation ordering state divestment in Sudan

Texas refuses to support brutal treatment of the people of Darfur by the Sudanese government

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

July 12, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry today signed Senate Bill 247, which directs the state Employees Retirement System (ERS) and Teachers Retirement System (TRS) to divest financial holdings in companies doing business in Sudan.

“As one of the richest nations in the world, our country holds both tremendous power and great influence,” said Perry. “The brutal attacks on the people of Darfur are sickening. And what is worse, they are coming from the very body that should be protecting them: the Sudanese government.

“I am proud that lawmakers joined me in demanding resources be pulled from this country of carnage. Texas is setting an example for the rest of the nation – and the world – that these unconscionable acts will not be tolerated or supported.”

The Sudanese government is responsible for mass genocide and other inhumane attacks on their people. June 21, 17 states, including Texas, have adopted divestment policies. SB 247 specifically directs divestment of funds that have a direct relation to the atrocities taking place in Sudan. The Comptroller’s Office will compile and publish a list of prohibited companies and update on a quarterly basis. ERS and TRS will give written notice to companies recognized as actively participating or linked to genocide, and provide a timeline for companies to discontinue business with Sudan.

SB 247 takes effect January 1, 2008.

For more information regarding legislative action taken by Gov. Perry, please visit
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/bills/.

Government - Gov. Perry signs legislation ordering state divestment in Sudan

Cornyn introduces bill to hold federal agencies, programs accountable

Creates federal sunset commission, based on Texas model, to evaluate how to save taxpayers’ dollars

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

July 12, 2007

WASHINGTON—In an effort to establish greater accountability for government programs and agencies, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Budget Committee, has introduced legislation to create a federal “sunset” commission to evaluate all unauthorized, expired federal agencies and programs the government continues to fund. The United States Authorization and Sunset Commission Act of 2007, S. 1731, would require the commission to then make recommendations to Congress. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.

“ Most federal programs are authorized by Congress only for a certain number of years, but unfortunately, many accounts are funded year after year because there are small, but vocal, interest groups backing them—and no effective Congressional oversight to determine when ideas have run their course,” Sen. Cornyn said. “This legislation is an important step toward getting our fiscal house in order and making sure Congress gets back to the hard work of oversight to determine if programs actually fulfill their stated purpose or yield some unintended or counterproductive results.”

The legislation is modeled after the sunset process that Texas instituted in 1977 to identify and eliminate waste, duplication and inefficiency in government agencies. This process has led to the elimination of dozens of agencies that have outlived their usefulness and has saved Texas taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Approximately half of the states use a similar process.

“Periodic assessments are essential to good government and this is what the Commission will provide to Congress and to taxpayers across the country. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important legislation,” Sen. Cornyn added.

The United States Authorization and Sunset Commission Act of 2007 would:

Create an eight member bipartisan Commission, made up of four Senators and four Representatives, that will look at the effectiveness and efficiency of federal programs and agencies.

Establish 10 criteria for the Commission to use in developing its schedule and review proposal and its recommendations to Congress on whether agencies and programs should be abolished, streamlined, consolidated or reauthorized with recommendations for improvements.

Require the Commission to submit a legislative proposal to Congress at least once every 10 years that includes a review schedule of at least 25 percent of unauthorized federal agencies or programs and at least 25 percent of ineffective federal programs or where effectiveness cannot be shown by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART).

Call on the Commission to review each of the federal programs and agencies identified in the Schedule and Review proposal. The Commission will provide its findings and submit a legislative proposal necessary to implement their recommendations to Congress and the President every other year. Congress will have two years to consider and pass the Commission’s recommendations or to reauthorize the program or agency before it is abolished.

– History of Sen. Cornyn’s efforts to protect taxpayers’ dollars and ensure fiscal responsibility –

Permanent Sales Tax Deduction Bill

Sen. Cornyn is an original co-sponsor of the Permanent Sales Tax Deduction bill, S. 180. This deduction levels the playing field for Texans and annually provides $1 billion in tax relief.

Amendment to slow future income tax rate increases

While the Senate was considering the budget for fiscal year 2008, Sen. Cornyn authored an amendment that would create a point of order against raising income taxes by requiring a super-majority of the Senate, or 60 votes, to pass any legislation that increases income tax rates on the American people. He fought to include his bipartisan amendment in the 2008 budget. The Senate passed his amendment by a vote of 63-35, but Democrats stripped it out in the conference on the budget with the House of Representatives—despite unanimous passage of a measure instructing the Senate’s negotiators to include it in the final budget.

Stop Over-Spending Act of 2007

In May, Sen. Cornyn joined several of his colleagues in introducing legislation to control federal spending, reduce the deficit and curb runaway entitlement spending. The Stop Over-Spending (S.O.S.) Act of 2007 would require Congress to reduce the growth of “mandatory,” or entitlement spending, if deficit targets are not met. It would also institute automatic across-the-board reductions in discretionary spending if Congress can’t meet established spending caps. Also included in the comprehensive package is Sen. Cornyn’s 60-vote point of order against legislation that increases income taxes.

Amendment to reform entitlement spending

In March, Sen. Cornyn introduced an amendment that would reform runaway entitlement spending and save taxpayers $34 billion over the next five years by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in government programs.

Fair Tax Act

Sen. Cornyn supports the Fair Tax Act, which would replace income, capital gains, payroll, estate, gift, corporate and self-employment taxes with a national retail sales tax. The IRS would also be significantly downsized and reformed.

--Additional information--

Questions and Answers on the Authorization and Sunset Commission Act:

http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/index.asp?f=page&pid=338 .

Sen. Cornyn’s statement for the Senate Record on the Authorization and Sunset Commission Act:

http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/index.asp?f=record&rid=237510

Sen. Cornyn Column: Let Some Government Programs Ride into Sunset

http://cornyn.senate.gov/index.asp?f=page&pid=324&lid=1 .

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn introduces bill to hold federal agencies, programs accountable

Gardening - Garden checklist for July

“Bonsai for Beginners” Seminar

DATE: Saturday, July 14, 2007

TIME: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

PLACE: Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3, Dickinson

EVENTS: Master Gardener Clyde Holt will introduce the novice to the art of bonsai. Topics include plant selections, growing and training bonsai plants and general care of bonsai plants. Demonstrations provided on potting mixes, potting procedure and pruning techniques. Variety of established bonsai plants available for viewing.

No fee, but pre-registration is required (phone 281-534-3413, ext. 1,2 or e-mail GALV3@wt.net) as seating is limited.

More

Gardening - Bonsai, An Ancient Art

Religion - Pondering the Fourth of July

Older News: June 30, 2007

What can be done about the high cost of gasoline?
Part II: Federal Trade Commission — Gas saving tips from the Environmental Protection Association

June 30, 2007

There are numerous no- or low-cost steps you can take to combat rising gas prices. The most important place to start is at the gas pump; buy only the octane level gas you need. All gas pumps must post the octane rating of the gas under the FTC's Fuel Rating Rule. Remember, the higher the octane, the higher the price. Check your owner's manual to determine the right octane level for your car.

Here are some additional tips from the EPA to help you get better gas mileage.

Drive more efficiently

• Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph), rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel consumption by another 25 percent.

• Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. Your car's engine speed decreases when you use overdrive. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear.

• Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.

• Anticipate driving situations. If you anticipate traffic conditions and don't tailgate, you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. In city driving, nearly 50 percent of the energy needed to power your car goes to acceleration. Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes. "Jack-rabbit" starts and sudden stops are wasteful.

• Avoid unnecessary idling. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. No matter how efficient your car is, unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air.

• Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.

• Remove excess weight from the trunk. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by one to two percent.

Maintain your car

• Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent depending on a car's condition. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual; you'll save fuel and your car will run better and last longer.

• Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Car manufacturers must place a label in the car stating the correct tire pressure. The label usually is on the edge of the door or door jamb, in the glove box, or on the inside of the gas cap cover. If the label lists a psi (pounds per square inch) range, use the higher number to maximize your fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by six percent.

• Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. Change your oil as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

• Check and replace air filters regularly. Your car's air filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine components. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter improve your fuel economy, it also will protect your engine. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.

FTC brochure - Gas-Saving" Products: Fact or Fuelishness?

Westbrook Intermediate student excels at National Spelling Bee

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

June 28, 2007

LEAGUE CITY – Brian Ajieren, a 7th grade student at Westbrook Intermediate, took center stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The 13-year old, along with 286 other competitors, vied for the coveted title Live on ESPN.

In the end, Brian Ajieren made it through the first round. He received a commemorative watch; the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, which consists of a $100.00 U.S. Savings bond; Webster’s Third New International Dictionary; a $20 gift certificate from Franklin Electronic Publishers; and an iQuest handheld.

CCISD - Westbrook Intermediate student excels at National Spelling Bee

University of Houston-Clear Lake Professor of Fine Arts Sandria Hu will display 37 pieces of her art at the Galveston Arts Center, 2127 Strand, Galveston, June 9 – July 8. “Fragments,” works in oil, mixed media and silk screen, includes “Budapest 5” (45.5 in. x 39 in.), a piece created in late 2006 while Hu served as a visiting artist in Budapest, Hungary.

Area arts center exhibits UH-Clear Lake prof’s work

Some of the artwork was done while Hu was a visiting artist in Europe

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

June 28, 2007

HOUSTON— Galveston Arts Center highlights the work of University of Houston-Clear Lake Professor of Fine Arts Sandria Hu June 9 – July 8. “Fragments” includes works in oil, mixed media and silk screen that includes pieces created by Hu.

“I’ll be exhibiting both old and new work,” explains Hu. “I feel honored that Clint (Willour) has given me this opportunity.”

Among the works are those Hu created at Crater Lake National Park as well as some that she painted internationally while serving as a visiting artist in Slovakia and Hungary . Approximately 10 of the pieces were created in December 2006 and January 2007 while Hu was in Budapest.

“Sandria had a one-person exhibition here at the Galveston Arts Center in 1991, and I felt it was time to exhibit a survey of her most recent work,” explains Galveston Arts Center curator Clint Willour. “I knew that the El Paso Museum of Art was planning an exhibition of her Clay and Ash series, and I wanted to take advantage of that and expand on it with works on paper and her work from Budapest. The result is an exhibition that covers 2001 to 2007 and includes 37 works.”

Hours for the Galveston Arts Center , 2127 Strand, Galveston , are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 pm, Sunday.

Higher Education - Area arts center exhibits UH-Clear Lake prof’s work

Brown County grand jury indicts Texas Youth Commission Officer, inmate for drug possession

Henry Ruben Firth, Jr., Daniel Ochoa, Jr. indicted, arrested for marijuana possession

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

June 28, 2007

BROWNWOOD–A Texas Youth Commission officer and an inmate were indicted June 7 for possessing drugs at the Ron Jackson Juvenile Correctional Facility. Juvenile correctional officer Henry Ruben Firth, Jr., 29, and inmate Daniel Ochoa, Jr., 20, each face one count of possessing a prohibited substance in a correctional facility, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison.

Law enforcement officers with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) arrested Ochoa at the facility and transported him to the Brown County Jail, where bond was set at $10,000. OAG officers arrested Firth in Bedford. He was transferred to Tarrant County Jail, where he is being held in lieu of $15,000 bond. Both defendants will be prosecuted by the Brown County District Attorney's Office.

"With these indictments, Texans can rest assured that state and local officials are aggressively pursuing allegations of wrongdoing at Texas Youth Commission facilities across the state," Attorney General Abbott said. "We are grateful to Brown County District Attorney Michael Brandon Murray, TYC Conservator Jay Kimbrough, and the grand jury for their diligent attention to this matter. Together, we will ensure that order and justice will pervade at these facilities."

In March, Texas Youth Commission staff discovered marijuana in Ochoa's possession. According to the indictment, Firth provided the illegal substance to the youth.

The OAG's Special Investigations Unit continues to work with other law enforcement agencies to monitor allegations of wrongdoing at Texas Youth Commission facilities. The OAG's participation in the joint effort stems from a March 2007 executive order, which provided for a collaborative effort with the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice to provide assistance and support. This case was investigated by the OAG as part of that ongoing effort.

Government - Brown County grand jury indicts Texas Youth Commission Officer and inmate for drug possession

Governor and Mrs. Perry to Visit Israel, Jordan

Governor to receive "Friend of Zion Award"

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

June 28, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry and First Lady Anita Perry June 22 left on a seven-day trip to visit the Middle East nations of Israel and Jordan. In Israel, Gov. Perry will receive the “Friend of Zion Award” from the Global Leadership Council for his leadership in homeland defense, border security and economic development. The award, which is given to “leaders who have played key roles in promoting the close alliance between America and the Jewish state,” will be presented during a ceremony in Jerusalem at the historic Western Wall Square.

Past recipients of this distinguished award include former Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson, Senator Evan Bayh, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senator John Kerry, and former Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick.

Perry is also scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and former Prime Minister and newly elected President Shimon Peres. In addition, he will meet with the Israeli Chief Scientist, Dr. Eli Opper, and several representatives of the aeronautics, defense systems, homeland security and biotechnology industries.

“America has a special relationship with Israel, and in the midst of turmoil and bloodshed, America must remain an unwavering supporter of a strong Jewish state in the Middle East,” said Gov. Perry. “Though the task is extremely difficult, our nation must be a consistent voice for a new era of peace and security between Israel and its Arab neighbors.”

“I believe Texans share a special kinship with the Israeli people,” he added. “We are both independent-minded and self-reliant, and our history is grounded in strong stands against impossible odds.”

The Perrys will visit several historic sites while in Israel, including Mea Shearim, Nachlat Shiva and Ein Karem, the home town of John the Baptist. They will also visit the Red Sea, the Dead Sea and take a tour of Masada. For less than a day they will also cross into Jordan and visit the City of Petra.

They depart this afternoon, June 22, and return on Friday, June 29. All expenses will be paid by Global Capital Associates, which is hosting the gala awards ceremony where Gov. Perry will be recognized.

Government - Governor and Mrs. Perry to Visit Israel, Jordan

Cornyn: Texan Pete Geren uniquely qualified for Army Secretary

‘He’s a proven leader, and the Army needs his depth, his experience and his commitment’

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

June 28, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced Preston M. “Pete” Geren of Fort Worth June 19 at his hearing to be Secretary of the Army.

“Geren played a critical role in working to improve the quality of support to our wounded service members and their families after the recent events at Walter Reed,” Sen. Cornyn said at the hearing. “His strong leadership at a difficult time for the Army and the nation was critical to ensuring that our military and their families receive only the best care and support for their service and sacrifice for the country.”

Geren, a former U.S. Representative, was nominated by President Bush on May 24. He currently serves as Acting Secretary of the Army.

Below are Sen. Cornyn’s remarks as delivered at the hearing:

“I can’t help but remember the statement of Bob Bullock, whose name Pete will recognize, former lieutenant governor, longtime political figure in Texas, who I heard one time say, ‘There are two types of people in public life: there are those who want to be somebody and those who want to do something.’ And Pete’s of the latter variety. He’s somebody who has continued to lead the United States Army and serve so ably in the Department of Defense and has done a superb job serving our nation since he arrived at the Department of Defense in 2001.

“As Sen. Hutchison noted, he is uniquely qualified as a former member of Congress—with four terms in the House and time on the House Armed Services Committee—but if confirmed, this will be Pete’s fourth major position within the Department of Defense. I don’t know too many civilian leaders that have lead two different services as Pete has done as acting Secretary of the Air Force and of the Army.

“It’s good to see his family here with him. One of the things that’s impressed me about Pete’s service with the Department of Defense is his commitment to supporting our service men and women—and particularly, as a former Air Force brat myself, military families.

“Pete, as we all know, played a critical role in working to improve the quality of support to our wounded service members and their families after the recent events at Walter Reed. And his strong leadership at a difficult time for the Army and the nation was critical to ensuring that our military and their families receive only the best care and support for their service and sacrifice for the country.

“Mr. Chairman, this committee has seen over the past six years a strong, committed yet caring and compassionate leader in Pete Geren in his various roles within the Department of Defense. In particular, with the recent events at Walter Reed highlighting the challenges and providing the best health care in transitional services to our wounded warriors, we’ve seen that Pete Geren is a uniquely qualified leader to solve the most complex challenges within the Army.

“And I strongly recommend to the committee that they support this nomination by the President of Pete Geren to serve as Secretary of the Army. He’s a proven leader and the Army needs his depth, his experience and his commitment. I’m proud to support this nomination on behalf of someone who exemplifies the spirit of selfless service to the nation. Thank you very much.”

Geren came to the Pentagon in 2001 and served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Acting Secretary of the Air Force and Acting Secretary of the Army. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1989 to 1997, representing the 12th Congressional district.

Geren is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas Law School.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn - Texan Pete Geren uniquely qualified for Army Secretary

Lampson Hosts Events in Congressional District 22 During First Week of July

Community events include a town hall meeting and 'Congress at Your Corner.'

From the Office of Congressman Nick Lampson

June 28, 2007

STAFFORD—Please join Congressman Nick Lampson during the first week of July at the following community events, including a town hall meeting and "Congress at Your Corner." Come talk with Congressman Lampson about the important issues that affect you and your family. Please post these events on your publication's community calendar.

Monday, July 2, 2007

4:30 p.m. - Congressman Lampson Hosts "Congress at Your Corner" in Pasadena
5:30 p.m. Location: Pasadena Public Library, Fairmont Branch, 4330 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas
Bringing constituent services straight to the community, Congressman Lampson hosts "Congress on Your Corner." The program takes Congressman Lampson's office into the communities he serves to hear directly from constituents on issues and concerns.

For more information please call 281-461-6300.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

12:00 p.m. - "Trading Places"

1:00 p.m. Location: Ben & Jerry's, 16155 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas
Congressman Lampson will work alongside citizens to learn more about the issues facing local businesses and their employees in the 22nd Congressional District.

For more information please call 281-240-3700.

4:30 p.m. - Congressman Lampson Hosts Neighborhood Office Hours

5:30 p.m. Location: Richmond City Hall, 600 Morton, Richmond, Texas
Can't make it to Congressman Lampson's office? Now, his office comes to your neighborhood.

Please join Congressman Lampson and his staff as they host neighborhood office hours in Richmond to meet with constituents to discuss the important issues. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For more information or to RSVP please call 281-240-3700.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

6:30 p.m. - Congressman Lampson Hosts a Town Hall Meeting in Pearland

8:00 p.m. Location: Pearland City Hall, 3519 Liberty Drive, Pearland, Texas
Congressman Lampson will host a Town Hall meeting with a panel of local experts entitled "Keeping our Children Safe." He will present an update on child safety legislation, including the SAFE Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Lampson to protect children from online predators and the "Bringing Our Children Home Act," a bill that provides law enforcement officials with effective tools to investigate and prosecute child abduction cases.

For more information or to RSVP please call 281-240-3700.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

11:30 a.m. - Congressman Lampson Hosts "Congress at Your Corner" in Houston.

12:30 p.m. Location: Almeda Mall, 555 Almeda Road, Houston, Texas
Bringing constituent services straight to the community, Congressman Lampson hosts "Congress on Your Corner." The program takes Congressman Lampson's office into the communities he serves to hear directly from constituents on issues and concerns.

For more information please call 281-461-6300.

4:30 p.m. - Congressman Lampson Hosts Neighborhood Office Hours

5:30 p.m. Can't make it to Congressman Lampson's office? Now his office comes to your neighborhood.

Please join Congressman Lampson and his staff as they host neighborhood office hours in the Clear Lake area to meet with constituents. All area residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Location: Frenchie's Italian Restaurant, 1040 NASA Road 1, Houston, Texas
For more information or to RSVP please call 281-461-6300.

Government - Lampson Hosts Events in Congressional District 22 During First Week of July

Galveston County Extension Office announces

Saturday, June 30,
from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Seminar on Snake Sense

Photo credit - Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

Mr. Tom Wilks will present a seminar on Snake Sense on Saturday, June 30, from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the Galveston County Extension Office located at 5115 Highway 3 in Dickinson. No fee, but pre-registration is required due to space limitations (phone 281-534-3413, ext 1-2 or e-mail GALV3@wt.net).

Gardening - Unusual insect may become unwelcome guest in the home

Religion - A moment of silence?

Older News: June 25, 2007

Kids learn to become world explorers

Students will explore history, family history and community issues

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

June 25, 2007

HOUSTON— University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Kids U World Explorers Camp offers first- through fifth-grade students a chance to learn more about American history, community involvement and their own family history.

The camp kicks-off June 25-28 with the “History’s Mysteries” course for first- through second-graders. In the program, participants will explore famous American heroes and the elements of good citizenship. Campers will discover what makes a great heroes and their impact on society.

“Lemon-Aid Stand” will also be offered June 25-28. Teams of student will create lemonade stands to examine the relationship between businesses and the local community.

July 9-12 the Kids U camp features “Oral Histories through PhotoStory” for third- through fifth-graders. In this camp session, participants learn how to use digital photography to tell and record family stories in a digital format that allows narration and music.

“CSI: Citizens Should Investigate!” allows third- through fifth-grade students to look at common neighborhood issues and how to use your voice to make a difference, July 9-12.

Classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. or noon – 3 p.m., depending on the course, in the university’s Student Services and Classroom Building . Course fees are $129.

For more information or to register, call Kids U, 281-283- 3530 or visit http://kidsu.uhcl.edu.

Higher Education - Kids learn to become world explorers

School District teacher receives public service award from NASA

Awarded for dedication to students, science, and animals

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

June 25, 2007

LEAGUE CITY – Cindy Schnuriger, the lead agriculture science instructor and program manager of the Center for Agriculture, Science, and Engineering (CASE), received NASA’s Exceptional Public Service Medal recently for her tireless energy and countless hours dedicated to an innovative partnership between NASA and CCISD. This partnership provides students the opportunity to breed and raise longhorn on Johnson Space Center property, enroll in specialized courses such as genetics, and be mentored by NASA staff.

“It was an extreme honor to be listed among leaders from the University of Texas, Barrios Technology, and Lockheed Martin,” said Schnuriger. “Also, to have Robert Cabana and Michael Coats present the award to me was simply awesome.”

In 1996, NASA initiated the Longhorn Project where the space agency donated a 60-acre tract of land for CCISD to use for educational purposes and Texas longhorn breeders donated animals for the students to raise and breed. Since the program inception and under Schnuriger’s leadership, the project has grown into an entire program dedicated to agriculture, science, and engineering.

“We are very fortunate to have Cindy spearheading this important effort,” said Nancy Mallini, CCISD Director of Career and Technology. “Under her management, we now offer a multitude of academic experiences for all grade levels. In fact, beginning this fall CCISD will offer the first vet-tech certification.”

CCISD - School District teacher receives public service award from NASA

Texas Attorney General: First-In-The-Nation crackdown on sex offenders using MySpace.com yields multiple arrests

Abbott’s Cyber Crimes, Fugitive Units arrest seven convicted sex offenders with Myspace.com profiles

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

June 25, 2007

HOUSTON–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today revealed the results of the nation’s first large-scale crackdown on registered sex offenders using the popular social networking site, MySpace.com. In a two-week operation, officers with the Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes and Fugitive Units investigated and arrested seven previously convicted sex offenders with online profiles after MySpace.com released offenders’ subscriber information at the demand of attorneys general across the country.

“Texans will not tolerate criminals who prey on our children,” Attorney General Abbott said. “These convicted sex predators established online identities on a Web site that is popular with teenagers and children. The Cyber Crimes Unit will continue its aggressive crackdown on sex predators who threaten our kids.”

Attorney General Abbott added: “By providing law enforcement with this critical user profile information, MySpace.com has taken an important first step towards a safer Internet. We urge all social networking sites to do whatever is necessary to protect children from Internet predators.”

The Office of the Attorney General Arrested six previously convicted sex offenders who activated MySpace.com accounts in violation of parole or probation requirements that specifically prohibit them from using the Internet:

Other MySpace arrests of parole or probation violators

• Scott Peter Hansen, 44, arrested in Glenn Heights, Texas; convicted in Dallas County in 1983 of aggravated sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman; and
  
  
• Jason Labronte Carr, 31, arrested in Austin; convicted in Hays County in 1998 of sexual assault of a child. His victim was a 13-year-old girl.

In May, the Texas Attorney General issued a subpoena to MySpace.com that forced the network to release subscriber information of all registered sex offenders who established online member profiles. MySpace.com provided Attorney General Abbott with data from Sentinel Safe, a database of information on registered sex offenders that the network compiled to verify the identities of their users.

Attorney General Abbott has repeatedly pressed MySpace.com and other social networking sites to implement definitive safety measures to protect their young users from sexually explicit images and unwanted sexual advances. Since the push from Attorney General Abbott and other attorneys general, MySpace.com has taken steps to improve safety on its site, including screening profiles for inappropriate content and making certain profiles private.

Since taking office, Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2003, he created the Cyber Crimes Unit, which protects children from online sexual exploitation. The Cyber Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Unit, which locates sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children, have combined to arrest almost 600 sex offenders. Cyber Crimes Unit investigators also have traveled to schools and communities statewide to offer educational cyber safety programs.

In May 2006, Attorney General Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit was awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention to establish an ICAC Task Force. The Texas Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force is one of almost 50 federally funded task forces across the country dedicated to this project.

To find out more about Attorney General Abbott’s efforts to crack down on sex predators, visit the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011.

Government - Texas Attorney General: First-In-The-Nation crackdown on sex offenders using MySpace.com yields multiple arrests

Gov. Perry joins HHS Secretary Leavitt to sign landmark Medicaid reform

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

June 25, 2007

FORT WORTH–Gov. Rick Perry was joined June 14 by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt to sign SB 10 into law, reforming the state’s Medicaid program which serves more than 2.7 million vulnerable, disabled and elderly Texans. The bill also creates a health opportunity pool, which will fund a premium assistance program to help uninsured working Texans who are not eligible for Medicaid buy private insurance.

“By optimizing available funding for health services, expanding consumer choices, encouraging personal responsibility for Medicaid recipients, and providing new sources of financing for private insurance, we are taking a historic step toward a better, more accessible healthcare system,” said Perry.

June 14, Texas’ Medicaid program costs $39.5 billion, accounting for 26 percent of the state’s biennial budget. By instituting a more flexible, innovative methodology to provide health care to underprivileged Texans, the state will be able to serve individuals better and more cost effectively.

Medicaid reform is designed to increase the percentage of Texans with health care coverage, focus on prevention, and emphasize consumer choice in health services. Reform efforts will transform the state’s health care infrastructure, optimize health investments, and provide health coverage to an estimated 200,000 uninsured Texans.

Additionally, Medicaid reform will do the following:

• Provide assistance for enrollment in private insurance and employer-sponsored plans
  
• Create tailored benefit packages for children with special health care needs
  
• Promote consumer choice through health savings accounts and consumer directed services
  
• Reward healthy lifestyle behaviors with health care incentives
  
• Set a cost-sharing base for non-emergency use of emergency rooms

In addition to Medicaid reform, SB 10 also requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to develop a pilot project, which will provide incentives to primary care physicians serving Medicaid recipients who utilize health information technology, including electronic health records. Electronic medical records will help to ensure recipients receive appropriate medical care.

“It is not the end-all, be-all in a state with unique healthcare challenges, including more than 5 million uninsured, many of whom have immigrated here from poor conditions. But this plan is a good start at solving the problem working Texans who make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to affordably purchase health insurance coverage,” said Perry.

HHSC will immediately begin work to prepare and submit a Medicaid waiver request by this fall to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

SB 10 takes effect September 1, 2007.

Government - Gov. Perry joins HHS Secretary Leavitt to sign landmark Medicaid reform

Cornyn-backed Civil Rights Bill approved by Senate Judiciary Committee

Bipartisan legislation advances to create federal offices to reopen criminal cases prior to 1970, bring criminals to justice

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

June 25, 2007

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to allow the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to reopen Civil Rights-era criminal cases prior to 1970. The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, S. 535, approved on June 14, now advances to the full Senate for consideration.

“It is my hope that by demonstrating a commitment to solving these despicable crimes, Congress can advance the cause of justice for all Americans,” Sen. Cornyn said. “I’m encouraged this legislation has passed the Judiciary Committee and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important effort.”

The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act establishes an Unsolved Crimes Section in the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ and an Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Investigative Office in the Civil Rights Unit of the FBI. Both offices will be responsible for investigating unsolved criminal civil rights cases, prior to January 1, 1970, that resulted in death. It will strengthen cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Additionally, the bill authorizes $11.5 million in annual appropriations to fund these new services.

The legislation was named after teenager Emmett Till who was murdered and mutilated in Money, Mississippi in 1955. In many states, there are still unsolved Civil Rights crimes. The bill was introduced by U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and has 14 co-sponsors.

Sen. Cornyn co-sponsored similar legislation, the Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, during the 109th Congress.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn-backed Civil Rights Bill approved by Senate Judiciary Committee

Gardening - Agapanthus adds eye-catching color to the landscape

Religion - The church

Older News: June 15 and June 18

Clear Springs High School hosts open school tour

Public invited.

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

June 18, 2007

LEAGUE CITY – Clear Creek Independent School District is proud to open the doors of the district’s new high school to the public on June 23, 2007 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Clear Springs faculty, staff and PTA is hosting the Open School Tour for parents, community members and media to get a first-hand look at this state-of-the-art campus.

Refreshments and door prizes will be provided by the PTA. All monies raised will benefit the start-up of various clubs at Clear Springs High School. Clear Springs High School is located on Palomino Lane in League City, Texas.

CCISD - Clear Springs High School hosts open school tour

Gov. Perry signs School Seatbelt legislation

Lap-shoulder or "Three point" seat belts must be present in all school buses purchased by a school district after September 1, 2010

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

June 15, 2007

AUSTIN–Governor Rick Perry June 8 signed into law House Bill 323, requiring school buses to have lap-shoulder, or "three-point," seat belts in each seat for the safety of students. The governor was joined by state lawmakers and families of the students involved in the West Brook High School bus crash in 2006.

"This legislation will not only save lives, it will give parents peace of mind every morning their children leave their home for school and climb aboard a school bus," said Perry. "Putting seat belts on school buses will give parents greater assurance that their precious children will be safer when they are out of their sight and not under their control."

In March 2006, a school bus transporting the West Brook High School girl's soccer team and coaches crashed and rolled over, killing two girls and injuring many more. Fatal bus accidents involving students have made national news since the 2006 tragedy, most recently involving a boy's baseball team traveling through Atlanta, Georgia.

HB 323 aims to prevent injuries by requiring school buses or buses chartered by schools to be equipped with a "three-point" seat belt. The bill includes provisions stating:

• "Three point" seat belts must be present in all school buses purchased by a school district after September 1, 2010. Charter buses used by school districts to transport students must be equipped with seat belts beginning September 1, 2011.
  
• The State Board of Education (SBOE) must develop a training program for all districts regarding proper use of the "three-point" seat belts. The SBOE will also serve as a statewide clearinghouse for best practices in school bus safety.
  
• Seat belts must be worn by students and the bus driver when present on bus transporting students effective immediately.

The Austin and Beaumont Independent School Districts have already adopted the practice of using school buses equipped with seat belts, taking positive steps toward ensuring the safety of their students.

HB 323 takes effect September 1, 2007.

Government - Gov. Perry signs School Seatbelt legislation

UH-Clear Lake geography education students will collect data for a virtual field trip of Texas by interviewing residents and capturing Texas with photos and videos during a 14 day tour of the state. Pictured are (kneeling, left to right) Audra Caudel, Leila Abraham, Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education Susan McCormack; (back, left to right) Assistant Professor of Geography Jeff Lash, Tina Stokes, Brian Aiken, Sophie Baker, Mike Hopkins, Victoria Abrego, Rose Pettijohn, Talia Peschka and Renee Rohlfs .

UH-Clear Lake students get ready to capture the geography of Texas in video and photographs

Students to collect data for a Web site: “Geography of Texas Virtual Field Trip”

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

June 15, 2007

HOUSTON— University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Education geography students pose before embarking on a 14-day field trip around Texas funded in part by the National Geographic Society Education Foundation. The students will capture images, create videos and conduct interviews with local citizens as they collect data to populate the “Geography of Texas Virtual Field Trip,” a Web site envisioned to become a one-stop Texas geography resource for students, teachers and the public.

Higher Education - UH-Clear Lake students get ready to capture the geography of Texas in video and photographs

Attorney General Abbott seeks relief for businesses plagued by debt collector

IFC Credit Corp. attempted to collect debts incurred under false pretenses
- The June 6 action accuses IFC of failing to exercise caution before acquiring the indebted customers’ accounts, and of knowing NorVergence customers were tricked into the transaction with the false promise of low-cost services.

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

June 15, 2007

AUSTIN–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott June 6 asked a Harris County District Court to prevent IFC Credit Corp., an Illinois finance company, from attempting to recover fraudulently incurred debts from Texas small businesses and nonprofits for telecommunications services. According to court documents filed by the Attorney General and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, IFC attempted to collect on debts it purchased from NorVergence Inc., a now-bankrupt company that defrauded small business owners.

NorVergence marketed fixed-price, low-cost telecommunications services to business owners. However, NorVergence customers did not realize they were actually signing five-year “rental agreements” for equipment that was essentially useless without the promised services. Since purchasing these accounts, IFC has aggressively attempted to collect debts that it knew resulted from contracts designed to deceive business owners.

“Small businesses are critical to the success of Texas’ economy,” said Attorney General Abbott. “The Office of Attorney General is committed to protecting small business owners from fraudulent schemes and unlawful debt collection practices. Texans can rest assured we will aggressively protect NorVergence victims from continued suffering because of this illegal, fraudulent scheme.”

Prior to its bankruptcy, NorVergence sold $21 million worth of accounts to IFC at a discount. NorVergence used the proceeds from the sale to pay for additional worthless products that it marketed to small businesses. The June 6 action accuses IFC of failing to exercise caution before acquiring the indebted customers’ accounts, and of knowing NorVergence customers were tricked into the transaction with the false promise of low-cost services.

In 2004 the Attorney General took legal action against NorVergence for misleading hundreds of small businesses into signing five-year rental agreements for what amounted to worthless equipment and service. NorVergence falsely claimed it would drastically reduce telecommunications costs with its services.

The rental agreements ranged in value from $4,400 to almost $161,000.

The Attorney General’s petition against IFC seeks the dissolution of debts incurred by fraudulent means and the cancellation of wrongful contracts.

Attorney General Abbott has also asked the court to void lawsuits IFC has filed against debtors since 2004, given that the company misled business owners into thinking they had no defenses in debt collection cases and that the debts were enforceable.

Government - Attorney General Abbott seeks relief for businesses plagued by debt collector

Cornyn succeeds in doubling funding for local law enforcement in Immigration Bill

$100 million will help local law enforcement secure our borders and protect our citizens, Cornyn says.

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

June 15, 2007

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate June 4 unanimously approved an amendment by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, top Republican on the Immigration and Border Security subcommittee, to double the amount of funding for local law enforcement officials for immigration enforcement efforts. Approval of the amendment to the pending immigration reform bill comes as the Senate resumes consideration of the issue this week.

“The funding level set initially in this measure was a good start, but the federal government can and should do more. For far too long, local law enforcement and taxpayers along the border have been forced to bear the costs of our broken immigration system. It’s time for the federal government to own up to its responsibilities,” U.S. Sen. Cornyn said. “Under this new funding program, the men and women on the front lines will be given the necessary support to do their jobs and ensure local communities don’t have to foot the bill. I’m grateful for the support my amendment received this evening by my colleagues in the Senate.”

This funding reimburses border law enforcement officials who participate in immigration training programs to identify, process and detain immigration offenders. Sen. Cornyn’s amendment doubles the amount of funding authorized in the bill from $50 million to $100 million for the Border Relief Grant Program.

The pending immigration bill currently includes the following:

$50 million/year (FY 2008-2012) for law enforcement grants (equipment; personnel; technology; operational costs).

Preference for communities within 100 miles of border and population under 50,000.

2/3 of funds set aside for 6 states with largest number of illegal alien apprehensions (4 of 6 are the states along the U.S.-Mexico border, including Texas ); 1/3 for areas designated as “High Impact Areas” by Secretary of Homeland Security.

Sen. Cornyn’s amendment would do the following:

Double the grant funding from $50 to $100 million.

These funds can be used:

1. To obtain equipment;
2. To hire additional personnel;
3. To upgrade and maintain law enforcement technology; and
4. To cover operational costs, including overtime and transportation costs.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn succeeds in doubling funding for local law enforcement in Immigration Bill

Gardening - June proclaimed Master Gardener Appreciation Month

Religion - The Role of a Father

Older News: June 11, 2007

Attorney General's settlement with ChoicePoint protects consumers' private information

Identity theft victims can seek reimbursement for security breach losses

(Note: June 22, 2007 reimbursement application deadline)

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

June 11, 2007

AUSTIN–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott May 31 reached a settlement with ChoicePoint Inc., a California-based data broker, which creates important safeguards for consumers' sensitive personal and financial information. Under the agreement, which includes 43 other states, the victims of a widely reported 2005 security breach will be reimbursed for any identity theft-related losses they suffered.

"Identity theft is one of the nation's fastest growing criminal enterprises," said Attorney General Abbott. "With businesses and consumers losing billions of dollars each year, law enforcement must aggressively crack down on identity theft. Texans can rest assured that the Office of Attorney General will work diligently to prevent identity theft and protect its victims."

ChoicePoint provides information and credential verification services to businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The company routinely collects, maintains and distributes information about thousands of consumers. This data includes both personal financial information and publicly available information. In February 2005, criminals posing as legitimate business representatives breached ChoicePoint's data system, potentially gaining access to personal information on about 145,000 people, including many Texans.

The settlement requires ChoicePoint to significantly change its new customer review and credentialing process to ensure that criminals access neither its system nor consumers' sensitive personal information. The settlement marks the first time that a data broker has agreed to provide the same protections for both publicly available information and financial information that is protected by law.

Under a January 2006 settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, ChoicePoint established a $5 million reimbursement pool for consumers who suffered out of pocket identity theft losses in the wake of the data breach.

May 31's settlement ensures that qualified identity theft victims are eligible for reimbursement from ChoicePoint. Examples of reimbursable consumer losses include:

• Unauthorized charges on consumers' pre-existing accounts that were not paid by banks or credit card companies;
  
• Charges on new accounts that were opened in the name of identity theft victims;
  
• Payments to debt collectors who were collecting on new accounts opened in the victims' names;
  
• Costs of ordering new checks;
  
• Costs to file or receive copies of police reports;
  
• Notary fees;
  
• Costs associated with correcting unauthorized charges or disputing incorrect information, which can include telephone calls, faxes, travel expenses and hourly fees for Internet access.

The DEADLINE to submit a redress claim form to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for repayment from losses is June 22, 2007.

Eligible consumers must complete the form and submit it for consideration.

More information can be found on the redress program at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/cases/choicepoint/index.shtm.

Government - Attorney General's settlement with ChoicePoint protects consumers' private information

Exhibit highlights grad student work

Work in a variety of media is presented including painting, sculpture, photography, and fibers.

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

June 11, 2007

HOUSTON— University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Art Gallery highlights the work of students and alumni during the Graduate Student Exhibition June 4 – Aug. 10, 2007. A special reception honoring the artists will be held Monday, June 11, 5-7 p.m. at the Art Gallery located on the first floor of the university’s Bayou Building, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston.

Professors from the different art disciplines selected 12 current students and four recent graduates. All of them are part of the Master of Arts in Humanities, Images track.

“Each faculty member was asked to give names of students or those who had completed the master’s program during the past year,” explains Professor of Fine Arts Nick de Vries. “All of the students chosen to participate in this exhibit have been chosen because of their outstanding work; they all have bright futures as artists.”

Artists include Alex Leite, Jerry Van Horn, Fred Cerkan, Nneka Beauford, Carleen Hyatt, Saralene Tapley, Lisette McClung, Wilma Boone, Mary Ann Matthys, Carolyn McDonald, Kelly Rogers, Thomas Flack, Karen Fiscus, Charley Bevill and Melanie Griep.

Beauford, an elementary school art teacher for Fort Bend Independent School District, combines printmaking with quilting when creating her art. She began pursuing her master’s degree because of natural desire to learn more about the field she loves.

“I decided to pursue this degree because I wanted to improve personally as an artist and become even more knowledgeable about advanced art techniques and art history,” says Beauford. “Art is my passion!”

“I will have two pieces featured in the exhibit titled ‘Black, White & Blood’ and ‘Textured,’” says graduate student Nneka Beauford. “They were the first two pieces I created by experimenting with prints on fabric. (Professors of Fine Arts) Sandria Hu and Nick de Vries encouraged me to participate in the exhibition because we were very pleased with how well the combination of techniques worked.”

Charley Bevill describes her work in the exhibition as “an attempt to express the distortion created by media exploitation.”

“I have always looked for ways to combine my love of the written word with my desire to create visually,” says Bevill. “I have completed a Master of Arts in Literature and am coming to an end of a Master of Arts in Humanities, Images.”

“I am fashioning an installation piece for my master’s project titled ‘Mediated Reality,’ a microcosmic environment evocative of the ‘The Twilight Zone,’ where gender and cultural issues are brought together,” says Bevill. “The figurative piece chosen by Nick de Vries for the graduate show can stand alone, but will make a larger statement when combined with the other pieces in the installation.”

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. – noon, Friday. For more information about the gallery, visit http://www.uhcl.edu/hsh/art_gallery or call 281-283-3311.

Note: Modified by Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

Higher Education - Exhibit highlights grad student work

Clear Creek High Summer Sports Camp information

Clear Creek and Clear Springs high schools set dates for sports training

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

June 11, 2007

Clear Creek High School

Girl's Basketball Camp
Location: League City Intermediate
Date: May 29 - June 1 (Tuesday – Friday)
Session 1: Entering 2nd – 5th/Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Session 2: Entering 6th – 7th/Time: 10:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Session 3: Entering 8th – 9th/Time: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Contact information: Coach Jana Williams 281-284-1771 or jwillia1@ccisd.net
Volleyball Camp
Location: Clear Creek 9th Grade Center
Date: July 30 – August 2 (Monday – Thursday)
Session 1- 4th-6th graders 7:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Session 2- 7th graders and advanced 6th graders 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Session 3- 8th graders and advanced 7th graders 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sesson 4- 9th graders and advanced 8th 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Registration flyer: www.clearcreekvolleyball.org click on 2007 Wildcat Summer Camp on
the left side of the screen.
Contact information: Coach Scott Simonds 281-557-1938 or scottsimonds@hotmail.com
Houston's Bay Area Passing Camp
Location: District Stadium
Date: June 1st and 2nd
1 Session: Quarterbacks and Receivers Grades 5th-12th
Time: 7:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (both days)
Breakfast will be served
Contact information: Troy Rogers 281-468-8580; trogers1@ccisd.net
www.bayareapassingcamp.com
Girl's & Boy's Soccer Camp
Location: Clear Creek High School NGC - Soccer fields
Date: June 25 - June 29 (Monday - Friday)
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
1 Session: Kindergarten - Incoming Freshmen
Contact Information: Dede MacPherson 281-337-7206 coachmac@houston.rr.com or
Chris Cobb ccobb@ccisd.net
Boy's Basketball Camp
Location: Clear Creek 9th Grade Center
Date: May 29 - June 1 (Tuesday - Friday)
Session 1: Entering 2nd - 3rd/Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Session 2: Entering 4th - 5th/Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Date: June 4th-7th (Monday-Thursday)
Session 3: Entering 6th - 7th/Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Session 4: Entering 8th - 9th/Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Contact information: Jeffrey Carroll 832-385-2617 or jcarroll@ccisd.net

Clear Springs High Summer Sports Camp information

Clear Springs facilities are ready for student activities

May 24, 2007

CCISD - Clear Springs High Summer Sports Camp information

CCISD - Clear Creek and Clear Springs high schools: Summer Sports Camp information

Perry likens legislative session to “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”

Legislature makes key investments in border security, healthcare and education while failing to pass taxpayer protections

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

June 11, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry May 29 commented on legislative action taken during the 80th Legislative Session. The governor highlighted several achievements from the past 140 days, while also addressing disappointment in the resistance of the legislature to advance certain issues.

"We can say as a result of this session that the border will be more secure, healthcare will be better funded, college will be more accessible and school property tax rates will continue to decrease," said Gov. Perry. "However, like the old Clint Eastwood movie, this was a session of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Much work was left undone, and I hope legislators will fix their eyes on the unfinished business of the people instead of the political squabbles when they return to Austin."

In February, Gov. Perry proposed a budget that established a new, higher standard for fiscal responsibility and truth-in-budgeting, while meeting key priorities for Texas. The result would be slowed government growth, $15 billion in property tax relief, and an end to accounting gimmicks with the use of a one-time $5.4 billion payment. Additionally, $4.3 billion balance in the Economic Stabilization Fund would be left untouched.

Yesterday, Lawmakers effectively passed a $153 billion budget financing the record school property tax cut of 2006, creating a cancer research fund, funding a health opportunity pool that will help more Texans buy private health insurance, largely increasing college financial aid, creating a new incentive program to meet higher education goals, and dedicating $100 million to border security.

The legislature's budget included many of the governor's priorities presented in his State of the State Address. Though there were some issues left unfinished, such as property tax relief, true budget and spending reform, and appraisal relief, Gov. Perry commended legislators' for their service and looked optimistically toward the future.

"My quarrel is not with where the dollars flow, but the lack of transparency, accountability and budgetary honesty involved in how they are allocated," said Gov. Perry. "That being said, important investments have been made that legislators can proudly proclaim. Lawmakers came here with high hopes and have laid firm tracks that will continue Texas' stride as a prosperous state."

Please see below legislative scorecard highlighting the outcome of Gov. Perry's 2007 priorities.

Gov. Rick Perry's Priorities : 80th Legislative Session Scorecard

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

In February 2007, Gov. Rick Perry proposed an ambitious agenda for the 80th Texas Legislature. During the 140 day session, lawmakers acted on the vast majority of the governor's agenda and advanced the ball in numerous key policy areas. While lawmakers left some work unfinished and some of the governor's agenda untouched - most notably budget and appraisal reforms - significant progress was made on the majority of the governor's key policy priorities.

The Good:

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Healthier Texas
" One of the greatest obstacles to individual prosperity is the rising cost of healthcare... Today I am proposing a new initiative called 'Healthier Texas' which will open the door to more affordable insurance options for two million working Texans."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: SB 10 and a rider in HB 1 give the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) the authority to establish a premium assistance program to provide insurance to uninsured Texans. The state is eligible to receive up to $1 billion annually in federal funds that can be used to help individuals purchase private insurance. Preliminary indications estimate funds will be available to cover at least 200,000 adults annually.
Medicaid Reform
" We must take innovative measures, with the help of Washington, to reform Medicaid. There is no reason for healthy children and pregnant women to have the exact same benefit plan as Medicaid recipients with long-term healthcare needs. Washington's 'one size fits all' approach to Medicaid will bankrupt the states."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: Texas passed one of the most aggressive, comprehensive Medicaid reforms in the country. SB 10 includes provisions for healthy lifestyle incentives for Medicaid recipients, hospital financing reforms, establishment of a premium assistance program for the uninsured, customized benefit packages, and co-payments for emergency room use for non-emergency conditions. The bill received widespread support from health care advocates and will help Texas control Medicaid spending while improving outcomes for clients and moving more Texans to private insurance coverage.

Raising Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
" Ensuring patients have the best care possible requires more than the lawsuit reforms we passed in 2003 - it requires better Medicaid reimbursements."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: The legislature agreed with the governor's proposal to restore Medicaid provider rates. That restoration became an essential part of the negotiations that resulted in a settlement to the Frew v. Hawkins lawsuit, which contended that Medicaid provider rates were so low they presented a barrier to children receiving medical care and needed checkups. The following amounts include increases for all applicable Health and Human Services agencies and Frew amounts:
Rate restoration to 2003 levels ($122.8 M General Revenue; $310.1 M All Funds)
Additional rate increase ($866 M GR; $2,185.5 M AF)
Hospital rebasing in FY 2009 ($150 M GR; $377.8 M AF)

Electronic Medical Records
" Healthcare is one of the last sectors of the economy yet to embrace the information technology revolution, including electronic medical records. Electronic records are critical to reducing medical errors and stopping healthcare fraud."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: HB 1066 passed, creating the Texas Health Services Authority, a non-profit, public-private collaborative that will receive private sector donations and federal funds to develop health information technology policies and foster regional collaboration. HB 921 passed, directing state agencies to develop data standards and a system for sharing client data between agencies that provide health/social services to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided. SB 10 (Medicaid reform) passed, which includes a new pilot program to promote the adoption of electronic medical records through the Texas Medicaid program.

Cancer Research
" I don't know when the day will come that we find a cure for cancer, but I do know it is my dream to accelerate its arrival with a multi-billion dollar cancer research initiative that can save lives and provide millions renewed hope."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: The legislature passed HB 14 and HCR 90, establishing the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. In November, Texans will vote on the authorization of $3 billion in general obligation bonds to provide $300 million in grants annually to fund cancer research.

HPV vaccine
" For the first time ever we have a vaccine that can prevent a cancer - a vaccine that prevents the spread of HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer in women.…While others may focus on the cause of this cancer, I will stay focused on the cure."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: Plans are underway at HHSC and the Department of State Health Services to develop and implement an educational campaign on HPV, and to allow parents to submit requests for the immunization exemption affidavit via the Internet. National awareness of the ability to save lives has been raised.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Excellence in the Classroom
" Starting this fall Texas will have the largest performance pay program in the nation to reward teaching excellence, and I will do everything in my power to see that it stays that way."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: For the biennium, Texas will spend nearly $343 million on teacher incentive programs. Of that, $195 million will reward teachers through the Governor's Educator Excellence Awards and Awards for Students Achievement programs, which apply to campuses with high populations of economically disadvantaged students. Another $148 million rewards teachers in all campuses beginning in the 2nd year of the biennium in order to finance an additional teacher pay raise.

" Early Start" Pre-K
"We still have achievement gaps, and the best place to rectify those gaps is during the earliest learning years. We should invest an additional $80 million to expand the "Early Start" pre-K program, which uses pioneering techniques will improve learning among our youngest at-risk students." (Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: The legislature appropriated $20 million to the Texas Workforce Commission for the purpose of increasing childcare reimbursement rates for certain childcare providers that participate in a school readiness integration project. Each year, $1 million will be transferred to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to fund the management of early childhood education partnership projects. The legislature also passed legislation authorizing TEA to collect reading assessment data for first graders, which will allow the agency to properly evaluate whether early education programs are having an impact on student achievement.

Amachi Program
" Perhaps no student population is at greater risk than the children of prisoners. Seventy percent are destined to follow a parent's path behind bars if no one intervenes. We must break up the generational cycle of incarceration."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: $5 million was appropriated to fund the Amachi program. Amachi is a statewide program that provides one-on-one mentors to the children of incarcerated, or paroled, men and women through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
High School Completion and Success Initiative
The good: The legislature authorized more than $100 million for grant programs to support high school reform, dropout prevention and college readiness. Outside experts will be consulted to draft a strategic plan to ensure that grants are awarded for projects that will inform statewide decisions to implement meaningful reforms in high school.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Performance Incentive Funding
" Today I am proposing major reforms to higher education that will reward colleges and universities for every student that earns a degree, lead to more degrees awarded in critical fields like computer science and nursing and increase financial aid by $360 million... the ultimate result will be a higher education system that is more affordable, more accountable and more focused on meeting the needs of tomorrow's global marketplace."(Gov. Perry Calls for Higher Education Reforms. Feb. 01, 2007)

The good: For the first time, a portion of funding for higher education institutions will be based on achievement rather than just enrollment. This is a fundamental and appropriate shift in the way taxpayers' funds are appropriated to universities and colleges that will bring about greater accountability. $100 million for incentive funding for the general academic institutions will help the state meet workforce needs by targeting an increased number of graduates, especially in critical fields, and improving the quality of education.

Financial Aid for Higher Education
" When it comes to education, we must recognize its value in an interdependent world. Today, knowledge is more valuable than raw labor, and those nations that prosper by pushing the envelope of innovation are those that invest in vibrant colleges and universities….I am also advocating that we set aside $40 million for a new Texas Technology Grant program. Texas produces 5,500 graduates a year in electrical engineering, engineering technology and computer science while our economy produces 11,000 annual job openings in those fields. We must invest in technology scholarships so that Texans are on the forefront of technology innovation."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: An increase of $145.5 million will help more students afford college. This includes an increase of $96.2 million for Texas Grants, $39.4 million for B-on-Time, $5 million for Texas College Work Study, and $5 million for Texas Educational Opportunity Grant. Together, this will help 16,000 more students afford college.
Nursing Initiative
" There is another industry shortage we must address because lives are at stake - and that is in our state's nursing profession. I am proposing a $50 million nursing initiative that addresses this shortage n two ways: first, it provides new incentives for recruiting more students and faculty; second, it allows aspiring nurses to become licensed through a pilot program at our hospitals."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: The budget appropriates $14.7 million for the Professional Nursing Shortage Reduction Program to recruit and retain nursing faculty, a $9 million increase over FY 2006-07. The budget also appropriates $4 million in proceeds from the tobacco lawsuit settlement to support innovative nursing education programs.

Transparency in Budgeting
" I am also asking members of the Legislature to join me in making higher education budgets more transparent by breaking out spending into more detailed line-items instead of the current practice of listing entire university budgets in one lump-sum."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: Thirty-six special items totaling $123 million are appropriated in line-items in a manner that can be evaluated using gubernatorial veto authority. The interim study recommended by the Governor's Business Council to create a Texas Compact for higher education could be a vehicle to discuss changing the formula system and appropriations patterns.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

Transparency in State Budgets
" I believe every agency ought to publish its spending on line. Government that is open and honest will always be able to withstand the light of day."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: Today, at least 22 state agencies, including the Governor's Office, voluntarily publish their spending on line.
More good: The legislature required that a database of state expenditures be established and posted on the Internet in an electronically searchable format, making it easier for the public to track spending.

Truth-in-Budgeting
" Honest budgeting also requires us to end the practice of raising a fee for one purpose and diverting the funds to another purpose. Trauma funds, utility discount dollars and clean air funds have all been diverted to other purposes, often to balance the budget."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: The governor proposed eliminating the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund assessment, saving ratepayers $421 million. HB 735 ends the assessment as of September 2008, one year later than proposed, saving ratepayers an estimated $176 million. Additionally, HB 1 appropriates specialty license plate revenues and balances to the specific causes for which the money was raised.

Tax appraisals
" I believe local governments should be able to raise all the revenue they need, just do it with a vote and not through the appraiser's note."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: HB 438 limits the amount that a homestead's appraised value can increase to no more than 10 percent in a single year, regardless of when the property was last appraised. Currently, a homestead's appraised value can increase 10 percent for each year since the property was last appraised.

Appraisal Process Reform
" I believe Texans deserve more than property tax relief - they deserve appraisal relief."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: HB 3496 increases taxpayer rights and extends taxpayer deadlines. The bill creates staggered appraisal notices for different types of property owners and allows a taxpayer to protest after the official protest deadline, but before approval of the appraisal records by the appraisal review board. HB 3024 requires the appraisal district to establish by clear and convincing evidence the property's value in certain taxpayer protest hearings. If a taxpayer provides a written appraisal to the chief appraiser within 14 days of the hearing then the appraisal review board has the burden to establish the value of the property.

Film Incentives
The good: HB 1634 authorizes the film incentives program to encourage film production in Texas. HB 1 provides $22 million for film incentives, which is $2 million more than requested.
Transfer Procurement Functions to the Office of the Comptroller
The good: HB 3560 transfers procurement functions to the comptroller.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Texas Homeland Security Plan
" There can be no safe haven for drug traffickers and human smugglers anywhere in Texas. I propose a border security package that will allow us to take back our streets, neighborhoods and private ranches from the criminal scourge that currently jeopardizes them."(Gov. Perry Emphasizes Need for Additional Border Security. Jan. 24, 2007)

The good: $110 million was added to expand existing successful surge operations coordinated by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security. The legislature added four helicopters to the Department of Public Safety and expands the agency's ability to help homeland security efforts. Additional funds will provide in-car computers and expand the Texas Rangers.
Continuing Sexual Assault Against a Child (Jessica's Law)
" I agree with our Lieutenant Governor that sexual offenders who harm our children must face tougher penalties."(Governor's State of the State Address/ Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: As recommended by the Governor's Criminal Justice Advisory Council, HB 8 makes repeated sexual abuse of a child or children during at least a thirty day period an offense. It also sets a twenty five year minimum sentence without the offender having prior convictions. Additionally, the bill allows young children witnesses to reference abuse within a 30 day period, rather than a single date for a child to remember.
Rehabilitation of Prisoners
" There are thousands of non-violent offenders in the system whose future we cannot ignore. Let's focus more resources on rehabilitating those offenders so we can ultimately spend less money locking them up again."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: The budget provides nearly $240 million for rehabilitation and parole beds for offenders.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Disaster Contingency Fund
" There is no question that Texas is prepared to step up to the plate and meet a disaster head-on. But we need assurance that, when a disaster strikes, we will be able to continue coordinating our emergency response efforts and protect our communities without being financially penalized."(Gov. Perry Proposes $50 Million Disaster Contingency Fund. Jan. 30, 2007)

The good: The governor requested $50 million for disaster relief to help state and local governments coordinate when disaster strikes. The legislature appropriated $15.8 million.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Water Reservoirs
" I support legislation that establishes more than 20 reservoir sites in statute because securing viable water supplies is vital to the future of this state." (Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: The Texas Water Development Board identified 19 reservoir sites in the 2007 State Water Plan, which SB 3 designates to keep local government from interfering with their use as reservoirs.
Texas Emissions Reduction Plan
" Let's continue to invest in clean air by increasing our funding for the Texas Emissions Reduction Program by $180 million. Mobile sources contribute the majority of pollution in Texas. This program cleans up dirty engines and reduces emissions by one ton for every $5,000 invested."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: The governor proposed increasing Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) funding by $183 million to $440 million; HB 1 provides for an $80 million increase in funding, or a total of $338 for the biennium. However, HB 1 also appropriates an additional $92 million for the Low Income Vehicle Repair Assistance program from the Clean Air Account to repair, retrofit and replace older, higher emission vehicles.

STATE INVESTMENTS

Darfur
" The example we set in Texas can have international ramifications. I join Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams and a bipartisan group of legislators in protesting the ethnic genocide occurring in Darfur by calling on the state of Texas to divest of companies doing business in Sudan."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The good: SB 247, the Sudan Divestment bill, requires the state Employees Retirement System and the Teacher Retirement System to divest in companies doing business in Sudan.

ECONOMY

Senior Tax Freeze
" I want to see a constitutional amendment on the May ballot so that seniors get the maximum amount of tax relief on this year's tax bill the same as other homeowners. Just because senior citizens have their tax rates frozen doesn't mean they should be left out in the cold when it comes to additional rate relief."(Governor designates emergency legislation. Jan. 12, 2007)

The good: On May 12, 2007, Texans voted to extend property tax relief to senior citizens and disabled individuals whose property tax amounts are frozen. Because the constitutional amendment, SJR 13 (and its enabling legislation HB 5), passed, seniors and the disabled will receive property tax relief in 2008-09.
Enterprise Fund, Emerging Technology Fund and Workforce Investment
" At home, we must continue to invest in jobs by expanding workforce training through the skills development fund, by continuing to fund job creation through the Enterprise Fund, and by increasing funding for the Emerging Technology Fund, which will help us attract the new growth industries of this new century."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

Emerging Technology Fund: HB 1 includes $75 million in new general revenue which along with previous balances and interest results in an estimated $180 million being available for the 2008-09 biennium. Additionally, HB 1188 authorizes the governor to make awards in the form of loans and to charge and receive reasonable interest for the loans. It also provides authority to take an equity position in the form of stock or other security when making an award and to sell the security for the benefit of the fund. HB 1 provides $1.2 million for the biennium to administer the fund.
Enterprise Fund: HB 1 also appropriates an estimated $200 million, including unexpended balances and anticipated interest earnings.
Skills Development Fund: HB 1 appropriates $51 million to the Skills Development Fund, an increase of $11 million to provide customized job training to an additional 8,000 workers.

TRANSPORTATION

Toll Roads
The good: SB 792 permits Texas' innovative toll road program to continue forward in a cooperative fashion with TxDOT and local toll authorities using a variety of tools to build the roads our growing state needs. Members passed a two year moratorium on privately financed roads but exempted every road that would conceivably be built using private financing during the next two years.

Rail Relocation Fund
The good: HB 160 makes railroad relocation projects that reduce engine idling and air pollution eligible to apply for TERP grants.

OTHER ITEMS

Adoption Incentive Program
The good: HB 2702 provides a monthly health insurance subsidy of $150 through age 18 to parents who adopt foster children who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Recruit foster families
The good: The legislature retained an existing rider in the Department of Family and Protective Services budget of $1.2 million for faith-based foster family recruitment and training.

Expansion of Gubernatorial Powers over Boards and Commissions During Emergency
The good: The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) reform bill changed the oversight structure from an Executive Director with the oversight of a citizen appointed board to an Executive Commissioner appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. An Office of Inspector General is created to investigate crimes committed at TYC owned or contracted facilities and crimes by TYC employees. The Chief Inspector General is selected by the Executive Commissioner. The legislature also created an independent Office of Ombudsman with the Chief Ombudsman appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate.
More good: HB 15 contains a rider that requires Texas Southern University to establish and implement a rehabilitation plan with an accountability system. The Board of Regents must formulate a plan addressing finance and accounting, human resources, management information systems, planning and communications, student financial aid, contract and grant management and other elements determined appropriate by the Governor and Legislative Audit Committee.

The Bad and The Ugly:

HPV vaccine
The bad: The legislature superseded Executive Order RP65 by passing HB 1098. As a result, only 25 percent of the applicable population will likely be vaccinated against the most widespread sexually transmitted disease, as opposed to 95 percent if the vaccine was mandated. HB 1098 also prohibits the Executive Commissioner of HHSC from exercising existing authority until 2011 to add the HPV vaccine to the list of required vaccinations for school entry.
The ugly: The legislature not only overturned Executive Order RP65, but it included a rider in the budget to restrict the use of state funds to purchase or administer a mandatory HPV vaccine program. While the rider was rendered moot upon the passage of HB 1098, the legislature sent a statement by including it in the budget anyway, and refused to acknowledge that it will restrict low-income women from obtaining the vaccine.
Performance Incentive Funding
The ugly: The governor's incentive proposal received less funding than special-item earmarks, the higher education pork proposals that were never debated but added to the budget, in many cases, in the final week of the session.

Financial Aid for Higher Education
The bad: This amount appropriated is less than half the total requested by the governor, and will reach an estimated 71,000 fewer Texas students in FY 2009. Additionally, no progress was made in consolidating the numerous financial aid programs and increasing student accountability.

Transparency in Budgeting
The bad: Legislative leaders did not engage in any meaningful debate about the need for a more open and transparent state budget.
More bad: HB 2560 would have required disclosure of school district books on the Internet where parents and taxpayers could view school expenditures. The bill died in the Senate.
The ugly: Despite repeated efforts from the Governor's Office and others with interest in accountability, the legislature refused to engage in any meaningful debate about the need for more accessible higher education budgets. In fact, HB 3795, which repeals statutory requirement for higher education lump-sum funding, died in subcommittee without a hearing.

Truth-in-Budgeting
The bad: The governor proposed replacing the use of $1.2 billion in Fund 006 used to finance non-transportation state agency operations and using those funds to maintain and expand the state highway system. The legislature did not adopt this funding strategy. Additionally, the governor proposed using $115 million from balances in the Trauma and Emergency Medical Services account to provide $226 million for grants to trauma facilities and EMS. HB 1 appropriates only $103.4 million.
The ugly: The governor's proposed budget included more than $2 billion for truth-in-budgeting; the legislature's budget accomplishes a mere $554 million in truth-in-budgeting. Additionally, budgetary shell games continue, including legislative budget charts that mask more than $2 billion in education spending as property tax relief. This phony number inflates the cost of keeping our property tax promise, and made more difficult the passage of additional property tax relief.
More ugly: The legislature also passed a funds consolidation bill, HB 3107, which allows the comptroller to sweep various dedicated accounts into the general revenue account for one day in order to certify the budget. This budgetary gimmick flies in the face of honest budgeting.

Tax Appraisals
The bad: The current 10 percent appraisal cap was maintained. Several bills that would have reduced the appraisal cap to an amount less than 10 percent failed to pass.
The ugly: Despite yearly public outcries for appraisal reform, the legislature again refused to have a meaningful, open debate on this issue. Bills that would have instituted an appraisal cap or revenue cap were left to die in House and Senate committees.

Appraisal Process Reform
The bad: Several House and Senate bills, filed at the recommendations of the Task Force on Appraisal Reform, did not receive legislative consideration. The bills would have provided taxpayer protections and improved the fairness of the appraisal process.

Spending Cap
" In a time of record revenues, there is a temptation to spend more than we can sustain in the years to come. That's why I propose a stricter spending cap that is tied to the average inflation and population growth of the last six years."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The bad: The governor's proposed revisions to the spending limit, which would have limited spending to population growth and inflation as calculated during the previous six years, were never debated on the floor of either house.
More bad: Additionally, SB 1638, which included new property in the calculation of the effective tax rate, failed to pass the Senate. Under current law, new property is excluded from the tax rate calculation which results in tax revenue that the district receives not being counted as a revenue source, thereby allowing the district to gain more than 8 percent without having to go to the voters for approval.

Rehabilitation of Prisoners
The ugly: While rehabilitation of non-violent offenders is important, so too are the mental health needs of law-abiding Texans. Funding for substance abuse at the Department of State Health Services decreased by $20.9 million. In effect, the budget dedicates $205 million providing treatment to 150,000 prisoners, while cutting treatment funding for 22 million law-abiding citizens.

Windstorm Insurance Fund
" We must also put aside regional differences in order to be prepared for a hurricane of historic proportions. Our windstorm insurance system is out of date, and had Rita made landfall in the Houston ship channel, it would have done great damage to the entire Texas economy, as well as the state budget."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The bad: TWIA is not adequately funded; therefore, we must determine what actions can be taken in the interim.
FutureGen
" With current technologies allowing coal to burn at least twice as clean as all of the old natural gas plants we are trying to replace in Texas today, we can meet our power needs while reducing total emissions."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The bad: The governor recommended a $20 million appropriation pending the selection of a Texas site for the FutureGen project. The funds were to be used to implement the near-zero emission coal fired power plant project. HB 1 did not include any such appropriation.

Additional Tax Relief
" Today I have proposed a budget that…expands upon the record property tax cut of last year by setting aside an additional two and a half billion dollars for tax relief. One way to provide tax relief is in the form of a rebate. The appeal of a one-time rebate is that future legislatures don't have to find the money to sustain it. However, the will of the legislature may be to provide rate relief instead. Either way is better than the alternative; which is having the money spent on more government."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The bad: The legislature had an opportunity to provide an additional $2.5 billion in property tax relief. HB 2785 would have reduced the property tax rate by an additional 6 percent, beyond the property tax relief provided in the 79th 3rd Called Session.

Rail Relocation Fund
The bad: Despite the governor's proposal to appropriate $100 million to capitalize the Railroad Relocation and Improvement Fund, a record budget surplus, and voters approving the Railroad Relocation and Improvement Fund in November of 2005, the legislature failed to appropriate money to the fund to move freight rail lines out of our dense urban areas.

Lease of the Lottery
" Conservative estimates tell us that the state lottery could be sold to the private sector for $14 billion. Using these resources, we could create a $2.7 billion endowment for the uninsured that generates close to a quarter billion dollars in interest payments every year. We could also create a $3 billion cancer research trust fund that would annually generate more than a quarter billion dollars each year to the fight against cancer. And the rest of the money - more than $8 billion - could be dedicated to a public education endowment that would provide about $800 million a year for public education."(Governor's State of the State Address. Feb. 06, 2007)

The bad: HB 3973, clarifying the state's authority to enter into a lottery operation agreement, was filed but never made it out of committee. The legislature missed an unprecedented opportunity to create anywhere from $14 billion to $20 billion in endowments, benefiting the state in perpetuity. Since the Lottery is currently run by a private operator the legal structure changes in the operating agreement would have been transparent and the agreement could have further clarified no expansion of gambling was permissible.

Expansion of Gubernatorial Powers over Boards and Commissions During Emergency
The bad: Despite the governor's request that the Legislative Audit Committee meet to determine if TSU had suffered gross fiscal mismanagement, it has yet to meet. The governor worked with the legislature to craft SB 2039, an option to placing TSU into conservatorship. The compromise language proposed in SB 2039 would have allowed the governor an additional tool to deal with any agency, including universities, suffering from a condition of financial or administrative exigency that created a continuing and pervasive instability in operations and management; or resulted in the failure to properly perform all or part of the agencies' primary functions. The failure to pass SB 2039 will mean greater difficulty for the Board of Regents to make swift and decisive management and administrative changes to correct the institution's systemic problems.

Government - Perry likens legislative session to “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”

Cornyn: America ’s veterans will never be forgotten

"Our state [Texas] was founded by frontiersmen and pioneers willing to risk everything to throw off the shackles of tyranny," said Cornyn.

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

June 11, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Armed Services Committee, made the following statement in recognition and remembrance of our Veterans who America honors on Memorial Day. Senator Cornyn spoke May 28 in Georgetown, Texas at the Williamson County Veterans Memorial Plaza and in Pflugerville, Texas where he participated in a ceremony at Walden Capital Parks Cemetery:

“On Memorial Day, America undertakes its solemn duty to remember the sacred list of brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and the security of our Nation. While we honor the proud Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen that have been lost in battle or conflict throughout this Nation’s history, we should also reflect on those values we cherish as a Nation that our brave men and women have fought for and died to preserve.

“Each of our fallen heroes answered the Nation’s call of duty. Each sacrificed a full life of promise and hope so that others like us would continue to live in freedom. Their courage and sacrifice should never be forgotten. Those who have served in years past have forged with their dedication and service a legacy of greatness which those still in uniform carry on today. We honor the patriotism and sacrifice of those who have served throughout our Nation’s history, and those who have continued to answer the call.

“The root values behind Memorial Day run especially deep here in Texas. Our state was founded by frontiersmen and pioneers willing to risk everything to throw off the shackles of tyranny. Hundreds died in the struggle, and their names are honored still. Texans have always stepped proudly forward when duty calls. Today, the world knows that ‘ Texas defends America .’ One in ten American military personnel call Texas home. We value service, and we appreciate those who sacrifice, so selflessly, for us.

“During this year's Memorial Day observance, we honor those who have served and have been lost. Their example helps us better understand the meaning of patriotism and citizenship, and we pledge that their sacrifices will not be in vain, nor forgotten.”

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Cornyn: America ’s veterans will never be forgotten

Gardening - JUNE’S GARDENING CALENDAR

Religion - Arrow Prayers

Older News: May 31, 2007

MySpace.com to turn over information on sex offender profiles to Texas Attorney General

Abbott, national leader in child predator arrests, pushes for change

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

May 31, 2007

AUSTIN–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott May 21 ordered MySpace.com to release the names of all convicted sex offenders who have set up online member profiles.

MySpace.com agreed to turn over first and last names of its online users that are registered sex offenders in Texas. MySpace.com will also provide IP addresses, E-mail addresses, and their online profile information. This data will help the Attorney General crack down on sex predators who use the Internet to prey on children.

"By providing this information, MySpace.com is helping law enforcement crack down on online sex predators," Attorney General Abbott said. "Social networking sites must continue to make their Web sites and content safer for our children. We urge all social networking Web sites to take all necessary steps to keep children safe from the unwanted advances of online predators."

Attorney General Abbott, a nationally recognized leader with more than 500 sex predator arrests, has repeatedly pressed MySpace.com and other social networking sites to implement definitive safety measures to protect young users of their Web sites from sexually explicit images and unwanted solicitations. Since the push from Attorney General Abbott and other attorneys general, MySpace.com has taken steps to improving safety on its site, including screening profiles for inappropriate content and making certain profiles private.

"The incorrigible nature of sex predators requires public officials, law enforcement, industry leaders and parents across Texas to join together to make the Internet a safer place," Attorney General Abbott added. "Without meaningful safeguards in place, no child is safe from the unwanted advances of chat room predators."

The Attorney General, along with state leaders, has also fought to make Texas the toughest state in the nation, creating one of the nation's toughest versions of "Jessica's Law", tightening penalties for Internet predators and providing district attorneys more tools to prosecute child sex crimes.

Last March, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 6, which provides additional tools that will improve law enforcement's ability to investigate cyber crimes. Under SB 6, authored by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are required to promptly respond to court orders and subpoenas issued by law enforcement. May 21, when the Texas House of Representatives debates SB 6, legislators will consider an amendment that would amend SB 6 by expanding its applicability to entities such as MySpace.com. If passed, this provision would further improve the Attorney General's ability to quickly obtain critical information about cyber predators from ISPs, social networking sites, and other online resources.

Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2003, he created the Cyber Crimes Unit, which protects children from online sexual exploitation. The Cyber Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Unit, which locates sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children, have combined to arrest more than 500 sex offenders. Cyber Crimes Unit investigators also have traveled to schools and communities statewide to offer educational cyber safety programs.

In May 2006, Attorney General Abbott's Cyber Crimes Unit was awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention to establish an ICAC Task Force. The Texas Attorney General's ICAC Task Force is one of almost 50 federally funded task forces across the country dedicated to this project.

In July 2006, Abbott was invited by U.S. Congressman Joe Barton to testify at a congressional hearing in Washington on federal legislation limiting access to commercial social networking sites at publicly funded schools and libraries.

To find out more about Attorney General Abbott's efforts to crack down on sex predators, visit the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011.

Government - MySpace.com to turn over information on sex offender profiles to Texas Attorney General

Plants for Bayou Restoration are grown year round at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Photo credit - Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

Marsh Mania: Volunteers will plant marsh grass to help restore Armand Bayou

Marsh Mania will be Saturday, June 2 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. FREE lunch at noon — Door prizes and free t-shirts.

Other sites include Starvation Cove on Galveston Island and the Texas City Prairie Preserve.

By Marilyn Clark

May 31, 2007

California bulrushes will be planted at various locations along Armand Bayou to help restore wildlife habit lost a number of years ago by the drowning of much marsh vegetation as a result of subsidence, a sinking of the ground due to pumping groundwater.

California bulrushes were selected because they grow well in the salinity range of Armand Bayou, ABNC Stewardship Coordinator Mark Kramer said.

About 1200 pots of California bulrushes were moved May 29 from the nursery ponds to the boathouse on Armand Bayou to get ready for Marsh Mania, said Ian Kress, ABNC Stewardship Volunteer Coordinator.

Sign-in starts at 8 a.m. Planting starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served up to volunteers at noon. Long pants and shoes with closed toes are recommended ABNC Interim Director Sue Sutterby said. "The shoes should be washable or discardable because they could get muddy. Volunteers might also get wet."

Sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended.

Volunteers who do not wish to ride in a canoe can help plant California bulrushes in pots for the marsh plant nursery ponds near the admissions building of the Nature Center, Kramer said. For more information, e-mail Mark Kramer - mark@abnc.org .

The minimum age for participation is 15. The Galveston Bay Foundation also will be replanting marsh grass at Starvation Cove on Galveston Island and the Texas City Prairie Preserve.

Some registration slots are still available says Vicki Conley, GBF Marketing and Membership Coordinator. She suggests registering online at www.galvbay.org . A registration request and contact information may also be left at (281) 332-3381 ext. 205 .

Nature - Marsh Mania: Volunteers will plant marsh grass to help restore Armand Bayou

Bayou Boil 2007

May 31, 2007

Helen Hodges won the gently used “IH Case 22hp Tractor,” a live auction item at Bayou Boil 2007 donated by the nature center. “Helen and Don Hodges have been longtime supporters of Armand Bayou Nature Center. They will use the tractor on their ranch in Santa Fe,” ABNC Board President Stan Krauhs said. “The Hodges donated and purchased a number of items for both the silent and live auctions.”

Photo credit - Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

Student pubs recognized

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

May 31, 2007

HOUSTON— The Texas Intercollegiate Press Association recognized University of Houston-Clear Lake’s student-produced publications Bayousphere and The UHCLIDIAN with 18 awards during the annual convention in San Antonio this March. Students also competed at the convention.

Emily Hawkins received second place in Print News Writing and third place in copy editing, while Bret Newcomb was awarded honorable mention in Headline Writing during the on-site competition.

Judges awarded The UHCLIDIAN the following honors: First Place-Picture Story for Roger Roberts and Feride Muezzinoglu; First Place-Sports Column for J.T. Garrett; Second Place-Single Subject Presentation for Emily Murray and BreAnna Schwartz; Second Place-Headline for UHCLIDIAN staff; Third Place-Illustration and General Column for Roger Roberts; Third Place-Opinion/Editorial Page Design and Photo Illustration for BreAnna Schwartz; Third Place-Sports Feature Story for Leeanne Lambert; Third Place-Special Section/Edition for UHCLIDIAN staff; Third Place-Feature Page Design for BreAnna Schwartz; Third Place-News Photo for Miracle Rodriuez; Third Place-Photo Illustration for Tiffany Rolland; and Third Place-Overall Excellence for UHCLIDIAN staff.

Bayousphere awards announced at the event included First Place-Poem for Dennis Forrest; Second Place-Short Story for Stephen Blanchard; Third Place-Photo Essay for Alisa Nicholson and Joe Huffman; Honorable Mention-Feature Photo for Crystal Spies; Honorable Mention-Cover Design for Jessica Sonntag and Dana Harms; and Honorable Mention-Overall Excellence for the Bayousphere staff.

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association, a national competition, also honored both student publications. Christopher Travis was awarded second place for his UHCLIDIAN sports column. Bayousphere honors included a third place award to Dana Harms and Jessica Sonntag for spread design. Alisa Nicholson also earned third place and honorable mention in illustration.

Higher Education - Student pubs recognized

Focus on Learning

Register now for fall classes at UH-Clear Lake

Open registration available through Aug. 17

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

May 31, 2007

HOUSTON— New and returning UH-Clear Lake students can enroll in fall 2007 semester classes during the open registration period running through Aug. 17. Fall semester courses begin Aug. 20.

E-Services will be available for students wishing to register by phone or online. To access E-Services, call 281-212-8425, or visit http://www.uhcl.edu/records/easeonline. Both registration methods are available around the clock Monday – Saturday and Sunday until 6 a.m. and after 2 p.m.

For a free class schedule or for more information, visit the Office of Admissions Web site, http://www.uhcl.edu/admissions, or call 281-283-2520. Those wishing to return to school may visit the “Future Students” tab at http://www.uhcl.edu to request admission information.

Higher Education - Register now for fall classes at UH-Clear Lake

Attorney General Abbott charges manufacturer with violating environmental laws

Conner Steel Products of San Angelo cited for waste management, air emissions violations

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

May 31, 2007

AUSTIN–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott charged Conner Steel Products with violating state environmental protection laws. According to the state's enforcement action, the San Angelo-based steel and fiberglass tank manufacturer failed to comply with air quality and solid waste management regulations.

"Texas will vigorously enforce environmental laws that protect the health and safety of its citizens," said Attorney General Abbott. "Despite inspections and compliance agreements with state regulators, this manufacturer failed to comply with the law. The Office of Attorney General is committed to strictly enforcing environmental protections that preserve the quality of air, water and natural resources for future generations."

A temporary injunction hearing in the case has been set for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, in Travis County District Court.

In both 2004 and 2005, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Conner entered into agreed orders requiring the manufacturer to comply with environmental regulations for solid waste management, storm water runoff and air emissions.

Despite the orders, recent follow-up inspections by TCEQ investigators revealed additional waste management and air emission violations, including storing waste in open 55-gallon containers that were accessible to children; conducting sandblasting operations without the required TCEQ registration or site approval; burning waste in outdoor barrels; improperly disposing of welding residue; and releasing harmful styrene emissions to the air from a fiberglass fabrication unit. According to the TCEQ inspection report, fiberglass fabrication manufacturing emissions caused the air in a nearby neighborhood to exceed the regulatory limitations for styrene, a hazardous chemical.

Conner also unlawfully stored paint waste, liquid acetone and styrene resin in containers bound for a municipal landfill that is not permitted to accept those chemicals. The manufacturer also improperly disposed of welding residue, among many other violations.

The state seeks up to $25,000 per violation per day, as well as injunctions halting all unauthorized waste discharges and air emissions, and requiring Conner to bring the facility into full compliance with the law. The enforcement case also demands that Conner Steel provide a full accounting of all wastes via a classification system, as required by law.

Government - Attorney General Abbott charges manufacturer with violating environmental laws

Gov. Perry urges Texans to prepare for 2007 Hurricane Season

Recommends that families develop an evacuation plan, a communication plan and an emergency kit

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

May 31, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry proclaimed May 20-26, 2007, Hurricane Awareness Week. Perry, along with the National Weather Service and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, is urging all Texans to be prepared for the 2007 hurricane season, which officially starts June 1.

“I urge all Texans to be mindful of the dangers presented by hurricanes, to stay informed about current threats, and to take steps toward preparedness,” Perry said. “While residents along the coast are among the first impacted by a hurricane, we must keep in mind that these massive storms can cause flooding and tornadoes hundreds of miles from the coastal areas where they make landfall.”

Families should designate a place to go in case of evacuation, develop an emergency plan for communicating with relatives and friends in other areas, and put together a "readiness kit" of important supplies, including items such as a battery-operated radio and flashlight. Texans are also urged to heed all warnings, information and instructions provided by emergency management personnel.

In fall 2005, Perry appointed the Task Force on Evacuation, Transportation and Logistics to take testimony from local officials, emergency response personnel and citizens on lessons learned from Hurricane Rita. In March 2006, the governor issued an executive order implementing the task force recommendations, which focus on five key areas: the evacuation of people with special needs; command, control and communications; traffic management; fuel availability; and public awareness.

Two weeks ago, the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management hosted the 2007 State Hurricane Preparedness Conference in Galveston, where local, state and federal officials and the emergency response community joined to discuss preparations for the upcoming hurricane season. From June 4 - 7, the state will also conduct a multi-dimensional Hurricane Preparedness Exercise, involving local, state, federal and private sector partners.

“State officials and first responders have collaboratively enhanced the state’s hurricane preparedness and response plans following the recent devastating hurricane seasons,” said Perry. “But there is still more we must do. Advanced planning and preparation by officials and residents are essential to protecting property, reducing risk and ultimately, saving lives.”

For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit the Governor's Division of Emergency Management Web site at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/

Government - Gov. Perry urges Texans to prepare for 2007 Hurricane Season

Texas posts highest monthly job gains in nation

23,500 new jobs created in April; Unemployment rate dips to 4.2 percent

From the Office of Senator John Cornyn

May 31, 2007

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Budget Committee, made the following statement May 18 regarding the figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor and Statistics showing Texas posted the highest number of new jobs in the nation in April:

“It’s encouraging to see that the Texas economy continues growing at a strong pace. Creating the highest number of new jobs in the nation last month, Texas is leading the way in expanding economic opportunities.

“In addition, these numbers are the latest evidence that the Republican-led tax relief we passed four years ago continues to boost the economy and create jobs. Congress must make that relief permanent to protect middle-class families, farmers and ranchers, and entrepreneurs across Texas from major tax increases.”

Texas employers added 23,500 jobs in April, the largest gain in the nation. 240,800 new jobs were created in the last year. The Texas unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent in March, which is below the national average of 4.5 percent.

Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.

Government - Texas posts highest monthly job gains in nation

Gardening - Test your "TOMATO LINGO" IQ

Religion - Positive failures

Older News: May 24, 2007

Plants for Bayou Restoration are grown year round at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Photo credit - Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online.

Marsh Mania: Volunteers needed to help restore Armand Bayou

Marsh Mania set for Saturday, June 2 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. with a free lunch at noon at Armand Bayou Nature Center - also door prizes and free t-shirts.

May 24, 2007

Over 3,000 plants will be planted at various locations along Armand Bayou to help restore wildlife habit lost a number of years ago by the drowning of much marsh vegetation as a result of subsidence, a sinking of the ground due to pumping groundwater.

Planting ends at 11:30. Lunch will be served up to volunteers at noon.

To register, contact the Galveston Bay Foundation at 281-332-3381 ext. 205 or online at www.galvbay.org . The minimum age for participation is 15. Long pants and shoes with closed toes are recommended. The shoes should be washable or discardable because they could get muddy. Volunteers might also get wet.

Volunteers who do not wish to ride in a canoe can help plant bullrushes in pots for the marsh plant nursery near the admissions building of the Nature Center. For more information, e-mail Mark Kramer - mark@abnc.org .

Fighting fuel scams: “Gas-saving” products

No government agency, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has endorsed or approved any gas-saving products or devices (including gas pills), so be skeptical of such claims.

From Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

May 24, 2007

AUSTIN – High gasoline prices have led many Texas consumers to consider the use of "gas-saving" products. Consumers should be cautious about automotive devices or gas additives that claim to save money or improve fuel efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tested many of these products and devices to determine whether their use will result in any significant improvement to fuel economy and found the savings to be small, if any.

Several different products are available on the market today. For instance, air bleed devices allow air to feed into the carburetor. Vapor bleed devices are similar, bubbling inducted air through a water and anti-freeze mixture that is held in a container within the engine compartment. Water injection devices inject a solution into the engine and pump the fluid into the engine's air intake system.

Some products claim to heat the fuel before it enters the carburetor. Fuel additives are poured directly into the gas tank to improve the performance of your vehicle. Some devices claim to modify the operation of certain vehicle components, while other products claim to change the molecular structure of gasoline.

In May 2006, my office filed a lawsuit against BioPerformance, Inc., a Texas-based company that marketed a "top secret gas pill" it falsely claimed would drastically improve fuel efficiency by 30 percent or more and cut harmful emissions by up to 50 percent. This lawsuit was later settled out of court.

Laboratory tests conducted by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin and at a Florida university concluded the pill was little more than a mothball. Experts also found that the product could actually decrease engine performance. At start-up costs of between $300 and $500, BioPerformance sponsors were encouraged to purchase the pills in bulk and then recruit others to become dealers in an illegal pyramid scheme that has defrauded consumers around the country.

From ignition control devices to fuel line heaters to pressure regulators, all of these different gas-saving products attempt to control the mix and delivery of fuel to the engine in an effort to improve consumption. The terminology can be confusing and deceptive, pointing to the need for consumers to be extremely cautious.

Be wary of ads that claim a product can improve gas mileage by high percentage margins, and be skeptical of commercials that show allegedly " satisfied customers" who claim that their gas mileage increased due to the use of a certain device. These claims can be misleading or even completely fabricated. Most consumers do not have the means to accurately test the impact of such products on gas mileage. The condition of the car, the roads and the weather are all variable factors that can affect fuel economy.

Installing these products and devices on your vehicle could cause your manufacturer warranty to be voided, because they are not considered factory equipment. Also, long-term use of such products may damage your vehicle.

No government agency has endorsed any gas-saving products or devices, so be skeptical of such claims. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission notes several practical steps consumers can take on their own to improve fuel efficiency and combat the high cost of fuel.

The simplest way to improve fuel economy is to practice sensible driving. Excessive braking and acceleration, speeding and other aggressive driving habits can negatively affect gas mileage.

Avoid unnecessary idling, which wastes fuel and pollutes the air. Keep your engine tuned, your tires properly inflated, and your oil changed to save fuel and keep your car operating better and longer.

We are all concerned about the rising cost of fuel and its effect on consumers. Some gas-saving products and devices may work, but consumers should remember they can take easy steps on their own to help reduce the amount of fuel they use. If you have encountered a deceptive or fraudulent gas-saving product or device, do not hesitate to contact my office.

Information on this and other topics is available on the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

The information below was primarily developed from resources from the Attorney General's Office about this matter, especially the judgement for which a link is provided:

• EPA registration does not mean EPA approval nor does it guarantee safety.

• Ask if an EPA approved or referenced U.S. lab did the tests?

• Were federal tests and protocols used? Get the test results.

• Do emissions test results provide the name of each chemical, the amount of reduction and the percent reduction for each component tested?

• If your catalytic converter was damaged how would you prove that the gas pill or other additive did the damage since state emissions testing is only done once a year?

• The BioPerformance gas pills were EPA registered. Tests run by scientists at the University of Texas in Austin and a Florida university showed that BioPerformance gas pills were both ineffective and toxic.

Government - Bioperformance Gas Pills: Agreed Final Judgement and Permanent Injunction"A 1,054 kb pdf file.

Government - Attorney General Abbott shuts down pyramid scheme that marketed bogus"fuel pill"

Government - Fighting fuel scams: “Gas-saving” products

Attorney General Abbott shuts down pyramid scheme that marketed bogus "fuel pill"

BioPerformance ordered to return more than $7 million to victims of pyramid scheme

From the Office of Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas

May 24, 2007

AUSTIN (January 23, 2007) –Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott Jan. 23 stopped a Dallas-based pyramid scheme from illegally marketing the so-called "top secret gas pill" that it falsely claimed would increase fuel efficiency in automobiles. The Attorney General's settlement with BioPerformance and its owners, Lowell Mims and Gustavo Romero, prevents the defendants from continuing to deceptively market their products and ends the State's eight-month legal action against the company.

A combination of the defendants' frozen assets and the dissolution of two trusts created by Mims and Romero will provide more than $7 million in compensation to deceived consumers. Mims and Romero may continue to operate any legitimate enterprise, but may not deceptively market BioPerformance pills or similar fuel additive products.

"Swift legal action stopped this cynical, brazen scheme to defraud consumers," said Attorney General Abbott. "With gasoline prices hitting record highs, these defendants aggressively marketed their worthless product as a wonder-cure. Sadly, these do-nothing pills were merely the tools of an elaborate pyramid scheme that enriched the sellers while buyers were left with empty hands and empty wallets."

Attorney General Abbott added: "Texans will not tolerate con artists who prey upon unsuspecting consumers. Though we will continue aggressively cracking down on fraudulent pyramid schemes that profiteer from worthless products, consumers should always be dubious when offered 'miracle' products that are long on hype but short on credible proof."

Last May, the Attorney General filed a lawsuit against BioPerformance that accused the company of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. According to court filings, BioPerformance repeatedly and falsely claimed that its fuel pills could improve vehicular fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent while also reducing engine emissions by 50 percent. BioPerformance also sold its fuel additive in powder form.

The Attorney General further alleged that the worthless product, combined with the defendants' downline marketing scheme, constitutes a product-based pyramid scheme, which violates the Texas Pyramid Promotional Scheme statute. By the defendants' own admission, they recruited 50,000 participants within six months of their scheme's inception.

Just months after BioPerformance's creation in 2005, the Office of the Attorney General received reports that Mims and Romero were making false claims about their product.

Appearing before standing-room-only crowds at seminars they organized across the country, Mims and Romero touted their products' capacity to significantly increase fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions. At the seminars, the defendants' true purpose was to recruit product resellers who were charged several hundred dollars to join the scheme. Those newly minted resellers were subsequently instructed to recruit additional resellers and thus create a "downline" from which they could derive commissions.

BioPerformance's extensive Web site made similar unsubstantiated claims about product's capabilities, often referring to it as a "top secret formula" that was only available through company resellers. The site also reiterated defendants' sales pitches, promising potential resellers that selling the pills and recruiting others to do the same would reap them substantial fortunes.

To aid its investigation, the Office of the Attorney General retained respected scientific experts whose chemical analysis not only revealed that the defendants' pills did not significantly reduce fuel consumption, but also exposed naphthalene, a substance also used in moth balls, as their main ingredient. Although the defendants claimed that the pills were "non-toxic," "good for the environment," and "extremely safe...in all aspects of use," naphthalene is a toxin.

The State also determined that BioPerformance resellers credited with recruiting additional downline sellers were paid substantially higher commissions than were those who actually sold the company's products. Such a marketing and recruitment scheme is often indicative of a pyramid scheme.

Further evidence of a pyramid scheme was provided by Romero, the company's Vice President and Co-Founder, who admitted to selling BioPerformance for as much as $50 a bottle, despite its comparatively low $4 manufacturing cost. The defendants' dramatic markup on their worthless product, coupled with their downline marketing strategy, indicate they were organizing an elaborate, illegal, and unsustainable pyramid scheme.

In the coming weeks, the Office of the Attorney General will review consumer complaints and other data to determine how it will administer the resources available for consumer restitution. Consumers with questions or who wish to file a complaint can call 1-800-252-8011 (for callers within Texas) or (512) 463-2100 (for callers outside Texas). Complaint forms are also available online at www.oag.state.tx.us.

Government - Attorney General Abbott shuts down pyramid scheme that marketed bogus"fuel pill"

Clear Springs High Summer Sports Camp information

Clear Springs facilities are ready for student activities

From the Clear Creek Independent School District

May 24, 2007

LEAGUE CITY – CLEAR SPRINGS GIRL’S ATHLETICS
BASKETBALL CAMP – Cost $85.00
LOCATION: CLEAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL GYM
DATE: JUNE 4 – 7
SESSION I – Entering 4TH – 6TH graders /Time: 8:00 – 12:00 noon
SESSION II – Entering 7TH – 9TH graders / Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Contact and cost information: Coach Pam Crawford, pcrawfor@ccisd.net

VOLLEYBALL CAMP – Cost $100.00
LOCATION: CLEAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL GYM
DATE: JULY 23 – 27
SESSION I - Entering 4th – 6th graders / Time: 9:00 – 12:00 noon
SESSION II – Entering 7th - 9th graders / Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Contact and cost information: Coach Rhonda Rust, rustrhonda@hotmail.com

CLEAR SPRINGS BOY’S/GIRL’S STRENGTH & CONDITIONING – TO MAKE BETTER ATHLETES
INCOMING 9TH AND 10TH GRADERS ATTENDING CLEAR SPRINGS – Cost $50.00
1 HR. LIFTING/1 HR. CONDITIONING
LOCATION: CLEAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
DATE: JUNE 11 – JULY 26 (OFF DURING WEEK OF JULY 4TH)
SESSION TIMES: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Contact and cost information: Coach Pam Crawford, pcrawfor@ccisd.net – Girl’s
Coach Clint Hartman, chartman@ccisd.net – Boy’s

CLEAR SPRINGS BOY’S ATHLETICS
BASEBALL CAMP - Cost $75.00
LOCATION: CLEAR CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
DATE: MAY 28 – 31
ENTERING 7TH, 8TH, 9th graders/TIME: 8:00 – 12:00 noon
Contact and cost information: Coach James Floyd, jfloyd@ccisd.net

BASKETBALL CAMP – Cost $85.00
LOCATION: CLEAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL GYM
DATE: JUNE 11 – 14
SESSION I – Entering 5th 6th 7th graders/Time: 8:00 – 12:00 noon
SESSION II – Entering 8th 9th graders/Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Contact and cost information: Coach Chris Johnson, chrisjohnson_5@yahoo.com

FOOTBALL CAMP – Cost $75.00
LOCATION: CLEAR SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
DATE: JULY 16 – 19
SESSION I – Entering 3rd – 6th graders/Time: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
SESSION II – Entering 7th – 9th graders/Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Contact and cost information: Coach Clint Hartman, chartman@ccisd.net

To Be Announced – Softball, Boy’s/Girl’s Soccer, Boy’s/Girl’s Golf

Photo credit: CCISD

CCISD - Clear Springs High Summer Sports Camp information

Kids U offers summer fun

University reports on the progress during the past year

From the Office of Communications at University of Houston-Clear Lake

May 24, 2007

HOUSTON— Classes are filling fast at University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Education’s Kids U. This educational summer camp is brimming with activities that excite, educate, and yes, even entertain the most resistant of kids. Whether science, math, technology, writing or language, kids find these specially designed summer classes stimulating and fun.

At iCamp, the Children’s Technology Workshop, kids explore the flip side of video games – not how to play them, but how to design them, and new this year – designing in 3-D. Other mind-expanding adventures include exploring the world of engineering and robotics, animation and digital video production, graphic design and digital art.

Hollywood comes to Houston via the Kids U Technology and Math Camp, featuring classes in “Claymation,” “Create Your Own Game Show,” “Digital Storytelling” and “Desktop Publishing.” Or your child can learn the game of Chess on a life-size chess board! Kids design robots, write computer programs, design Web pages and create digital masterpieces.

The Young Writers Camp will coax the muse out of any budding poet. Creativity abounds as students explore poetry through an interactive Web site, learn poetic rhythm using music and discover the magic of bringing their poems to life. Courses are available for all ages from the youngest of writers to the older, including college bound students seeking to refine writing skills through the SAT Writing Preparation course.

Back by popular demand, World Explorers Camp opens youthful eyes to the importance and means of actively participating in the issues and concerns of our local communities. “CSI: Citizens Should Investigate” is designed to show young citizens that everyone, even kids, play a role in community affairs. In “History’s Mysteries – Famous American Heroes,” kids explore the extraordinary difference “ordinary” citizens like Rosa Parks, Rachel Carson, Frederick Douglass, among others can make. “Lemon-Aid Stand” – open a lemonade stand and help the world. Kids learn the vital connection between business and community while raising funds for a charitable organization. “Oral Histories” provides hands-on experience and a wide range of technology for young historians to capture, document and produce - a la Ken Burns - their family’s unique history, culture or special events.

Kids U Language Camp can open a child’s mind to the global world. It has been proven that young children can master language more easily than adults. Kids U is excited to present its first offering of “Arabic for Kids.” This is a beginner level class that is light and interesting. And of course, the ever popular “Spanish for Kids” is back, and popular as ever.

Not all science takes place under a microscope, though there is plenty of that, too, at the Kids U Science Camp. Whether Einstein or Muir, sessions offer several choices to meet any child’s interest. From “Kitchen Chemistry” to “Concoctions and Commotion to Grossology,” from “Baby Animals to Critter Camp to Woodlore,” this camp is filled with fun activities and exciting ways to explore and study our natural world – both inside and out, literally. Kids work in labs, investigate physics, and cook up some strange dishes, or explore nature up close and personal through field trips and nature hikes. Instructors include geologists, field biologists, naturalists and wildlife rehabilitators.

The Gifted Academy offers classes focusing on such topics as scientific reasoning and leadership that challenge children who demonstrate accelerated learning capabilities.

Kids U is primarily designed for kids currently in kindergarten through eight-grade. There are a few pre-school classes offered through Science Camp, and a SAT preparatory course is offered for older, students.

For more detailed course and schedule information please visit http://kidsu.uhcl.edu. Courses are held throughout the summer with sessions usually running for one week beginning mid-June. Registration for summer 2007 has begun. Enrollment will continue Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., until classes are filled. Registration may be completed online. For more information, call Joyce Young at 281-283-3530.

Higher Education - Kids U offers summer fun

Gov. Perry addressed more than 1,000 new citizens in Austin’s largest naturalization ceremony in history

High School Chamber Orchestra played America the Beautiful and God Bless America

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

May 24, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry May 11 delivered the keynote address to more than 1,000 new American citizens at the largest naturalization ceremony in Austin’s history. Hosted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Lee Yeakel, a total of 1,023 Austin and Waco area residents representing 85 countries took the Oath