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Clearer picture of property-valuation process sought by El Paso lawmakers
Jan 6, 2009 — El Paso Times
El Paso said they will work toward bringing more transparency and accountability to the property valuation process. "Our citizens are being taxed out of their homes, and we need to do something to bring reform to the central appraisal districts," state Rep. Chente Quintanilla, D-El Paso, said. "We need to look at the governance and the appraisal and appeal processes because they are too important to be ignored." In Texas, property valuations are set by central appraisal...
North Texas lawmakers set their agendas for 111th Congress
Jan 6, 2009 — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Her top priority remains getting annual funding for the Trinity River Vision. She will also keep an eye on military construction and healthcare.
Bush lucky if history assesses his presidency as just rather average
Jan 5, 2009 — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
As I recall, we talked about Rose, the oil industry and Bush's father's defeat in his 1992 re-election bid for president. I only quoted Bush once in my story on Rose, whom I found considerably more interesting and complex.I didn't envision Bush getting elected governor, much less president. But then he got us into an unnecessary war in Iraq that has been very costly in terms of American and Iraqi lives lost and dollars spent.
Get fresh and eat in the raw Devotees say uncooked food paves the way to better health
Jan 5, 2009 — Houston Chronicle
Now even I'm eating raw." Carrillo-Bucaram has stuck with the raw diet. "I was desperate. These days, instead of raised eyebrows, Carrillo-Bucaram is bombarded with inquiries from friends and strangers interested in exploring raw food. I get hundreds of e-mails about raw food.
TEXAS LEGISLATURE Immigration gets a place on lawmakers' agenda
Jan 5, 2009 — Houston Chronicle
Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, has proposed a bill giving Texas law officers the authority to arrest persons for trespassing on private or public property.
The Dallas Morning News Cheryl Hall column: Dallas leaders tell what they'd do first if they were Obama
Jan 5, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
We need to feel positive as a nation again. I'd surround myself with coaches who can create and implement a sound game plan. The entire world needs to have the ideals of the American way of life to aspire to. My guess is that the exit of GWB will bring a flood of good news as Obama swings into action since he was the heavy choice of most of the mainstream media.
The Dallas Morning News Pamela Yip column: Don't let daunting FAFSA form keep you from financial aid
Jan 5, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
They tend to cost more than federal loans and typically have variable interest rates. There's money out there to help finance your college education.
Crucial college issues head to top of agenda Lawmakers eye tuition freeze, research status
Jan 4, 2009 — Houston Chronicle
Jeannie Kever Jan. 4, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Tuition. The designation is based upon such factors as how much research money a school receives and the caliber of its students and faculty. With just two public options in Texas, thousands of the state's most promising students go elsewhere for college.
Freshmen lawmakers prepare to make mark
Jan 4, 2009 — El Paso Times
Six of El Paso's eight city representatives are younger than 40. "They're smart, sharp kids, educated. Fort Bliss brings more diversity to El Paso (and) stimulates our local economy. We walked and talked to thousands of El Pasoans throughout the campaign.
Is Texas looking out for you? Health-care outsourcing is rolling on, but many patients suffer from silent treatment
Jan 4, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
After weeks of complaints, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission ordered the company to stop enrolling new patients in the Austin area. Dianne Delisi, a conservative Republican from Temple and loyal Perry supporter. Initially, he couldn't find a nearby doctor who would agree to treat him under Evercare.
Legislature will wade into water feuds Several bills filed to decide who controls groundwater
Jan 4, 2009 — Victoria Advocate
Tara Bozick Jan. 4, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Everybody needs and uses it. Jimmie Don Aycock's House Bill 225 comes through.
North Texas cities ready to speak up in Austin
Jan 4, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
Proponents now have to collect voter signatures to force a rollback election. Cities in the gas-rich Barnett Shale, primarily in Denton and Tarrant counties, are asking for pipeline regulation. Yet, those cities pay no tax revenues into the transit system. How and when the Legislature might change the system is unclear. McKinney The Collin County city opted not to make a list of issues to oppose or support.
Nursing homes fare well in report County boasts three facilities ranking high
Jan 4, 2009 — Corsicana Daily Sun
In the case of Heritage Oaks Retirement Village, which is at maximum capacity, it reflects sufficient staffing. The reason they show a little lower is the number of beds at Heritage Oaks West, they have officially 148 beds, and they (federal inspectors) look at the staffing pattern. In that measurement, Heritage Oaks Retirement got five stars, while Heritage Oaks West got four stars.
The Dallas Morning News Cheryl Hall column Dallas leaders tell what they'd do first if they were Obama
Jan 4, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
We need to feel positive as a nation again. I'd surround myself with coaches who can create and implement a sound game plan. My guess is that the exit of GWB will bring a flood of good news as Obama swings into action since he was the heavy choice of most of the mainstream media.
Dallas' American CareSource sees stock jump 120% in 2008
Jan 3, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
Its shares increased 120.3 percent, from $3.20 to $7.05. American CareSource is the nation's first publicly traded ancillary care network company. Revenue has increased for the last seven quarters and shows no signs of slowing down. The company reported its fifth consecutive quarterly profit of $1 million, or 6 cents per share.
EDITORIAL Radical healthcare change?
Jan 3, 2009 — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
...of Daschle's reform ideas go further than the president-elect's. For example, Daschle believes all Americans should be required to have health insurance. Obama was willing to extend the mandate only to coverage of children. Another is the centerpiece of Daschle's book: creation of a Federal Health Board, modeled after the Federal Reserve Board. The panel, appointed by a board of governors and insulated from powerful lobbyists, would regulate the 45 percent of healthcare...
BRIEF El Pasoans' '08 water use dips to 133 gallons a person a day
Jan 2, 2009 — El Paso Times
EL PASO --El Paso Water Utilities announced on Thursday that water use in the city declined in 2008. The daily use per person dropped by nearly one gallon in 2008 to about 133 gallons per person, utility officials said in a news release. The use is a sharp decline compared with average daily use in 1991, when the Public Service Board adopted its water resources management plan that aimed to reduce water use to 160 gallons per person per day by 2000. The water use at that...
EDITORIAL Our focus for 2009
Jan 2, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
The University of Texas at Dallas, UT-Arlington and the University of North Texas are among the schools raising funds to become recognized research universities. Lawmakers punted significant environmental reforms during the 2007 legislative session. And Texas could improve its air by reducing energy consumption.
How should schools spend? Legislative priority is to prepare students for college
Jan 2, 2009 — Victoria Advocate
Texas does not offer universal pre-k, a movement to provide quality pre-schooling to all 4 year olds, regardless of income. After each year or teaching, teachers receive a corresponding pay raise. They do not have the choice of which school their child will attend unless they move, attend a private school or homeschool.
Last-minute changes to farm worker program raise groups' ire
Jan 2, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
...agricultural employers to hire foreign workers. They say the changes undermine worker protections, exploit immigrants and set wage levels so low that domestic workers cannot compete with foreign workers for jobs. The regulation, which makes changes in the U.S. Labor Department's H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker Program, allows agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers if not enough domestic workers are able or willing to fill farm jobs. The changes also...
OPINION Bush lucky if history assesses his presidency as just rather average
Jan 2, 2009 — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
As I recall, we talked about Rose, the oil industry and Bush's father's defeat in his 1992 re-election bid for president. I only quoted Bush once in my story on Rose, whom I found considerably more interesting and complex. I didn't envision Bush getting elected governor, much less president. While the "surge" has been somewhat successful, it's difficult to believe that Iraq will emerge as a strong, democratic nation where Sunni, Shia and Kurds live in harmony.
PERSONAL FINANCE 5 steps toward attaining right portfolio mix
Jan 2, 2009 — Houston Chronicle
Focus not so much on your recent losses, but instead take note of your current asset allocation. Determine where you need to add and subtract to restore your portfolio to your target levels. --Step 3: Identify candidates for tax-loss selling. Conventional wisdom holds that you should concentrate your rebalancing efforts in your tax-sheltered accounts, because you won't have to pay capital gains tax if you determine you need to sell shares.
The Dallas Morning News Robert Miller column Baylor Foundation adds 21 to board
Jan 2, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
Support comes from approximately 9,000 individuals, corporations and foundations. Austin's limelight Austin College in Sherman is basking in the limelight these days. One of its alumni (class of 1972) has just been appointed U.S. trade representative in President-elect Barack Obama's Cabinet. That's an easy one, of course.
Year in review- Education
Jan 2, 2009 — Kerrville Daily Times
...courses, plus workforce, continuing education, technical training and dual credit courses offered by ACC," said Kay Hendricks in an ACC press release. The Alamo Community College joins Schreiner University and the Texas Tech Hill Country campuses in Fredericksburg and Junction to bring higher education to area students. Hunt bond vote The debate this past year centered around building a new high school in Hunt divided citizens and a community in the fall. After a...
Former Commissioner Phyllis Cole has left her mark on Collin County
Jan 1, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
She is being replaced by Matt Shaheen, who defeated her in a Republican primary runoff last spring. During her tenure, commissioners began awarding annual grants to nonprofit organizations. For instance, the new courthouse opened in August 2007 at Central Expressway and Bloomdale Road in north McKinney.
State community colleges set fewer priorities VC president says this will offer better chance of legislative approval this year
Jan 1, 2009 — Victoria Advocate
...community college. TACC is also asking legislature for better employee benefits. VICTORIA COLLEGE 2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION Employee Benefits Texas Association of Community Colleges is asking the 81st Legislature to pass legislation to codify its commitment of funding community college group healthcare insurance based on employee eligibility. TACC is asking the legislature to fund community college group healthcare insurance. The 80th Legislature...
The Dallas Morning News Robert Miller column $750,000 grant for housing assistance to mentally ill
Jan 1, 2009 — The Dallas Morning News
...-- The Communities Foundation of Texas has announced a $750,000 grant to provide housing assistance to 50 mentally ill homeless clients of the Bridge, Dallas' new homeless assistance center. The grant from the W.W. Caruth Jr. Foundation at the Communities Foundation will fund a joint effort by two agencies, Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center (doing business as Metrocare Services) and Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance, to provide housing and address some of the most...
Sellers of discount healthcare cards face more regulation
Dec 31, 2008 — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Now the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is proposing penalties for card providers that violate certain guidelines. Aimed at the uninsured, they offer consumers access to healthcare at discounted rates from medical providers that work with these companies. In 2005, the Illinois attorney general's office sued an Arlington company it accused of misrepresenting a discount card as insurance.
Two priorities for community colleges in state
Dec 31, 2008 — Victoria Advocate
...community college. TACC is also asking legislature for better employee benefits. VICTORIA COLLEGE 2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION Employee Benefits Texas Association of Community Colleges is asking the 81st Legislature to pass legislation to codify its commitment of funding community college group healthcare insurance based on employee eligibility. TACC is asking the legislature to fund community college group healthcare insurance. The 80th Legislature...
UHV turns its gaze toward Austin: Bill that would allow university to become 4-year institution will be introduced
Dec 31, 2008 — Victoria Advocate
Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, plans to introduce legislation allowing UHV to enroll freshmen and sophomores, effectively making it a full-service university. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, has been allied with current Speaker Tom Craddick. He appointed her to serve as chairwoman of the House's higher education committee.
Poll Retirement, investment worries weigh heavily on Dallas-area residents
Dec 30, 2008 — The Dallas Morning News
Rentfro, 42. "Depending on how your TSP is set up, you're losing a lot of money. You may have to delay your retirement. "If this downturn has taught investors any lesson, it's the importance of staying flexible when it comes to retirement planning," Mr. Frazier said. One thing he feels he does have going for him is job security. "I'm not sweating that," Mr.
Tarrant residents agree on need for changes to U.S. healthcare system
Dec 30, 2008 — Fort Worth Star-Telegram
...medical bills, whether they'd like to be able to buy optional health insurance, and how to increase preventive care. Some residents at an Arlington meeting called for a universal healthcare system. "We have the most expensive healthcare system in the industrialized world," said Jerry Lee Phillips, a small business owner from Hurst. But others said they would rather see such a system run by an independent, private entity. "I don't want the government to run it --...
Volunteer opportunities
Dec 30, 2008 — El Paso Times
Nonprofit donates homemade blankets to El Paso children in crisis. Volunteering for El Paso Police Department. 564-7349. --East Side YWCA, 10712 Sam Snead. Rocio Lozano, 533-2311 ext. 273. --El Paso City/County Health District, 1148 Airway, Mario Hernandez.
Houston Chronicle Move It column MOVE IT!
Dec 29, 2008 — Houston Chronicle
Rick Perry's ambitious Trans-Texas Corridor plan. At the start of the year, town hall meetings conducted across the state drew huge crowds but few supporters. Metro explained that the cost of diesel fuel and other costs led to the hike.
Insurance to let seniors use Medicaid without going broke
Dec 29, 2008 — The Dallas Morning News
...to Medicaid to pay for nursing home care or in-home aides.State officials hope the new break will encourage more people to purchase private long-term care insurance and save the state's Medicaid program some money."Many people don't realize that long-term care can decimate their retirement nest eggs as much as any stock market collapse," said Dallas insurance agent Nancy Gordon.Two-thirds of adults 65 and older will require caregivers, and that care will last an average of...
Medicare Part D enrollment ends Wednesday
Dec 29, 2008 — Jacksonville Daily Progress
Open enrollment only lasts through the end of the year, so seniors should not delay." Most public health programs are funded and managed by the government.
Poll Retirement, investment worries weigh heavily on Dallas-area residents
Dec 29, 2008 — The Dallas Morning News
Rentfro, 42. "Depending on how your TSP is set up, you're losing a lot of money. You may have to delay your retirement. "If this downturn has taught investors any lesson, it's the importance of staying flexible when it comes to retirement planning," Mr. Frazier said. One thing he feels he does have going for him is job security. "I'm not sweating that," Mr.

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