Susan Combs seems to be taking the blame for the situation that occurred but somehow I'm sure she will get off scott free. She will probably get a slap on the wrist. If this lawsuit is won it is obviousl guarenteed that Ms. Combs herself will not have to dig into her own pockets. A $1000 pay out to about 3.5 million Texas residents. Wow! That is amazing. At a time like this, where is that substantial amount of dough going to come from? Does anyone know? Are Combs and the state prepared to deal with problems related to the security breach that occur more than a year later, perhaps even two years later? According to some identity protection experts, data thieves often sit on stolen information for up to two years before using it, to avoid raising immediate suspicion. Combs said it depends. She also does not think there will be a liability issue but that's a question for the Texas Attorney General's office.
Combs now says she takes full responsibility for the data exposure. Some of her initial comments had criticized the way agencies sent the data to the Comptroller's office. Today she says, "We're the last door. We're it. And as head of the agency, I am responsible." She says she's not thinking about her political future right now. "My job is to not worry about anything political. My job number 1 is to accept responsibility." As for spending her campaign funds, Combs said it is appropriate that she absorb the cost for identity restoration for people who have had their information stolen and used.
This is the agency that collects taxes for the state of Texas. It doesn’t have a lot of tax information about individuals, since Texas doesn’t have a personal income tax. But it’s got a lot of sensitive and proprietary information about the businesses in the state. The agency’s officials have made an explicit deal with those taxpayers: Send us the information we need to make sure you’re paying the taxes you owe, and we’ll never share it with anyone unless they’re either a tax collector or in law enforcement or in the Legislature that’s right, Texas legislators have the legal authority to peek at your books.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
It's Pooring!
Updated: Another way to tap the rainy day fund?
On monday, Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, floated a proposal this morning to put an additional $3 billion from the state’s rainy day fund into the budget bill that will pay for the deficit in the current year. HB-4 already includes $3.25 billion from the $9.4 billion reserve fund to cover the state’s tab for the current fiscal year, which ends August 31st. Of course, the Republicans are wanting to debate this proposition. A House budget passed in early April trimmed about $23 billion in state spending with cuts to K-12 education, elderly care and higher education. The Senate version of the budget, which is expected to be voted on by the full chamber at the end of April, spends $7 billion more than the House version and differs in substantial ways. The Senate budget would spend billions more on public education, nursing homes and Medicaid. Lawmakers positioned themselves for the fiscal debate, with Republicans saying that the state spends too much, and Democrats arguing that the state fails to generate sufficient revenue. Republicans said that no new taxes will be used to balance the state budget. It doesn't seem to matter how many cuts are made in our state it is proposed that we will automatically face around a 10 billion dollar shortfall for the next fiscal years regardless. All spending cuts will come from Education K-12, Higher Education, and of course healthcare/medicaid. There is still an 18 billion dollar gap that will need to be filled. It was proposed by the House Budget Chief Jim Pitts that the Legislature consider expanded gambling in the state. This option is highly unlikely.Monday, April 18, 2011
I can only see that I must agree with Mr. Avey's argument. Austin itself has an outstanding amount of local revenue per local businesses due to the fact that Austin is sometimes known for,"keepin' it in the family(city)." This is great but honestly how do we know how much revenue is acrueing for our city and state? How much longer will our city survive with no raises in retail taxes? Just because we are at a minimal 8.25% tax rate other taxation changes are being proposed and made through fees and other taxable items. Changes are being made everywhere from raising prices for storing documents for local governments to charging state employees for parking in state garages. Raising insurance premiums for state employees who use tobacco was also in the proposal. How much money is this really going to contribute to our state's shortfall? More than none, I guess that's all that matters.
Monday, April 4, 2011
BUDGET SMUDGET
Thursday was a big day in the House, with members voting to approve cuts and rainy-day-fund use to close the $4 billion shortfall in the current budget. You can read all about it here.
It is stated that eventhough this budget has passed the final budget will end up spending more and cut less. The proposed house budget looks like this: $164.5 billion, this is over a 12% reduction from last year. No taxes will be raised. It is proposed that Texas will owes its school districts around $7.8 billion, causing approximately 96,000 school employees to lose their jobs. Medicade will also take a hit. This will reduce the number of students that receive Texas grant scholarships by 60,000. Early childhood school programs will also be reduced by $223 million. It maintains funding for a broad range of victims’ services, including domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, hotlines and victim advocacy. It cuts funding for community mental health services by $162 million, and it cuts $34 million from state and community mental health hospital funding. This cut is one that I personally do not agree w/. I know first hand what it is like to suffer from PTSD and depression/anxiety disorders. A majority of the residents receiving mental health services are from the ages of 18-35.
The teacher retirement fund is also being docked by $153 million. This is unsatisfactory considering education employees are being either laid-off or forced into retirement. On top of that the funding for already retired teachers healthcare is also being reduced. It virtually eliminates all funding — $20 million — for housing placement and retention services for homeless families and individuals. I understand that the state has to make cuts but I disagree w/ some of them.
It is stated that eventhough this budget has passed the final budget will end up spending more and cut less. The proposed house budget looks like this: $164.5 billion, this is over a 12% reduction from last year. No taxes will be raised. It is proposed that Texas will owes its school districts around $7.8 billion, causing approximately 96,000 school employees to lose their jobs. Medicade will also take a hit. This will reduce the number of students that receive Texas grant scholarships by 60,000. Early childhood school programs will also be reduced by $223 million. It maintains funding for a broad range of victims’ services, including domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, hotlines and victim advocacy. It cuts funding for community mental health services by $162 million, and it cuts $34 million from state and community mental health hospital funding. This cut is one that I personally do not agree w/. I know first hand what it is like to suffer from PTSD and depression/anxiety disorders. A majority of the residents receiving mental health services are from the ages of 18-35.
The teacher retirement fund is also being docked by $153 million. This is unsatisfactory considering education employees are being either laid-off or forced into retirement. On top of that the funding for already retired teachers healthcare is also being reduced. It virtually eliminates all funding — $20 million — for housing placement and retention services for homeless families and individuals. I understand that the state has to make cuts but I disagree w/ some of them.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Texas Progressive Alliance Round-Up
On March 12, Neil Aquino stated info concerning the Save Texas Schools rally that was held in Austin. Similar events took place in Houston on March 15, a rally against the extreme cuts to vital state services being planned in our state legislature was held at Houston City Hall. Perry Dorrell at Brains & Eggs attended the Houston event.
I agree w/ Mr. Aquino when he states, "Do it yourself!" It is amazing to me how greedy the average humanbeing has become. I guess I can understand where they are coming from but not to the fullest extent. If everyone would be a little more understanding to this Budget Shortfall and contribute something back to our cities we wouldn't be dealing w/ the School Budget Cuts. I am a firm believer that good things come to those who do good for others. Current state budget proposals would leave public education more than $9 billion short of the funding required under current law. Under the proposals, about 100,000 public school employees could be laid off, according to the Center for Public Policy Priorities. The intended audience I would say has to be not only the general public but also the Top Law Makers in Texas. Every Bill pasted is going to effect everyone in more ways than one. These rallies were not led by the Democratic Party of Texas or by the Harris County Democratic Party. If we waited for the official structures of the Democratic Party to help folks find a response to the far right-wing Republican Party of Texas, then we might have to wait until the end of time itself.
The Democratic Party and most Democratic officeholders do little to mobilize people.
In many cases, Democratic officeholders sit in safe districts and never face a serious primary challenge. Sometimes they have unspent campaign funds. These are folks who could be out helping organizing folks and registering voters. In the end, it is up to each of us to do the work of freedom. You always have the option to attend a public meeting, attend or organize a protest, write or call an elected official, talk to friends and family, start a blog, donate money, write a letter to the editor, volunteer for candidates and causes you value, and even run for office yourself. Don’t wait for others to act. Do it yourself.
I agree w/ Mr. Aquino when he states, "Do it yourself!" It is amazing to me how greedy the average humanbeing has become. I guess I can understand where they are coming from but not to the fullest extent. If everyone would be a little more understanding to this Budget Shortfall and contribute something back to our cities we wouldn't be dealing w/ the School Budget Cuts. I am a firm believer that good things come to those who do good for others. Current state budget proposals would leave public education more than $9 billion short of the funding required under current law. Under the proposals, about 100,000 public school employees could be laid off, according to the Center for Public Policy Priorities. The intended audience I would say has to be not only the general public but also the Top Law Makers in Texas. Every Bill pasted is going to effect everyone in more ways than one. These rallies were not led by the Democratic Party of Texas or by the Harris County Democratic Party. If we waited for the official structures of the Democratic Party to help folks find a response to the far right-wing Republican Party of Texas, then we might have to wait until the end of time itself.
The Democratic Party and most Democratic officeholders do little to mobilize people.
In many cases, Democratic officeholders sit in safe districts and never face a serious primary challenge. Sometimes they have unspent campaign funds. These are folks who could be out helping organizing folks and registering voters. In the end, it is up to each of us to do the work of freedom. You always have the option to attend a public meeting, attend or organize a protest, write or call an elected official, talk to friends and family, start a blog, donate money, write a letter to the editor, volunteer for candidates and causes you value, and even run for office yourself. Don’t wait for others to act. Do it yourself.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Voters to Legislators: Cut the Spending
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – 
28 FEB 2011
First of all, the author is only stating the obvious:
“Future generations are counting on government to do what is right, and that means cutting spending,” said Peggy Venable, AFP-Texas State Director. “No way should we spend all the rainy day funds, and no way should we hesitate for a moment to take a scalpel to government spending.”
“This coalition group of left-wing organizations is clear in their intent to raise taxes,” Venable said.
“In no way can that be considered a ‘balanced’ way to bridge the budget shortfall. Cutting spending, paring back on government bloat, and ensuring a predictable and low-tax business environment are the only ways to ensure long-term success for our state and for Texans across the board.”
“This group advocates for emptying the state’s Rainy Day Fund and raising taxes as a way to bridge the anticipated shortfall in the state’s budget,” said Venable.
“Voters sent a strong message November second,” Venable said. “That message was to stop spending. Lawmakers need to listen and deliver or they will likely be delivered a pink slip come next election.”
“Texas Forward claims that budget cuts will harm ‘the children’ and other Texans,” Venable said.
“That is a baseless, emotional argument that has no truth behind it. Those of us who focus our attention on fiscal issues, conservative approaches to budgeting, and the constitutional limits of government aren’t buying it. Tax increases and government largess hurt the poorest of us most.”
“If enacted, this group’s goals would set Texas back. In these economic times, it is not appropriate to raise taxes or to raid all of the states’ surplus funds. That simply exasperates the problem,” Venable said.
“Americans for Prosperity’s position is that spending cuts need to be made at the federal, state and local levels and that government should not resort to raising taxes, but need to stop feeding the beast,” Venable said. “Taxpayers can spend their own money more wisely than government can.”
Texas Forward has made clear their intent to raise taxes; in a recent interview with KUT News, the group’s organizer, Kimberly Quong Charles said outright that increasing taxes is a reasonable approach to solving the budget problem.
In my opinion, tax reductions will set off a process that can bring gains for everyone. The biggest argument is that budget cuts need to be enforced everywhere. Not just a few places or organizations. Texas has been labeled as a friendly state. How come our politicians can't and won't ever consider taking a budget cut of their own? It seems that the rich will stay rich, aslong as they are in power they will get what they want and the community will continue to creep towards the poverty level that is most feared.
28 FEB 2011
First of all, the author is only stating the obvious:
“Future generations are counting on government to do what is right, and that means cutting spending,” said Peggy Venable, AFP-Texas State Director. “No way should we spend all the rainy day funds, and no way should we hesitate for a moment to take a scalpel to government spending.”
“This coalition group of left-wing organizations is clear in their intent to raise taxes,” Venable said.
“In no way can that be considered a ‘balanced’ way to bridge the budget shortfall. Cutting spending, paring back on government bloat, and ensuring a predictable and low-tax business environment are the only ways to ensure long-term success for our state and for Texans across the board.”
“This group advocates for emptying the state’s Rainy Day Fund and raising taxes as a way to bridge the anticipated shortfall in the state’s budget,” said Venable.
“Voters sent a strong message November second,” Venable said. “That message was to stop spending. Lawmakers need to listen and deliver or they will likely be delivered a pink slip come next election.”
“Texas Forward claims that budget cuts will harm ‘the children’ and other Texans,” Venable said.
“That is a baseless, emotional argument that has no truth behind it. Those of us who focus our attention on fiscal issues, conservative approaches to budgeting, and the constitutional limits of government aren’t buying it. Tax increases and government largess hurt the poorest of us most.”
“If enacted, this group’s goals would set Texas back. In these economic times, it is not appropriate to raise taxes or to raid all of the states’ surplus funds. That simply exasperates the problem,” Venable said.
“Americans for Prosperity’s position is that spending cuts need to be made at the federal, state and local levels and that government should not resort to raising taxes, but need to stop feeding the beast,” Venable said. “Taxpayers can spend their own money more wisely than government can.”
Texas Forward has made clear their intent to raise taxes; in a recent interview with KUT News, the group’s organizer, Kimberly Quong Charles said outright that increasing taxes is a reasonable approach to solving the budget problem.
In my opinion, tax reductions will set off a process that can bring gains for everyone. The biggest argument is that budget cuts need to be enforced everywhere. Not just a few places or organizations. Texas has been labeled as a friendly state. How come our politicians can't and won't ever consider taking a budget cut of their own? It seems that the rich will stay rich, aslong as they are in power they will get what they want and the community will continue to creep towards the poverty level that is most feared.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Unemployment Rates
10 FEB 2011 Statements released reguarding unemployment:
Leading the charge, state Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth drew our attention when she said GOP leaders "are saying our economy is strong even as unemployment skyrocketed in the past two years from 4.3 percent at the beginning of 2008 to 8.3 percent by the end of 2010, even as home sales have declined four straight years, even as Texas has the highest share of minimum-wage workers of any state in the nation, even as Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured, and even as Texas has the most adults who have not earned a high school diploma. These are not signs that our economy is strong."
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Texas rose 0.1 percentage points in December 2010 to 8.3%. The state unemployment rate was 1.1 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Texas peaked in April 2010 at 8.3% and is now 0.0 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 8.1% in September 2010, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Texas unemployment compared to other states. The number of people unemployed in Texas peaked in May 2010 at 1,008,884. There are now 807 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 982,339 in October 2010, the number of unemployed has now grown by 25,738.
Leading the charge, state Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth drew our attention when she said GOP leaders "are saying our economy is strong even as unemployment skyrocketed in the past two years from 4.3 percent at the beginning of 2008 to 8.3 percent by the end of 2010, even as home sales have declined four straight years, even as Texas has the highest share of minimum-wage workers of any state in the nation, even as Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured, and even as Texas has the most adults who have not earned a high school diploma. These are not signs that our economy is strong."
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