As Texas wildfires continue destroying the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers and neighboring citizens – and jeopardizing the food supply of every Texan and American alike – the costs of recovery are mounting. But instead of helping to the extent we need, Washington is pouring proverbial fuel on the flames.
According to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas wildfires in April caused approximately $20.4 million in damages and counting. While most people are quick to imagine homes, barns and farmland among the losses, other equally devastating damages come in the form of destroyed fencing, dead livestock and the complete loss of current and future grazing acreage.
As the AgriLife Extension Service points out, fencing is one of the most critical and costly agricultural expenses, averaging about $10,000 per mile to build, with the cost increasing depending on the terrain. With approximately 1,200 miles of fencing destroyed, the math gets downright daunting.
To date, the AgriLife Extension Service says more than 2 million acres have burned in Texas and more than 500 cattle, horses and sheep have been killed. Add the losses of structures, farm equipment and other supplies, and then multiply it by the damage and deaths that are not yet tallied, and you get a pretty grim picture of the road ahead.
Yet, FEMA recently formally refused to declare this devastation a major disaster, which now means Texans who have suffered these losses will not receive some of the federal assistance they severely need right now although they have willingly paid for it with their tax dollars when disaster struck other regions of the country. It’s important to remember if these families are not able to recover, and indeed go out of business, the daily food and fiber needs of every Texan and American stand to be jeopardized.
Our citizens send their hard-earned money to the federal government to fund agencies like FEMA that are responsible for helping Americans recover from disasters. Now, when we need it most, FEMA denies its full assistance. It is unconscionable our federal government would reject a plea from hard-working citizens in their most desperate time of need.
Let’s help our farmers and ranchers rebuild so they can continue to provide for our families and theirs. Please donate to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, or STAR Fund, by visiting www.TexasAgriculture.gov/starfund.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A Thanks to Moms on Mothers Day
I am glad God allowed women to be mothers and not men, otherwise, the human race might have been over with before it got started. I just cannot imagine how a mother can do all she does.
Whether you are a full-time work at home mother or full-time work at home and work at a job mother, thank you for all you do. A day to honor you for your efforts just isn't enough. A mother doesn't just bring a person into this world, a good mother walks you through this life. A mother seems to give up so much for her children yet you never know it because mothers have the unique gift to keep you focused on what all children need to be focused on. Mothers may vary in approach and style on how they rear their children, but nothing comes close to the special bond between a mother and her child.
To all the mothers, may God bless you. We all thank you for being Mom.
Whether you are a full-time work at home mother or full-time work at home and work at a job mother, thank you for all you do. A day to honor you for your efforts just isn't enough. A mother doesn't just bring a person into this world, a good mother walks you through this life. A mother seems to give up so much for her children yet you never know it because mothers have the unique gift to keep you focused on what all children need to be focused on. Mothers may vary in approach and style on how they rear their children, but nothing comes close to the special bond between a mother and her child.
To all the mothers, may God bless you. We all thank you for being Mom.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Don’t Mess with Texas and Don’t Mess with Texas Land
Private property owners are celebrating in Texas today after the Legislature passed Senate Bill 18, the eminent domain reform bill. The bill is now on its way to Governor Perry’s desk for signature.
SB 18 is authored in the Senate by Sen. Craig Estes (Wichita Falls) and Sen. Robert Duncan (Lubbock) and sponsored in the House by Rep. Charlie Geren (River Oaks), Rep. Rene Oliveira (Brownsville) and Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt (Lexington). It enforces what the Texas Constitution guarantees – that private property owners will be protected from intrusive condemnation proceedings. Among other things, the bill says property may only be taken for a public use and that negotiations must be made in good faith, meaning a condemning entity cannot try to shortchange property owners in offering just compensation. SB 18 also includes a buy-back provision for property owners – if land is taken for a public use but progress is not made on the project within 10 years, the property owner can repurchase the property. It also requires all entities with the power of eminent domain to register with the state or risk having that power suspended.
I have long been a proponent of legislation that guarantees Texas private property owners are treated fairly and that entities with eminent domain power act responsibly. After years of setbacks, Texans will finally have their private property owners’ rights affirmed once SB 18 is signed into law.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Don’t mess with Texas, and don’t mess with Texas land!
I have long been a proponent of legislation that guarantees Texas private property owners are treated fairly and that entities with eminent domain power act responsibly. After years of setbacks, Texans will finally have their private property owners’ rights affirmed once SB 18 is signed into law.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Don’t mess with Texas, and don’t mess with Texas land!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Demise of bin Laden Strengthens a Promising Partnership
The recent news of Osama bin Laden’s demise was especially poignant today as I met with a delegation of Afghan officials at Camp Mabry. The timing of the two events was purely coincidental, but its relevance underscores the importance of this meeting designed to bring renewed promise and hope for Afghanistan.
Since 2007, Texas Army National Guard soldiers have worked with Afghan farmers through a partnership called Agribusiness Development Teams. The teams are dedicated to sharing agricultural expertise with their Afghan counterparts in an effort to help the war-ravaged nation rebuild and sustain itself through proven farming and ranching methods. The teams were developed through the cooperation of the U.S. Central Command, the Afghan government and the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M.
For years, the people of Afghanistan have struggled to feed themselves through an efficient agriculture industry due to the violent interruptions of war and terrorism. With bin Laden now permanently removed, the people of Afghanistan have more potential than ever for rebuilding their nation and especially the agriculture industry that is the cornerstone for any prosperous society.
First and foremost I’d like to thank the brave men and women in our armed forces who helped bring bin Laden to justice. Additionally, I’m grateful to the Texas Army National Guard and our friends from Afghanistan for working toward this noble goal of loosening the grip of terror and improving global relations.
To view my remarks from today’s event at Camp Mabry, click here.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Proud to be an American
As Americans, we are proud of many things: our amber waves of grain; our purple mountains majesty; our fruited plains. But nothing, I mean nothing, stands in comparison to our people -- people who were fortunate enough to be born in the land of the free or people who chose to join the home of the brave. Our people are what makes us the strongest and greatest nation on earth. May God continue to bless the United States of America.
A verse from "America the Beautiful" captures the moment:
Oh beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years.
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
Congratulations to Neil, Sowjanya Katpalli and Hong Su who also recently became United States citizens. It is an honor to work with my fellow colleagues at TDA and now also my fellow Americans.
God Bless the USA, and GO TEXAN.
Oh beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years.
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
Congratulations to Neil, Sowjanya Katpalli and Hong Su who also recently became United States citizens. It is an honor to work with my fellow colleagues at TDA and now also my fellow Americans.
God Bless the USA, and GO TEXAN.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Mexican Agriculture and American Consumers Impacted by Cartels?
A recent story in the McAllen Monitor raises the question of whether or not produce imports from Mexico are being impacted by drug cartels or simple economic and natural conditions. On one hand, economists may argue that rising prices can be blamed on added precautions needed to avoid drug cartels. On the other hand, those prices may be chalked up to the unavoidable costs of doing business.
In this case, it looks like both hands are full, as in, full of trouble. But one hand is full of trouble that can be avoided.
According to the story, some sources suggest the cartels are "charging" produce shippers for safe passage of their trucks, and sometimes even hijacking their supplies. They also say the necessary re-routing and safety measures they’ve had to implement to secure their produce supplies are impacting their businesses. Couple these problems with the normal challenges farmers face, such as extreme weather conditions and high energy prices, and you’re left with consumers picking up a hefty tab.
Food producers and consumers alike have long been accustomed to the normal effects on food prices such as weather patterns and economic conditions. But no one should be forced to accept higher food prices at the hand of drug cartel violence – especially when it could be avoided if our federal government would acknowledge and address the situation.
As you can read at www.ProtectYourTexasBorder.com, the drug cartel danger is very real and being felt right here in Texas. Regardless of which hand you look at, the negative impact of violent drug cartels has Texas and American agriculture producers and consumers paying higher prices.
In this case, it looks like both hands are full, as in, full of trouble. But one hand is full of trouble that can be avoided.
According to the story, some sources suggest the cartels are "charging" produce shippers for safe passage of their trucks, and sometimes even hijacking their supplies. They also say the necessary re-routing and safety measures they’ve had to implement to secure their produce supplies are impacting their businesses. Couple these problems with the normal challenges farmers face, such as extreme weather conditions and high energy prices, and you’re left with consumers picking up a hefty tab.
Food producers and consumers alike have long been accustomed to the normal effects on food prices such as weather patterns and economic conditions. But no one should be forced to accept higher food prices at the hand of drug cartel violence – especially when it could be avoided if our federal government would acknowledge and address the situation.
As you can read at www.ProtectYourTexasBorder.com, the drug cartel danger is very real and being felt right here in Texas. Regardless of which hand you look at, the negative impact of violent drug cartels has Texas and American agriculture producers and consumers paying higher prices.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Earth Day is Every Day for Hardworking Farmers and Ranchers
As the world celebrates Earth Day today, I’d like to recognize the world’s original environmentalists - our farmers and ranchers. For centuries, the men and women who feed and clothe their fellow citizens have always known the value of protecting their land and animals.
Farmers and ranchers work hard every day to keep the Earth healthy, productive and sustainable. In the end, that means cleaner water, improved wildlife habitat and erosion protection for the rest of us to enjoy along with our abundant, safe and affordable food supply.
I invite you to visit our website, Agriculture is Your Culture, to learn more about how farmers and ranchers protect our environment. On Earth Day and every day, let’s appreciate our farmers and ranchers who were “green” before it was trendy.
Farmers and ranchers work hard every day to keep the Earth healthy, productive and sustainable. In the end, that means cleaner water, improved wildlife habitat and erosion protection for the rest of us to enjoy along with our abundant, safe and affordable food supply.
I invite you to visit our website, Agriculture is Your Culture, to learn more about how farmers and ranchers protect our environment. On Earth Day and every day, let’s appreciate our farmers and ranchers who were “green” before it was trendy.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
San Jacinto Day Honors Texas Independence
Ask a group of proud Texans to name the most decisive date in our state’s history and April 21, 1836 would get quite a few votes for sure.
On this date, 175 years ago on a battlefield near the modern-day city of La Porte in Harris County, the Lone Star State won its independence from Mexico after General Sam Houston led a successful surprise attack against Santa Anna’s army at the Battle of San Jacinto. Incredible as it sounds, most historians agree the battle was over in about 18 minutes. Even more astonishing was the death toll, which counted some 650 Mexican fatalities versus only nine fallen Texans.
The determined Texans were undoubtedly driven by the call of revenge following Santa Anna’s earlier massacres at the Alamo and Goliad. It was at the Battle of San Jacinto where cries of “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!” entered into infamy. In addition to those killed at San Jacinto, Houston’s men captured another 700-plus Mexican soldiers. The following day, Santa Anna himself was captured and relinquished control of Texas.
Over the past 175 years, much has changed, but some things remain the same – and that includes Texas pride and independence. As you enjoy the official state holiday today, please take a moment to remember its origin. Remember the Battle of San Jacinto and enjoy your Texas independence, which was fought for and won on San Jacinto Day.
On this date, 175 years ago on a battlefield near the modern-day city of La Porte in Harris County, the Lone Star State won its independence from Mexico after General Sam Houston led a successful surprise attack against Santa Anna’s army at the Battle of San Jacinto. Incredible as it sounds, most historians agree the battle was over in about 18 minutes. Even more astonishing was the death toll, which counted some 650 Mexican fatalities versus only nine fallen Texans.
The determined Texans were undoubtedly driven by the call of revenge following Santa Anna’s earlier massacres at the Alamo and Goliad. It was at the Battle of San Jacinto where cries of “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!” entered into infamy. In addition to those killed at San Jacinto, Houston’s men captured another 700-plus Mexican soldiers. The following day, Santa Anna himself was captured and relinquished control of Texas.
Over the past 175 years, much has changed, but some things remain the same – and that includes Texas pride and independence. As you enjoy the official state holiday today, please take a moment to remember its origin. Remember the Battle of San Jacinto and enjoy your Texas independence, which was fought for and won on San Jacinto Day.
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, April 14, 2011
SCR 36 - A Call for Congressional Border Action
The Texas Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee recently considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 36, which calls on the U.S. Congress to develop a plan to protect Texans and secure our border.
The resolution urges Congress to prepare a cost analysis of the funding necessary to fully enforce all federal immigration laws in Texas. The resolution also calls for Congress to report that figure to the Texas Legislature along with the status of the funding. Additionally, the resolution requests a meeting among Texas leaders and Congress to discuss the ongoing border security crisis.
This bipartisan resolution recognizes the many failures of current policies to adequately address border security. Moreover, it reasserts the need for the federal government to act on its Constitutional duties to protect your Texas border.
For full text of this resolution and a list of senate sponsors, go here. Also, visit ProtectYourTexasBorder.com to hear true testimonies from Texas farmers and ranchers who work so hard to feed our nation, while being literally terrorized by criminals who illegally enter the United States and in so doing, threaten the sovereignty of our country.
The resolution urges Congress to prepare a cost analysis of the funding necessary to fully enforce all federal immigration laws in Texas. The resolution also calls for Congress to report that figure to the Texas Legislature along with the status of the funding. Additionally, the resolution requests a meeting among Texas leaders and Congress to discuss the ongoing border security crisis.
This bipartisan resolution recognizes the many failures of current policies to adequately address border security. Moreover, it reasserts the need for the federal government to act on its Constitutional duties to protect your Texas border.
For full text of this resolution and a list of senate sponsors, go here. Also, visit ProtectYourTexasBorder.com to hear true testimonies from Texas farmers and ranchers who work so hard to feed our nation, while being literally terrorized by criminals who illegally enter the United States and in so doing, threaten the sovereignty of our country.
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