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From the Center for American Progress:
Pedro do la Torre explains what the Student Aid and Financial Responsibility Act is, why we need it, and why it's paired with health reform legislation.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Local News: Company’s Closure Causes Job Losses in Bryan-College Station
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West Corporation to Close Bryan Site
By Michelle Casady
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
It's unclear how the closure of West Corp.'s Bryan call center will affect the company's contract with the Research Valley Partnership, officials said Tuesday.
The company will lay off 260 people and close its University Drive campus May 15, employees were told Tuesday morning.
"Over the past several months, we have experienced a decrease in our call volume for the client we serve in that center," said David Pleiss, vice president of investor and public relations for the Omaha, Neb.-based company. "So the downturn in business combined with our lease expiring this fall just made this a good decision."
The company came to Bryan in late 2005 after being lured by the Research Valley Partnership with an incentives package valued at more than $500,000 -- $250,000 came from the RVP.
As part of the agreement, West Corp. was required to maintain a $15 million payroll and bring in $3 million in new investments over several years, said Todd McDaniel, chief executive of the RVP.
"We have legal agreements that require a certain performance and the reimbursement of incentives in the event of default," he said. "We're going to do our job and take the necessary steps. Certainly one option is to request the reimbursement of incentives, which is generally what we do."
Over the past four years, McDaniel said, the company paid out $51 million in payroll and brought in more than $4 million in investments.
Pleiss said all employees of West Corp. have been encouraged to apply for a program called West at Home, which allows employees to essentially do the same job they would in the call center from their homes.
It's possible that all 260 employees could find work through the program, he said.
The announcement isn't an indication of a weakened local economy, Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce President Royce Hickman, but a reflection of a weakened national economy.
"What happens is these national companies that operate outside of the Bryan-College Station area are being impacted by the economy much more than we are locally," he said, referencing the recent closures of Circuit City and Linens 'n Things. "But they have to make cuts to consolidate their businesses."
The Chamber is hosting a job fair April 13 at the College Station Hilton from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., he said, which could provide help to soon-to-be former West Corp. employees.
In June, the company announced 160 employees would be laid off by August after losing an account with American Express.
McDaniel said the closure comes after West Corp. received word from another client, Dish Network, that it would no longer be needing the Bryan call center's services.
Published on Wednesday, March 17, 2010
By Michelle Casady
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
It's unclear how the closure of West Corp.'s Bryan call center will affect the company's contract with the Research Valley Partnership, officials said Tuesday.
The company will lay off 260 people and close its University Drive campus May 15, employees were told Tuesday morning.
"Over the past several months, we have experienced a decrease in our call volume for the client we serve in that center," said David Pleiss, vice president of investor and public relations for the Omaha, Neb.-based company. "So the downturn in business combined with our lease expiring this fall just made this a good decision."
The company came to Bryan in late 2005 after being lured by the Research Valley Partnership with an incentives package valued at more than $500,000 -- $250,000 came from the RVP.
As part of the agreement, West Corp. was required to maintain a $15 million payroll and bring in $3 million in new investments over several years, said Todd McDaniel, chief executive of the RVP.
"We have legal agreements that require a certain performance and the reimbursement of incentives in the event of default," he said. "We're going to do our job and take the necessary steps. Certainly one option is to request the reimbursement of incentives, which is generally what we do."
Over the past four years, McDaniel said, the company paid out $51 million in payroll and brought in more than $4 million in investments.
Pleiss said all employees of West Corp. have been encouraged to apply for a program called West at Home, which allows employees to essentially do the same job they would in the call center from their homes.
It's possible that all 260 employees could find work through the program, he said.
The announcement isn't an indication of a weakened local economy, Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce President Royce Hickman, but a reflection of a weakened national economy.
"What happens is these national companies that operate outside of the Bryan-College Station area are being impacted by the economy much more than we are locally," he said, referencing the recent closures of Circuit City and Linens 'n Things. "But they have to make cuts to consolidate their businesses."
The Chamber is hosting a job fair April 13 at the College Station Hilton from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., he said, which could provide help to soon-to-be former West Corp. employees.
In June, the company announced 160 employees would be laid off by August after losing an account with American Express.
McDaniel said the closure comes after West Corp. received word from another client, Dish Network, that it would no longer be needing the Bryan call center's services.
Published on Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Health Care Reform Support By the Numbers
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It is clear that the debate surrounding health care reform is going to continue long past this week’s possible vote, and the debate is going to have a significant impact on the midterm elections this November. If health care reform is passed then Democrats who voted for it will have something tangible to campaign on, and the Republicans have already begun to make plans on campaigning on repealing health care reform. The Republicans did the same thing after the New Deal, but that is a subject for another blog. Another thing that has been made clear is that special interests groups are going to be heavily campaigning against health care reform, and because of a recent Supreme Court decision corporations are also going to be able to directly influence the public debate.
The US Chamber of Commerce is targeting Democrats in Congress with a recent poll that it commissioned in ten Congressional districts around the country, including Texas Congressional District 17. The respondents where asked a series of questions beginning with what they thought health care reform priorities should be: improving the quality of health care, lowering the costs of health care, or covering more of the uninsured. Then they where asked to think about the “overall health care reform plan being discussed in Congress” and whether or not they would say they “generally support or oppose that reform plan.” The poll then asked respondents to “agree or disagree with each of the following statements about health care,” and provides a series of negative statements about health care reform.
The statements that respondents where asked to agree or disagree with included “reforms being discussed will raise my health care costs,” “reforms being discussed will increase the deficit,” “reforms being discussed will cause my taxes to go up,” “reforms being discussed will expand government control over health care,” “new taxes and fees charged to health care companies will get passed on and will mean higher health care costs for me.” So, instead of asking respondents about what they think about the actual proposals in the health care reform legislation, respondents are asked what they think about a list that looks as though it could have come from Republican talking points.
The reforms in the health care legislation will not raise health care costs, and are in fact designed to lower the cost of health care overall. The legislation has been determined by the Congressional Budget Office to actually lower the deficit, and while some taxes will need to be increased that vast majority of Americans will not see their taxes increased. Also, there will not be higher health care cost for the majority of Americans, because of increased competition that is designed to lower health care cost overall. The idea that health care reform constitutes an expansion of government control over health care is simply the way in which the Republican Party and special interests groups have been able to paint reform with a broad brush to influence a public that has become mistrustful of government after eight years of Republican incompetence.
How did voters in Congressional District 17 respond to the survey? When respondents in District 17 where asked to think about the “overall health care reform plan being discussed in Congress, would you say you generally support or oppose that reform plan,” 60% said that they opposed the plan while 30% said they support the plan and 10% did not know. District 17 had the highest percentage of those surveyed who where against the plan, but only 4.4% higher than the average of the other ten districts. In general this seems to be higher than the average national poll, however, the recent Gallup poll reported that 48% of respondents where against the current health care legislation.
When asked if the current legislation would increase health care cost, 65% of constituents in Congressional District 17 said that they believed it would, which is the highest among the ten congressional districts. Even more of the same respondents believed that health care reform would increase the deficit, once again the highest among the districts with 75% agreeing. The same amount believe that their taxes would increase and 76% believe that it is increasing government control over health care, both of which are the highest among the districts. In fact only one question was not agreed with by the constituents of Congressional District 17 more than any other district; residents of this district and the Pennsylvania 4th and the Nevada 3rd all agreed 69% of the time that higher health care cost will get passed on to them.
However, what the real purpose of publishing this poll is to convince Democrats in Congress that if they oppose the health care legislation, even if they supported it before, that their constituents would be more likely to reelect them:
“Voters in each district would be more likely to support their representative if he or she votes against health care reform in the spring. Regardless of whether their representative in the House voted for or against the House bill last November, these voters prefer that their representative oppose the current plan.”
What the poll is trying to highlight is that out of the respondents from congressional districts whose representative voted for health reform an average of 31% would continue to support them if they voted for health care reform again and an average of 43% would switch to opposition if they voted for health care reform again. What does that mean for Congressman Chet Edwards is Congressional District 17? Not much. Congressman Edwards voted against health care reform in the fall and already announced that he will not be supporting the current legislation. Even if he did support this current legislation only 18% would switch to supporting him (the lowest out of any of the congressional districts), while 50% would maintain their oppositions and 23% of which for it would make no difference. But why are these numbers worthless? Because the poll never ask if the respondents support their representative in the first place, and there is not a breakdown by party lines. The only thing that this poll might show of significance is that on average 72% of the 400 people surveyed in Texas Congressional District 17 are misinformed about the current health care reforms.
In the press released by the Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Josten, the executive vice president of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was quoted as saying, “There should be absolutely no question in anyone’s mind how Americans view this health care bill. This legislation is among the most unpopular proposals in recent memory and Members of Congress would be well advised to listen to their constituents’ concerns.” The public opinion would not perhaps have been in part shaped by advertising and lawmakers may been influenced by perhaps special interests groups such as the Chamber of Commerce?
The US Chamber of Commerce is targeting Democrats in Congress with a recent poll that it commissioned in ten Congressional districts around the country, including Texas Congressional District 17. The respondents where asked a series of questions beginning with what they thought health care reform priorities should be: improving the quality of health care, lowering the costs of health care, or covering more of the uninsured. Then they where asked to think about the “overall health care reform plan being discussed in Congress” and whether or not they would say they “generally support or oppose that reform plan.” The poll then asked respondents to “agree or disagree with each of the following statements about health care,” and provides a series of negative statements about health care reform.
The statements that respondents where asked to agree or disagree with included “reforms being discussed will raise my health care costs,” “reforms being discussed will increase the deficit,” “reforms being discussed will cause my taxes to go up,” “reforms being discussed will expand government control over health care,” “new taxes and fees charged to health care companies will get passed on and will mean higher health care costs for me.” So, instead of asking respondents about what they think about the actual proposals in the health care reform legislation, respondents are asked what they think about a list that looks as though it could have come from Republican talking points.
The reforms in the health care legislation will not raise health care costs, and are in fact designed to lower the cost of health care overall. The legislation has been determined by the Congressional Budget Office to actually lower the deficit, and while some taxes will need to be increased that vast majority of Americans will not see their taxes increased. Also, there will not be higher health care cost for the majority of Americans, because of increased competition that is designed to lower health care cost overall. The idea that health care reform constitutes an expansion of government control over health care is simply the way in which the Republican Party and special interests groups have been able to paint reform with a broad brush to influence a public that has become mistrustful of government after eight years of Republican incompetence.
How did voters in Congressional District 17 respond to the survey? When respondents in District 17 where asked to think about the “overall health care reform plan being discussed in Congress, would you say you generally support or oppose that reform plan,” 60% said that they opposed the plan while 30% said they support the plan and 10% did not know. District 17 had the highest percentage of those surveyed who where against the plan, but only 4.4% higher than the average of the other ten districts. In general this seems to be higher than the average national poll, however, the recent Gallup poll reported that 48% of respondents where against the current health care legislation.
When asked if the current legislation would increase health care cost, 65% of constituents in Congressional District 17 said that they believed it would, which is the highest among the ten congressional districts. Even more of the same respondents believed that health care reform would increase the deficit, once again the highest among the districts with 75% agreeing. The same amount believe that their taxes would increase and 76% believe that it is increasing government control over health care, both of which are the highest among the districts. In fact only one question was not agreed with by the constituents of Congressional District 17 more than any other district; residents of this district and the Pennsylvania 4th and the Nevada 3rd all agreed 69% of the time that higher health care cost will get passed on to them.
However, what the real purpose of publishing this poll is to convince Democrats in Congress that if they oppose the health care legislation, even if they supported it before, that their constituents would be more likely to reelect them:
“Voters in each district would be more likely to support their representative if he or she votes against health care reform in the spring. Regardless of whether their representative in the House voted for or against the House bill last November, these voters prefer that their representative oppose the current plan.”
What the poll is trying to highlight is that out of the respondents from congressional districts whose representative voted for health reform an average of 31% would continue to support them if they voted for health care reform again and an average of 43% would switch to opposition if they voted for health care reform again. What does that mean for Congressman Chet Edwards is Congressional District 17? Not much. Congressman Edwards voted against health care reform in the fall and already announced that he will not be supporting the current legislation. Even if he did support this current legislation only 18% would switch to supporting him (the lowest out of any of the congressional districts), while 50% would maintain their oppositions and 23% of which for it would make no difference. But why are these numbers worthless? Because the poll never ask if the respondents support their representative in the first place, and there is not a breakdown by party lines. The only thing that this poll might show of significance is that on average 72% of the 400 people surveyed in Texas Congressional District 17 are misinformed about the current health care reforms.
In the press released by the Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Josten, the executive vice president of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was quoted as saying, “There should be absolutely no question in anyone’s mind how Americans view this health care bill. This legislation is among the most unpopular proposals in recent memory and Members of Congress would be well advised to listen to their constituents’ concerns.” The public opinion would not perhaps have been in part shaped by advertising and lawmakers may been influenced by perhaps special interests groups such as the Chamber of Commerce?
According to a report by the National Journal the Chamber of Commerce far outspent any other group lobbying in 2009, spending $123.3 million lobbying activities that year compared to $62.3 million in 2008. The Chamber of Commerce spent nearly five times more on lobbying than even PhRMA, and more than PhRMA, AARP, the AMA, the Business Roundtable, the American Hospital Association, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and America's Health Insurance Plans combined. The numbers look different when you realize the questions are loaded, and the money behind the questions is invested not in ensuring quality health care for Americans but in corporate interests.
Video Lunch: Wars Sending U.S. Into Ruin (Part 2)
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From the Real News Network:
Eric Margolis: Democrats and Republican leadership buy into "Pax Americana”
From the Real News Network:
Eric Margolis: Democrats and Republican leadership buy into "Pax Americana”
Local News: Congressman Edwards to Vote Against Health Care Reform
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Chet Edwards Says He Will Vote Against Senate's Health Care Bill
By Michael W. Shapiro Tribune-Herald staff writer
From the Waco Tribune-Herald
Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, announced Monday he will vote against the Senate’s version of health care reform legislation when it comes up for a vote in the U.S. House, expected later this week.
Edwards voted against the House’s version of health care legislation in November, and some local Democrats and labor groups had expressed hope he would be more amenable to the less expensive and less expansive Senate version.
But Edwards made it clear in a conference call with reporters that his vote would not change. Edwards also said he would vote against a package of changes to the Senate bill that Democrats are hoping to pass through a process called budget reconciliation.
Chet Edwards said he was "especially disappointed" the legislation did not include a proposal he backed that would have reduced the scale of the program if costs ran high.
“I voted ‘no’ on the House health care reform bill, and I will be a ‘no’ vote on the Senate health care reform bill,” Edwards said. “At a time of massive federal deficits, I believe these bills could make those deficits worse.”
More specifically, Edwards said he was “especially disappointed” the legislation did not include a proposal he backed that would have reduced the scale of the program if costs ran high.
“No one can predict with absolute certainty the new cost and cost savings of such a massive reform bill over 10 to 20 years,” Edwards said. “That is why I believed it was important to include a trigger to automatically reduce the cost of the bill if the projections turned out to be wrong, particularly since our nation is facing such serious federal deficits.”
According to the Congressional Budget Office’s latest cost estimate of the Senate bill, the projected price tag for the Senate bill is $875 billion during 10 years.
The estimate anticipates a reduction in future deficits of $118 billion because of new taxes and cost-cutting in the bill.
By Monday afternoon, the CBO had not issued an estimate of the costs of the various changes Democratic leaders also are hoping to pass along with the bill.
Reform Still Needed
Edwards reiterated his concerns about the rising cost of health insurance and the ability of insurers to deny or charge pricey premiums for people with pre-existing medical conditions, saying most people want to see something done to change the system.
He also said that, with House Democratic leaders and the Obama administration still trying to round up enough votes, there’s a chance the health care bill won’t pass the House. That would allow lawmakers to further revise a health care bill.
“If we defeat the Senate bill, that’s when I think we take a deep breath, try to look for common ground (and) find a way to put together a bill the people would support,” Edwards said. “I still hold out hope we can pass a bill that would unite the American people and not divide us.”
Opponents Weigh In
Edwards’ decision could take a potent campaign season issue off the table for his potential Republican general election opponents, Rob Curnock and Bill Flores, who are competing in a primary runoff election.
Both candidates oppose health care reform efforts. In statements Monday, both campaigns seemed to support Edwards’ stance but urged him to go further.
Flores’ release suggested Edwards use “every ounce of energy to encourage other Democrats to vote against this bill.”
Curnock’s statement called on the congressman to use his “access and influence” as a high-ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee “to make sure this bill does not pass.”
Edwards responded, “I intend to continue using my votes and voice to oppose the House and Senate health care bills.”
Edwards, who sits on the House Budget Committee, cast a procedural vote against the reconciliation bill Monday. The bill was passed out of committee by a 21-16 margin.
Leaders of the Waco Tea Party were planning Monday to deliver a thank-you card to Edwards today for coming out against the legislation. The card will include pleas for Edwards to vote certain ways on several anticipated procedural votes.
Leaders from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Association of Business and the National Federation of Independent Business were moving ahead with a press conference at 10 a.m. today at the Waco Hilton to discuss what a statement calls “the devastating impact” of the legislation on employers.
Published on Tuesday, March 16, 2010
By Michael W. Shapiro Tribune-Herald staff writer
From the Waco Tribune-Herald
Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, announced Monday he will vote against the Senate’s version of health care reform legislation when it comes up for a vote in the U.S. House, expected later this week.
Edwards voted against the House’s version of health care legislation in November, and some local Democrats and labor groups had expressed hope he would be more amenable to the less expensive and less expansive Senate version.
But Edwards made it clear in a conference call with reporters that his vote would not change. Edwards also said he would vote against a package of changes to the Senate bill that Democrats are hoping to pass through a process called budget reconciliation.
Chet Edwards said he was "especially disappointed" the legislation did not include a proposal he backed that would have reduced the scale of the program if costs ran high.
“I voted ‘no’ on the House health care reform bill, and I will be a ‘no’ vote on the Senate health care reform bill,” Edwards said. “At a time of massive federal deficits, I believe these bills could make those deficits worse.”
More specifically, Edwards said he was “especially disappointed” the legislation did not include a proposal he backed that would have reduced the scale of the program if costs ran high.
“No one can predict with absolute certainty the new cost and cost savings of such a massive reform bill over 10 to 20 years,” Edwards said. “That is why I believed it was important to include a trigger to automatically reduce the cost of the bill if the projections turned out to be wrong, particularly since our nation is facing such serious federal deficits.”
According to the Congressional Budget Office’s latest cost estimate of the Senate bill, the projected price tag for the Senate bill is $875 billion during 10 years.
The estimate anticipates a reduction in future deficits of $118 billion because of new taxes and cost-cutting in the bill.
By Monday afternoon, the CBO had not issued an estimate of the costs of the various changes Democratic leaders also are hoping to pass along with the bill.
Reform Still Needed
Edwards reiterated his concerns about the rising cost of health insurance and the ability of insurers to deny or charge pricey premiums for people with pre-existing medical conditions, saying most people want to see something done to change the system.
He also said that, with House Democratic leaders and the Obama administration still trying to round up enough votes, there’s a chance the health care bill won’t pass the House. That would allow lawmakers to further revise a health care bill.
“If we defeat the Senate bill, that’s when I think we take a deep breath, try to look for common ground (and) find a way to put together a bill the people would support,” Edwards said. “I still hold out hope we can pass a bill that would unite the American people and not divide us.”
Opponents Weigh In
Edwards’ decision could take a potent campaign season issue off the table for his potential Republican general election opponents, Rob Curnock and Bill Flores, who are competing in a primary runoff election.
Both candidates oppose health care reform efforts. In statements Monday, both campaigns seemed to support Edwards’ stance but urged him to go further.
Flores’ release suggested Edwards use “every ounce of energy to encourage other Democrats to vote against this bill.”
Curnock’s statement called on the congressman to use his “access and influence” as a high-ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee “to make sure this bill does not pass.”
Edwards responded, “I intend to continue using my votes and voice to oppose the House and Senate health care bills.”
Edwards, who sits on the House Budget Committee, cast a procedural vote against the reconciliation bill Monday. The bill was passed out of committee by a 21-16 margin.
Leaders of the Waco Tea Party were planning Monday to deliver a thank-you card to Edwards today for coming out against the legislation. The card will include pleas for Edwards to vote certain ways on several anticipated procedural votes.
Leaders from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Association of Business and the National Federation of Independent Business were moving ahead with a press conference at 10 a.m. today at the Waco Hilton to discuss what a statement calls “the devastating impact” of the legislation on employers.
Published on Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Texas Progressive Alliance Roundup - March 15, 2010
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The Texas Progressive Alliance heads into March Madness with its own bracket of news and links for the week.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wonders how Republicans can be so violently against having services they desperately need?
Off the Kuff analyzed county returns in the primaries for Governor, Lite Guv, and the Commissioners.
When are you "too gay" for your job? The Texas Cloverleaf finds out.
WhosPlayin broke the story of a Tea-Partying Lewisville City Councilman who has failed to pay his business property taxes for the 28 years he has been in business. On the same weekend, the story came out that the son of the Flower Mound mayor and her public school Bible class promoting husband was busted with marijuana, a BB gun, and stolen property in his car. (But don't worry, he wasn't actually arrested.)
Bay Area Houston says When Capitalism Works we buy from China.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson says it's Time for Democrats to go all in on health care.
This week, McBlogger brings you Tom Pauken, Moron (NSFW).
Karl Rove is "proud" that the Bush administration tortured suspected al-Qaeda terrorists. That -- coupled with the Obama administration's recalcitrance to prosecute Rove, Cheney, Bush, et.al for their admitted war crimes -- has PDiddie at Brains and Eggs a little more pessimistic than usual.
Attention all Breathers! It's URGENT that you attend the EPA Public Hearing on the proposed new ozone standards. The hearing is Tuesday in Arlington and to help get you motivated TXsharon posted a video on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
Neil at Texas Liberal says that with one-in-three folks in Houston lacking health insurance, Houston Mayor Annise Parker should be speaking up in favor in health care reform. Mayor Parker has already spoken up on the federal issues of the census and EPA air quality standards. So why not speak up on this federal issue that impacts Houston?
Lightseeker at TexasKaos tells us, again, why Rick Perry Must Go. It seems his cronies want the private sector bozos who messed up the validation procedure for Food Stamps, to advise on fixing the system, and they don't understand what all the fuss is about. I mean doesn't every vendor get a no-bid contract?
The Texas Progressive Alliance heads into March Madness with its own bracket of news and links for the week.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wonders how Republicans can be so violently against having services they desperately need?
Off the Kuff analyzed county returns in the primaries for Governor, Lite Guv, and the Commissioners.
When are you "too gay" for your job? The Texas Cloverleaf finds out.
WhosPlayin broke the story of a Tea-Partying Lewisville City Councilman who has failed to pay his business property taxes for the 28 years he has been in business. On the same weekend, the story came out that the son of the Flower Mound mayor and her public school Bible class promoting husband was busted with marijuana, a BB gun, and stolen property in his car. (But don't worry, he wasn't actually arrested.)
Bay Area Houston says When Capitalism Works we buy from China.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson says it's Time for Democrats to go all in on health care.
This week, McBlogger brings you Tom Pauken, Moron (NSFW).
Karl Rove is "proud" that the Bush administration tortured suspected al-Qaeda terrorists. That -- coupled with the Obama administration's recalcitrance to prosecute Rove, Cheney, Bush, et.al for their admitted war crimes -- has PDiddie at Brains and Eggs a little more pessimistic than usual.
Attention all Breathers! It's URGENT that you attend the EPA Public Hearing on the proposed new ozone standards. The hearing is Tuesday in Arlington and to help get you motivated TXsharon posted a video on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
Neil at Texas Liberal says that with one-in-three folks in Houston lacking health insurance, Houston Mayor Annise Parker should be speaking up in favor in health care reform. Mayor Parker has already spoken up on the federal issues of the census and EPA air quality standards. So why not speak up on this federal issue that impacts Houston?
Lightseeker at TexasKaos tells us, again, why Rick Perry Must Go. It seems his cronies want the private sector bozos who messed up the validation procedure for Food Stamps, to advise on fixing the system, and they don't understand what all the fuss is about. I mean doesn't every vendor get a no-bid contract?
Video Lunch: Wars Sending U.S. Into Ruin
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From the Real News Network:
Eric Margolis: Obama the peace president is fighting battles his country cannot afford.
From the Real News Network:
Eric Margolis: Obama the peace president is fighting battles his country cannot afford.
Local News: Capital Improvements Continues in Bryan
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Bryan Improvements Ongoing
By Cassie Smith
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
The city of Bryan is buzzing with more than $40 million worth of construction projects, and another $17 million of work is set to start this year.
Last week, the Bryan City Council, city staff members and candidates in the May municipal election took a bus tour of about 50 capital improvement projects and new developments around the city.
"The city of Bryan is working very diligently in getting capital projects designed and under construction," said Linda Huff, the city's public works director. "Hopefully, the citizens have noticed all the construction. Construction costs are at an all-time low, and therefore the city is getting a great value for planned improvements."
Huff said the projects are helping the community by providing jobs for construction workers.
The funding for some projects comes from grants and other agencies. The Safe Routes to School project, for example, which connects schools to a park and neighborhoods along Carter Creek Parkway, was funded by the Texas Department of Transportation.
The city has applied for additional Safe Routes funding for more sidewalk projects, but awards have not yet been designated.
The city is working on the annual update for its five-year capital improvements plan and seeking input from residents regarding projects and priorities.
City Engineer Paul Kaspar said residents can provide input by filling out a form at www.bryantx.gov/cip.
City officials are also willing to visit neighborhood associations to collect input, he said.
Big-Dollar Projects
The city has been investing in downtown renovations for the past few years and is currently in the third phase of the downtown redevelopment project. The $6.5 million worth of work is 10 percent complete and includes rebuilding parts of Main, Martin Luther King Jr., 23rd and 24th streets.
State funding is also being used to replace the two-lane Old Reliance Road overpass over Texas 6 with a five-lane bridge. The $6.5 million project will also include sidewalks.
And engineers are about halfway through the design process of a $4 million reconstruction project on College Main. Construction is planned to begin this summer from Old College Road to the city limits. Sidewalks and bike lanes will be added on both sides of the street, and water and sewer lines will also be updated. City officials said the improvements should increase the potential for retail development or increased housing density in the area.
The city is spending about $1.5 million to install 6-foot-wide sidewalks on Martin Luther King Jr. Street. That work is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project will replace damaged sidewalks and extend them from Muckleroy Street to Texas 6 at the Old Reliance Road bridge. It will also include a pedestrian bridge on East Martin Luther King Jr. Street that will cross the tributary of Carters Creek adjacent to Sadie Thomas Park.
Development
The $200,000 design work for the Next Generation Industrial Park is 20 percent complete. The city will extend water and sewer services to the industrial park, which will be on more than 191 acres north of Texas 6 and F.M. 2818.
The park will include a 3,000-square-foot truck stop and a Denny's restaurant, and the city has secured a $1 million grant to extend a spur line off the Union Pacific Railroad.
Design work on renovations to the City Hall annex is 75 percent complete. The upgrades to the old police department building at the corner of 29th Street and Texas Avenue will be paid for with a $695,000 grant. The work is expected to be complete next March.
Developer Doug Pederson is nearing completion on improvements to several properties along South College Avenue.
The project includes upgrades to the old Bryan Arms apartments and properties surrounding the complex. The work includes exterior and interior renovations, window replacements and new driveways and sidewalks.
The city is also expecting a new 2,950-square-foot Wings-n-More to open on Jaguar Drive.
And the city received about $150,000 in parkland dedication and development fees from the opening of Z-Islander Waves Apartments, a 336-unit complex on 26 acres next to the newly opened Wolf Run Condos, a site that had been considered undevelopable.
The Highland Hills development will sit on more than 40 acres between Briarcrest Drive, Texas 6 and Boonville Road and combine retail, commercial and residential components. A new street is proposed within the development that would connect Wildflower Drive to the Texas 6 northbound frontage road.
A second public road is proposed to extend north from Briarcrest Drive and intersect with that road.It's still being worked out whether they will be city-funded or privately funded streets, Kaspar said.
Street Maintenance
Construction is expected to be finished by December on a $3.5 million project to rebuild Bryan Avenue and Beck Street.
The work includes replacing pavement on Bryan Avenue from 28th Street to Sims Avenue and on Beck Street from Sims Avenue to Anson Street. Six-foot sidewalks will be added to Bryan Avenue on both sides of the road, antique-style street lights will be installed and decorative paver inlays will be placed at the intersection of Bryan Avenue and 29th Street and at the Bryan Avenue-Sims Avenue-Beck Street interchange.
Design work on the $4.7 million West 28th Street reconstruction project is expected to be complete by October.
The project includes widening West 28th Street from Congress Street to Palasota Drive and adding sidewalks.
Officials are also close to finishing design work for a Parker Avenue project.
The city entered into an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad and the Texas Department of Transportation to finance the construction.
The project includes the addition of street lights and new sidewalks between Sims and Parker avenues.
Published on Sunday, March 14, 2010
By Cassie Smith
From the Bryan-College Station Eagle
The city of Bryan is buzzing with more than $40 million worth of construction projects, and another $17 million of work is set to start this year.
Last week, the Bryan City Council, city staff members and candidates in the May municipal election took a bus tour of about 50 capital improvement projects and new developments around the city.
"The city of Bryan is working very diligently in getting capital projects designed and under construction," said Linda Huff, the city's public works director. "Hopefully, the citizens have noticed all the construction. Construction costs are at an all-time low, and therefore the city is getting a great value for planned improvements."
Huff said the projects are helping the community by providing jobs for construction workers.
The funding for some projects comes from grants and other agencies. The Safe Routes to School project, for example, which connects schools to a park and neighborhoods along Carter Creek Parkway, was funded by the Texas Department of Transportation.
The city has applied for additional Safe Routes funding for more sidewalk projects, but awards have not yet been designated.
The city is working on the annual update for its five-year capital improvements plan and seeking input from residents regarding projects and priorities.
City Engineer Paul Kaspar said residents can provide input by filling out a form at www.bryantx.gov/cip.
City officials are also willing to visit neighborhood associations to collect input, he said.
Big-Dollar Projects
The city has been investing in downtown renovations for the past few years and is currently in the third phase of the downtown redevelopment project. The $6.5 million worth of work is 10 percent complete and includes rebuilding parts of Main, Martin Luther King Jr., 23rd and 24th streets.
State funding is also being used to replace the two-lane Old Reliance Road overpass over Texas 6 with a five-lane bridge. The $6.5 million project will also include sidewalks.
And engineers are about halfway through the design process of a $4 million reconstruction project on College Main. Construction is planned to begin this summer from Old College Road to the city limits. Sidewalks and bike lanes will be added on both sides of the street, and water and sewer lines will also be updated. City officials said the improvements should increase the potential for retail development or increased housing density in the area.
The city is spending about $1.5 million to install 6-foot-wide sidewalks on Martin Luther King Jr. Street. That work is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project will replace damaged sidewalks and extend them from Muckleroy Street to Texas 6 at the Old Reliance Road bridge. It will also include a pedestrian bridge on East Martin Luther King Jr. Street that will cross the tributary of Carters Creek adjacent to Sadie Thomas Park.
Development
The $200,000 design work for the Next Generation Industrial Park is 20 percent complete. The city will extend water and sewer services to the industrial park, which will be on more than 191 acres north of Texas 6 and F.M. 2818.
The park will include a 3,000-square-foot truck stop and a Denny's restaurant, and the city has secured a $1 million grant to extend a spur line off the Union Pacific Railroad.
Design work on renovations to the City Hall annex is 75 percent complete. The upgrades to the old police department building at the corner of 29th Street and Texas Avenue will be paid for with a $695,000 grant. The work is expected to be complete next March.
Developer Doug Pederson is nearing completion on improvements to several properties along South College Avenue.
The project includes upgrades to the old Bryan Arms apartments and properties surrounding the complex. The work includes exterior and interior renovations, window replacements and new driveways and sidewalks.
The city is also expecting a new 2,950-square-foot Wings-n-More to open on Jaguar Drive.
And the city received about $150,000 in parkland dedication and development fees from the opening of Z-Islander Waves Apartments, a 336-unit complex on 26 acres next to the newly opened Wolf Run Condos, a site that had been considered undevelopable.
The Highland Hills development will sit on more than 40 acres between Briarcrest Drive, Texas 6 and Boonville Road and combine retail, commercial and residential components. A new street is proposed within the development that would connect Wildflower Drive to the Texas 6 northbound frontage road.
A second public road is proposed to extend north from Briarcrest Drive and intersect with that road.It's still being worked out whether they will be city-funded or privately funded streets, Kaspar said.
Street Maintenance
Construction is expected to be finished by December on a $3.5 million project to rebuild Bryan Avenue and Beck Street.
The work includes replacing pavement on Bryan Avenue from 28th Street to Sims Avenue and on Beck Street from Sims Avenue to Anson Street. Six-foot sidewalks will be added to Bryan Avenue on both sides of the road, antique-style street lights will be installed and decorative paver inlays will be placed at the intersection of Bryan Avenue and 29th Street and at the Bryan Avenue-Sims Avenue-Beck Street interchange.
Design work on the $4.7 million West 28th Street reconstruction project is expected to be complete by October.
The project includes widening West 28th Street from Congress Street to Palasota Drive and adding sidewalks.
Officials are also close to finishing design work for a Parker Avenue project.
The city entered into an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad and the Texas Department of Transportation to finance the construction.
The project includes the addition of street lights and new sidewalks between Sims and Parker avenues.
Published on Sunday, March 14, 2010
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Local News: Former Republican Candidates Endorse District 17 Runoff Candidates
Sphere: Related Content
Former Candidates Make Endorsements in District 17 Runoff
Reporter: Steve Fullhart
From KBTX Channel 3
Rob Curnock and Bill Flores are headed to a runoff in the Republican primary for Texas' 17th District of the US House. Both have picked up endorsements from primary opponents.
Timothy Delasandro, who finished fifth in the March 2nd election, has put his support behind Curnock in his bid to again face Democratic Congressman Chet Edwards in the general election.
"Rob is the candidate in the run-off who is a consistent conservative and will best represent our Central Texas values to Washington," Delasandro wrote in a statement. "Because of his long track record supporting this district, Rob has the experience, tenacity, and hometown connections to make our district his priority."
The local nurse praised Curnock, a Waco small business owner, for three decades of working for conservative values in District 17, and implied what had been his long-standing criticisms of Flores being "handpicked by Washington insiders" for this run at the House seat.
Curnock lost to Edwards by 7.5 points in the 2008 general election. He was unopposed on the GOP side that year prior to his run at the incumbent.
Flores, an Aggie who moved back to the Twin Cities in recent years after three decades as an executive in the Houston area, has picked up the endorsement of Chuck Wilson, who finished fourth in the March primary.
“I am convinced that Bill Flores has the better understanding of what life in Central Texas is all about, that he would be a more effective representative for McLennan County, and for the rest of the district,” Wilson said.
During his campaign, Wilson said he believed a Waco-area candidate would stand the best chance to defeat Edwards in the November election because the incumbent has always scored a wide margin of victory in McLennan County. But this week, Wilson noted that he shares the same beliefs as Flores, and that he was the person to meet the needs and challenges of the district.
Flores received about a third of the votes on March 2. With a majority needed to avoid a runoff, he earned a trip to an April 13 match-up with Curnock, who won 29 percent in the primary.
In Brazos County, Flores won with 42 percent of the 15,649 votes cast, compared to Curnock's third place finish with 18 percent. Brazos County had the second biggest turnout of the 12 counties in the district.
Like Flores, Curnock won his home county, pulling in 35 percent of McLennan County's 17,446 votes. Flores finished second with 31 percent in McLennan.
The candidate who finished third overall, Dave McIntyre, has chosen not to endorse Curnock or Flores, but says he will support the primary winner against Edwards. The Flores campaign notes McIntyre's campaign manager has put his support behind Flores.
Early voting for the primary runs from April 5-9.
Published on Thursday, March 11, 2010
Reporter: Steve Fullhart
From KBTX Channel 3
Rob Curnock and Bill Flores are headed to a runoff in the Republican primary for Texas' 17th District of the US House. Both have picked up endorsements from primary opponents.
Timothy Delasandro, who finished fifth in the March 2nd election, has put his support behind Curnock in his bid to again face Democratic Congressman Chet Edwards in the general election.
"Rob is the candidate in the run-off who is a consistent conservative and will best represent our Central Texas values to Washington," Delasandro wrote in a statement. "Because of his long track record supporting this district, Rob has the experience, tenacity, and hometown connections to make our district his priority."
The local nurse praised Curnock, a Waco small business owner, for three decades of working for conservative values in District 17, and implied what had been his long-standing criticisms of Flores being "handpicked by Washington insiders" for this run at the House seat.
Curnock lost to Edwards by 7.5 points in the 2008 general election. He was unopposed on the GOP side that year prior to his run at the incumbent.
Flores, an Aggie who moved back to the Twin Cities in recent years after three decades as an executive in the Houston area, has picked up the endorsement of Chuck Wilson, who finished fourth in the March primary.
“I am convinced that Bill Flores has the better understanding of what life in Central Texas is all about, that he would be a more effective representative for McLennan County, and for the rest of the district,” Wilson said.
During his campaign, Wilson said he believed a Waco-area candidate would stand the best chance to defeat Edwards in the November election because the incumbent has always scored a wide margin of victory in McLennan County. But this week, Wilson noted that he shares the same beliefs as Flores, and that he was the person to meet the needs and challenges of the district.
Flores received about a third of the votes on March 2. With a majority needed to avoid a runoff, he earned a trip to an April 13 match-up with Curnock, who won 29 percent in the primary.
In Brazos County, Flores won with 42 percent of the 15,649 votes cast, compared to Curnock's third place finish with 18 percent. Brazos County had the second biggest turnout of the 12 counties in the district.
Like Flores, Curnock won his home county, pulling in 35 percent of McLennan County's 17,446 votes. Flores finished second with 31 percent in McLennan.
The candidate who finished third overall, Dave McIntyre, has chosen not to endorse Curnock or Flores, but says he will support the primary winner against Edwards. The Flores campaign notes McIntyre's campaign manager has put his support behind Flores.
Early voting for the primary runs from April 5-9.
Published on Thursday, March 11, 2010
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