October 2011
11 posts
AFP-Texas Expresses Support for Green Scissors... →
Help Defend the American Dream with Herman Cain...
Americans for Prosperity Foundation is excited to announce that businessman and GOP presidential hopeful Herman Cain will be joining Mark Levin, John Fund, Grover Norquist and many more at the 2011 Defending the American Dream Summit on Nov. 4th & 5th at the Washington Convention Center in D.C.
Join the Texas Delegation to the Summit! Click here to register now!
Show Me the Money – AFP Recommends $5.8 Trillion...
This week, AFP published a policy paper with spending cut recommendations for the so-called Super Committee. This document also serves to provide specific spending cuts for the Cut Spending Now tour, a nationwide tour – see more about the tour here: http://cutspendingnow.org/
The tour is not slated to come to Texas now - but if you want a speaker to talk about federal...
Left-Right Coalition Calls for Environmental and...
America currently faces the toughest economic challenges seen in generations. We agree with Green Scissors that as our federal government faces a $1.65 trillion deficit and $14 trillion debt, it is imperative that we cut unnecessary and wasteful federal spending. Americans for Prosperity commends the Left-Right Coalition in their call on Congress to make environmentally sensible budget...
America Agrees with AFP, Tea Parties
Check out this recent op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal by Democratic pollster Douglas Schoen who rolled out new polling data that shows overwhelming support for curbing public workers’ benefits:
Voters want state budget cuts, not tax increases
Voters want major changes for state public employee compensation
Fifty-six percent of voters support cutting state services to address state...
Class Warfare – Indeed!
Are the protests on Wall Street and around the nation a reaction to President Obama’s continuously demonizing the wealthy and calling on them to pay more in taxes? Is it a result of fanning the flames of class warfare?
We live in this exceptional country which provides us with the opportunity to pursue and enjoy the American Dream. We looked at just who is paying the taxes in this...
ObamaCare Implementation Update
The Department of Justice confirmed this week that it did not seek a re-hearing at the 11th Circuit for the largest suit involving 26 states. The only appeal option left for the Administration is the Supreme Court. Knowledgeable court watchers expect the hearing in the spring with a decision in late June.
Click here to read more.
A Texas-Sized Problem
Nancy Coppock, an AFP Watchdog and president of the BCS Tea Party, reminds Texans that, if we want to live up to our longstanding reputation as a conservative state, we need to pay attention to what our federal elected officials are up to:
When it comes to casting a long shadow in man’s quest for liberty, Texas has both a heritage and a reputation. The reality is that Texas is currently...
Pipeline Brings More Than Just Oil to U.S.
Public hearings occurred last week regarding the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, which is set to break ground in Texas in 2013. The pipeline would run from Canada’s tar sands to Texas refineries, running through 7 states along the way. The 17,000 mile pipeline would not only carry 830,000 barrels of oil per day, it would also bring in the neighborhood of 13,000 construction jobs to the U.S....
Can Texans (Or Anyone) Protect Themselves from...
At Estate of Denial®, the blog managed by AFPF Policy Advisor Lou Ann Anderson, the question of “what can people do to protect themselves, their assets and their heirs?” is often asked. Five years of studying probate culture and estate disputes yields “not a whole lot” as the most honest answer. And this status will not change despite personal liberty and property rights...
Texas higher ed reform efforts captured the...
While Texas may have jump-started the conversation, it appears other states are also looking at higher education and how taxpayers and students can get a quality education without breaking the state budget or continuing to run up unprecedented student debt (which is expected to hit $1 trillion this year, surpassing all credit card debt in the country.)
The challenge is on and if other states are...
September 2011
18 posts
Sen. Brian Birdwell – A True Patriot
Sunday was Patriot Day, the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Texas has our own patriot in Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Dist 22). As an Army lieutenant colonel working at the Pentagon that day, he said a trip to the restroom likely saved his life. But recovering has been a daily struggle in the decade since.
In an interview on Fox News, Sen. Birdwell recounted his brush with death, and how...
Killeen Citizens Hold City Council Accountable
Jonathan Okray, the Killeen citizen who led the recall effort against five city council members, is holding protests before each city council meeting in September and October urging citizens to call for a city government that is as fiscally responsible during these tough economic times.
He is doing this in response to the council’s decision earlier this year to pay City Manager Connie Green...
Austin City Council Values Basketball, Not...
Under the 2011-2012 Austin City Council budget, city residents can expect increases not only in their property taxes, but also water bills, garbage fees and electricity bills. Of course, this rise taxes and fees could be somewhat avoided if only the Austin City Council would cut unnecessary programs like two recreation centers, which will stay open at the continued expense of tax payers.
Click...
New Conservative Blog in Texas
You’ve read AFP member and avid blogger Karen Townsend’s posts at Pondering Penguin. Now you can catch up on the latest Lone Star political news via Townsend and fellow conservative bloggers at www.TheTexasConservative.com.
Click here to read her latest post: HR 2587 – Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act
Obama Regulations Kill Texas Jobs
You may have read the Obama Administration has backed off some EPA rules. Let’s put this in perspective - EPA delayed the ozone rules until 2013, which was the normal date for their review. However, cross-state air pollution rules have been in the rewrite stage for several years.
The new rule places unfair and excessive burdens on Texas and other states, which will be forced to shoulder a...
Katy ISD is Rotten to the Core
It has recently been revealed that the same school district that laid off teachers in the middle of the school day to make a political point about cuts to the state’s public education budget at the same time gave administrators hefty raises!
This from the Texas Budget Source: “Katy ISD has dished out hefty raises to administrators the past couple of years, according to an Open Records...
Unions Block Meaningful Education Reform
The Chicken Licken child’s book depicts a fearful and ill-informed chick running around screaming hysterically, “the sky is falling, the sky is falling,” but discovers instead the sky is the limit. Similarly, teacher’s unions are attempting to create hysteria about Charter schools. Unions are ignoring key issues while blocking meaningful education reform.
Click here to read...
Hats off to Houston Chronicle editorial board for...
Cronyism and betrayal of taxpayers’ trust were dealt with in an editorial recently penned by the Houston Chronicle editorial board, calling for a serious investigation of the Houston Independent School System.
Click here to read the Houston Chronicle’s Editorial.
Congratulations, Texas Watchdog!
Texas Watchdog celebrates three years of hard-hitting investigative journalism. It’s one website we highly recommend you frequent - www.texaswatchdog.org. Happy birthday, Texas Watchdog!
Why we Texans are proud to be a Right-To-Work...
This week, Americans witnessed an outrageous spectacle: the President of the United States speaking from the same podium where, just moments before, union boss James Hoffa, Jr. called for a ‘war’ against tea party free market supporters while telling President Obama that ‘his army’ is ready to go with him and ‘take these sons-of…out.’...
Obama folds on more stringent ozone standards –...
We Texans understand energy issues. The disastrous EPA proposal for unreasonably low ozone standards would have destroyed over seven million jobs and ground industrial activity to a halt. Nearly the whole country would have been out of attainment. Fortunately, public outrage forced President Obama to back down- at least for now. Click here to read the full story.
Texas Wildfire Victims in Our Thoughts & Prayers
Our thoughts and prayers are with the many families who have been directly impacted by the devastating wildfires in Texas.
In the midst of one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in Texas history, the state has deployed resources across the state to fight fires and assist those displaced by the flames. Gov. Perry continues to urge all Texans to heed all warnings and cease all outdoor...
Hundreds of New Laws Take Effect in Texas
Texas got a little bit more conservative this week after hundreds of new laws took effect on Sept. 1. Along with a leaner budget that made cuts without raising taxes (hallelujah!), Texans can look forward to driving faster at sundown (is that a good thing?) and “noodling.” You’ll have to read this article at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram to learn what that means: Hundreds of new Texas laws go into...
AFP Among the Top Twitter Influencers
AFP Legislative Liaison Eliza Vielma (@misslizaface) was recognized this week for being a major influencer on Twitter during the 2011 Legislative Session using the hashtag #txlege. Behind her was Sybil West, member and blogger at Ramparts360.com(@Ramparts306).
Here’s the scoop: If a Twitter Handle Shouts, Does Anyone At the Capitol Hear It?
You can follow AFP Texas on Twitter @TexasAFP, and...
What Does "Free Market" Mean to You?
Adam Smith gave us his definition in “The Wealth of Nations.” Now, the Austin Tea Party and New Revolution Now want to know, “What does ‘free market’ mean to you?” They are asking for their fellow conservatives to send your short (3-7 word) video answering this question:
What does “free market” mean to you?
Example answers:
· Competition for...
AFP Responds to UT Higher Education Reform...
Click here to read statements by Americans for Prosperity Foundation State Director Peggy Venable, and America’s Next Impact Director Chris Covo in response to the recommendations given by University of Texas Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa at the UT Board of Regents meeting on August 25.
Doesn't Congress Earn Enough?
A recent article on Yahoo! News had us shaking our heads – a number of Congressmen are complaining that their $174,000 annual salary isn’t enough. Will Congress ever learn that politics was never meant to be a way to earn a living, but a service and sacrifice performed on behalf of the people they represent?
Click here to read the article, and be sure to leave a comment on what you think...
Two Red Apple Award Winners
Edinburg ISD in south Texas and San Angelo ISD in west Texas both deserve honors for dealing with reduced budgets without punishing taxpayers or students.
Edinburg ISD approved a budget $12 million less than the previous one and dealt with the cuts by eliminating administrative positions and tightening up overhead expenditures.
And San Angelo ISD actually trimmed its tax rate by 3 cents, in spite...
August 2011
8 posts
The Texas Record Under Gov. Rick Perry
What is the Perry record? Texas is the top state for business relocation into the state, #1 in job creation, top exporting state, and on and on. Texas has gained those distinctions under Gov. Perry’s tenure.
To get a snapshot of the Texas record and how conservative fiscal policies create an atmosphere for prosperity, go to: www.LoneStarStrong.com
The Eyes of Texas are on Williamson County...
It appears that the Williamson County Commissioners are at it again – this time with a jobs “hit list” which will cut positions (funding) from the duly-elected County Attorney. The Williamson County Commissioners and County Judge Gattis are continuing to disregard the voters of Williamson County by crippling the county attorney office and the county attorney.
Click here to read more....
Texans Cannot Afford the Higher Ed Status Quo
At a joint press conference this week at the Texas Capitol, a coalition of public university students and free market organizations, led by Americans for Prosperity Foundation, put out a united call for more transparency, accountability, accessibility and affordability at Texas universities to curb the out-of-control increase in college tuition.
“I’m worried how it’s going to...
College Students Call for Higher Ed Reform
Students from the state’s leading public universities have put out a call for more accountability, accessibility and affordability in Texas higher education.
Click here to read more, and be sure to watch the latest Rock the Ivory Tower video by clicking the photo below:
Obama Made His Own Bad Luck On Jobs
The President recently took to the campaign trail – at taxpayer expense – trying to rehabilitate his image on job creation. Obama claimed that his policies “reversed the recession” until he ran into a “run of bad luck”. In truth, the biggest challenge the economy has faced under this administration is an astonishing onslaught of federal regulations that make it nearly...
AFP Comments on Health Care Exchange Regulations
AFP has just submitted official comments to HHS on the first major round of health care insurance exchange regulations issued under the President’s new health care law. The regulations from HHS lack any meaningful flexibility for states to control their exchanges, which is critical to maintaining the quality and availability of health care coverage.
Click here to read more.
Beaumont ISD No Longer Recognized, Keeps Signs...
We wish we were joking. But then again, maybe they don’t have the money to change the signs since 57% of all revenues goes to administration, including $347K to their Superintendent.
Click here to read more.
Mark Levin to join Defending the American Dream...
AFP Foundation’s 5th annual Defending the American Dream Summit will be held November 4-5, 2011 at the DC Convention Center in Washington, DC. Radio host Mark Levin has just been confirmed as a keynote speaker.
Click here for more details and to register.
July 2011
9 posts
Gov. Perry's recent back surgery hasn't slowed him... →
AFP Praises Texas' Policies at Budget Bill Signing
Americans for Prosperity State Director Peggy Venable spoke at the bill signing ceremony in Amarillo this week where Gov. Rick Perry signed the 2012-2013 Texas Budget into law. Below is an excerpt from her speech:
Texas legislators balanced our state budget without raising taxes, all while protecting the rainy day fund – and they did it in all in only 170 days.
Our state leaders can’t vote...
Texas is Hot, Hot, Hot!
And we’re not talking about the weather! Texas made headlines this week for increasing job growth more than any other state in the union. The story of Texas’ economic success even made the front page of USA Today, which led to a flurry of copy-cat articles touting Texas’ success.
We at AFP have been promoting Texas’ record on good fiscal policies that have lead to our...
Investigative Reporting Reveals Abuses
Citizen watchdogs, government workers and citizen journalists/bloggers are often at the forefront uncovering cronyism and corruption.
How often does this happen? Local officials certainly don’t publicize it, and we appreciate the work of investigative reporters and taxpayer watchdogs who expose the practice.
Click here to read a number of recent examples of journalists and Citizen Watchdogs...
EPA Targets Texas
Texas will face a shortage of generation necessary to keep the lights on and the air conditioners cooling in Texas within a few years, if the EPA’s Cross-State Rule is implemented as written. The Texas electricity grid folks are sounding the alarm while the EPA hits the airwaves.
(Click here to read more.)
Texas has an impressive record of environmental accomplishments . Yet the EPA...
No Natural Gas Subsidies
Dozens of Republicans (along with more than 100 Democrats) have cosponsored a bill from Representative John Sullivan (R-Okla.) that creates massive new subsidies for the natural gas industry.
Click here to take action and tell your representative not to support any new energy subsidies.
Generation Debt – Attend a Happy Hour Near You!
College tuition is skyrocketing, and student loan debt is at an all-time high. We’re asking those in the 18-40 set to join us for a happy hour in one of the following locations as we discuss how we can make a difference for Higher Ed reform.
August 10, 2011 – Houston Details and location: http://generationdebthouston.eventbrite.com
August 11, 2011 – San Antonio Details and location:...
Rotten Apple Award
This week’s Rotten Apple Award winner is Keller ISD. After a tax increase election failed, district officials plan to get their hands on more of the taxpayers’ dollars by instituting a $187 per year fee for children to ride the bus to school.
Read below to see two more districts that are deserving of the “Rotten Apple Award.”
The nominees for Week 16 of the Rotten Apple...
Milton Friedman TweetUp – July 29 in Austin, TX
Join us as we celebrate Milton Friedman’s 99th Birthday with a speaker on free market solutions to education, drinks, appetizers and networking with other conservative bloggers/tweeters.
Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be served. Click here to RSVP for this event.
June 2011
10 posts
Taxpayer Savings Grants are a Win-Win for Students...
Americans for Prosperity supports HB 33 by Rep. Sid Miller.
We realize that school districts – particularly superintendents – are opposed to this plan, and many are using our tax dollars to oppose giving parents options. In response to their opposition, we have one simple question.
If public school supporters are so concerned that giving parents a choice would result in a mass exodus from the...
Texans Have Another Chance to Enact Interstate...
Texas and a number of other states have introduced legislation to allow the states to opt out of the “Affordable Care Act” because it isn’t affordable. The legislature is considering HB 5, written by Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, and a companion bill in the Senate by Rep. Joan Huffman. The bill made it out of the House during the regular session and is working its way through the Special...
Dr. Powers: Come down from your ivory tower!
Powers, Powers - come down from your ivory towers! Give me a break. Taxpayers don’t know or care that you teach one class with 16 students.
Taxpayers do care how much the college degree is costing. That’s over and above the “$13 per TX resident” figure used in the UT propaganda. If every government entity cost us $13, we would be just where we are today - spending too much...
It's time we rock the ivory tower
It is time we rock the Ivory Tower…maybe long overdue.
How do parents prepare for the high costs of college? It could be that jumping on the bandwagon to reform higher education would be the best way to enhance affordability.
More parents are saving money for their children’s college education…in 2010; $9 billion has been put in government-run college savings plans. It’s a good...