Tea Party

A Tea Party protest against illegal immigration turned violent Saturday in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, when two Tea Party representatives went to confront a group of counter-protesters and were beat up.

Rhode Island to shutdown for 12 days

In a bid to save $67.8 million in its fiscal year (FY) 2010 budget, Rhode Island will shut down government services for 12 nonconsecutive days between September and June 2010. The state also plans to implement other cost-saving measures, including withholding from cities and towns the fourth-quarter proceeds from the state’s vehicle excise tax.

Complete Count of Latinos and

oppose efforts of a small group of organizations calling for a boycott of the enumeration as a strategy to achieve comprehensive immigration reform for Hispanics.

SB 6

Senate Bill 6, also called "Healthy Texas," would help a large group of Texans who just can't afford insurance, needs a taxi. Please support!!!!

Statewide Smoking Ban

Statewide smoking ban; big cities reps, leave the rural communities alone, no unfunded mandates. Find a balance in regulating small businesses and protecting public health.

Farmers Market Promotion ProgramThe Farmers Market Promotion Program is a competitive grants program that funds projects related to farmers markets, roadside stands, community supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing channels. The most recent round of proposals were due April 27th. The next round of applications will be announced in January of 2010. If you missed the application period this time, start planning for the next cycle by reviewing the current guidelines.

Rural Energy for America: Audit and Technical Assistance GrantsIn March, USDA issued a notice seeking applications for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Applications for the grants are due on June 9, 2009. The maximum grant award is $100,000 and grant recipients whose project includes energy audits must pay 25 percent of the audit costs. See the Federal Register Notice here (pdf).

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

Participants in the 17th annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day will find there is no place to go this year.

FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE UPDATES

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) will hold a public hearing on the Weatherization Assistance Program Plan at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, in Austin. A representative of TDHCA will describe the proposed use of the ARRA funds for the program, and the agency encourages local officials and citizens to participate in the hearing. For more details on the public hearing, please visit http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/recovery/docs/09-ph-20090422-WAP.pdf.

SB 700 by Sen. Patrick

SB 700 by Sen. Patrick was voted from the Senate Finance Committee today.
As voted from the committee, the bill would require a city to automatically conduct a property tax rate ratification election any time the city adopts a tax rate that exceeds the rollback rate (current law requires a petition from citizens to trigger a rollback election).
Mandatory tax rate elections are an expensive and unnecessary revenue cap on Texas cities.

tea party

The so-called "tea parties," was noting more than unhappy right-wing Republican operatives that cannot get over the fact that they lost the election. They will be disappointed for the next 8 years, get over it.

Mayor Pro-Tem Frank Estrada and Councilman Paul Gomez receiving a resolution recognizing March 31 to April 23, 2009, as Cesar Chavez Farmworker Appreciation Month from Mayor Bertram

Councilman Mike Sanchez of Odessa

As President of the Association of Hispanic Municipal Officials, I am shocked to hear the sudden news of Councilman Mike Sanchez of Odessa, Texas passing away. While words are not sufficient consolation for the bereaved family, AHMO and the Board Members request that our heartfelt condolences be conveyed to them.We, at the Association of Hispanic Municipal Officials, will all miss him very much. Mike served as my Treasure and was a Board Member of AHMO 2008-2009. We have indeed lost an excellent councilmember and a very good friend and colleague.

Frank EstradaPresident,
AHMOMayor Pro-TemLockhart, Texas
http://lockharttexas.blogspot.com/http://ahmo2008.blogspot.com/

federal stimulus package

The federal stimulus package looks set to include a significant 13 percent boost in food stamps and more than $350 million for local shelters and food banks, emergency food assistance, and Meals on Wheels.

My own opinion on this issue!!!!

State Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, said they plan to file a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would ban smoking in indoor workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

Here is what I think.
I don't think it is the business of state government or any individual to tell other individuals when or where to smoke. Owners of businesses should be able to decide if thier patrons are allowed to smoke in thier business. If you don't like the smoke, take your business elsewhere. One of our greatest problems here in America is too much government interference in personal affairs, up to and including finances. Our business is losing money and if the State of Texas wants to tell us how to operate our business and if it fails, they better be ready to bail us out.

At the very lease, consider other options like requiring ventilation systems in smoking establishments. This option would require each restaurant or bar that does have smoking to have a special air filtration system.
Our establishment already has a complete enclosed non-smoking section that can be can patronize and it’s always empty. Most of the crowd is in the smoking section.

Frank speaking at Hillary rally

Frank in Washington DC

Senator Tom Daschle & Frank in Washingtom D.C.

I am proud of what he and his family represents for all America. Hope
http://www.change.gov/
In case you have not seen this Barack photo album.....
Take a look at the link below…

http://www.ls.cc.al.us/blackhistory/Obama/obama-2008.htm