AUSTIN - Forbes has ranked Texas as having one of the lowest debt burdens in
the country compared to the other 49 states. Texas ranked fourth overall
behind Utah, New Hampshire and Nebraska, and was the best among the large
states.
"This Forbes ranking is further proof why the Lone Star State is the best
place to live, work and raise a family, and other states could learn from
Texas' economic success," Gov. Perry said. "Thanks to our low taxes,
reasonable and predictable regulations, skilled workforce, and disciplined
spending, we have created a strong economic environment without racking up
millions of dollars of burdensome debt."
The ranking is based on several factors, including unfunded pension
liabilities, changes in tax revenue, debt as a percentage of GDP, debt per
capita, growth expectations for employment and the state economy, net
migrations and a moocher ratio that compares government employees, pension
burdens and Medicaid enrollees to private-sector employment.
To view the ranking, please visit
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0208/debt-recession-america-wyoming-califo
rnia-debt-weight-scorecard.html or
http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/20/states-debt-pensions-interactive-map.html
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Texas Unemployment Rate 8.3 Percent in December
Texas Unemployment Rate 8.3 Percent in December After two months of
employment gains, Texas employers reduce jobs
AUSTIN - The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent
in December, up from 8.0 percent a month ago, but continued to trend well
below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December of 10.0
percent. Total nonagricultural employment in Texas decreased by 23,900 jobs
in December. Texas has gained nearly 50,000 jobs in the last three months.
"Texas continues to feel the effects of this serious national recession with
unemployment in our state now at 8.3 percent," said Texas Workforce
Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. "Nonetheless, unemployment in Texas
remains well below the national level of 10.0 percent."
Education and Health Services employment increased by 4,800 positions in
December, representing the addition of 60,400 jobs in the past 12 months.
Mining and Logging employment posted a modest gain of 300 jobs in December.
"December job losses offset some of the gains from the last couple of
months," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "TWC and
the 28 workforce boards are committed to assisting Texas job seekers and
connecting them with available jobs."
Trade, Transportation and Utilities represented the bulk of December's job
losses at 7,400 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality employment was down 6,500 jobs
in December, and Professional and Business Services recorded a loss of 5,300
jobs.
"Education and Health Services continued to add jobs while other industries
experienced a tough month in December," said TWC Commissioner Representing
the Public Andres Alcantar. "Job seekers are encouraged to register on
WorkInTexas.com, TWC's online job matching Web site."
The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest
unemployment rate in the state at 5.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted),
followed by the Lubbock MSA and the Midland MSA, both with 5.4 percent. The
unemployment rate stood at 5.9 percent in the College Station-Bryan MSA.
employment gains, Texas employers reduce jobs
AUSTIN - The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent
in December, up from 8.0 percent a month ago, but continued to trend well
below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December of 10.0
percent. Total nonagricultural employment in Texas decreased by 23,900 jobs
in December. Texas has gained nearly 50,000 jobs in the last three months.
"Texas continues to feel the effects of this serious national recession with
unemployment in our state now at 8.3 percent," said Texas Workforce
Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. "Nonetheless, unemployment in Texas
remains well below the national level of 10.0 percent."
Education and Health Services employment increased by 4,800 positions in
December, representing the addition of 60,400 jobs in the past 12 months.
Mining and Logging employment posted a modest gain of 300 jobs in December.
"December job losses offset some of the gains from the last couple of
months," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "TWC and
the 28 workforce boards are committed to assisting Texas job seekers and
connecting them with available jobs."
Trade, Transportation and Utilities represented the bulk of December's job
losses at 7,400 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality employment was down 6,500 jobs
in December, and Professional and Business Services recorded a loss of 5,300
jobs.
"Education and Health Services continued to add jobs while other industries
experienced a tough month in December," said TWC Commissioner Representing
the Public Andres Alcantar. "Job seekers are encouraged to register on
WorkInTexas.com, TWC's online job matching Web site."
The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest
unemployment rate in the state at 5.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted),
followed by the Lubbock MSA and the Midland MSA, both with 5.4 percent. The
unemployment rate stood at 5.9 percent in the College Station-Bryan MSA.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Cities Across Texas Accept the 'Governor's Challenge' to Get Fit in 2010
GRAPEVINE -Mayor William D. Tate and the City of Grapevine today kicked-off
the 7th annual Texas Round-Up, and challenged other cities to join their
efforts to make Texas a 'Fitter State'. Tate announced that the City of
Grapevine will accept the 'Governor's Challenge' to be more physically
active and make healthier choices in 2010. Mayors and city representatives
from Dish, Grand Prairie, Keller, Longview, North Richland Hills, Temple,
and Trophy Club joined Tate and pledged to compete for the 'Governor's Cup
Award' and the title "Fittest City in Texas" to be given at the Texas
Round-Up 10K-5K-Family Mile, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Texas, on April 24, 2010 in Austin. Also in attendance was Michelle
Aguilar, Biggest Loser winner and Fort Worth native. Aguilar gave her
support of the cities' efforts and spoke about the struggles of obesity.
"With so many of our children, families and friends suffering from obesity,
it's time for all the cities and towns across Texas to support each other in
putting our health first," says Mayor Tate. "With a free and accessible
program like Texas Round-Up, and the annual Governor's Challenge, we have an
opportunity to motivate friends, family, and even ourselves, to get active,"
Tate says.
Each year, beginning on January 1st, Texas Round-Up issues the annual
Governor's Challenge, encouraging Texans to make regular physical activity a
part of their weekly schedule. Adults are challenged to be active for 150
minutes per week and children under 18 are challenged to complete a minimum
of 300 minutes of physical activity per week, for six weeks. On April 24,
2010 Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Round-Up will issue the Governor's Awards to
cities, state agencies, corporations, schools, social organizations,
municipalities and families that have the highest participation per capita
in their respective Governor's Challenge categories.
"We are pleased to be the 'Presenting' Sponsor of the 2010 Texas Roundup
10K-5K & Family Mile," says Darren Rodgers, president, Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). "Blue Cross has been a supporter since the
inception of this initiative and we are eager to expand our partnership with
Texas Round-Up by joining their efforts to challenge Texas families to
participate in regular physical activity and healthier lifestyles."
"Since 2004, more than 87,000 Texans have participated in Texas Round-Up and
together, they have logged more than 377 million minutes of physical
activity," says Texas Round-Up Executive Director Meredith Garcia. The
January kick-off gives Texans a chance to participate in the Governor's
Challenge, by signing up for Texas Round-Up's free online training program,
GetFitTexas, where they can track their exercise progress.
Arlington resident, Betty Davis was named Texas Round-Up's 'Fit Texan' in
2007 after successfully shedding more than one hundred pounds. With a top
weight of 300 pounds and confined to a scooter, Davis struggled for years to
lose weight and regain her livelihood. Today, four years later, Davis is
still fit, weighing half her original size, and doing better than ever.
"With so many cities supporting our efforts, we hope to find 'Fit Texans'
from towns across the state who have changed their lives," Garcia says.
This year, 34 Texas Round-Up cities are leading efforts to make Texas the
fittest state in the nation. These cities include Austin, Bay City, Bevil
Oaks, Brenham, College Station, Denton, Dish, Dumas, El Paso, Euless,
Georgetown, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Houston, Leon Valley, Longview,
Midland, Murphy, Nacogdoches, North Richland Hills, Northlake, Onalaska,
Palestine, Pilot Point, Port Aransas, Roanoke, Round Rock, Slaton, South
Padre Island, Sugar Land, Temple, Trophy Club, Universal City and Watauga.
Several cities will hold fitness events in their local communities.
On Saturday, April 24th, the Texas Round-Up and Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Texas will host the 7th annual Texas Round-Up 10K-5K-Family Mile. This
event includes 10K and 5K competitive races, as well as a Family Mile course
for children and adults not quite ready for a 5K. Participants and families
will enjoy a fitness festival at the finish line. The festival encourages
children and families to make fitness and nutrition a priority in their
lives and features a FitKids FunZone with interactive demonstrations and
activities for children, as well as giveaways and healthy program
information for adults. The winners of the First Lady's T-shirt Design
Competition and the Fit Texan Challenge, will also be announced.
In 2004, Gov. Rick Perry launched the Texas Round-Up statewide fitness
initiative and 10K race to motivate and encourage Texans to become more
active and to incorporate healthy choices in their daily lives. Today, Texas
Round-Up is an independent nonprofit organization working to improve the
health of Texas through education and promotion of physical activity and
healthy living.
For more information about Texas Round-Up and its programs, please visit
www.texasroundup.org.
the 7th annual Texas Round-Up, and challenged other cities to join their
efforts to make Texas a 'Fitter State'. Tate announced that the City of
Grapevine will accept the 'Governor's Challenge' to be more physically
active and make healthier choices in 2010. Mayors and city representatives
from Dish, Grand Prairie, Keller, Longview, North Richland Hills, Temple,
and Trophy Club joined Tate and pledged to compete for the 'Governor's Cup
Award' and the title "Fittest City in Texas" to be given at the Texas
Round-Up 10K-5K-Family Mile, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Texas, on April 24, 2010 in Austin. Also in attendance was Michelle
Aguilar, Biggest Loser winner and Fort Worth native. Aguilar gave her
support of the cities' efforts and spoke about the struggles of obesity.
"With so many of our children, families and friends suffering from obesity,
it's time for all the cities and towns across Texas to support each other in
putting our health first," says Mayor Tate. "With a free and accessible
program like Texas Round-Up, and the annual Governor's Challenge, we have an
opportunity to motivate friends, family, and even ourselves, to get active,"
Tate says.
Each year, beginning on January 1st, Texas Round-Up issues the annual
Governor's Challenge, encouraging Texans to make regular physical activity a
part of their weekly schedule. Adults are challenged to be active for 150
minutes per week and children under 18 are challenged to complete a minimum
of 300 minutes of physical activity per week, for six weeks. On April 24,
2010 Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Round-Up will issue the Governor's Awards to
cities, state agencies, corporations, schools, social organizations,
municipalities and families that have the highest participation per capita
in their respective Governor's Challenge categories.
"We are pleased to be the 'Presenting' Sponsor of the 2010 Texas Roundup
10K-5K & Family Mile," says Darren Rodgers, president, Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). "Blue Cross has been a supporter since the
inception of this initiative and we are eager to expand our partnership with
Texas Round-Up by joining their efforts to challenge Texas families to
participate in regular physical activity and healthier lifestyles."
"Since 2004, more than 87,000 Texans have participated in Texas Round-Up and
together, they have logged more than 377 million minutes of physical
activity," says Texas Round-Up Executive Director Meredith Garcia. The
January kick-off gives Texans a chance to participate in the Governor's
Challenge, by signing up for Texas Round-Up's free online training program,
GetFitTexas, where they can track their exercise progress.
Arlington resident, Betty Davis was named Texas Round-Up's 'Fit Texan' in
2007 after successfully shedding more than one hundred pounds. With a top
weight of 300 pounds and confined to a scooter, Davis struggled for years to
lose weight and regain her livelihood. Today, four years later, Davis is
still fit, weighing half her original size, and doing better than ever.
"With so many cities supporting our efforts, we hope to find 'Fit Texans'
from towns across the state who have changed their lives," Garcia says.
This year, 34 Texas Round-Up cities are leading efforts to make Texas the
fittest state in the nation. These cities include Austin, Bay City, Bevil
Oaks, Brenham, College Station, Denton, Dish, Dumas, El Paso, Euless,
Georgetown, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Houston, Leon Valley, Longview,
Midland, Murphy, Nacogdoches, North Richland Hills, Northlake, Onalaska,
Palestine, Pilot Point, Port Aransas, Roanoke, Round Rock, Slaton, South
Padre Island, Sugar Land, Temple, Trophy Club, Universal City and Watauga.
Several cities will hold fitness events in their local communities.
On Saturday, April 24th, the Texas Round-Up and Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Texas will host the 7th annual Texas Round-Up 10K-5K-Family Mile. This
event includes 10K and 5K competitive races, as well as a Family Mile course
for children and adults not quite ready for a 5K. Participants and families
will enjoy a fitness festival at the finish line. The festival encourages
children and families to make fitness and nutrition a priority in their
lives and features a FitKids FunZone with interactive demonstrations and
activities for children, as well as giveaways and healthy program
information for adults. The winners of the First Lady's T-shirt Design
Competition and the Fit Texan Challenge, will also be announced.
In 2004, Gov. Rick Perry launched the Texas Round-Up statewide fitness
initiative and 10K race to motivate and encourage Texans to become more
active and to incorporate healthy choices in their daily lives. Today, Texas
Round-Up is an independent nonprofit organization working to improve the
health of Texas through education and promotion of physical activity and
healthy living.
For more information about Texas Round-Up and its programs, please visit
www.texasroundup.org.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Gov. Perry Requests Additional Antiviral Medicines
Gov. Perry Requests Additional Antiviral Medicines
From CDC as Precautionary Measure to Address Swine Flu in Texas
All Schools in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Closed
AUSTIN - As a precautionary measure, Gov. Rick Perry today increased his
request of antiviral medication to 25 percent (850,000 courses) of the Texas
allotment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)
Strategic National Stockpile to be prepositioned in the state. This request
will augment the more than 840,000 courses of antiviral medication on hand
in Texas following a purchase authorized by the 80th Legislature and Gov.
Perry in 2007.
"While the confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. have been mild, it is
prudent that we take the necessary precautions in Texas to protect our
citizens, which is why today I have requested 850,000 courses of antiviral
medication from the CDC to be prepositioned in the state," said Gov. Rick
Perry. "We will continue to work with our local, state and federal health
officials to ensure public safety is protected."
CDC's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) has large quantities of medicine
and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public
health emergency (terrorist attack, flu outbreak, earthquake). For more
information on the SNS, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/stockpile.
All 14 schools and two district facilities in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal
City Independent School District will be closed effective immediately after
several more flu-like illnesses have been discovered in the ongoing Texas
Department of State Health Services (DSHS) swine flu investigation. All
extracurricular activities are also cancelled. For more information visit:
www.scuc.txed.net.
The move follows the closing of the district's Byron Steele High School,
announced on Saturday. Swine flu has been lab-confirmed in two students
from that school who have recovered. Lab confirmation is pending on a third
case who is recovering.
"We don't have lab confirmation for any of the additional flu-like illnesses
yet, but we've found enough illnesses associated with some of the other
schools that we believe it's prudent to close all of them before classes
resume on Monday," said Sandra Guerra, M.D., a DSHS regional director and
the public health authority for Guadalupe County. She urged students not to
be around each other while the schools are closed, noting that would "defeat
the purpose of the closings."
The governor and state health officials urge the schools' staff, faculty,
students and their household members to avoid contact with others,
especially if they have symptoms of a respiratory illness.
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal
flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with
swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea.
Health officials say everyone should follow standard precautions to reduce
the spread of any respiratory illness.
.Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
.Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue and
properly dispose of used tissues.
.Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Individuals with these flu-like symptoms should call the state's swine flu
call center at 888-777-5320. For health care providers with questions about
assessing, evaluating and treating swine flu, call 877-623-6274. These
lines are operational from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For additional information on the swine flu, please visit:
www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
From CDC as Precautionary Measure to Address Swine Flu in Texas
All Schools in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Closed
AUSTIN - As a precautionary measure, Gov. Rick Perry today increased his
request of antiviral medication to 25 percent (850,000 courses) of the Texas
allotment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)
Strategic National Stockpile to be prepositioned in the state. This request
will augment the more than 840,000 courses of antiviral medication on hand
in Texas following a purchase authorized by the 80th Legislature and Gov.
Perry in 2007.
"While the confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. have been mild, it is
prudent that we take the necessary precautions in Texas to protect our
citizens, which is why today I have requested 850,000 courses of antiviral
medication from the CDC to be prepositioned in the state," said Gov. Rick
Perry. "We will continue to work with our local, state and federal health
officials to ensure public safety is protected."
CDC's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) has large quantities of medicine
and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public
health emergency (terrorist attack, flu outbreak, earthquake). For more
information on the SNS, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/stockpile.
All 14 schools and two district facilities in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal
City Independent School District will be closed effective immediately after
several more flu-like illnesses have been discovered in the ongoing Texas
Department of State Health Services (DSHS) swine flu investigation. All
extracurricular activities are also cancelled. For more information visit:
www.scuc.txed.net.
The move follows the closing of the district's Byron Steele High School,
announced on Saturday. Swine flu has been lab-confirmed in two students
from that school who have recovered. Lab confirmation is pending on a third
case who is recovering.
"We don't have lab confirmation for any of the additional flu-like illnesses
yet, but we've found enough illnesses associated with some of the other
schools that we believe it's prudent to close all of them before classes
resume on Monday," said Sandra Guerra, M.D., a DSHS regional director and
the public health authority for Guadalupe County. She urged students not to
be around each other while the schools are closed, noting that would "defeat
the purpose of the closings."
The governor and state health officials urge the schools' staff, faculty,
students and their household members to avoid contact with others,
especially if they have symptoms of a respiratory illness.
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal
flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with
swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea.
Health officials say everyone should follow standard precautions to reduce
the spread of any respiratory illness.
.Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
.Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a tissue and
properly dispose of used tissues.
.Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Individuals with these flu-like symptoms should call the state's swine flu
call center at 888-777-5320. For health care providers with questions about
assessing, evaluating and treating swine flu, call 877-623-6274. These
lines are operational from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
For additional information on the swine flu, please visit:
www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
El Paso Department of Public Health Monitors Swine Flu
Department of Public Health Monitors Swine Flu
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health has been taking steps to closely monitor and respond to recent events concerning swine flu in the US and in Mexico. We are in frequent communication with our local, state, and federal partners regarding our preparedness for and response to this event and will continue to gather information. The Department of Public Health has increased activities in numerous public health programs including laboratory, disease investigators (epidemiology), and public health preparedness and we will continue to enhance our response as events develop.
At this time, the cases in the United States and in Texas are mild cases that have not required hospital care. All infected individuals have recovered on their own. As of April 26th, there have been 20 cases confirmed of swine influenza A (H1N1) in the United States, including two in Texas. None of the cases in the US have been fatal, though some reports from Mexico indicate that up to 80 individuals infected have died. The differences in severity between cases in the US and Mexico have not been determined at this time.
Since March 2009, a number of confirmed human cases of a new strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the U.S. and internationally have been identified. An investigation into these cases is ongoing. This is a new virus in humans. Information at this time indicates that the seasonal flu vaccine does not seem effective for preventing this new strain of flu.
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented.
Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to the seasonal flu and include:
fever,
lack of energy (lethargy),
lack of appetite and
coughing.
Some people with swine flu also have reported:
runny nose,
sore throat,
nausea,
vomiting and
diarrhea.
At this time, we encourage the public to follow three basic steps regarding hygiene for respiratory illness:
Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow / sleeve or a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use alcohol based hand sanitizers if you are not near soap and water.
Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
For parents and caregivers of children, use Tylenol to reduce fever. Do not use Aspirin in children for fever reduction as this may cause a fatal disease known as Reye’s Syndrome.
The public may call (888) 777-5320 for more information. Healthcare providers may call (877) 623-6274 for more information. The following websites have been set-up for information in both English and Spanish:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/swine_espanol.htm
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health has been taking steps to closely monitor and respond to recent events concerning swine flu in the US and in Mexico. We are in frequent communication with our local, state, and federal partners regarding our preparedness for and response to this event and will continue to gather information. The Department of Public Health has increased activities in numerous public health programs including laboratory, disease investigators (epidemiology), and public health preparedness and we will continue to enhance our response as events develop.
At this time, the cases in the United States and in Texas are mild cases that have not required hospital care. All infected individuals have recovered on their own. As of April 26th, there have been 20 cases confirmed of swine influenza A (H1N1) in the United States, including two in Texas. None of the cases in the US have been fatal, though some reports from Mexico indicate that up to 80 individuals infected have died. The differences in severity between cases in the US and Mexico have not been determined at this time.
Since March 2009, a number of confirmed human cases of a new strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the U.S. and internationally have been identified. An investigation into these cases is ongoing. This is a new virus in humans. Information at this time indicates that the seasonal flu vaccine does not seem effective for preventing this new strain of flu.
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented.
Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to the seasonal flu and include:
fever,
lack of energy (lethargy),
lack of appetite and
coughing.
Some people with swine flu also have reported:
runny nose,
sore throat,
nausea,
vomiting and
diarrhea.
At this time, we encourage the public to follow three basic steps regarding hygiene for respiratory illness:
Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow / sleeve or a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use alcohol based hand sanitizers if you are not near soap and water.
Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
For parents and caregivers of children, use Tylenol to reduce fever. Do not use Aspirin in children for fever reduction as this may cause a fatal disease known as Reye’s Syndrome.
The public may call (888) 777-5320 for more information. Healthcare providers may call (877) 623-6274 for more information. The following websites have been set-up for information in both English and Spanish:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/swine_espanol.htm
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Street Smart
FORT BLISS, TEXAS-
WHAT: Presentation of "Street Smart" a program designed to encourage
attendees to make responsible choices in consumption of alcohol or use of
illegal drugs
WHERE: Soldier Hall, Fort Bliss
WHEN: 9am, 11am & 2pm Monday, April 6; 9am & 11am Tuesday, April 7
WHO: "Street Smart" sponsor is Fort Bliss Directorate of Emergency Services,
Safety Office and L&F Distributors (Anheuser-Bush)
WHY: Fort Bliss officials commitment to fight irresponsible consumption of
alcohol and illegal drug use.
WHAT: Presentation of "Street Smart" a program designed to encourage
attendees to make responsible choices in consumption of alcohol or use of
illegal drugs
WHERE: Soldier Hall, Fort Bliss
WHEN: 9am, 11am & 2pm Monday, April 6; 9am & 11am Tuesday, April 7
WHO: "Street Smart" sponsor is Fort Bliss Directorate of Emergency Services,
Safety Office and L&F Distributors (Anheuser-Bush)
WHY: Fort Bliss officials commitment to fight irresponsible consumption of
alcohol and illegal drug use.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
GOVERNOR FAILS TO ADDRESS PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING NEEDS
Delivering his State of the State address to a joint session of the 81st Texas Legislature today, Gov. Rick Perry laid out three priorities to “reach our goal of ensuring every student graduates from Texas high schools with a strong fundation in math, science and English”:
“First, they deserve the best teachers. … Second, we must hold our schools accountable for student performance. … Third, let’s keep improving our math and science education, and continue preparing our young people, especially low-income and minority students, for a productive life after high school.”
The oldest education organization in Texas applauds Perry’s goals. But the 65,000-member Texas State Teachers Association has to question the governor’s commitment to achieving them.
The governor applauded previous Legislatures for not raising taxes and called on current legislators to do the same.
“Unfortunately, that has drastically limited the amount of new state money available to public schools to meet rapidly changing needs,” TSTA President Rita C. Haecker said.
Further, the governor again called for expanding and increasing tax cuts rather than increasing funding for public schools.
“As he runs for office yet again, this governor once again wants public schools, their students and their employees to pick up the cost of his re-election campaign gimmick. Instead of providing new money to our hard pressed public schools, whose funding is frozen at 2006 levels, Gov. Perry wants to further reduce the resources available to provide even that insufficient level of funding,” Haecker said.
Perry said he wants “quality education” for all young Texans. Yet in the 10 years that he has been governor, Texas has dropped from 25th in the nation in per pupil expenditure for instruction to 45th. In Texas, 50,000 classroom do not have appropriately certified teachers.
“The governor failed to address the greatest need our Texas public schools, their students and their employees today face – the need for a school finance system that is sufficient and flexible to meet the growing, ever-changing needs of public education. Without that, the state simply cannot meet the governor’s goals, particularly retaining and recruiting the very best teachers in the nation to teach our students,” Haecker added.
“Texas today ranks 34th among the states in average teacher pay, $6,129 below the national average. Gov. Perry proposed absolutely nothing to raise that. So we call on the many friends of public education in the 81st Legislature, in both parties, to do what the governor would not do: figure out how to sufficiently and flexibly pay for his three public education goals we applaud. This is the investment in the future Texas very much needs, an invesment that ultimately will benefit all Texans,” the TSTA president emphasized.
“First, they deserve the best teachers. … Second, we must hold our schools accountable for student performance. … Third, let’s keep improving our math and science education, and continue preparing our young people, especially low-income and minority students, for a productive life after high school.”
The oldest education organization in Texas applauds Perry’s goals. But the 65,000-member Texas State Teachers Association has to question the governor’s commitment to achieving them.
The governor applauded previous Legislatures for not raising taxes and called on current legislators to do the same.
“Unfortunately, that has drastically limited the amount of new state money available to public schools to meet rapidly changing needs,” TSTA President Rita C. Haecker said.
Further, the governor again called for expanding and increasing tax cuts rather than increasing funding for public schools.
“As he runs for office yet again, this governor once again wants public schools, their students and their employees to pick up the cost of his re-election campaign gimmick. Instead of providing new money to our hard pressed public schools, whose funding is frozen at 2006 levels, Gov. Perry wants to further reduce the resources available to provide even that insufficient level of funding,” Haecker said.
Perry said he wants “quality education” for all young Texans. Yet in the 10 years that he has been governor, Texas has dropped from 25th in the nation in per pupil expenditure for instruction to 45th. In Texas, 50,000 classroom do not have appropriately certified teachers.
“The governor failed to address the greatest need our Texas public schools, their students and their employees today face – the need for a school finance system that is sufficient and flexible to meet the growing, ever-changing needs of public education. Without that, the state simply cannot meet the governor’s goals, particularly retaining and recruiting the very best teachers in the nation to teach our students,” Haecker added.
“Texas today ranks 34th among the states in average teacher pay, $6,129 below the national average. Gov. Perry proposed absolutely nothing to raise that. So we call on the many friends of public education in the 81st Legislature, in both parties, to do what the governor would not do: figure out how to sufficiently and flexibly pay for his three public education goals we applaud. This is the investment in the future Texas very much needs, an invesment that ultimately will benefit all Texans,” the TSTA president emphasized.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Gov. Perry Challenges Governors to Participate in 'Capitol Steps'
Program encourages participants to get active, meet fitness goals
AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has challenged governors from 49 other states to
participate in the "Capitol Steps Challenge," a two-week contest intended to
lead the charge to combat obesity in America.
"Across our nation, obesity rates are growing at an alarming rate, and the
cost of treating obesity related diseases and lost productivity amounts to
an estimated $122.9 billion a year," Gov. Perry said. "As governors, we must
set the example for our states and highlight ways we can address preventable
health problems."
For this challenge, Virgin HealthMiles, a company that focuses on
encouraging active lifestyles, has agreed to assist by providing high-tech
pedometers to each of the governors and their team members. Participants
will be able to upload their fitness results to a secure HealthMiles website
and track their progress. At the conclusion, Virgin HealthMiles will declare
the Most Active Governor's Team in the nation, based on average per person
activity.
"The fact of the matter is that everyone who participates is a winner
because they are setting the pace for healthy lifestyles," the governor
added.
"While we know the path to success is through hard work and determination,
sometimes an incentive waiting at the finish line helps us to persevere,"
Gov. Perry said. "Virgin HealthMiles's program is unlike any other I've
seen, and it is producing impressive results toward keeping people motivated
to stay active and lose weight.
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than 60 percent of all
American adults are either overweight or obese, with the cost of treating
obesity related diseases and lost productivity at an estimated $122.9
billion per year. In Texas, the adult obesity rate is 27 percent, well above
the 24.2 percent national average. Obesity cost Texas businesses an
estimated $3.3 billion in 2005, and without efforts to combat it, the cost
is expected to grow to $15.8 billion annually by 2025.
The Capitol Steps Challenge will begin on Jan. 1, 2009, and last for two
weeks. Each governor is encouraged to create a team of 10 to 20
cabinet-level staff to participate in the challenge. Virgin HealthMiles will
provide pedometers to each team member, and participants can upload their
activities and results on a web based program. The winning state team will
be declared the Most Active Governor's Team in the nation at the Capitol
Steps Challenge Awards event Feb. 21, 2009, in Washington D.C. They will
also be presented with a $50,000 donation to their state's childhood obesity
program by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin HealthMiles.
"It's an honor for Virgin HealthMiles to work with Gov. Perry to bring
awareness to the important issue of improving the health and wellness of
citizens across the country," said Sean Forbes, President of Virgin
HealthMiles. "Having governors join together and lead by example about the
value of increased physical activity is an extremely positive message for
all of us concerned with fighting obesity. We're excited to be part of the
Capitol Steps Challenge and look forward to providing a fun and engaging
experience."
Gov. Perry's team, "Team Texas", includes Agriculture Commissioner Todd
Staples, Secretary of State Esperanza "Hope" Andrade, Texas Railroad
Commissioners Michael Williams and Elizabeth Ames Jones, Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality commissioners Bryan Shaw, Larry Soward and Buddy
Garcia, Public Utility commissioners Kenneth Anderson, Donna Nelson and
Barry Smitherman, Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner
Albert Hawkins, Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner David
Lakey, Texas Department of Criminal Justice Executive Director Brad
Livingston, Texas Department of Public Safety Executive Director Stan Clark,
Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry
Patterson, Texas Youth Commission Executive Director Cherie Townsend, Texas
Department of Transportation Executive Director Amadeo Saenz Jr., Texas
Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins, Texas Parks
and Wildlife Executive Director Carter Smith and Texas Department of
Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin.
To date, states who have committed to the challenge include Alabama, Alaska,
Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and
Wisconsin.
Virgin HealthMiles provides a unique, incentive-based fitness program that
offers cash rewards of up to $500 annually to members who meet their fitness
goals. Currently, about 50,000 Texans are enrolled in the program; last
year, those Texans lost about 250,000 pounds. (For the purposes of the
Capitol Steps challenge the incentives do not apply.)
For more information on the challenge please visit
www.virginhealthmiles.com/capitolstepschallenge.
AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has challenged governors from 49 other states to
participate in the "Capitol Steps Challenge," a two-week contest intended to
lead the charge to combat obesity in America.
"Across our nation, obesity rates are growing at an alarming rate, and the
cost of treating obesity related diseases and lost productivity amounts to
an estimated $122.9 billion a year," Gov. Perry said. "As governors, we must
set the example for our states and highlight ways we can address preventable
health problems."
For this challenge, Virgin HealthMiles, a company that focuses on
encouraging active lifestyles, has agreed to assist by providing high-tech
pedometers to each of the governors and their team members. Participants
will be able to upload their fitness results to a secure HealthMiles website
and track their progress. At the conclusion, Virgin HealthMiles will declare
the Most Active Governor's Team in the nation, based on average per person
activity.
"The fact of the matter is that everyone who participates is a winner
because they are setting the pace for healthy lifestyles," the governor
added.
"While we know the path to success is through hard work and determination,
sometimes an incentive waiting at the finish line helps us to persevere,"
Gov. Perry said. "Virgin HealthMiles's program is unlike any other I've
seen, and it is producing impressive results toward keeping people motivated
to stay active and lose weight.
The Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than 60 percent of all
American adults are either overweight or obese, with the cost of treating
obesity related diseases and lost productivity at an estimated $122.9
billion per year. In Texas, the adult obesity rate is 27 percent, well above
the 24.2 percent national average. Obesity cost Texas businesses an
estimated $3.3 billion in 2005, and without efforts to combat it, the cost
is expected to grow to $15.8 billion annually by 2025.
The Capitol Steps Challenge will begin on Jan. 1, 2009, and last for two
weeks. Each governor is encouraged to create a team of 10 to 20
cabinet-level staff to participate in the challenge. Virgin HealthMiles will
provide pedometers to each team member, and participants can upload their
activities and results on a web based program. The winning state team will
be declared the Most Active Governor's Team in the nation at the Capitol
Steps Challenge Awards event Feb. 21, 2009, in Washington D.C. They will
also be presented with a $50,000 donation to their state's childhood obesity
program by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin HealthMiles.
"It's an honor for Virgin HealthMiles to work with Gov. Perry to bring
awareness to the important issue of improving the health and wellness of
citizens across the country," said Sean Forbes, President of Virgin
HealthMiles. "Having governors join together and lead by example about the
value of increased physical activity is an extremely positive message for
all of us concerned with fighting obesity. We're excited to be part of the
Capitol Steps Challenge and look forward to providing a fun and engaging
experience."
Gov. Perry's team, "Team Texas", includes Agriculture Commissioner Todd
Staples, Secretary of State Esperanza "Hope" Andrade, Texas Railroad
Commissioners Michael Williams and Elizabeth Ames Jones, Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality commissioners Bryan Shaw, Larry Soward and Buddy
Garcia, Public Utility commissioners Kenneth Anderson, Donna Nelson and
Barry Smitherman, Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner
Albert Hawkins, Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner David
Lakey, Texas Department of Criminal Justice Executive Director Brad
Livingston, Texas Department of Public Safety Executive Director Stan Clark,
Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry
Patterson, Texas Youth Commission Executive Director Cherie Townsend, Texas
Department of Transportation Executive Director Amadeo Saenz Jr., Texas
Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins, Texas Parks
and Wildlife Executive Director Carter Smith and Texas Department of
Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin.
To date, states who have committed to the challenge include Alabama, Alaska,
Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and
Wisconsin.
Virgin HealthMiles provides a unique, incentive-based fitness program that
offers cash rewards of up to $500 annually to members who meet their fitness
goals. Currently, about 50,000 Texans are enrolled in the program; last
year, those Texans lost about 250,000 pounds. (For the purposes of the
Capitol Steps challenge the incentives do not apply.)
For more information on the challenge please visit
www.virginhealthmiles.com/capitolstepschallenge.
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