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December 14, 2006
Armbrister new lege liaison
State Sen. Ken Armbrister, a Democrat, this afternoon was named to be Republican Gov. Rick Perry’s new legislative director.
Armbrister, 59, of Victoria, who did not seek re-election this year, will start when his Senate term expires in January.
The hiring had been rumored for months. Armbrister will replace Dan Shelley, also a former senator, who left Perry’s office more than a year ago.
“With more than two decades of legislative service, Ken Armbrister brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this new role in my administration,” Perry said in a statement. “He has served in both chambers and on every Senate committee, and he knows how to work across party lines to get things done.”
Armbrister was elected to the Texas House in 1983 and to the Senate in 1987. He previously served as vice president of the Victoria school board, and worked for the Victoria Police Department for 14 years, rising to the rank of captain.
Armbrister had previously been appointed by Perry to the Task Force on Homeland Security and the Governor’s Anti-Crime Commission.
A graduate of Sam Houston State University and the FBI National Academy, Armbrister and his wife, Susie, have two children and two grandchildren.
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December 7, 2006
Inaugural theme: Possibilities
Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst today announced the theme for the 2007 inauguration:
“Texas: Imagine the Possibilities.”
Perfect, they said, since the big swearing-in show will focus on “the unlimited potential for the Lone Star State’s future.”
Chair of the event: Mica Mosbacher of Houston. James Huffines of Austin will serve as Perry’s co-chair, and Jody Grant of Dallas will serve as Dewhurst’s co-chair.
Perry and Dewhurst will later name 15 members each to the Inaugural Committee.
Stay tuned.
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December 5, 2006
Perry Campaign Chief to Lobby
Luis Saenz, who directed Gov. Rick Perry’s re-election campaign, plans to work as a lobbyist.
Clients are yet to be determined, Saenz said Tuesday, but he’ll be sharing office space near the Texas Capitol occupied by lobbyists Reggie Bashur, Cliff Johnson and others.
Saenz, 39, joined Perry’s campaign in December 2004 after resigning as the state’s deputy secretary of state.
Since he hasn’t worked for Perry’s state office in more than a year, he’s likely not subject to Perry’s policy barring former gubernatorial aides from lobbying him for a year after they leave his employment.
That’s not to say, though, that critics won’t raise questions depending on which Saenz clients have business with Perry or his aides.
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December 4, 2006
(Robert) Black Day for Perry
Record-setting Kathy Walt is stepping out of the line of reporters’ fire.
Robert Black is taking her place as Perry’s state press secretary, Perry announced Monday.
Black was Perry’s campaign spokesman this year, where he amounted to a pit bull against Perry’s challengers. Black previously served as a deputy gubernatorial press secretary. In the political blogosphere, he might best be known as the aide who claimed to introduce Perry to the “mofo” descriptive. (Perry later employed “adios, mofo,” to say so long to a pesky TV reporter.)
Walt advances to become Perry’s special assistant for communications where Perry said Monday she’ll oversee communications efforts in several divisions of the office.
Ted Royer, who has been a speechwriter, will become deputy press secretary.
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November 30, 2006
Four added to two boards
Four gubernatorial appointments were announced today to two state boards.
To the state Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, the agency that licenses and regulates speech-language pathologists and audiologists, including assistants and interns in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Sonya Salinas of Mission, an undergraduate program coordinator, a lecturer and clinical supervisor of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services at the University of Texas-Pan American.
Dr. Vickie B. Dionne of Nederland, a clinical audiologist and an assistant professor at Lamar University. She is a fellow of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, the Texas Academy of Audiologists and the American Academy of Audiologists.
Patricia Elaine Brannon of San Antonio, a program coordinator for children with communication disorders with the Northside Independent School District.
To the Texas Economic Development Corporation that advises the Governor’s division of Economic Development and Tourism:
- Scott Johnson of Frisco, vice president for acquisitions and development for Omni Hotels.
The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
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November 15, 2006
Perry goal: Significance
Gov. Rick Perry on his goal for the upcoming Legislative session and his next four years as the state’s CEO:
“There are no second rate dreams, no second class citizens in this place we call Texas. My goal as governor is not merely success, but significance.
“We have a great opportunity to make a significant difference for future Texans and it is that cause for which I will labor for the next four years.”
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November 14, 2006
State-Fed: New contract rules?
Washington lobbying contracts in the Office of State-Federal Relations would receive additional public scrutiny under proposed changes in the agency that were recommended today.
In addition, all public agencies in Texas would have to publicly disclose in Austin who they have hired to lobby for them in Washington, as well.
In recommending the agency be merged into the Governor’s Office, the Sunset Advisory Commission attached these guidelines to any contracts that are signed with any “governmental consultants” — as Washington lobbyists are often called — to include conflict of interest provisions, to comply with regular procurement rules, to include termination clauses, to include “clear goals” and to require that firms “work with key members of Congress.”
Recently, the Office’s lobbying contracts have been criticized because they were with GOP lobbyists with close ties to former Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, and the infamous Jack Abramoff, convicted of conspiring to bribe public officials.
Now that Democrats are in control of both the U.S. Senate and House, lawmakers are scrutinizing the contracts anew.
Commission member Howard Wolf, who made the motion to include the new contract provisions in the recommendation, said it was for good government. The additional provision requiring all state and local entities to disclose who they hire is “just sunshine,” as well, he said.
Asked by Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, where that information will be made publicly available, Wolf said. “I would expect the governor to put it online.”
Another little change: In recommending the office be switched from a free-standing agency to a division of Gov. Rick Perry’s Office, the commission also mandated that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick participate in weekly briefings on federal legislation — as they do now, according to Wolf.
The recommended changes now go to the Legislature for consideration in January.
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May 10, 2006
Strayhorn Reboxed, Kinky Intends Motorcycles
Just in: This tart note o’ efficiency from the agency responsible for verifying voter signatures collected by Carole Keeton Strayhorn in her quest to run as an independent for governor…
“As our staff is beginning to consolidate and organize all of the petitions that Ms. Strayhorn turned in yesterday, we have consolidated her 101 boxes (of petitions) down to 12,” says Scott Haywood, communications director for the Secretary of State’s office.
Haywood is not sure what the agency will do with the leftover cartons (all 101 delivered Tuesday were slapped with Strayhorn bumper stickers). He made it clear that Strayhorn did not fill boxes to the brim.
“If she had not been so hungry for media attention, we would not have had to waste time consolidating her petitions into a more usable format. By trying to get a bigger play in the media, she has made the process more time-consuming for our office.”
Strayhorn’s campaign manager, Brad McClellan, harrumphed, noting that Secretary of State Roger Williams, an appointee of GOP Gov. Rick Perry, evidently hasn’t verified any of the more than 223,000 voter signatures that Strayhorn says she turned in.
McClellan, saying that the campaign would like any empty boxes back, said: “It’s another political attack. They want to play games with boxes instead of doing their job.”
McClellann said Strayhorn’s campaign organized the petitions in 101 sets. “Try organizing one box full or carrying one full,” McClellan said. “It’s a shame they waste time doing this cheap partisan attack.”
Williams has repeatedly been criticized by Strayhorn, the state comptroller, whose campaign has been in federal court demanding that he step up what he’s estimated could be a verification period lasting six weeks.
Side note: Independent hopeful Kinky Friedman plans to deliver his voter signatures at midday Thursday; he intends to cruise in from his South Austin headquarters with a police motorcyle escort. (He kind of needs it to slip the usual backed-up traffic on Ben White Boulevard and Interstate Highway 35.)
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Rep advises on calculating new biz tax
Rep. Bill Keffer, R-Dallas, who failed to dissuade House members from adopting an expanded business tax intended to contribute to lower school property taxes, sent an e-mail to constituents this week featuring the form businesses would have to fill out assuming Gov. RIck Perry signs House Bill 3 into law.
His note and the form are below. And no, we don’t know what a water’s edge unitary combined basis is, though surely it has nothing to do with water …
Keffer’s words and the form from here:
Dear Friend of District 107 -
As the debate in Austin continues during the Special Session, I want to provide you with two pieces of information to help you understand what’s at stake. As you know, HB 3 (which creates a new business tax) was passed by the House and the Senate and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. I am attaching the new “Schedule B” that every business would have to complete to calculate its tax liability under this new tax. I encourage you to complete it for your business and distribute to others; only then will you know what the tax will really mean for you. I also am attaching my speech on the House floor in opposition to HB 3, which I think summarizes my concerns with this proposal. Since the Senate has not acted on HB 1 (using $2.3 billion of the surplus to reduce property-tax rates) and HB 2 (the dedication of revenue to reduce property-tax rates), it remains to be seen what will finally happen. It’s never too late to let your voice be heard.
For Texas,
Bill
Schedule B:
Line and Item Amount Amount
Form to be filed and taxes paid on a water’s edge unitary combined basis. (See instructions for more detail on each line item)
Total Revenue (if $300,000 or less, enter “0” on lines 7 and 9) $
Less Certain Deductible Expenses
a. "Cash" compensation, such as wages, salaries, stock options, not to exceed $300,000 for any single employee…………………………….$b. Employer's Cost of Retirement Contributions…...$ c. Employer's Cost of Employee Health Insurance...$ d. Employer's Cost of Worker's Compensation…….$ e. Employee Compensation (sum of a through d )…$ f. Cost of Goods Sold (similar to federal tax return).$ g. Enter greater of line e or line f …………………………………………$Margin (line 1 minus line 2g, but nte 70% of line 1)……………………………$
Texas Apportionment (same as current franchise tax)
a. Gross Receipts Everywhere…………………..$b. Texas Gross Receipts…………………………$ c. Percentage of Gross Receipts Attributed to Texas (line 4b divided by line 4a)…………………………..$Taxable Margin (line 3 multiplied by line 4c)…………………………………..$
Tax Rate (wholesalers & retailers, 0.5%; all others, 1%)………………………..$
Tax (line 5 multiplied by line 6)…………………………………………………$
Less Prior Credits Earned……………………………………………………….$
Tax Due (line 7 minus line 8 but not less than zero)…………………………….$
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Business and economic development, Governor, House, Taxes
May 8, 2006
Could Perry Sign Tax Boost Without Relief?
A pause in Senate momentum leaves open the politically torturous (or delicious, depending on vantage point) possibility of Gov. Rick Perry signing into law the business tax boost sitting on his desk, but ending up without a school tax cut to tout as justification.
Another scenario: Perry, seeking re-election in November, ends up vetoing the very business tax he has championed as a route to reform the corporate franchise tax and a financial source for school property tax cuts starting in 2006-07.
His reasoning for a veto might be that he isn’t about to be the governor who signs in higher business taxes without cuts, yet doing so could also doom the tax for good. To bring it back to life, Perry would have to ask senators and House members, many also seeking re-election, for renewed political courage by voting again to send him the business tax in a fresh special session also featuring a tax-cut measure. (Turn those stomachs.)
Perry’s office remains hopeful that lawmakers will resolve House Bill 1, the proposal mandating lower property tax rates that cleared a Senate panel Friday only after touching off a lingering impasse over how much money to send school districts.
Should the GOP-led Legislature fail to approve the tax cut before the special session ends May 16, then Perry could face a tense 20 days after adjournment contemplating whether to sign the business tax — House Bill 3 — into law without a tax cut attached.
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said today that Perry should sign HB 3 “I’m not concerned with the timing,” Dewhurst said, referring to the tax-cut legislation stalled in the Senate. “All these bills will come together.”
Earlier, Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, termed the prospect of Perry signing the hike without a cut “terrible.” He said, instead, that if this special session craters, Perry could quickly call another session to ensure the tax cut happens — and hold off on signing HB 3 until the tax reduction is on his desk.
“I wouldn’t advise him to sign it right now. The clock hasn’t run on it,” Chisum said.
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May 3, 2006
Strayhorn says start over on business tax
As the Texas Senate on Tuesday sent GOP Gov. Rick Perry a proposal generating billions of dollars from an expanded business tax toward reducing school property taxes (which Perry is expected to sign unless lightning strikes out his signing hand), Carole Keeton Strayhorn advised Perry he should start over on the issue.
Strayhorn, who hopes to defeat Perry for re-election in November, called House Bill 3 “the largest tax increase in Texas history at a time when Texas has a record surplus, and before you sign it into law, I want to make clear to you at least some of the ramifications of this ill-conceived legislation.”
Her letter states that “just getting something done to say you got something done is shortsighted at best and irresponsible at worst. I urge you to go back to the drawing board.”
Kathy Walt, Perry’s press secretary, dismissed the sally (it’s kind of her job to dismiss Strayhorn sallies). “She’s a little late,” Walt said. “It is another desperate attempt by Carole Keeton Strayhorn to be relevant and insert herself in the process.”
Hey, at least Strayhorn didn’t say diving board…
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May 2, 2006
Governor Choke
Last month, Kinky Friedman declaimed on not being a typical politico while pretending to choke a reporter three or so times (also pausing occasionally to wave at honking motorists who hollered support to him as he inveighed on the sidewalk outside Austin’s Cisco’s Bakery on East Sixth Street). It was a lively visit.
This Monday, the Kinkstah opened a press conference he’d called on the outdoor patio at the Star Bar on West Sixth Street with a kind of physical flashback. “The first thing I’d like to do is strangle Gardner Selby again,” Friedman drawled. He then laid his hands on Selby’s shoulders without incident.
Assuming this blog proves to be the final entry in the Grab-A-Neck Category of Campaign ‘06, let it be said that a fake choke from Friedman, however many eventually occur, pales in shock to a single sudden face squeeze from Bob Bullock when Bullock, who died in 1999, served as lieutenant governor.
Anyone seen Friedman high five?
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April 26, 2006
'Git-R-Done,' Perry says
Gov. Rick Perry today exhorted the Texas Senate toward adopting his proposed business tax by invoking Larry The Cable Guy — a reference testing the attention of reporters perhaps (I’ll admit) more attuned to talk radio, public TV and the latest shift in schedule for NBC’s “The West Wing.”
“There is a renewed spirit of optimism in this building as this plan gathers momentum,” Perry said two days after the House advanced the plan to the Senate, which is expected to hold hearings this weekend.
“I am confident the Senate will seize the opportunity before us and pass this bipartisan plan,” Perry said, stressing the possibility of $15 billion in cuts in local school property taxes in exchange for replacing the corporate franchise tax with a broader business tax tied to gross receipts.
“As ol’ Larry The Cable Guy says on a regular basis, it’s time to ‘get ‘er done,’ ” Perry said. (Web research reveals that the correct spelling in Larry-speak is Git-R-Done.)
Last week, Perry referred to the ever-hungry cartoon hamburger fanatic named Wimpy in a line basically saying he’d pay Tuesday for a hamburger delivered today. He took no other swings at pop culture at today’s gathering.
He was joined by business and real estate lobbyists supportive of the plan. David Hartman of the Lone Star Foundation delivered an economic analysis of the plan projecting billions of dollars in economic growth should the state proceed with the business tax, property tax cuts and a suggested $1-a-pack increase in cigarette taxes.
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April 24, 2006
Tax debate fibrillations
Gov. Rick Perry huddled with House Republicans from the Houston area this morning, pleading a case for his business tax plan against an onslaught of opposition rooted in Harris County — including “tea party” protesters poised to toss tea bags onto the House floor (though none have been sighted falling yet).
Perry didn’t necessarily gain ground for the plan, observers say, but members didn’t piddle on it either. One of them, according to a participant, did an excellent job of not making much eye contact.
Rep. Larry Taylor, R-League City, said Perry presented an excerpt of polling suggesting that the business tax developed by a commission headed by former state Comptroller John Sharp has voter support.
Taylor indicated, however, that he’s not sure he’ll vote for the plan unless it has provisions reining in the ability of school districts to drive up local property taxes after lawmakers achieve a one-third reduction in rates statewide.
“I’ve just been leaning either way,” Taylor said.
Translation: a good day to stay away from the Capitol… unless you like a fine mess.
Inside chatter: Contrary to intentions aired last week, the GOP-majority House didn’t take up House Bill 3, the tax plan, first this morning because the authors are trying to finish up its fiscal implications. The private reason? Remaining uncertainty over whether House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, can round up a majority in favor of that plan.
Instead, members will dive first into debate on House Bill 2, providing for any future state revenue to be dedicated to property tax reduction — an idea sure to draw fire from Democrats focused on ensuring more school funding (and teacher pay raises).
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April 18, 2006
Perry exhorts Travis County Reds
Gov. Rick Perry commiserated with Lake Travis Republicans on the occasional downs of being red (or Republican) in historically blue (or Democratic) Austin.
“Good guys are usually outnumbered in Travis County,” Perry told more than 200 guests at the Hills Country Club in the Lake Travis area. “It’s like being a member of the resistance movement in enemy territory.”
The former Democratic Texas House member said he switched years ago after liberals drove the party into the ditch.
And telling activists they are winning the political wars, inch by inch, Perry concluded; “I look forward to the day the entire state of Texas is all red.”
For the record, he wore a dark suit jacket, maybe blue.
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April 17, 2006
Madla to step down early
A San Antonio senator who lost his bid for re-election to a House challenger in March plans to resign early. Sen. Frank Madla, a Democrat, wrote Gov. Rick Perry today that he’ll resign effective May 31.
Making “the decision to depart at this time was not easy,” Madla said in his letter. “However, after many hours of thoughtful consideration and reflection, I ultimately decided that after 33 years of prioritizing public service, it was time to put my family first.”
Madla, 69, a senator since 1993 after two decades in the House, lost to Rep. Carlos Uresti in March.
He said today he hopes that whoever wins a special election to serve out his term benefits from the experience. Uresti — expected to win the heavily-DEmocratic district — said he woudl run in any special election to complete Madla’s current term.
“Whoever wins the election will have an opportunity to have a little extra seniority,” Madla said. “Whoever it is — I want to give that individual the opportunity.”
Madla said that he’d informed Perry of his plans, no one else.
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Special Special Special Special
Hallway chatter among House members arriving today yielded this line repeatedly: “How many specials do we have to have before we stop calling ‘em special?”
Counting the 30-day session launching today, members have been called into special sessions seven times since June 2003 — in each instance by Republican Gov. Rick Perry.
Good ol’ days? That would have been the decade-plus between the end of the special session in December 1992 and the latest string.
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Guv: Do this, nothing more
Gov. Rick Perry proclaimed the special session just before noon with a message intended to rule out early action on teacher pay raises, schoolhouse reforms or other offshoots.
Specifically, his message is intended to limit lawmakers to paying for cuts in school property taxes by dipping into surplus revenue, raising cigarette taxes, tweaking the law on motor vehicle taxes and creating a new business tax in lieu of the corporate franchise tax.
It sets topics of the 30-day session as:
— Legislation that provides for school district property tax relief.
—Legislation that provides for modification of the franchise tax.
—Legislation that provides for modification of the motor vehicle sales and use tax.
—Legislation that provides for modification of the tax on tobacco products.
—Legislation that provides for an appropriation to the Texas Education Agency.
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The real campaign issue
Some of the 2,000 to 3,000 Texas Realtors who came from around the state to gather on the south steps of the Capitol this morning to rally for Gov. Rick Perry’s proposed tax plan had apparently never seen the governor in person.
As the famously well-coiffed chief walked into the south entrance of the Capitol after leading Texas Association of Realtors in a cheerleading session, two female Realtors remarked on Perry’s chances of batting down gubernatorial challengers such as independent Kinky Friedman.
“That’s a cute little governor we’ve got here,? said Pamela Anders of Keller Williams Metropolitan in Houston after Perry passed within inches of her. “Who needs Kinky when we’ve got him? (Kinky’s) cool, but he’s not cute.?
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June 21, 2005
Perry: Mofo equals inappropriate banter
Gov. Rick Perry told reporters today he’s guilty of “inappropriate banter” for a remark he made after a TV interview on Monday.
His words in question: “Adios, Mofo.”
Perry said the words more than 20 seconds after an interview by satellite with a reporter for KTRK-TV, Channel 13, the ABC affiliate in Houston. Perhaps he assumed the camera and audio link was off.
Perry, responding to a query on the words from a KTRK-TV reporter today, said the “inappropriate banter” was directed at his deputy press secretary, Robert Black, who attended the taping.
Ted Oberg, the reporter who spoke with Perry, described the comment as not “exactly part of the seven dirty words, but it isn’t something you want to say to your mother or use in good company.”
Oberg’s KTRK-TV posting states that Tuesday “morning Governor Perry called me personally. He apologized and said his comment wasn’t directed at us.
“He agreed it was just one of those times a politician is caught by an open mike saying something embarrassing. He tells us he was just trying to get a reaction from the camera crew and it wasn’t said with any malice or intent.”
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June 14, 2005
Perry issues reply on gay marriage comments
Gov. Rick Perry has drafted a reply to some 140 e-mails sent to him that were critical of his June 5 response to a reporter’s query in Fort Worth about what he would say to gay veterans wishing to wed upon returning from Iraq.
At the event, Perry said he’d suggest they settle in other states where laws do not ban marriage as in Texas.
His written reply to the criticism says: “Please note that Governor Perry has asked no one to leave this state. He said those seeking a gay marriage may find other states more receptive than Texas, but whether to leave Texas to pursue such an arrangement would be their choice. The governor’s comment was in direct response to a reporter’s question. The question asked pertained specifically to gay war veterans returning home and what they might think of a state not allowing them to marry.
“The governor will welcome back to Texas any veteran who has served this nation with distinction.
“Governor Perry respects the viewpoints of others, but he also believes that the vast majority of Texans agree with him that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman.”
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Replacement at secretary of state's office
Secretary of State Roger Williams will take on a new communications director from down the hall at the Capitol later this week, meaning Bill Kenyon is pursuing other opportunities.
Scott Haywood, who has been assistant press secretary to Gov. Rick Perry, said he expects to succeed Kenyon. He declined to elaborate.
Kenyon, who previously worked for Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn and 1990 Republican gubernatorial nominee Clayton Williams, said he plans to pursue other opportunities after encountering “creative differences with the Governor’s Office on running the communications shop.”
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May 24, 2005
Technology fund in limbo?
Gov. Rick Perry pitched his proposed Emerging Technologies Fund at a technology commercialization conference held by the University of Texas, saying afterward that his $300 million request is crucial.
Texas “has the opportunity to lead the nation in the biotech discoveries, and it’s important that we pass the emerging technologies fund if we’re going to be in the game” with other states, Perry said.
“If we don’t pass the Emerging Technologies Fund, Texas is basically waving the white flag, and we are surrendering in the fight for the technology revolution,” he said.
Legislative negotiators have yet to say if they’ve isolated money to start the fund.
As to whether Texas should respond to California’s decision to set aside money for stem-cell research, Perry said he’s “not a supporter of the technology. I think it’s a very narrow at best area, not to even mention the ethical question.”
“It’s fine with me” if California leads on stem-cell studies, he said.
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Governor's Secret List
Gov. Rick Perry confirmed today his office has given legislators finishing up the 2006-07 budget a list of proposed budget cuts — totaling $600 million or so, if hallway talk can be believed.
Perry said he and his aides are always showing legislators “ways to more efficiently spend the taxpayers’ dollars.”
Care to share the details of latest suggestions?
Perry indicated not, saying: “They are a long and lengthy list, and you’ll have to wait until the final budget to see what it looks like.”
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Special wish from Gov. Perry
Gov. Rick Perry, for one, looks forward to next Tuesday when the Capitol could be empty of lawmakers since the 140-day session must end by midnight Monday.
Perry, addressing a group in North Austin this morning, said: “Hopefully a week from now they’ll be gone.?
He said afterward that while he has the power to call a 30-day special session, he has no immediate plans to use it.
“We have plenty of time to get school reform, a tax bill, a budget done, workers (compensation reform) and have a very successful session. That’s what I think everyone is focused on, not on the what ifs, if the sun doesn’t come up tomorrow.?
He wasn’t pressed for inklings on sunrise (or not).
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May 2, 2005
On the ninth day, peace
On the ninth day, peace prevailed in the House. At least among critics of a proposal that originally gave Gov. Rick Perry control over a proposed fund to deliver money to faith-based groups and other community organizations that help low-income Texans.
A House panel today unanimously endorsed a revised version of House Bill 2479 by Rep. Dianne Delisi, R-Temple, which assigns the proposed Restoring Our Communities fund to the Health and Human Services Commission. The commission would be responsible for setting grant guidelines for the fund, which would start without state aid but could draw from private and other sources.
The commission still could assign administration of the fund to the Governor’s Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives, where the proposal originated.
Texas IMPACT, an interfaith advocacy group, opposed the original version, saying April 20 that it could amount to a gubernatorial “slush fund.” On April 28, Bee Moorhead of Texas IMPACT sent a letter to Delisi thanking her for addressing her “accountability and transparency” concerns.
Moorhead’s letter credits Delisi for encouraging agencies to coordinate their outreach to faith-based groups and for including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality among agencies to designate liaisons to faith-based organizations — a step that might help groups help poor residents come into compliance with automobile emission standards.
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April 28, 2005
Perry asked to end term limits for Capital Metro board
Don’t fret, Fred Harless, Gov. Rick Perry could soon spare you from suddenly losing your colleagues on Capital Metro’s board of directors.
Harless, a Lago Vista alderman, has been poised to lose long-serving Cap Metro board members including Chairman Lee Walker thanks to a law limiting members to eight years of service.
But the Senate on Thursday sent Perry House Bill 1852, sweeping away the term limit stipulation for Cap Metro board members.
The seven-member board lost an experienced member last year with David Harper’s death. Others are slated to leave because of term limits or because their terms in another office are running out — potentially leaving Harless the only veteran member.
Harless, a member of the Capital Metro board for seven years, said today: “I’m glad. We’re doing so well; I hate to see it disrupted; we’ve got a really good board.?
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Women's right to vote day clears Senate
Everybody in Texas knows Aug. 27 is the late Lyndon B. Johnson’s birthday, right?
(Chorus of huzzahs required here.)
Now the day before LBJ’s birthday could be Women’s Independence Day; a proposal cleared the Senate on Thursday and headed for Gov. Rick Perry’s review that would designate Aug. 26 as Women’s Independence Day, commemorating the ratification of the 19th amendment to the U..S. Constitution in 1920, giving women the right to vote.
House Bill 67 by Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio, doesn’t make the day a state holiday. It does state the day shall be observed with “appropriate programs in the public schools and other places to inspire a greater appreciation of the importance of women’s suffrage.?
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April 11, 2005
Music, Flag, Governor in Ad
Cue music, show the Texas flag and throw in a space shuttle, the Alamo, romping Longhorn cattle and Gov. Rick Perry and what do you have?
Smart TV advertising for Texas through April 23 in a few markets nationally, according to Perry’s office.
The commercial, funded by the non-profit Texas Economic Development Corp., touts Site Selection magazine’s choice of Texas as the number one state in the United States to do business.
Perry’s spokeswoman, Kathy Walt, said the corporation paid the $123,800 to produce and air the ad from $958,000 donated to TexasOne — a promotional arm of the corporation —by more than 50 businesses and economic development groups. That includes $50,000 from the Greater Austin Economic Development Corp. and $1,000 from the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce.
The biggest contributors to TexasOne, created to promote Texas, are Verizon Communications, Introgen Therapeutics Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., which have given $100,000 each.
In the 30-second spot, Perry tells viewers: “We’ve got the best business climate in the nation because taxes are low, regulations are reasonable and we passed sweeping lawsuit reform.
“You can prosper in our strong economic climate,” Perry says, adding: “Come to Texas. You’ll never want to leave.”
The “Moving to Texas” ads are airing in Washington, Sacramento, San Jose and Detroit on FOX News, CNBC, MSNBC, and on the Golf, Home and Garden and CNN cable networks and ABC.
A spokesman for Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison’s re-election campaign took a pass on any critique. Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn—who, like Hutchison, might challenge Perry next spring—likewise had no immediate comment.
Bruce Buchanan, a University of Texas professor of government, described the spot as like “an upbeat campaign ad, complete with flashy visuals and testimonials…
“It’s probably effective in selling the idea that Texas is a great place to do business. And it may create more opportunities for Perry to bolster his reputation as a governor who attracts new business and bolsters the state economy in the process. This would help him to strengthen his claim to a signature achievement—something his critics have said he lacks.”
Walt, reminding us that the ad won’t run in Texas, said Perry is “not running for governor of Michigan or California or for mayor of Washington, DC.”
Permalink | | Categories: Governor
April 5, 2005
Perry takes the bet, but he won't budge on hat
Regardless of whether Baylor University’s women’s basketball team wins the national championship tonight against Michigan State University, Gov. Rick Perry has avoided posing in a funny-looking hat and clogs.
Perry and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm today announced a bet on the game under which the winner will send goodies to the loser.
If Baylor wins, Perry will send Granholm a Baylor jersey to wear at her desk. She’ll also get Blue Bell ice cream and a case of Dr Pepper.
If Michigan State prevails, Granholm will mail Perry some Mackinaw fudge and a case of Vernors, a ginger ale, for Perry to gulp at his desk while wearing a MSU jersey.
Perry told agency heads that Granholm “first wanted me to wear some kind of funny hat … some type of hunting hat that you wear and people know you’re from Michigan, and some clogs. She said, ‘Take a picture of you with all that on and your feet up on your desk.’ “
“I said, ‘How about just a T-shirt?’ “
A Granholm aide confirmed the Michigan leader’s initial betting terms, saying the hat should be identified as a Stormy Kromer. And she said Granholm would have been willing to don a Stetson and cowboy boots if she’d lost.
Permalink | | Categories: Governor
April 4, 2005
Governor falls in home stretch
Gov. Rick Perry and Humpty Dumpty have something in common: Both fell.
While Dumpty fell off a wall, Perry tumbled while running Sunday in the Capitol 10,000.
“He did get tangled up with another runner and did fall,” said Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt. She said the governor wasn’t hurt seriously but he did suffer from “just a little road rash. I know it knocked the wind out of him momentarily.”
Walt said she didn’t know if Perry finished the race.
Austin writer and marketing consultant Maria Arrellaga, who ran in the Cap 10 near Perry and witnessed the spill, said she saw Perry fall on Riverside Drive about 40 yards from the finish.
“People gasped,” Arrellaga said. She said Perry was flanked by three handlers who were all wearing sunglasses.
“They all looked alike; they reminded me of those guys from the Matrix,” she said. She added that the three handlers quickly got Perry back on his feet.
Arrellaga said Perry fell after the handlers urged him to pick up the pace.
“Seriously, these guys that were pacing him, it was an all-out sprint,” she said. “You could tell he was struggling.”
