Texas Insider

“The sooner we address the problem, the sooner we can get back to the path of growth and job creation. This is what elected leaders owe the American people.”

–President George W. Bush

Continue Reading.

Published: 09-30-08

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R- Texas, Vice-Chair of the Senate Republican Conference and a member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement today regarding the House of Representatives’ rejection of the financial stabilization bill:

“The American people demand accountability from Wall Street and deserve transparency when it comes to how their tax dollars are being spent.   Many are angry about the current economic situation and frustrated about being presented with an all-or-nothing proposal.  I share their anger and their frustrations.  The perception surrounding this bill was that it rewarded Wall Street at the expense of Main Street, and I believe that was reflected in today’s vote.

Continue Reading.

Published: 09-30-08

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which is designed to provide the Treasury Department with the authority to purchase troubled assets on the books of private financial institutions in an effort to resolve the current financial crisis.

The bill failed by a vote of 205 to 228. After the vote, Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) made the following statement:

Continue Reading.

Published: 09-30-08

Congressman Thornberry Releases Statement to the Speaker of the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) today issued the following statement to the Speaker after H.R. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, failed to pass the House by 23 votes:

Madam Speaker,
The issue before us is one of the most difficult decisions I have faced during my time in Congress.  The reason it is so difficult is the concern about what will happen to our economy if this bill is not passed.  But the bottom line is that this bill is an unprecedented intrusion by government into the economy of the country and is contrary to the common sense principles in which I believe. 

Continue Reading.

Austin Business Journal
Published: 09-30-08

The Texas Charter Schools Association officially launched on Tuesday with a focus on helping foster effective charter schools statewide.

More than 100 charter operators across Texas have been involved in the formation of the Austin-based TCSA. The association has received support from the Charter School Policy Institute, the Walton Family Foundation and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

Continue Reading.

Published: 09-30-08

Calling on Local Officials to Provide Immediate Tax Relief for Hurricane Ike Victims

HOUSTON – Austen Furse, Republican candidate for Texas Senate District 17 was joined today by Senator Mike Jackson (R – LaPorte) in calling on local officials to immediately authorize reappraisal of all property damaged by Hurricane Ike.

“There are thousands of people who suffered significant damage or lost their entire homes.  It is only fair that they should have their properties reappraised so that we don’t ask people to pay taxes on a home that was washed away by Hurricane Ike”, Furse said.

Continue Reading.

Published: 09-30-08

September 29, 2008 (Austin, TX) – Last Friday, Rep. Vicki Truitt (R-Keller) was appointed to Texas’ State Pension Review Board (PRB) by Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick.

“I am honored by this appointment and am thrilled to have an increased opportunity to help improve the financial strength of the retirement funds for our public servants,” said Truitt.

Continue Reading.

Michael Ramirez
Published: 09-30-08

Continue Reading.

By Randy Jones, Chairman, Texas Association of Business
Published: 09-30-08

This March, as Texas and Ohio prepared for their historic presidential primaries, The Wall Street Journal contrasted the economic outlooks of the two states. The editorial graphically illustrated the opposite policies they had pursued and the results of such — “growth” for Texas, “pain” for Ohio.

Now that we’re less than two months from the general election, a new comparison is in order — this time between Texas and California.

Continue Reading.

“Congress needs to take into consideration both the short term and long term consequences of the proposed legislation.  . . For the American people to have confidence that this legislation is not simply a band aid, we need immediate transparency, oversight, and market reform. . . We can provide security to our financial markets in a way that is both immediate and sensible in the long term.”

–U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

Continue Reading.