It’s hard to argue that children add joy to Christmas. From grandkids to the kids next door, children exude that certain excitement that can only come from youthful anticipation.
And while it’s impossible not to dote on children during Christmas, you might also consider it a great time to teach them goodwill toward others. Take your niece and nephew to a local food bank where they can help bundle care packages for families in need. Plan a play date with neighborhood kids and gather a collective donation of gently used toys and clothes. Visit an assisted-living home and teach your sons and daughters the priceless power of brightening somebody’s day.
Many of these gifts cost nothing more than time and the willingness to share your good fortune. Even if you have no kids of your own, there are opportunities to teach by example through churches, schools and youth groups.
Sometimes it’s more important to show a child it’s better to give than to receive. And what better time than Christmas to make an impression that can last a lifetime? After all, Christmas began with a gift to all mankind.
Merry Christmas, Texas. May you and yours continue to be blessed.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
State Water Plan Is Critical For Meeting Future Needs
The Texas Water Development Board recently approved the 2012 State Water Plan, which outlines the state’s water needs and potential ways to meet those needs over the next 50 years.
The plan represents a local approach to local water needs, and I commend the members of the 16 regional water planning groups who have dedicated their time and leadership to ensure Texans have access to water. The drought has highlighted the need for water planning and implementation of the plans.
Currently, the state’s reservoirs are barely over half of their capacity, and groundwater levels are decreasing. Everyone from individual users to agriculture producers to industrial consumers is feeling the pinch of tight water supplies. Without a workable water plan, the situation will get even worse as Texas’ population continues to grow.
Local leadership and local solutions will be key in implementing the water plan. You can learn more about the water plan by going here.
The plan represents a local approach to local water needs, and I commend the members of the 16 regional water planning groups who have dedicated their time and leadership to ensure Texans have access to water. The drought has highlighted the need for water planning and implementation of the plans.
Currently, the state’s reservoirs are barely over half of their capacity, and groundwater levels are decreasing. Everyone from individual users to agriculture producers to industrial consumers is feeling the pinch of tight water supplies. Without a workable water plan, the situation will get even worse as Texas’ population continues to grow.
Local leadership and local solutions will be key in implementing the water plan. You can learn more about the water plan by going here.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Extended Disaster Declaration
Texans who have suffered through the worst fire season on record finally receive some good news today. Some of the tax dollars we have sent to Washington are coming back to assist those devastated by wildfires.
Today the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted Gov. Perry’s repeated request to expand its major disaster declaration to include 119 Texas counties eligible for wildfire assistance, and extend the incident period from April 6, 2011, through August 29, 2011. The original declaration issued by FEMA only covered 45 counties.
The 2011 wildfire season has been one of the most catastrophic on record with about 30,000 fires scorching nearly 4 million acres. The cost of these fires continues to add up, with current estimates at $330 million.
Please continue to look for opportunities to help to help the families who are forced to rebuild what the fires destroyed. We also extend our sincerest thanks to the firefighters who stood strong and fought valiantly to save so many lives, homes and properties.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
A Texas Veteran Gets His Final Wish at Pearl Harbor
Seventy years after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor fully brought the United States into World War II, we continue to remember our fallen heroes, surviving veterans and the families who felt the firsthand impact of Dec. 7, 1941. The Japanese surprise strike claimed more than 2,400 American lives that morning and left more than 1,200 wounded. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt so famously said, it was indeed a “date which will live in infamy.”
The passage of time has left us with fewer surviving Pearl Harbor veterans. They are rightfully a proud group who will gather today to mourn their comrades, celebrate their camaraderie and remember the victory that was ultimately theirs. And ours.
As we salute our courageous soldiers today, I am pleased to share this story about a Pearl Harbor veteran from Plainview, Texas, who was granted his final wish this week when a portion of his ashes were laid to rest in the waters he helped defend. As always, God bless our troops, past and present.
The passage of time has left us with fewer surviving Pearl Harbor veterans. They are rightfully a proud group who will gather today to mourn their comrades, celebrate their camaraderie and remember the victory that was ultimately theirs. And ours.
As we salute our courageous soldiers today, I am pleased to share this story about a Pearl Harbor veteran from Plainview, Texas, who was granted his final wish this week when a portion of his ashes were laid to rest in the waters he helped defend. As always, God bless our troops, past and present.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
There's a lot to be thankful for
With the historic drought, punishing days of heat over 100 degrees, the wildfires that have been too many to count, and the tough economy that we face, some may question what we have to be thankful for this year.
I am thankful for the countless firefighters who stepped forward to battle the blazes.
I am thankful for the many who donated hay, supplies and made monetary donations to meet the needs of their fellow Texans.
I am thankful for neighbors helping neighbors in their time of need.
I am thankful for the employers who have been hiring Texans during this downturn.
I am thankful to God who gives us strength to endure.
I am thankful for this Psalm that serves as a reminder of how temporary these difficult times really happen to be:
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 4-5 NIV
I am thankful for the countless firefighters who stepped forward to battle the blazes.
I am thankful for the many who donated hay, supplies and made monetary donations to meet the needs of their fellow Texans.
I am thankful for neighbors helping neighbors in their time of need.
I am thankful for the employers who have been hiring Texans during this downturn.
I am thankful to God who gives us strength to endure.
I am thankful for this Psalm that serves as a reminder of how temporary these difficult times really happen to be:
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 4-5 NIV
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A Productive Day of Discussion with North American Leaders
On Tuesday, we kicked off the 20th Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Grapevine, Texas. I’m honored to be the host for this important conference and am proud that this is the first time the Accord has been held in our beautiful Lone Star State.
Yesterday, I co-chaired the Tri-National Agricultural Accord Rural Development working group, which was comprised of agriculture commissioners from the United States, Canada and Mexico. At the meeting, we discussed an innovative project between the business community in Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, a border city located in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. The project coordinates the economic development efforts of both cities to create a powerful strategy for the enhancement of trade, jobs and the security of both our countries. This was a productive discussion and one I look forward to continuing with our trading partners in Mexico.
Earlier in the day, I participated in a meeting with all three countries to ensure agricultural trade and business can continue to flow freely, and that Mexico, the United States and Canada are able to trade on a level playing field. These working groups are extremely important, and good things have come from them in the past, including:
1) The live importation of beef cattle into Mexico from the United States and Canada.
2) An agreement between the United States and Canada to allow for the production and marketing of organic products to be sold as organic in both countries.
3) A resolution of the cross-border trucking issue to allow for trade to move more quickly across the border with oversight of certified and inspected trucks.
Tonight, we are in for a real treat as former Mexican President Vicente Fox will offer the keynote address. His experience should provide valuable insight into how we can all work together toward the mutual benefit of the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Yesterday, I co-chaired the Tri-National Agricultural Accord Rural Development working group, which was comprised of agriculture commissioners from the United States, Canada and Mexico. At the meeting, we discussed an innovative project between the business community in Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, a border city located in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. The project coordinates the economic development efforts of both cities to create a powerful strategy for the enhancement of trade, jobs and the security of both our countries. This was a productive discussion and one I look forward to continuing with our trading partners in Mexico.
Earlier in the day, I participated in a meeting with all three countries to ensure agricultural trade and business can continue to flow freely, and that Mexico, the United States and Canada are able to trade on a level playing field. These working groups are extremely important, and good things have come from them in the past, including:
1) The live importation of beef cattle into Mexico from the United States and Canada.
2) An agreement between the United States and Canada to allow for the production and marketing of organic products to be sold as organic in both countries.
3) A resolution of the cross-border trucking issue to allow for trade to move more quickly across the border with oversight of certified and inspected trucks.
Tonight, we are in for a real treat as former Mexican President Vicente Fox will offer the keynote address. His experience should provide valuable insight into how we can all work together toward the mutual benefit of the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tri-National Agricultural Accord Welcomes Texas Trading Partners
Today I was proud to extend a Texas-sized welcome to agriculture leaders from the United States, Mexico and Canada as we kicked off the 20th Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Grapevine, Texas. The honor was made even more special as this is the first time our trading partners and industry leaders convened in the Lone Star State.
Over the next four days, commissioners, secretaries, ministers and directors of agriculture departments from our three nations will explore trade opportunities, job creation and other collaborative strategies for working together to strengthen our nations’ agriculture industries and overall economies. Fittingly, this year’s theme is “Neighbors in Trade – Partners in Jobs,” so it seems appropriate that Former Mexican President Vicente Fox will offer the keynote address.
They say there is strength in numbers, but I also believe there is success in unity. The Tri-National Agricultural Accord is where strength and success will merge to the benefit of all three countries. It’s also where the Lone Star State will shine brightly on an international stage as we look for future opportunities for growing our powerful agriculture industry.
Over the next four days, commissioners, secretaries, ministers and directors of agriculture departments from our three nations will explore trade opportunities, job creation and other collaborative strategies for working together to strengthen our nations’ agriculture industries and overall economies. Fittingly, this year’s theme is “Neighbors in Trade – Partners in Jobs,” so it seems appropriate that Former Mexican President Vicente Fox will offer the keynote address.
They say there is strength in numbers, but I also believe there is success in unity. The Tri-National Agricultural Accord is where strength and success will merge to the benefit of all three countries. It’s also where the Lone Star State will shine brightly on an international stage as we look for future opportunities for growing our powerful agriculture industry.
STAR Fund Deadline Extended to Help Ranchers Rebuild Fences
With approximately 6,200 miles of ranch fences lost to this year’s historic wildfires, the Texas Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for Round 2 of STAR Fund relief assistance until Nov. 30.
Created solely with monetary donations from private individuals and companies, including a $35,000 donation from Farm Credit, the STAR Fund helps ranchers rebuild fences through an effort called “Operation New Fences.”
STAR Fund applications may be downloaded here. Applications will also be available at local AgriLife Extension offices in counties that are eligible for federal ECP funding. All applications must be mailed to TDA and postmarked by Nov. 30, 2011.
To make a donation to the STAR Fund, or for more information,visit www.Texasagriculture.gov/STARFund. Ranchers needing more information may also call (512) 475 -1615.
Created solely with monetary donations from private individuals and companies, including a $35,000 donation from Farm Credit, the STAR Fund helps ranchers rebuild fences through an effort called “Operation New Fences.”
STAR Fund applications may be downloaded here. Applications will also be available at local AgriLife Extension offices in counties that are eligible for federal ECP funding. All applications must be mailed to TDA and postmarked by Nov. 30, 2011.
To make a donation to the STAR Fund, or for more information,visit www.Texasagriculture.gov/STARFund. Ranchers needing more information may also call (512) 475 -1615.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Coming Home
Sixty-one years after one of the bloodiest battles of the Korean War left 600 American men killed, captured or listed Missing in Action, one of those brave soldiers is coming home to finally rest in peace.
Benny Rogers was born in Palestine, Texas, and spent his early years growing up on a ranch before moving to Dallas as a teenager. At 17, Benny stretched the truth a bit and told an Army recruiter he was old enough to enlist. He loved serving his country, and three years later he re-enlisted as the Korean conflict was breaking out.
On Oct. 30, 1950, Cpl. Benny Rogers sent a letter to his mom telling her, “I am sitting in a freshly dug fox hole, things are getting better, but not over yet.” Three days later, the 20-year-old soldier was caught in the middle of the massacre at the Battle of Unsan. His mother received a telegram that he was listed as MIA.
For decades Benny’s mother prayed she would learn what happened to her son. Sadly, she died three years ago, but today her prayers are answered. Benny’s remains were found in North Korea and confirmed through enhanced DNA testing.
Yesterday, a day before Veterans Day, Cpl. Benny Rogers’ remains touched down at DFW airport. His family was on the tarmac to honor him and tomorrow he will receive full military honors when he is laid to rest next to his mother and father in Willow Springs Cemetery near Athens.
Benny’s niece, who was at the house when his mother received the telegram announcing he was missing, says the family is dealing with a mix of emotions. There is joy that Benny’s remains will be home where they belong, but sadness that his life was cut so short.
On this Veterans Day, let’s remember all those brave military men and women like Benny Rogers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Let’s also never forget those still listed as MIAs and POWs, and pray that one day we will know what happened to each of them so we can tell their brave stories and know their families have found peace.
Benny Rogers was born in Palestine, Texas, and spent his early years growing up on a ranch before moving to Dallas as a teenager. At 17, Benny stretched the truth a bit and told an Army recruiter he was old enough to enlist. He loved serving his country, and three years later he re-enlisted as the Korean conflict was breaking out.
On Oct. 30, 1950, Cpl. Benny Rogers sent a letter to his mom telling her, “I am sitting in a freshly dug fox hole, things are getting better, but not over yet.” Three days later, the 20-year-old soldier was caught in the middle of the massacre at the Battle of Unsan. His mother received a telegram that he was listed as MIA.
For decades Benny’s mother prayed she would learn what happened to her son. Sadly, she died three years ago, but today her prayers are answered. Benny’s remains were found in North Korea and confirmed through enhanced DNA testing.
Yesterday, a day before Veterans Day, Cpl. Benny Rogers’ remains touched down at DFW airport. His family was on the tarmac to honor him and tomorrow he will receive full military honors when he is laid to rest next to his mother and father in Willow Springs Cemetery near Athens.
Benny’s niece, who was at the house when his mother received the telegram announcing he was missing, says the family is dealing with a mix of emotions. There is joy that Benny’s remains will be home where they belong, but sadness that his life was cut so short.
On this Veterans Day, let’s remember all those brave military men and women like Benny Rogers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Let’s also never forget those still listed as MIAs and POWs, and pray that one day we will know what happened to each of them so we can tell their brave stories and know their families have found peace.
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