From Raul Torres - State Representative-Elect HD 33
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas As we approach the end of 2010 please take a moment to reflect on people and blessings each one of us has experienced this past year. That we realize that all good things come from God and that without humility we are left to wander on our own. My friends America is a blessed nation.
Next month the journey begins as your elected representatives head to Austin for the 82nd Legislative Session. We are now fully staffed and ready to work for you. Please keep all of us in your prayers for this will be a very busy and difficult session for us all.
Finallythe State of Texas will be facing a huge budget shortfall this session of up to $28 billion. All state funded agencies that provide education transportation and health and human services to just name a few of them will have their budgets reduced. The only question that remains is how much.
I will do all I can to fight for our fair share of budget dollars that will be spent in our Coastal Bend area. Some of the the issues that will be tackled by the Legislature will be redistricting and the examination of over 25 state agencies undergoing the Sunset Review.
From all of us at the Torres Campaign may you and your family have a Joyous and Safe Holiday Season and a Prosperous Happy New Year!
News from Austin
State Leaders Ask Agencies To Cut Another 2.5
Last week Gov. Rick Perry Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus sent a letter asking state government agencies to identify additional cuts in their current budgets.
Perry sought to put a good face on the request which is made as Texas faces a budget shortfall that some put at more than $20 billion.
Texas economy remains strong and as we lead the nation in recovery from the economic downturn we will continue to ensure that Texans tax dollars are spent prudently Perry said. Identifying these savings builds on our ongoing call to keep government spending in check so that we can balance our state budget without raising taxes and continue to attract businesses that create jobs for Texans.
The cuts will be on top of the $1.2 billion in cuts already ordered for the fiscal period that ends Aug. 31. Agencies also have identified potential cuts identified for the next two-year-budget period that could total more than $3 billion.
Democrats Considering Switching to the GOP
Also State Rep. Allan Ritter of Nederland said this past Saturday that he will leave the Democratic Party and become a Republican probably giving the GOP a two-thirds majority in the Texas House.
He may not be the last one. Democratic Rep. Aaron Pea of Edinburg hinted Saturday about making the switch to the GOP.
A switch by Pea could provide one final blow to Democrats before years end. One of the most conservative Democrats in the Legislature and a close ally of Republican Speaker Joe Straus Pea on Friday told the Rio Grande Guardian that he was weighing a switch.
News from Corpus Christi
Tree of Angels On Monday December 6th District Director Celest Hernandez attened the Tree of Angels ceremony held by The Coalition for Crime Victims Rights. Each ornament on the tree was in memory of a victim of a violent crime.
American Constitutionalists Rep. Elect Torres and District Director Celest Hernandez attended the American Constitutionalists meeting at the Silverado Restaurant on Tuesday December 7th. Rep. Elect Torres spoke about the challenges that will be faced during the upcoming legislative session and listened to many constituents concerns for District 33.
Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony The Rep. Elect also attended the ceremony at Sherril Park to remember the day of infamy when the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor killed nearly 2000 American sailors. It has been 69 years since the attack.
Christmas Party in Flour Bluff Rep.Elect Torres and District Director Celest Hernandez attended the Christmas party at the Laguna Reef Restaurant in Flour Bluff. This annual party brought together business owners and their families who are members of the Flour Bluff Business Association. The Rep. Elect spoke to the crowd that gave the Torres Campaign a very warm welcome to their annual event.
Condolences Our condolences to Patricia Ann Moreno-Arispe and family. Mark Arispe was a Texas A&M University-Kingsville police officer who passed away Monday Dec. 6 on his way to work after his motorcycle collided with an SUV. District Director Celest Hernandez attended the Rosary and paid respect to the family on behalf of State Rep. Elect Raul Torres office.
