We are writing to request your immediate support for an amendment to the Texas State Constitution that will protect the private property rights of all property owning Texans. PROTex is a broad-based coalition of groups and individuals singularly dedicated to protecting the private property rights now in jeopardy as a result of the U.S. Supreme Courts recent opinion in Kelo v. City of New London. 

That ruling allows a city to seize the property of one citizen for the benefit of another. At the same time, the Courts opinion made it clear that their ruling does not preclude any State from placing further restrictions on its exercise of the takings power.  

We are supporting legislative efforts underway right now in Austin to address this issue. Examples include House Joint Resolution 19, recently filed by Representative Frank Corte of San Antonio, which places restrictions on the takings power, thereby plugging the hole created by the Courts decision.  The HJR places an amendment to the Texas Constitution on the November 5, 2005 ballot that will eliminate this risk to private property created by the Supreme Courts startling pronouncement. 

Likewise, Senators Robert Deuell, Jeff Wentworth, Jane Nelson filed SJR 10, a companion to HJR 19, and Senator Kyle Janek has filed SJR 9. Sen. Janek has also filed SB 62, which addresses the issue by statute rather than by constitutional amendment.

Passage of the House and Senate Joint Resolutions requires 100 representatives and 21 Senators in support. By demonstrating deep and broad support for this amendment, we will help to ensure this issue is added to the special session call by Governor Perry, will be on the November 5, 2005 ballot, and will win a majority vote. 

We are asking for additional support in the form of letters on your own letterhead to your State Senators and Representatives and to the Governors office. We would appreciate receiving copies of your letters so that we can demonstrate the broad support that this amendment enjoys. 

      These also may be faxed to 512-474-2009.

Together we can help to pass this important legislation and protect the property rights of all Texans. Thank you for your time and for your interest.

Sincerely,

Bill Noble

For more information on how you can fight to maintain our individual property rights, log on to protexas.org
 

1. Increasing sales resulting in the lottery now contributing $1 billion to the education of Texas school kids each year.

2. Overhauling Lottery marketing and games, which has resulted in increased lottery sales.

3. Developing an e-Strategy that included rolling out self-service terminals in retail sites, a new website with greater game information for players, and a new system that provides our nearly 15,000 Texas retailers instant access to a customized self-service center designed to help them better serve Texans.

4. Securing and implementing Texass participation in the multi-state Mega Millions game resulting in high jackpots for players and increased revenue for the State of Texas.

I am immensely proud to have served our great state during my time here and I depart with full confidence and deep pride in knowing that I am leaving the Commission better than when I arrived.

South Texas Republicans would like to thank Reagan E. Greer for his numerous years of service to the State of Texas, Bexar County, Republican candidates & officials and the Republican Party of Bexar County. 

We strongly believe Reagan E. Greer would be a GREAT Chairman of the Republican Party of Bexar County in the future. His Victory 2002 leadership and organizational skills were outstanding. 

Fundraising Reception For Justice David Medina

July 14, 2005

5:30PM~7:00PM

The Plaza Club

2100 Frost Bank Tower

San Antonio, TX

____Yes, I/We will support Justice Medina in his campaign for The Texas supreme court, enclosed is my/our contribution of:

____$5,000*/benefactor                ____$2500*/Patron

____$1000*/Sponsor     ____$500*/Host   ____$250/Friend                      

______$100/Guest         _____Other

*Will be recognized at the event

____Im sorry, I cannot contribute at this time, but please keep me informed about Justice medinas campaign.

******************************************

Name(s):______________________________________________

(As you wish for it to be printed) 

Address:____________________________________________

City, State, Zip:__________________________________

Phone:____________________ Fax:_____________________

Email:________________________________________________

Employer:__________________________________________

Occupation:_______________________________________

Please Complete this form and fax back to Megan Schad at 512/320-0492.  If you have questions or need more information, please call Megan at 512/536-1326, or email megan.schad@judgedavidmedina.com.

A $5,000 contribution limit is placed on an individual/family. A $30,000 contribution limit is placed on all contributions from members of a firm including contributions by their spouse and minor children. Under the new law, any lawyer or other employee is considered a member of the firm.  Every firm member contribution counts toward the $30,000 contribution limit on the firm. A contribution by the spouse or minor child of an individual is considered to be a contribution by the individual.

Paid for by Texans for Medina, Richard Millan, Treasurer, 815 A Brazos #202, Austin, Texas 78701.

In compliance the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. 
 

In the past 4 years, Bexar County Democrats have taken over the County Courts at Law. They now want the District Courts in Bexar County and the Fourth Court of Appeals. Support from grassroots Republicans and moderate Democrats can turn the tide. Friends, it is time to get to work!!!  We cant afford to lose Judge Luitjen in 2006.
 

1. "West-Orange Cove Consolidated ISD is in the bottom 20 percent of all Texas school districts with only 9.6 students for every non-teaching staff member it employs.  Remarkably, Dripping Springs ISD, which like West-Orange Cove ISD has approximately 3,200 students, manages to get by with 159.8 students for each non-teaching staff member."
 

2. "The superintendent of San Antonio ISD makes $273,305 and his contract calls for a minimum 7.5 percent salary increase annually."
 

3. "Beaumont ISD lavishes $281,567 on its superintendent, even though it is not one of the state's largest districts."
 

4. "Amazingly, 15 districts have more non-teaching staff than students."
 

5. "Laredo ISD Superintendent has implemented programs training students in yoga, breathing exercises, and water consumption."

AFP-Texas staff member Amber Tull completed an in-depth study on the spending habits of Texas school districts. To review the data, go to http://www.americansforprosperity.org/news/tx_0050510a.html. 

AFP compiled instances of fraud, waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars as a part of The Educators Witness Protection Program and is available for review at http://www.takebacktexasgovernment.com/

To read the full amicus brief, visit http://www.americansforprosperity.org/news/pdf/tx_amicusbrf_0050706.PDF.

South Texas Republicans Would Like To Thank Maria Martinez of Americans for Prosperity-Texas For This Article.
 

"I wouldn't pick a judge who said that the Pledge of Allegiance couldn't be said in a school because it had the words 'under God' in it. I think that's an example of a judge allowing personal opinion to enter into the decision-making process as opposed to a strict interpretation of the Constitution."
 President George W. Bush
  Second Presidential Debate, Oct. 8, 2004


Call President Bush TODAY and keep calling everyday!

Tell him to appoint a Supreme Court nominee in the likeness of Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas!

White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111

Call your Senators TODAY and keep calling everyday!

Tell them you expect a fair up or down vote on President Bush's nominee
to the Supreme Court!

Capitol Switchboard: (202)-224-3121              
 

It seems the Alamo RMA (our new un-elected tolling authority) is upset that a private company is taking the 'profit' the county would otherwise use to build more toll roads. These are bureaucrats having a grown-up hissy fit about losing their control to toll roads over the taxpayers loud objections, without ONE line of discussion about where the taxpayer fits into this issue. Taxpayers should have a say about something as fundamental as our highway system. This is OUR money, not theirs. Chair Bill Thornton and the RMA are beginning to understand how it feels to be shut out of the process. Our goal is to fight to give the taxpayers not just a seat at the table, but to get them in the driver's seat.

Let's put some numbers behind it. The average vehicle gets 20 MPG, multiply that by $.25/mile of freeway toll, and that's the equivalent of adding $5.00 to every gallon of gas you already buy! That's just at the staring toll rate of $.25/mile outlined in one of TxDOT's feasibility studies, wait until they raise it. The tolling authority has absolute authority to raise the tolls without limit and without ANY accountability to the voters! TxDOT is also out there saying it's a choice between a $.40 gas tax hike and tolls. That's an outright lie. We currently pay $.38 a gallon in gas tax and they're only proposing to raise it two cents (to $.40 a gallon) to properly fund our highway needs. That's an entirely different comparison, and TxDOT knows it. Unlimited tolls or a two cent gas tax hike. I think the answer is obvious. Why didn't they put that choice before us in plain language on the ballot?

The Leadership Council of the Stone Oak Republicans will hold an organizational meeting on July 13th. Please contact Schuylar Crist skyskyrider@hotmail.com if you are interested in joining the Leadership Council. Information about upcoming meetings and events will be published soon. Thanks for your interest in the Stone Oak Republicans.

Date: Wednesday July 20th  

Time: 11:30 a.m to 1:00 pm

Location: Water Street Oyster Bar; 7500 Broadway Street

Cost: $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers; $35 for new members (includes membership fee)

NEW Campaign Opportunities:  County Team Member, Hosting an Event in my Community, Fundraising, Helping to Build Coalition Efforts, Finding 15 E-mail addresses, Hosting an Event in my Community, Mailing Postcards to Friends before Election Day, Helping to Find Sign Locations, Sending Newspaper Articles to the Campaign Office, etc.

Volunteer Sign-up Sheet:

For more information on Susan Combs, please log on to her website at www.susancombs.com
 

And The U.T.S.A. College Republicans Proudly Present!

"The Texas Public Policy Foundation has brought together specific proposals by some of the nations best authorities on the most important issues facing our states..."
- Former President Ronald Reagan

Rough Riders of Bexar County Logo courtesy of Robert Sanchez-www.sanchezforcongress.com
 

Jocis leadership, volunteerism, civic involvement and tireless commitment to the Republican Party exemplify qualities that make her an outstanding recipient of this award. Mrs. Straus serves as a role model and mentor to women of all ages.

Special Presenter: Railroad Commissioner Elizabeth Ames-Jones

Time: 6:30-8:00p.m.

Location: Grey Moss Inn; 19010 Scenic Loop; Helotes

Cost: $25.00 per person

Contacts:

Sandy Galvan                210.710.8586              sgal@satx.rr.com

Dee Momone                 210.691.3129              deemomone@satx.rr.com

Dee Brame                    210.493.5512              deeb@satx.rr.com

Laura Bush Service and Education Award Logo Courtesy of Robert Sanchez www.sanchezforcongress.com .
 

We are pleased to announce that Tim Lambert has accepted an invitation to address the Rough Riders of Bexar County, the political education arm of South Texas Republicans. 

Date: September 22nd

Time: Networking Reception and Dinner (on your own):  6:15pm-7:00pm
Program:  7:00pm  8:15pm

Location:  Grady's BBQ; 4109 Fredericksburg Road

Sponsorships will be available. 
 

For more information on the Texas Home School Coalition, log on here: http://thsc.org
 

Rough Riders of Bexar County Logo Courtesy of Robert Sanchez-www.sanchezforcongress.com
 

This is a service provided by South Texas Republicans, P.A.C.
 

When: Wednesday, July 13, 6:30pm

Come join us for the Bexar County Young Republican's monthly meeting. We will be featuring 2 great speakers this month.

Patty Classy will join us from the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Come learn about what the Chamber has to offer in events and business opportunities.

Allan Parker, CEO and the Founder of The Justice Foundation, an organization that provides free legal representation in landmark cases to protect individual rights, limit government to its appropriate role, and promote a better business climate for job growth, will speak to us on why we need to get judges nominated by the Senate. Join us as Allen explains why the battle over filibusters in the US Senate means so much. This has become a hot topic, so you won't want to miss him.

We will have information available about the Texas Young Republican Federation's 2005 Convention. (www.2005tyrf.com)

Please feel free to invite friends, co-workers and family.

See you there.

for more information about the Young Republicans or for event information, please visit www.yrbc.org
 

House Democrats Poised to Offer Gambling Amendment(s) to School Finance Tomorrow

Sources close to the State Capitol site that House Democrats will try to place at least one amendment on the school finance bill to expand gambling. The amendment is expected to legalize the installation of thousands of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at several locations across Texas. It is unconscionable to think that the best solution liberal Democrats have for school funding is to create a tax on the poor.

Chairman Benkiser has described VLTs in the following manner:

Like the false fronts of an old western movie lot, the doors of the gambling industry hide the truth video slot machines in Texas are a get-rich-quick scheme that will result in nothing more than addition and destruction for the people of Texas.

Relying on addiction to keep state revenue steady is a gamble in itself. Texas cannot bet the education and future of our children in a con game.

To find out more about the Republican Party of Texas and what they are doing, check and bookmark their website: Republican Party of Texas

2004 Republican Party of Texas Platform:

http://texasgop.org/library/platform.php
 

We are pleased to announce that Texas Supreme Court Justice Phil Johnson has accepted a personal invitation from Joe Solis, SREC 26, to join South Texas Republicans and Alamo City Republican Women for a special Presentation and Petition Signing Party in Bexar County.

Event details will be presented in upcoming newsletters.

This function will be FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.

In the past four years, South Texas Republicans and Alamo City Republican Women have been honored to host the following Texas Supreme Court Justices at our events:

Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, Justice Dale Wainright, Justice Scott Brister, Justice Paul Green and Justice David Medina.

The following clubs will be holding important events and South Texas Republicans encourages participation by local activists:

Alamo Pachyderm Club Meeting

Date: July 12

Time: 12 Noon

Location: Water Street Oyster Bar; 7500 Broadway

Speaker: State Representative Frank Corte, Jr.
 

57th District Court Judge Joe F. Brown, Jr. Fundraiser. 

Date: July 13th

Time: 6:00  7:30 pm

Location: Quarry Golf Course Clubhouse. 

Contact: Cathy at (830) 980-7334.

Do you have event information?
You can reach Schuylar either by phone at (210) 663-6093 or via e-mail: skyskyrider@hotmail.com

Click here to view the calendar for details on these and other events