Thanks to the help of C.D. Fulkes Middle School students, Principal Nancy Guerrero and Round Rock Independent School District Superintendent Jesus Chavez, all Texas kids will soon be reminded of the importance of eating a healthy breakfast at school.
We filmed a public service announcement yesterday to promote the benefits of eating breakfast and adopting the 3Es of Healthy Living – Education, Exercise and Eating Right. To help us with this message, we borrowed the characters Mr. Breakfast & YoGirl from the School Nutrition Association.
We will also display these characters in the cafeteria where our children can see them and hear a reinforced message that will result in healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. We are excited about fighting the childhood epidemic facing Texas and hope you will join us in this effort.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Coming Soon to TV Near You
Guest Blog: 1,500 Miles - 21 Communities - 5 Days
While Wall Street continues to ride an economic rollercoaster, the Texas Department of Agriculture is working hard to make sure main streets all across west Texas have a roadmap for success by hosting economic development roundtable meetings in rural communities across the region. “Partners for Progress” Rural Economic Development Roundtable Discussions is a partnership of the Governors Office of Economic Development, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Texas Department of Agriculture Rural Economic Development Division.
The roundtable meetings bring together local community and business leaders to discuss local and regional business and economic issues; identify areas of need and opportunities; and learn about resources that can help them.
Agribusiness and Rural Economic Development Specialist Jack Stallings teamed up with Cynthia Delgado from the Office of the Governor and John Perkins with the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the road tour. I am happy to present their “guest blog” of their tour of West Texas:
1,500 Miles - 21 Communities - 5 Days
DAY ONE:
It began in Clint, Texas as we watched the sun come up over one of the smallest town halls in the state. A converted scale house at an abandoned cotton gin now serves as Mayor Dale Reinhardt’s command center for one of the smallest, but growing communities in El Paso County.
Our partnership met a diverse group of community leaders and business people who shared Clint’s needs, problems and goals for future growth and job creation. Among the needs discussed were basic infrastructure, such as water and sewer, which would provide the foundation for new businesses to locate and existing businesses to expand.
Our next stop was the Culberson County Courthouse, the only adobe courthouse within the great state of Texas, perhaps even in the United States! We met with representatives from the four communities in the county: Sierra Blanca, Dell City, Fort Hancock and Esperanza. We discussed the issues of basic infrastructure, animal control and lack of housing for border patrol officers and prison employees.
Recent attacks on domestic animals by wild dogs and mountain lions are challenging local law enforcement, creating an immediate need for an animal control officer.
The marquee at the Van Horn community center welcomed us to the crossroads of Texas, gateway to the Texas Mountain Trail and two national parks: Guadalupe and Big Bend.
After an authentic Mexican lunch at Toni’s, we sat down with the Economic Development Corporation and representatives from the Culberson County Hospital District, Culberson County-Allamore Independent School District, local businesses and the city. Community concerns centered around lack of housing, solid waste disposal and the need for a pharmacy.
DAY TWO: Marfa, Presidio & Terlingua
We got an early start (4:30 am!) on day two as we headed to Marfa, home of the mysterious Marfa Lights.
Traveling down I-10 we witnessed a beautiful sunrise over the Quitman Mountains.
After arriving in Marfa and visiting the famous Paisano Hotel where James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson stayed during the filming of “Giant,” we headed to Marfa City Hall to meet with a large group of community leaders and business folks.
Marfa’s issues mirrored those of other rural communities, being basic infrastructure and housing. In addition, they have an interest in increasing tourism and identifying additional entrepreneurial opportunities to foster area employment.
After leaving Marfa, we headed south toward the border and one of the oldest, continuously inhabited areas in North America and the site of the first Texas Christmas Mass held in 1683: Presidio.
We arrived at the Presidio Activity Center and found a unified crowd of civic-minded citizens with a large array of issues and goals to pursue for the betterment of their city. Lorenzo Reyes, CEO of the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions joined us in Presidio.
The issues Presidio city officials were most concerned with included equipping the new clinic, and getting assistance with the planned upgrade of the electric transmission lines to the city. The rehabilitation of the South Orient Rail Line, which could provide tremendous economic stimulus for the area and the state, was also discussed. Exploring the paths of pioneers, we drove east along the Rio Grande on 170 (one of the most scenic drives in the United States) in route to Terlingua in Big Bend National Park.
We were forced to take dirt road detours due to recent flooding which not only damaged many roads, but also caused considerable destruction in Presidio.
The Ghost Town of Terlingua now derives its livelihood from tourism, instead of mining. According to the Texas Mountain Travel guide, Terlingua’s residents are a new generation of entrepreneurs, river guides, urban refugees and hardy retirees. Given its isolated geographic location, Terlingua’s issues include access to health care, preventative medicine, governmental and social services.
A pleasant highlight was when the owner of Terlingua’s Whitson Chile expressed her appreciation for the assistance she received through TDA’s GO TEXAN program. With the GO TEXAN program, Whitson Chile has been able to expand both domestically and internationally.
DAY THREE – Alpine & Fort Davis
Located in a valley between the Davis, Glass and Del Norte Mountains, Alpine boasts the best climate in Texas, with warm and sunny winter days and cool summer nights. A large group of business and community leaders discussed issues with the greatest impact on the economic growth and health of Alpine. A shortage of workers in the vocational/tech fields, affordable housing and a decline in tourism dollars were among the issues mentioned.
Named after Secretary of War, James Davis, Fort Davis was established to protect the trade route along the Overland Trail, between St Louis and California. It is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Davis Mountains and is home to a host of artisans and merchants. Since tourism is a large portion of Fort Davis’ economy it was, of course, one of several areas of concern.
Operating on limited dollars, Fort Davis’ Volunteer Fire Department is in need of funds to build a new fire rescue training facility. Currently, the only facility remotely close is Texas A&M University.
To be Continued...
Partners for Progress will hit the road again later this week , visiting the communities of Sanderson, Iraan, Fort Stockton, Monahans and Pecos. For more information about Partners for Progress, contact Jack Stallings at (915) 859-3943.
The roundtable meetings bring together local community and business leaders to discuss local and regional business and economic issues; identify areas of need and opportunities; and learn about resources that can help them.
Agribusiness and Rural Economic Development Specialist Jack Stallings teamed up with Cynthia Delgado from the Office of the Governor and John Perkins with the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the road tour. I am happy to present their “guest blog” of their tour of West Texas:
1,500 Miles - 21 Communities - 5 Days
DAY ONE:
It began in Clint, Texas as we watched the sun come up over one of the smallest town halls in the state. A converted scale house at an abandoned cotton gin now serves as Mayor Dale Reinhardt’s command center for one of the smallest, but growing communities in El Paso County.
Our partnership met a diverse group of community leaders and business people who shared Clint’s needs, problems and goals for future growth and job creation. Among the needs discussed were basic infrastructure, such as water and sewer, which would provide the foundation for new businesses to locate and existing businesses to expand.
Our next stop was the Culberson County Courthouse, the only adobe courthouse within the great state of Texas, perhaps even in the United States! We met with representatives from the four communities in the county: Sierra Blanca, Dell City, Fort Hancock and Esperanza. We discussed the issues of basic infrastructure, animal control and lack of housing for border patrol officers and prison employees.
Recent attacks on domestic animals by wild dogs and mountain lions are challenging local law enforcement, creating an immediate need for an animal control officer.
The marquee at the Van Horn community center welcomed us to the crossroads of Texas, gateway to the Texas Mountain Trail and two national parks: Guadalupe and Big Bend.
After an authentic Mexican lunch at Toni’s, we sat down with the Economic Development Corporation and representatives from the Culberson County Hospital District, Culberson County-Allamore Independent School District, local businesses and the city. Community concerns centered around lack of housing, solid waste disposal and the need for a pharmacy.
DAY TWO: Marfa, Presidio & Terlingua
We got an early start (4:30 am!) on day two as we headed to Marfa, home of the mysterious Marfa Lights.
Traveling down I-10 we witnessed a beautiful sunrise over the Quitman Mountains.
After arriving in Marfa and visiting the famous Paisano Hotel where James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson stayed during the filming of “Giant,” we headed to Marfa City Hall to meet with a large group of community leaders and business folks.
Marfa’s issues mirrored those of other rural communities, being basic infrastructure and housing. In addition, they have an interest in increasing tourism and identifying additional entrepreneurial opportunities to foster area employment.
After leaving Marfa, we headed south toward the border and one of the oldest, continuously inhabited areas in North America and the site of the first Texas Christmas Mass held in 1683: Presidio.
We arrived at the Presidio Activity Center and found a unified crowd of civic-minded citizens with a large array of issues and goals to pursue for the betterment of their city. Lorenzo Reyes, CEO of the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions joined us in Presidio.
The issues Presidio city officials were most concerned with included equipping the new clinic, and getting assistance with the planned upgrade of the electric transmission lines to the city. The rehabilitation of the South Orient Rail Line, which could provide tremendous economic stimulus for the area and the state, was also discussed. Exploring the paths of pioneers, we drove east along the Rio Grande on 170 (one of the most scenic drives in the United States) in route to Terlingua in Big Bend National Park.
We were forced to take dirt road detours due to recent flooding which not only damaged many roads, but also caused considerable destruction in Presidio.
The Ghost Town of Terlingua now derives its livelihood from tourism, instead of mining. According to the Texas Mountain Travel guide, Terlingua’s residents are a new generation of entrepreneurs, river guides, urban refugees and hardy retirees. Given its isolated geographic location, Terlingua’s issues include access to health care, preventative medicine, governmental and social services.
A pleasant highlight was when the owner of Terlingua’s Whitson Chile expressed her appreciation for the assistance she received through TDA’s GO TEXAN program. With the GO TEXAN program, Whitson Chile has been able to expand both domestically and internationally.
DAY THREE – Alpine & Fort Davis
Located in a valley between the Davis, Glass and Del Norte Mountains, Alpine boasts the best climate in Texas, with warm and sunny winter days and cool summer nights. A large group of business and community leaders discussed issues with the greatest impact on the economic growth and health of Alpine. A shortage of workers in the vocational/tech fields, affordable housing and a decline in tourism dollars were among the issues mentioned.
Named after Secretary of War, James Davis, Fort Davis was established to protect the trade route along the Overland Trail, between St Louis and California. It is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Davis Mountains and is home to a host of artisans and merchants. Since tourism is a large portion of Fort Davis’ economy it was, of course, one of several areas of concern.
Operating on limited dollars, Fort Davis’ Volunteer Fire Department is in need of funds to build a new fire rescue training facility. Currently, the only facility remotely close is Texas A&M University.
To be Continued...
Partners for Progress will hit the road again later this week , visiting the communities of Sanderson, Iraan, Fort Stockton, Monahans and Pecos. For more information about Partners for Progress, contact Jack Stallings at (915) 859-3943.
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.
$10 Million Given to Texans Feeding Texans Grant Program
Texans are a proud bunch. And, the truth is, we have much to be proud of.
We can surely be proud of the efforts of our home-delivered meal agencies. These organizations have been instrumental in helping Texans who have spent their lives working, but have reached a point where they need a little help to maintain their independence. Providing them with meals to enjoy in their homes allows our seniors and homebound neighbors the freedom to live with comfort and dignity.
Thanks to the Texas Legislature, almost 200 home-delivered meal providers have received $10 million through the Texans Feeding Texans: Home-Delivered Meal Program. The Texas Department of Agriculture is proud to administer this program, which has assisted home-delivered meal agencies in providing a much-needed service to homebound elderly and disabled Texans.
We are happy to do our part, and would also encourage you to consider offering a helping hand to those who need it now. Contact your local home-delivered meal provider to find out how you can help.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Industry Collaboraton Yields Positive Results
Congratulations to the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association for working with Austin Community College (ACC) to ensure Austin continues to be home to what I believe is one of the best hospitality industries in the nation. Through a recent $15,000 donation, the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association has provided scholarships for students to attend the college.
ACC is a leader in working with industry and developing partnerships that create pathways for students to earn degrees and jobs in the local workforce. Not only do these partnerships benefit the students, but they benefit the local economy as well.
The Texas Department of Agriculture wants to hear more success stories about industry and community college collaboration. Send your stories to ga@texasagriculture.com. Let's all work to grow Texas.
ACC is a leader in working with industry and developing partnerships that create pathways for students to earn degrees and jobs in the local workforce. Not only do these partnerships benefit the students, but they benefit the local economy as well.
The Texas Department of Agriculture wants to hear more success stories about industry and community college collaboration. Send your stories to ga@texasagriculture.com. Let's all work to grow Texas.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Governor Perry's State of the State Address
Many issues challenge the members of the Texas Legislature as they meet during this 81st session. I was on the house floor today as the Governor delivered the State of the State address and the House and Senate members appeared eager to ensure Texas continues to fare better than most states in the nation.
Among the items that will take center stage this year is how to address the funding needs of a growing public school system, protecting property owners' rights by ensuring a fair process, keeping taxes low and fair for Texas taxpayers and securing our borders. Also highlighted was the need to keep nutritious meals in our schools and to encourage our kids to pursue healthier lifestyles. I met with a group of superintendents just this morning discussing this very issue.
Texas definitely has its challenges ahead of it. However, I, along with all of our state’s elected leaders, will continue to invest resources in the critical areas affecting our state.
Among the items that will take center stage this year is how to address the funding needs of a growing public school system, protecting property owners' rights by ensuring a fair process, keeping taxes low and fair for Texas taxpayers and securing our borders. Also highlighted was the need to keep nutritious meals in our schools and to encourage our kids to pursue healthier lifestyles. I met with a group of superintendents just this morning discussing this very issue.
Texas definitely has its challenges ahead of it. However, I, along with all of our state’s elected leaders, will continue to invest resources in the critical areas affecting our state.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Recognizing Leaders in Texas Agriculture
Texas prides itself on great leadership. From Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin to Sam Rayburn and Lyndon B. Johnson, to George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, we have a history of powerful and dedicated individuals who have shaped our state and country.
Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, or TALL, is an outstanding program sponsored by AgriLife Extension Service at Texas A&M University that recruits young, talented adults from across Texas and exposes them to a rigorous two year competitive leadership development program. Through seminars with experts, on-site tours, meetings with business and government leaders, international study and more, TALL helps shape future leaders who will make positive contributions to the agriculture industry.
These Texans will influence the present and future of Texas. We must remember service and giving back are fundamental to the development of a successful Texas. I am grateful to our future leaders who are involved in TALL for their dedication and ambition.
Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, or TALL, is an outstanding program sponsored by AgriLife Extension Service at Texas A&M University that recruits young, talented adults from across Texas and exposes them to a rigorous two year competitive leadership development program. Through seminars with experts, on-site tours, meetings with business and government leaders, international study and more, TALL helps shape future leaders who will make positive contributions to the agriculture industry.
These Texans will influence the present and future of Texas. We must remember service and giving back are fundamental to the development of a successful Texas. I am grateful to our future leaders who are involved in TALL for their dedication and ambition.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Good Practices for Fruits and Veggies
I think it is very fitting the Texas Department of Agriculture serves as the administrator for our state's school lunch and breakfast programs. There’s no better place than the agency that works with and promotes the best interests of our state’s farmers and ranchers who produce high-quality, nutritious, life-sustaining foods that we all too often take for granted.
I was particularly encouraged by two elementary schools, O.A. Peterson in Fort Worth and Sendera Ranch in Haslet, that are working with food service provider Aramark to creatively encourage students to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Their story was featured in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram.
What really caught my attention in the story was these quotes from Michelle DoPorto, a mom at Sendera Ranch Elementary, describing how the school’s efforts had enthusiastically made her 7-year-old son, Trey, make some unique choices.
“He came home and said: ‘Mom, I had an apple. I got some broccoli,’” DoPorto said. “He is very particular about what he eats. There’s something about hearing it from a doctor or a teacher. It just seems more meaningful than when Mom and Dad say it.”
And it just can’t be said any better. We all need to give a big thanks to Texas teachers and doctors who not only recognize the importance of healthy choices, but who take the time and energy to steer our children in the right direction to live long, healthy lives.
Click here to find out more about TDA’s efforts in encouraging children to adopt the 3Es of Healthy Living – Education, Exercise and Eating Right.
I was particularly encouraged by two elementary schools, O.A. Peterson in Fort Worth and Sendera Ranch in Haslet, that are working with food service provider Aramark to creatively encourage students to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Their story was featured in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram.
What really caught my attention in the story was these quotes from Michelle DoPorto, a mom at Sendera Ranch Elementary, describing how the school’s efforts had enthusiastically made her 7-year-old son, Trey, make some unique choices.
“He came home and said: ‘Mom, I had an apple. I got some broccoli,’” DoPorto said. “He is very particular about what he eats. There’s something about hearing it from a doctor or a teacher. It just seems more meaningful than when Mom and Dad say it.”
And it just can’t be said any better. We all need to give a big thanks to Texas teachers and doctors who not only recognize the importance of healthy choices, but who take the time and energy to steer our children in the right direction to live long, healthy lives.
Click here to find out more about TDA’s efforts in encouraging children to adopt the 3Es of Healthy Living – Education, Exercise and Eating Right.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
President Obama's Inauguration
Our country begins a new chapter today with the inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Regardless of whom we supported or how we voted in this last election cycle, today we all, as Americans, must join together to continue to be the world’s leading nation in spreading freedom and democracy, and to fight our way out of the economic tsunami that has landed on our shores.
There will be and should be healthy and lively debate about the best course of action our country should take. This must not deter us from seeking common ground and developing win-win solutions.
I have already made contact with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack, invited him to Texas and made him aware of our state’s unique capabilities. I look forward to working with him to ensure agriculture policy enables our farmers and ranchers to produce the safest, most abundant and reliable food supply in the world.
There will be and should be healthy and lively debate about the best course of action our country should take. This must not deter us from seeking common ground and developing win-win solutions.
I have already made contact with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack, invited him to Texas and made him aware of our state’s unique capabilities. I look forward to working with him to ensure agriculture policy enables our farmers and ranchers to produce the safest, most abundant and reliable food supply in the world.
Texas 4-H and Star of Texas Rodeo Help Future Texans
What do the Texas 4-H Foundation and the Star of Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo have in common? They both help Texas kids, providing them with opportunities that will pave the way for a bright future.
Monday evening, after the day’s celebrations honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, directors from both organizations met at the Salt Lick restaurant in Round Rock, where I was tasked with the delightful opportunity to speak and with the tough duty of eating delicious barbecue (fortunately, I managed to leave on time; otherwise there would have been no ribs left, as I’m pretty sure I ate three weeks’ worth).
It was great to hear of the wonderful progress the Texas 4-H Foundation has made with youth statewide. In 2008 alone, the foundation provided more than $2.2 million in scholarships to graduating 2008 high school 4-H seniors. Similarly, the Star of Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo has given $3.5 million in scholarships to area youth since 1983 when the rodeo began.
Generous actions like these give young Texans the jump-start they need to do well in life and give back to their communities. We should all look for opportunities to partner in these types of actions.
Monday evening, after the day’s celebrations honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, directors from both organizations met at the Salt Lick restaurant in Round Rock, where I was tasked with the delightful opportunity to speak and with the tough duty of eating delicious barbecue (fortunately, I managed to leave on time; otherwise there would have been no ribs left, as I’m pretty sure I ate three weeks’ worth).
It was great to hear of the wonderful progress the Texas 4-H Foundation has made with youth statewide. In 2008 alone, the foundation provided more than $2.2 million in scholarships to graduating 2008 high school 4-H seniors. Similarly, the Star of Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo has given $3.5 million in scholarships to area youth since 1983 when the rodeo began.
Generous actions like these give young Texans the jump-start they need to do well in life and give back to their communities. We should all look for opportunities to partner in these types of actions.
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