THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

        Gov. Perry calls-up and deploys 1,000 Texas National Guard troops for in-Texas security and support operations.

        Gov. Perry issued an Executive Order suspending both the state and local hotel/motel taxes for the next 60 days for Louisiana evacuees.

        September 1st, the Governor requested an Emergency Declaration from the President Bush.  Today, that request was granted which makes Texas eligible for a portion of the $10.5 billion in federal aid passed by Congress today.

IRS approved the waiver request that will allow an estimated 18,000 vacant income eligible housing units to be used by refugees for Louisiana. 

        September 1st, Governor issued an Emergency Proclamation.

        25,000 evacuees will be sheltered in the Houston area including the Astrodome.

        25,000 evacuees will be sheltered in the San Antonio area including Kelly USA.

        25,000 evacuees will be sheltered in the Dallas Area including Reunion Arena.

        Governor Perry is requesting additional Texas cities open additional shelters to house incoming evacuees.

o       Corpus Christi has agreed to take in 5,000 evacuees

o       Austin has agreed to take 5,000 evacuees

o       FreeScale Semiconducter in Austin has offered an empty facility to take 1,000 evacuees.

o       Lubbock can take 1,000 evacuees.

o       Amarillo will receive 500 evacuees.

o       Bell County 400

o       El Paso 350

o       We have received calls from Utah, West Virginia and Arkansas to take evacuees.

        Governor Perry has activated the OneStar Foundation to act as a volunteer/donation clearinghouse for anyone in the country wishing to donate cash and non-cash items, food or volunteer.  400 hundred phone lines.  1-800-707-6768 or www.OneStarFoundation.org. 

Five school districts in the Houston area are preparing for an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 school-aged children that will be arriving at the Astrodome.  Texas is currently working through capacity and transportation issues as well as trying to provide additional teachers for those schools that have a large influx of new students. 

The Texas Workforce Commission is going to assist with Unemployment Insurance Claims and with helping folks find work who want to go to work.

The Texas Department of Housing, along with several private organizations, are identifying apartments and other housing options where the refugees can take their FEMA vouchers and to find a place to live during this time.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is assisting students with getting enrolled in Texas colleges and universities.  College students displaced by Hurricane Katrina will be eligible for in-state tuition rates at Texas colleges and universities.

The Health and Human Services Commission is helping identify food stamp eligible individuals and those who need prescription drug support.

 If you have questions, please call me at 512-463-1826.  Robert Black.
 

Dear Friend,

Today I helped at the George R. Brown Convention Center. 

The Operations Team at the convention center used their lead time to plan, organize, and ready the premises and the volunteers. Yesterday, I was told, only a few hundred guests were present. As this day progressed, one bus after another arrived, along with families in cars whose resources have been drained in motels and restaurants. 

Weary survivors all, most managed a tearful smile when they saw the brightly lit, inviting convention center.

Row after row of air mattresses were fitted with sheets, blankets, and pillows.  An adjoining room served as a "shopping" extravaganza with neatly folded mountains of clothes of every description and size shared space with rows of good shoes, baby and hygiene items, luggage, toys, and various items.  

Upstairs, food is served by an army of interfaith volunteers who undergo training at Houston's Second Baptist Church. No one was hungry today.

Three upstairs meeting rooms have been converted into an Activity Area for young people. Toddlers play in one room that holds two large playgrounds, age-specific riding and play toys, and a full-size movie screen playing cartoon movies. Kids up to age 12 have a huge room with tables for making projects and library shelves rapidly filling with books. I saw hoola-hoops and other toys just waiting for the fun to begin. Again, a full-size screen played a clean kid's movie. Another room for teens actually had a few takers, most of them watching a movie as well.

Walkie-talkies were used by leaders at every staging area. A phone bank was being set up, courtesy of SBC. A computer station was being started with internet access for the guests.

The best moments of the day came when approximately 200 volunteers lined both sides of a designated pathway for our the visitors coming straight from Registration to the shopping area, cheering and applauding each tired traveler.

Some guests teared up or sobbed, others grinned from ear to ear, a few seemed too weary and bewildered to do much more than walk.  Some waved and clapped back to us, shouting "Thank you, Houston!  I love you!" The biggest need I saw was for the smallest of the refugees--beds for babies (such as those made by Graco). I noted that in my list of things to mention in this email to you. When I came home, I found the email below passed on by Norma Jeter, confirming this need. She includes a good list of items needed, which I encourage you to read.  Both the Astrodome and the Convention Center could use baby beds. There isn't much room for huge wooden cribs, so I would caution against bringing those for now. Guest families, CPS, and Medical Centers can all use baby beds. 

All in all, it was a good day.

Keep praying for the survivors.

Sincerely,

Cress Ann  

(Cress Ann Posten is a member of the State Republican Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Texas. She represents Senate District 18. South Texas Republicans would like to thank Cress Ann for her leadership.)

URGENT SAN ANTONIO AID REQUEST:

One of our loyal supporters is volunteering at the Kelly USA (South San Antonio) Red Cross processing center. He asked us yesterday afternoon to issue this URGENT appeal to our readers this morning. 

The following items are desperately needed by Katrina survivors at Kelly USA: blankets, sheets and pillows for adults and babies. Please take these items to building 171 at Kelly USA. Babies and 90 year old survivors are in desperate need of these items. God Bless you.

South Texas Republicans urges to YOU to help with this URGENT request.
 

Kudos to Mr. Crist for publishing this newsletter after a long week of volunteer work.
 

In the aftermath of what is being described as possibly the greatest natural disaster in American history, thousands of Hurricane Katrina refugees are pouring across the Louisiana state line onto dry Texas ground to find shelter and an opportunity to restore stability to their lives.

Under Republican leadership, nearly 75,000 displaced coastal residents are finding asylum and the immediate assistance they require in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. Nearly 1,500 Texas emergency personnel have been dispatched to aid in the Louisiana search and rescue effort.

While the primary effort is, and will continue to be, saving lives, the citizens of this State are looking ahead and anticipating how we can best help the survivors of Katrina rebuild their lives. The Republican Party of Texas supports President Bush in his call to send money directly to the places and people in the Gulf Coast that need it most. Right now there are several groups that are heading up relief efforts. As needs for the Katrina refugees develop daily, there is much that we can do to assist. Please monitor the following websites to find out how you can best help:

Samaritans Purse
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

One Star Foundation
http://www.onestarfoundation.org/

Somebody Cares
http://www.somebodycares.org/

Salvation Army
http://www1.salvationarmy.org/

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
 

God Bless the Boy Scouts: Emergency Preparedness in Action

In response to Boy Scouts of America Circle Ten Councils initiatives today for assistance in coordinating aid to benefit refugees from the recent disaster along the Gulf Coast, Rob Kyker and Rob Higgins, Chairman and Communications Chairman, respectively, for Emergency Preparedness visited several sites to gather information and serve as good will ambassadors with various organizations.

While visiting at Reunion Arena, they met with Texas Governor Rick Perry, Dallas Area Chapter  American Red Cross CEO, Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones and Dallas Judge Margaret Kelliher. After discussing ways in which the Boy Scouts could be of assistance in the relief efforts there, they were able to meet with several refugees and some of their families. In connection with helping the Red Cross to prepare family relief kits, Rob & Rob visited the ARC Center on Harry Hines Blvd.

Next, they were able to visit with volunteers and the Sheriff at the Salvation Armys Disaster Center at Shorecrest & Harry Hines Blvd. to discuss how the Scouts can assist them on Saturday and Sunday, breaking down pallets of supplies for the relief effort.

Finally, Rob & Rob visited the Hilton at Dallas Lincoln Centre and met with General Manager Joe Palmieri to discuss ways to ease the transition of families arriving at the Hilton tonight and over the next few weeks as the Council seeks to find units or households willing to adopt these families while they are our guests in the North Texas area.
 

 BREAKING NEWS:  Samuel C. A. Adams To Challenge Judge Al Alonso, County Court at Law, One in Bexar County.

F.Y.I.  We were told that Samuel is related to the beer family. That is really helpful information. Thanks.

Commentary by South Texas Republicans:  Every 4 years, we meet an array of fresh candidates who run for judicial positions as Republicans. We recommend that all new candidates read the platform of the Republican Party of Texas. It is a creation of grassroots activists who have built and supported this party over the years. 

We expect you to run, serve and govern as Republicans who believe in the conservative values of our party. We simply have no room or patience with Republicans who become quasi-Democrats once they win. We are a party of values described in our platform. If you dont get it, run as a Democrat. Well pay for your bus ticket to the other side.

2004 Republican Party of Texas Platform:

Source: San Antonio Bar Association

Commentary by South Texas Republicans:  Mr. Richard Price is one of the most enthusiastic and pro-grassroots individuals we have met in years.  We were thrilled when he told us that he is ready to visit every club and grassroots leader in Bexar County. It is our belief that Mr. Price will draw strong support among rank-and-file Republicans with this open attitude. 

There are several judges at the Bexar County courthouse who mysteriously appear every four years at party functions when they need grassroots support and donations. Mr. Price will not fall into that camp because he instinctively knows that he was appointed by the Governor of Texas to serve the people of Texas. Wow!  What a refreshing concept.

 Judges who openly complain to us about collecting signatures, giving speeches, attending club meetings, low pay and running for office should get out of public service. Serving the public is not a chore, it is an honor. Attempts to change our election laws by local leaders have continuously failed because citizens and voters want the constitutional right to vote for their judges. 

Mr. Richard Price is with the program. Thank God.

Gov. Perry Appoints Price as Judge of 408th District Court in Bexar County (8/23/05)

Bexar County Invitation:  Come Join Judge Tim Johnson And Friends As They Kick Off The Last Campaign (for county court)

Time:  5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Acenar Restaurant (146 Houston, San Antonio)

Cost: $50 per ticket

Information:  Annabelle Trevino (210) 849-5635

Judge Tim Johnson, County Court 5 since January 1,1987

-19 years on the bench, over 48,000 sentencings, more than 500 criminal trials, more than 100 civil trials, creator of the Jail Court, Creator of the Trial Impact Courts, Started the DWI Victim Impact Panels, Created the Drug Education and Diversion Program, 6 Terms as Administrative Judge, Past President Texas Association of Court at Law Judges.

Mailing Address: Judge Tim Johnson, P.O. Box 690207, San Antonio, Texas 78269
 

Keynote Speaker: Grace Kunde, Candidate for the 4th Court of Appeals

Time: 7:00pm-8:00 pm
(Political Networking: 6:30pm - 7:00pm)

Event Cost:  Free

Location: Nadler's Bakery at 1621 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, Texas

Event Contact: Schuylar Crist (210) 663-6093 or E-mail: skyskyrider@hotmail.com

What is needed to hold this type of spending in check is a Tax and Expenditure Limitation (TEL). In August, Americans for Prosperity-Texas formed a citizen watchdog group comprised of San Antonio taxpayers to work towards a TEL for San Antonio. Across America, similar efforts have been driven by citizens who want greater control over spending and who are demanding some restraint in how politicians spend taxpayers' hard-earned tax dollars. To obtain more information or get involved in this important initiative check out our website at www.takebacktexasgovernment.com or call Americans for Prosperity office at 512/476-5905. 
 

City officials lead the stonewall effort against a review, but the PEOPLE plan to have their say!

The majority of the MPO Transportation Policy Board members are hiding behind the excuse that a review will slow down our traffic relief when it's TxDOT who has delayed highway improvements on US 281 for 3 more years when they have the money to fix it NOW. Wednesday's vote wasn't out of concern a review would invite delays, it was about special interests hijacking our government oversight board to ram their toll revenue scheme down the taxpayers' throats. The MPO is set-up to protect local interests from detrimental top-down State decisions, and our city officials betrayed the very people they're called to represent.

Between the disappearing funds for Hwy 281 traffic relief, the secret private deals, the constantly shifting cost estimates (they've changed estimates for just this one project 4 times in just the last 3 months), and the violation of the resolution the Bexar County Commissioners signed in 2003 and reaffirmed August 30, 2005 forbidding TxDOT from tolling existing roads, there are clearly enough reasons to warrant a thorough top to bottom independent review of TxDOT's toll plan by an unbiased third party. Next, we're headed to the Bexar County Commissioners Court to get a review.

It's past time to hold TxDOT's feet to the fire and allow the citizens to have a voice and a choice in this process. With TxDOT, it's been tolls or no deal and we're working to put other options on the table. There's always more than one way to do something and its time our government thinks that way, too.

So the PEOPLE will have their voice next Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 6 PM at a Rally at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center on Market Street. We have a great line-up of allies to address the public on both sides of the aisle, so be sure you attend!

For more information on the Rally and to see who voted against the people by opposing a review go to: http://satollparty.blogspot.com/
 

Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Hays County Host Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo

Time: 7:00 PM

Location:  Merrill Gardens a Retirement Residence, 1720 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, TX 78666, 512-392-7200

For more information, or directions, Call Brian McAuliffe, Vice-Chairman RNHA of Hays County 512-554-4741

A native of Abilene, Texas, Victor Carrillo joined the Texas Railroad Commission in February 2003 when Governor Rick Perry appointed him to fill the unexpired term of Tony Garza who became U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. The Texas Railroad Commission oversees the Texas oil and gas, pipeline and mining industry. Carrillos colleagues unanimously elected him Chairman in September of 2003. In November, 2004, Chairman Carrillo won his first statewide election garnering almost four million votes and securing a six-year term of office. He is the highest-ranking Latino state official in Texas

Carrillo chaired the Governors Texas Energy Planning Council that created a Texas Energy Plan to help ensure that Texas remains the premier energy producing state in the nation.
 

Date: Saturday, September 10, 2005

Where: Horseshoe Bay Resort, Ram Rock Golf Course

Registration:  12:00 p.m.

Part 2:  Dinner Reception

Date: Saturday, September 10, 2005

Where: Horseshoe Bay Resort, Yacht Club

When: 7:00 p.m.  8:30 p.m.

Individual Tickets:  $100 (Dinner Sponsorships are available.)

He will be learning a great deal from the best conservative minds in the country such as Vice-President Dick Cheney, U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, and Senators Mitch McConnell and George Allen. There will be hands-on sessions from grassroots activism to cutting edge media strategies. There will also be national TV, radio, and newspaper reporters covering the entire conference.

While there, Schuylar expects to:

1. Recruit nationally recognized speakers for our Rough Riders of Bexar County Educational Series
2. Build new relationships with national conservative organizations and individuals for South Texas Republicans, P.A.C.
3. Utilize these contacts to gain support in terms of resources and finances for the P.A.C., and our South Texas Candidates at the state and federal levels
4. Demonstrate the strength of the Republican Party in South Texas at the grassroots level
    

The costs to attend this event will be about $1,400. The package to attend all 3 conference days (including the Presidential and Reagan dinners) and gain admittance to the exhibit halls/book signings, will cost $425. The hotel room on location (Omni Shoreham in D.C.) will cost $555 (plus tax) for all 3 nights. Roundtrip airfare is expected to run about $400 (plus tax).

Ideally, he would like the funds available before November 1st, 2005. This would allow for plenty of time planning arrival and transportation while in our nations capitol.

It would take only 28 people giving $50, 14 people giving $100, 7 people giving $200. Of course any amount you can give will put him that much closer to his goal.

Checks can be made out to Schuylar Crist, and mailed to:

9570 Autumn Shade

San Antonio, Texas

78254

You may also reach Schuylar by phone at (210) 663-6093 or via e-mail at skyskyrider@hotmail.com
 

You Are Invited To Attend A Re-Election Reception Hosted By The Honorable Judge Phylis Speedlin, Justice On The 4th Court of Appeals

JUSTICE PHYLIS J. SPEEDLIN

Justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals

Cordially invites you to attend a reception to support her re-election on Thursday, September 15, 2005 between 5:30p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Paesanos Restaurant, located at 555 E. Basse Rd. in San Antonio.

Donor Levels As Follows:

Sponsor $1000  

Host $500 

Advocate $250   

Friend $100

Guest $50


Business Attire

Judge Phylis Speedlin's Campaign Address: 8 Waldenshire, San Antonio, Texas 78209
 

Date:  September 20, 2005

Time:  11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location:  Oak Hills Country Club, 5403 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio

Special Guest Speaker:  Agricultural Commissioner - Susan Combs, candidate for State Comptroller

Cost: $17 - Personal checks ONLY made out to ACRW-PAC ($20 if reservations are made after 12:00 Noon, Friday, September 16, 2005.)

RSVP Contacts:  Barbara at 210-342-5482 or Carolyn at 210-493-6210 or you can even make your reservations on the internet at reservations@acrwomen.org. All reservations must be made by noon, Friday, September 16, 2005

TARGET 2005 in 2005!!! Your assistance is needed today!! Please help us distribute 2005 Susan Combs bumper stickers in Bexar County by December 31, 2005. FREE bumper stickers will be available at all Rough Rider and Stone Oak Republican meetings this year. Please contact Joe Solis if you would like bumper stickers sent to your club meetings for distribution. (SolisJoe@sbcglobal.net)
 

Keynote speaker: Tim Lambert, of the Texas Home Schoolers Coalition of Texas (http://www.thsc.org/)

Program title: Home schooling in Texas: A Legislative Perspective

Date: Thursday, 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

The Texas Home School Coalition is dedicated to serving the home-school
community of Texas and promoting a greater knowledge, understanding and
acceptance of home education in our state.

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

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

Alamo Pachyderm Club 

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