We are receiving some much needed rain this week, but the dramatic impact of this drought is beginning to materialize and the outlook is grim.
According to Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. this may be the first year there is a 100-percent abandonment of the 2 million-acre dryland cotton crop in their service area around Lubbock. That area, by the way, accounts for about 80 percent of the state’s cotton production.
When you consider Texas produced 43 percent of the nation’s cotton crop last year, or 7.9 million bales of the U.S. total of 18.1 million bales, the potential loss spells big trouble.
A huge reduction in cotton is not only bad news for the $1.4 billion cotton industry and its 38,100 employees, but also for parents buying blue jeans and socks for their kids. Less cotton will likely mean higher prices for the cotton-based products you and I buy off the shelves or the rack.
Agriculture is a tremendously fulfilling enterprise. If you have ever grown even a single plant in your home, you understand the amazing and delicate process of nurturing a single seed. Magnify that scenario by the massive amounts of food we eat, clothes we wear and all the other agricultural products that enrich our daily lives, and you get an idea of the devastating impact of entire crop loss.
Let’s keep our cotton farmers, and the communities that depend on them, in our prayers during these severe drought conditions and extremely challenging times.
Showing posts with label Texas economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas economy. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
New Dairy Center Continues A&M Tradition of Education, Research
Recently, I was honored to attend the grand opening of Tarleton State University’s new $11.2 million Southwest Regional Dairy Center in Stephenville. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, Tarleton State University’s new dairy center will serve as a hub of learning and research for students and industry leaders that continue to grow the great tradition of agricultural education known throughout the system. This new state-of-the-art education and research facility will play a key role in developing solutions for the dairy industry’s sustainability in Texas and the nation.
I’m extremely proud of the new dairy center, but the people who should be the proudest are the American consumers who continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world thanks to those involved in agriculture.
I’m extremely proud of the new dairy center, but the people who should be the proudest are the American consumers who continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world thanks to those involved in agriculture.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Historic Downgrade Calls For Shock Sentencing
In the world of criminal justice, there is a concept called “shock sentencing,” whereby a judge orders a convicted offender to an initial short-term prison sentence followed by an extended period of probation. I think it’s time we extend this concept to the world of federal fiscal responsibility.
The downgrading of the credit rating outlook from "stable" to "negative" of your country and mine is criminal and should "shock" our collective consciousness. According to money.cnn.com, the United States’ credit rating outlook was recently downgraded from “stable” to “negative” for the first time in our country’s history. The stock market rewarded this new failing grade with nearly 250 points at its low point during the day, and then eventually closing with a 140 decline. The market's fear is justified: without a change in the way D.C. operates, our credit rating itself could be in jeopardy. It’s past time our leaders in Washington change their ways, regain control and steer our country out of the red.
As CNN reported, “S&P said its outlook change was based on the growth of the United States’ deficits over the last several years as a percentage of gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic activity. From 2003 to 2008, the nation’s general government debt varied between 2 percent and 5 percent of GDP, which is “noticeably larger” than other countries with “AAA” ratings, according to S&P. In 2009, as the government increased spending to stimulate the economy, the U.S. debt load “ballooned” to more than 11 percent and has yet to come down, said S&P.”
The verdict is in: The national debt of the United States is a crime against basic economic principles and calls for nothing less than the swift justice of a “shock sentence.” The American people must stand up and offer some tough love in order for our national leaders to make the decisions needed to avoid going deeper into this fiscal melee. If we don’t, we face the tougher punishment of exporting jobs overseas.
And if we truly want to avoid this even harsher punishment, how about not raising taxes in order to balance the books? As the article suggests, what got us into this mess was a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
The downgrading of the credit rating outlook from "stable" to "negative" of your country and mine is criminal and should "shock" our collective consciousness. According to money.cnn.com, the United States’ credit rating outlook was recently downgraded from “stable” to “negative” for the first time in our country’s history. The stock market rewarded this new failing grade with nearly 250 points at its low point during the day, and then eventually closing with a 140 decline. The market's fear is justified: without a change in the way D.C. operates, our credit rating itself could be in jeopardy. It’s past time our leaders in Washington change their ways, regain control and steer our country out of the red.
As CNN reported, “S&P said its outlook change was based on the growth of the United States’ deficits over the last several years as a percentage of gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic activity. From 2003 to 2008, the nation’s general government debt varied between 2 percent and 5 percent of GDP, which is “noticeably larger” than other countries with “AAA” ratings, according to S&P. In 2009, as the government increased spending to stimulate the economy, the U.S. debt load “ballooned” to more than 11 percent and has yet to come down, said S&P.”
The verdict is in: The national debt of the United States is a crime against basic economic principles and calls for nothing less than the swift justice of a “shock sentence.” The American people must stand up and offer some tough love in order for our national leaders to make the decisions needed to avoid going deeper into this fiscal melee. If we don’t, we face the tougher punishment of exporting jobs overseas.
And if we truly want to avoid this even harsher punishment, how about not raising taxes in order to balance the books? As the article suggests, what got us into this mess was a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
EPA Needs to Study Sound Science
Today in Houston, I had the opportunity to testify before a congressional subcommittee on energy and power. My message was simple: EPA greenhouse gas regulations will cripple the $100 billion Texas agriculture industry, hinder our economy and drive up everyday costs for consumers.
The problem with the EPA’s proposed regulations is the basis on which they are formed. Simply put, political science is no match for sound science. Until a proven, positive outcome can justify costly disruptions to ag operations and household budgets, we should resist the rhetoric and question the EPA’s motives. In addition to addressing these concerns today to the congressional subcommittee, I also documented these issues in a letter to the chairman of this group.
Our farmers and ranchers are all ears when it comes to protecting the environment. After all, they depend on the earth for their livelihoods. I’d also venture to guess most consumers are in favor of preserving our resources for future generations. No one is arguing the value of good intentions, but until the price tag makes sense to farmers, ranchers and consumers, the EPA should be sent back to the drawing board.
To read my full testimony, go here.
The problem with the EPA’s proposed regulations is the basis on which they are formed. Simply put, political science is no match for sound science. Until a proven, positive outcome can justify costly disruptions to ag operations and household budgets, we should resist the rhetoric and question the EPA’s motives. In addition to addressing these concerns today to the congressional subcommittee, I also documented these issues in a letter to the chairman of this group.
Our farmers and ranchers are all ears when it comes to protecting the environment. After all, they depend on the earth for their livelihoods. I’d also venture to guess most consumers are in favor of preserving our resources for future generations. No one is arguing the value of good intentions, but until the price tag makes sense to farmers, ranchers and consumers, the EPA should be sent back to the drawing board.
To read my full testimony, go here.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
New A&M Pharmaceutical Facility Helps Texas Shine
I always love to include this line when talking about the Lone Star State: Texas is a great place to do business, live, work, raise a family and retire - and this becomes more real and true each day.
While this is true, it doesn't happen by chance. It happens because along with our scenic and diverse landscape comes commitment, ingenuity and forward thinking.
This article in the New York Times explains part of the reason the Texas economy continues to shine. Besides the jobs and life-enhancing innovation that will come from this new Texas A&M pharmaceutical facility in Bryan, Texas, I am also particularly proud of the fact that agriculture is a part of this highly advanced process of making life better.
We should all applaud the leadership and effort it required to land this facility in Bryan. Initiatives like this will ensure Texas continues to be a great place to do business, live, work, raise a family and retire.
While this is true, it doesn't happen by chance. It happens because along with our scenic and diverse landscape comes commitment, ingenuity and forward thinking.
This article in the New York Times explains part of the reason the Texas economy continues to shine. Besides the jobs and life-enhancing innovation that will come from this new Texas A&M pharmaceutical facility in Bryan, Texas, I am also particularly proud of the fact that agriculture is a part of this highly advanced process of making life better.
We should all applaud the leadership and effort it required to land this facility in Bryan. Initiatives like this will ensure Texas continues to be a great place to do business, live, work, raise a family and retire.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Texas Leads States in Economic Health
Guest Blogger: Drew DeBerry, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner
It seems hardly a day goes by where I don't find some mention of Texas in the news for being a frontrunner in the nation’s economy.
Most recently, the Texas economy received national accolades for its employment. National Review Online reported last week, "more than half of the net new jobs in the U.S. during the past 12 months were created in the Lone Star State."
And last month, Meredith Whitney, a noted financial analyst known for predicting the national banking crisis, named Texas the national leader in state financial health. Whitney’s 600-page report on the condition of state governments titled “Tragedy of the Commons: Launching Ratings on the Top 15 States” says only Texas and Virginia earned overall positive rankings among the 15 largest states.
In an interview on CNBC, Whitney said, “The best state is actually Texas, by a mile.”
It seems hardly a day goes by where I don't find some mention of Texas in the news for being a frontrunner in the nation’s economy.
Most recently, the Texas economy received national accolades for its employment. National Review Online reported last week, "more than half of the net new jobs in the U.S. during the past 12 months were created in the Lone Star State."
And last month, Meredith Whitney, a noted financial analyst known for predicting the national banking crisis, named Texas the national leader in state financial health. Whitney’s 600-page report on the condition of state governments titled “Tragedy of the Commons: Launching Ratings on the Top 15 States” says only Texas and Virginia earned overall positive rankings among the 15 largest states.
In an interview on CNBC, Whitney said, “The best state is actually Texas, by a mile.”
You can read Fortune Magazine’s coverage of her report here. You can watch her interview on CNBC here: (Texas discussion begins at about 3:45.)
And finally, within our great state, sales tax collections are definitely pointing in the right direction. In September, the state reported sales tax collections increased by nearly 7 percent compared to a year ago.
While all of this national recognition is welcome and appreciated, the real benefit to all Texans is the fact that our economy is truly ahead of the curve.
And finally, within our great state, sales tax collections are definitely pointing in the right direction. In September, the state reported sales tax collections increased by nearly 7 percent compared to a year ago.
While all of this national recognition is welcome and appreciated, the real benefit to all Texans is the fact that our economy is truly ahead of the curve.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Good News for Farmers, Ranchers and Consumers
Gov. Perry recently announced the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) is investing $250,000 in Smartfield Inc., of Lubbock, for the commercialization of its crop irrigation management technology.
I have often said we are very proud of our bigger tractors and more horsepower, but science has led the way to the unprecedented level of productivity American agriculture enjoys today.
According to the governor’s release, Smartfield’s technology uses sensors to monitor rainfall, crop canopy temperatures and stress levels, and informs growers of the real-time irrigation demands of virtually any type of row crop. This method makes it easier for growers to determine the ideal conditions for watering crops, ultimately reducing pumping and labor costs, saving water and improving crop yields.
This technology offers tremendous potential benefits to all Texans as we struggle to manage water resources for a state growing in agriculture as well as population.
I have often said we are very proud of our bigger tractors and more horsepower, but science has led the way to the unprecedented level of productivity American agriculture enjoys today.
According to the governor’s release, Smartfield’s technology uses sensors to monitor rainfall, crop canopy temperatures and stress levels, and informs growers of the real-time irrigation demands of virtually any type of row crop. This method makes it easier for growers to determine the ideal conditions for watering crops, ultimately reducing pumping and labor costs, saving water and improving crop yields.
This technology offers tremendous potential benefits to all Texans as we struggle to manage water resources for a state growing in agriculture as well as population.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Food for Thought…Thoughts on Food
Cattlemen from around the United States recently converged in San Antonio for the annual National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention. The educational aspect of the meeting brought together industry leaders from across the nation, including many from right here in the Lone Star State.
One panel focused its discussion on three basic objectives that I believe anyone involved in agriculture at any level should take to heart:
1. Reopen international markets without politically motivated restrictions.
2. Invest in agricultural education to assure a stream of talent for the industry.
3. Embrace technology that will help gather critical data for making better decisions at the enterprise level, while growing consumer trust and improving overall beef demand.
Whether you are in involved in the production of beef cattle, poultry, cotton or corn, I think we all agree these are extremely important elements to incorporate as we all work to make 2010 prosperous and ensure food and economic security for Texas.
One panel focused its discussion on three basic objectives that I believe anyone involved in agriculture at any level should take to heart:
1. Reopen international markets without politically motivated restrictions.
2. Invest in agricultural education to assure a stream of talent for the industry.
3. Embrace technology that will help gather critical data for making better decisions at the enterprise level, while growing consumer trust and improving overall beef demand.
Whether you are in involved in the production of beef cattle, poultry, cotton or corn, I think we all agree these are extremely important elements to incorporate as we all work to make 2010 prosperous and ensure food and economic security for Texas.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Is cotton’s kingdom getting bigger?
If Texas were its own country (most Texans think this is a pretty good idea), it would be the sixth largest cotton-producing nation in the world. In fact, 39 percent of the cotton grown in the United States is grown in the Lone Star State. To both rural and urban Texans alike, this means jobs, capital investment and opportunity.
So, finding even more uses for the fluffy fiber and its seed is always good news. I remember feeding cottonseed meal to our cattle during the winter in East Texas, and our cows would fight vigorously to be the first in line. Researchers now say cottonseed is even closer to being used as a human food source. Instead of cattle pushing one another around, there may soon be a few elbows at the table. Click on this link to find out more. And, keep your fork handy.
So, finding even more uses for the fluffy fiber and its seed is always good news. I remember feeding cottonseed meal to our cattle during the winter in East Texas, and our cows would fight vigorously to be the first in line. Researchers now say cottonseed is even closer to being used as a human food source. Instead of cattle pushing one another around, there may soon be a few elbows at the table. Click on this link to find out more. And, keep your fork handy.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Texas seed production
We Texans pride ourselves on being the biggest and the best at what we do. We are still the No.1 producing state when it comes to cattle, cotton, sheep and goats, wool, mohair, horses and hay. Pretty big list, huh?
I spoke to the Texas State Seed Trade Association the other day. In doing some background work, I read an article published by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service that said “Texas produces approximately 90 percent of the hybrid sorghum seed planted in the United States and 45 percent of the world supply.”
Forty-five percent of the WORLD supply! It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.
We have a great team that works on seed certification here at the Texas Department of Agriculture. The team should feel good knowing their efforts are having a worldwide impact. Our seed growers invest heavily and we are thankful for their leadership here in Texas, throughout the United States and around the globe.
The next time you hear everything is bigger in Texas, remember it ain’t braggin’ if it’s true!
I spoke to the Texas State Seed Trade Association the other day. In doing some background work, I read an article published by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service that said “Texas produces approximately 90 percent of the hybrid sorghum seed planted in the United States and 45 percent of the world supply.”
Forty-five percent of the WORLD supply! It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.
We have a great team that works on seed certification here at the Texas Department of Agriculture. The team should feel good knowing their efforts are having a worldwide impact. Our seed growers invest heavily and we are thankful for their leadership here in Texas, throughout the United States and around the globe.
The next time you hear everything is bigger in Texas, remember it ain’t braggin’ if it’s true!
Urban students take an interest in agriculture
Agriculture remains a big portion of our state’s economy, accounting for almost 9.5 percent of Texas’ Gross State Product - the sum of all value added by industries within the state. Expanded science and technology have been tremendous catalysts for increasing the importance of agriculture.
As our state’s population continues to expand, particularly in the urban areas, some may mistakenly think interest in agriculture’s importance and the need for agriculture education have diminished. Not so, according to a recent article in the Dallas Morning News.
“Our program is probably going stronger in the urban areas than it is in the rural areas,” said Gerald Young, executive director of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.
To read the entire article, click here.
As our state’s population continues to expand, particularly in the urban areas, some may mistakenly think interest in agriculture’s importance and the need for agriculture education have diminished. Not so, according to a recent article in the Dallas Morning News.
“Our program is probably going stronger in the urban areas than it is in the rural areas,” said Gerald Young, executive director of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.
To read the entire article, click here.
Monday, August 3, 2009
City of Duncanville No. 1 for affordable home prices among America's growing cities
Today I am proud, but not surprised, to learn CNNMoney.com has named the city of Duncanville No. 1 for affordable home prices among America's growing cities. Duncanville was chosen from over 2,400 towns across the country with populations ranging from 8,500-50,000. Factors considered in the rankings included jobs, housing, schools and taxes, among others. Duncanville’s 2008 median home price of $99,648 and median annual family income of $72,243 clinched the top ranking.
As a GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community, we already know Duncanville offers fantastic amenities, great employment opportunities and plenty of Texas hospitality. If you're looking for a home, Duncanville should be on your radar.
As I congratulate Duncanville, I'm also reminded that Texas has weathered the economic downturn better than most states. Our limited government and sensible tax structure help our dollars go farther than the national average. The message is well worth repeating - Texas is a great place to live.
Right now there are 28 GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Communities (CRC) across our great state. I invite cities and counties to look into this program and see all the wonderful benefits; maybe next year, you could top a list just like Duncanville. To learn more about the CRC program, go here.
To read the entire CNNMoney.com article go here. And again, congratulations to Duncanville!
As a GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community, we already know Duncanville offers fantastic amenities, great employment opportunities and plenty of Texas hospitality. If you're looking for a home, Duncanville should be on your radar.
As I congratulate Duncanville, I'm also reminded that Texas has weathered the economic downturn better than most states. Our limited government and sensible tax structure help our dollars go farther than the national average. The message is well worth repeating - Texas is a great place to live.
Right now there are 28 GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Communities (CRC) across our great state. I invite cities and counties to look into this program and see all the wonderful benefits; maybe next year, you could top a list just like Duncanville. To learn more about the CRC program, go here.
To read the entire CNNMoney.com article go here. And again, congratulations to Duncanville!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Salute to Texas Farmers and Ranchers for National Agriculture Week
Today I would like to take the time to salute a very important group of people – Texas’ hardworking farmers and ranchers.
In honor of National Agriculture Week, March 15-21, I’d like to call attention to the role agricultural producers play in our national and global economies. With more than 22 million people employed in our nation’s agriculture industry, American farmers and ranchers are not only the backbone of our country – they are instrumental in feeding and clothing people all around the world. New technologies are also offering opportunities for agriculture to play a major role in meeting our nation’s energy needs.
Texas producers should certainly be recognized this week, as they play a critical role in our state’s economy. Did you know that the economic impact of agriculture in Texas exceeds $100 billion? Even during these challenging economic times, Texas farmers and ranchers continue to provide us with the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world.
Please join me this week, National Ag Week, in acknowledging the increasing importance of agriculture in today’s world. Extend a heartfelt thank-you to a farmer, rancher, food processor, grocer, farm supply store employee or any other of the millions of people across Texas who help ensure that we have food on our dinner tables, clothes on our backs and so many other of life's basic necessities.
In honor of National Agriculture Week, March 15-21, I’d like to call attention to the role agricultural producers play in our national and global economies. With more than 22 million people employed in our nation’s agriculture industry, American farmers and ranchers are not only the backbone of our country – they are instrumental in feeding and clothing people all around the world. New technologies are also offering opportunities for agriculture to play a major role in meeting our nation’s energy needs.
Texas producers should certainly be recognized this week, as they play a critical role in our state’s economy. Did you know that the economic impact of agriculture in Texas exceeds $100 billion? Even during these challenging economic times, Texas farmers and ranchers continue to provide us with the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world.
Please join me this week, National Ag Week, in acknowledging the increasing importance of agriculture in today’s world. Extend a heartfelt thank-you to a farmer, rancher, food processor, grocer, farm supply store employee or any other of the millions of people across Texas who help ensure that we have food on our dinner tables, clothes on our backs and so many other of life's basic necessities.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Texas Land May be a Good Investment
Bad news about plummeting home values and foreclosures dominate the headlines, but the forecast is not so bleak for Texas landowners.
According to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, 2008 statistics indicate an overall positive shift in Texas real estate values. From 2007-2008, the price of Texas agricultural lands increased an average of 10.5 percent. And, as sales data for the first quarter of 2009 trickles in and projections are made for the rest of the year, trends indicate buyers are active in the market and banks are lending.
Real estate is an appealing investment during a bear market, and while the Texas real estate economy is in a correction phase and market participants need to keep abreast of the latest information, data indicates buyers are looking for quality property. This is what they can find in the Lone Star State--our pledge to private property owners’ rights and economic development make Texas a great place to invest.
You can read more about a variety of issues affecting property owners and the real estate market on the Real Estate Center's Web site.
According to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, 2008 statistics indicate an overall positive shift in Texas real estate values. From 2007-2008, the price of Texas agricultural lands increased an average of 10.5 percent. And, as sales data for the first quarter of 2009 trickles in and projections are made for the rest of the year, trends indicate buyers are active in the market and banks are lending.
Real estate is an appealing investment during a bear market, and while the Texas real estate economy is in a correction phase and market participants need to keep abreast of the latest information, data indicates buyers are looking for quality property. This is what they can find in the Lone Star State--our pledge to private property owners’ rights and economic development make Texas a great place to invest.
You can read more about a variety of issues affecting property owners and the real estate market on the Real Estate Center's Web site.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Working to Protect Texas Consumers at the Gas Pump
One of my top priorities this Legislative Session is to increase consumer protection at the fuel pump. I want to make sure Texas drivers get what they pay for when they are filling up their gas tanks.
Check out the story KEYE-TV, the CBS affiliate in Austin, recently aired on our plan to ensure fairness and equity in the marketplace. Click photo to watch:
Check out the story KEYE-TV, the CBS affiliate in Austin, recently aired on our plan to ensure fairness and equity in the marketplace. Click photo to watch:
Friday, February 20, 2009
Senate Finance Committee Testimony
Wednesday, I testified before the Senate Finance Committee and discussed the Texas Department of Agriculture’s 2010-2011 budget request. TDA has taken on many additional responsibilities over the past few years and we hope to improve upon these services.
After holding discussions with producers, agribusinesses and professionals all across the state, we identified several exceptional items we believe need additional resources to better serve and protect all Texans.
TDA’s four main priorities are Agricultural Biosecurity, Consumer Protection, Economic Development and Healthy Lifestyles. I look forward to working with our dedicated members in the House and Senate as they draft a budget that ensures Texans receive necessary and efficient services that maximize the investment of state dollars.
After holding discussions with producers, agribusinesses and professionals all across the state, we identified several exceptional items we believe need additional resources to better serve and protect all Texans.
TDA’s four main priorities are Agricultural Biosecurity, Consumer Protection, Economic Development and Healthy Lifestyles. I look forward to working with our dedicated members in the House and Senate as they draft a budget that ensures Texans receive necessary and efficient services that maximize the investment of state dollars.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
What the Economic Stimulus Means to Texas
Whether you are in favor of the federal stimulus package or against it, Congress has acted and President Obama has signed the economic stimulus bill into law.
As a result, Texas is poised to receive more than $16 million for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s nutrition and food distribution programs. Just over $8 million will help schools across Texas buy better cooking equipment, enabling them to prepare healthier meals, and to purchase additional refrigeration to hold more fresh produce, in turn helping TDA with its mission to curb childhood obesity.
Another $8 million or so will go to the Texas Commodity Assistance Program – a critical program that provides USDA commodities, such as fruits and vegetables, to underprivileged individuals through food banks and other emergency food services. This relief is coming at a time when food banks are seeing a heavier demand than usual.
The bottom line is the Texas economy is in much better shape than that of most states in the U.S. Still, no Texan is immune to the challenges our economy faces. That’s why TDA is working with agribusinesses, producers, lawmakers and other stakeholders to ensure the Texas agriculture industry is doing its part to keep Texas’ economy strong.
As a result, Texas is poised to receive more than $16 million for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s nutrition and food distribution programs. Just over $8 million will help schools across Texas buy better cooking equipment, enabling them to prepare healthier meals, and to purchase additional refrigeration to hold more fresh produce, in turn helping TDA with its mission to curb childhood obesity.
Another $8 million or so will go to the Texas Commodity Assistance Program – a critical program that provides USDA commodities, such as fruits and vegetables, to underprivileged individuals through food banks and other emergency food services. This relief is coming at a time when food banks are seeing a heavier demand than usual.
The bottom line is the Texas economy is in much better shape than that of most states in the U.S. Still, no Texan is immune to the challenges our economy faces. That’s why TDA is working with agribusinesses, producers, lawmakers and other stakeholders to ensure the Texas agriculture industry is doing its part to keep Texas’ economy strong.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Meetings with Fellow Texans on Legislative Priorities
Along with several other meetings today, Janet and I met with representatives from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, City of Palestine, Cedar Creek Lake Area and the Texas Wildlife Association. These folks have taken the time to travel to Austin to ensure their legislators understand their priorities for Texas, for their communities and for their organizations.
The good news is Texas is in much better shape than our sister states, and to stay ahead of the curve, Texas is identifying cuts of 2.5 percent in the remainder of the 2009 general revenue state budget.
For the Texas Department of Agriculture, this equates to about $1.6 million, but it adds up to about $500 million statewide. Taxpayers can rest assured, here at TDA, we will continue our core mission of service and find efficiencies and savings to produce a balanced budget.
Texas families are having to make decisions with limited resources. Texas government must do the same.
The good news is Texas is in much better shape than our sister states, and to stay ahead of the curve, Texas is identifying cuts of 2.5 percent in the remainder of the 2009 general revenue state budget.
For the Texas Department of Agriculture, this equates to about $1.6 million, but it adds up to about $500 million statewide. Taxpayers can rest assured, here at TDA, we will continue our core mission of service and find efficiencies and savings to produce a balanced budget.
Texas families are having to make decisions with limited resources. Texas government must do the same.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Platform for Success
On Thursday I spoke to the “Putting America Back to Work” conference hosted by the Texas Workforce Commission.
I must say this was well attended by a good cross section of Texans who want to see our economy tackle the tough issues of affordable and reliable energy, workforce development and a sound economic model to attract business, jobs and capital investment.
My message was a simple one: What are we doing to prepare our children to be competitive in an ever-changing economy that is constantly challenged by advancements from other countries?
Capturing our kids’ imaginations is the answer. We must do that with choices in our educational structure like those occurring at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center. There, a consortium of Taylor and Hutto school districts in partnership with Temple College, Texas State Technical College, Tarleton State and Texas Tech University has formed a group called Legacy College High School that will enable kids to graduate from high school with 60 hours of college credit. The students have the choice to pursue career and technical classes with rigor or the traditional academic route.
Local leaders took the initiative to develop this platform of success. We need local leaders partnering with state leaders to duplicate this success story all over Texas. We must prepare our children for successful futures and to meet future job demands – prepare them with rigor and accountability – as they go on to take the lead in Texas.
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