Delivers speech exposing big government, big business cronyism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today delivered a speech at The Heritage Foundation revealing the cronyism that runs deep in Washington, powered by the Washington Cartel of establishment politicians and corporate lobbyists who continue to benefit big government and big business at the expense of millions of Americans.

“Washington has done a great job of one thing – picking winners and losers, except it’s clear each time who the losers are: it’s American families, who are struggling to pay skyrocketing health care premiums and tuition costs; it’s our community banks and marketplaces that are going out of business; it’s young entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

“What’s happening in Washington is no accident,” Sen. Cruz said. “It is a concerted effort by corporate lobbyists and establishment politicians. Lobbyists and career politicians make up the Washington Cartel. Let me explain to you how it works: A bill is set to come before Congress, and career politicians’ ears and wallets are open to the highest bidder. Corrupt backroom deals result in one interest group getting preferences over the other, although you give the other a chance to outbid them. Or even worse, a very small interest group getting special carve-outs at the expense of taxpayers.”

View Sen. Cruz’s remarks here.

Sen. Cruz discussed four examples of the Washington Cartel at work:

Regarding the Export-Import Bank, Sen. Cruz said:

“It is hard to imagine an institution that is more emblematic of cronyism than the Export-Import Bank…. The Export-Import Bank kills American jobs, and often favors foreign investment over American investment. It also has this terrible record of subsidizing unfriendly regimes with problematic human rights records. In 2013, just one year, the Ex-Im bank streamed $35 million to Venezuela banks and investors; $335 million to Argentina; $1 billion to Russian financiers; and $2.7 billion to communist China.”

Regarding renewable energy mandates, Sen. Cruz said:

“A two-year extension of wind credits alone costs taxpayers more than $13 billion, which is enough to pay the monthly electricity bills for 124 million Americans. How about putting that up for a referendum? Do we continue to benefit one favored industry, or do we pay the electricity bill for 124 million Americans? You know, I don’t think that would be a close vote for the American people. And what’s interesting: it’s not a close vote in Washington. Because the only people voting in Washington are the lobbyists with bags of cash. And the lawmakers in both parties eager to get that cash.

“For decades, the federal government has teamed up with specific industries to pick winners and losers in the energy industry. Aside from further complicating an already Byzantine tax code, this type of corporate welfare has only distorted the price of energy and empowered failed companies like Solyndra.”

Regarding sugar subsidies, Sen. Cruz said:

“This form of subsidy seems particularly un-American. After all, before the Tea and Stamp Act came the Sugar Act in 1764… and it was then that the cry of ‘no taxation without representation’ was widely voiced by the colonists. You know what, we do have representation, but our representatives are not representing us.

“The Wall Street Journal reported last December that at the time, sugar was 58 percent more expensive here at home than at the global market…. This price control increases food costs for businesses and families, particularly low-income households…. From 1997 to 2011, nearly 127,000 jobs were lost in domestic sugar-using industries.”

Regarding the Internet sales tax, Sen. Cruz said:

“The Internet has been an incubator for new ideas. It has been a haven for entrepreneurial opportunity. It has allowed millions of people to create small businesses…. Today, parents can purchase Christmas presents for their kids with the click of a button; a teenager can design an app that revolutionizes the way things were done; a mom can sell her hand-made cards on Etsy; with a few taps, an Uber can come to your doorstep.

“And yet Congress is talking about passing the Orwellian-named Marketplace Fairness Act, we’ve seen the pattern of Washington fairness. What is Washington fairness? Hammer the little guy, help the big guy… [The Marketplace Fairness Act] would take every online retailer in America and tell them you must now collect sales taxes for over 9,600 different tax jurisdictions all across the country.”

Sen. Cruz concluded, “How do you break the Washington Cartel? You make the political price of doing the wrong thing higher than the price of doing the right thing, and that can only come from ‘we the people.’”

A complete transcript will be available here.

 The HPRA speaker this Friday noon will be Randy Moravec, Ph.D, who recently retired from his position as  Executive Director of the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power (http://tcaptx.com). TCAP is an alliance of cities that negotiate group prices for TCAP members and advocate for lower electrical costs for all Texas electricity consumers. Among the topics to be covered is the issue of subsidizing power plant owners with “capacity payments” – subsidies that may total $4 billion yearly that would be added to consumers’ bills. But there is reason to doubt the efficacy of the concept to enhance capacity when some do not see a need.

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COMMENT ON LAST WEEK‘S PRESENTATION

Last Friday HPRA had one of the most energizing and long lasting presentations it has experienced in quite a while. Our notice mentioned Debby Valdez (Director of GRADE – www.guardianshipreform.org) – but omitted Kristi Hood, who has written a book on the problems one encounters in probate courts and how to avoid or minimize them. Her book is titled Probate Pirates, and she has a website. Check it out: www.honestprobateattorneys.com/

Houston Property Rights Association

PUBLIC INVITED: $11.49 plus 10% gratuity – buffet self-serve – all you can eat.

Coffee and tea are extra.

The Lam Bo Restaurant (Chinese and American food), is at

6159 Westheimer Road, about a mile west of Chimney Rock on the south side.

(look for us in the back room)

Friday, June 26, 2015

Buffet lunch – 12:00 to 2:00 – Program starts at 12:30

Please tell your friends and neighbors about our meetings.

RESERVATIONS NOT NEEDED

Upcoming Speakers and Topics

July 3: No meeting – Holiday weekend / Independence Day

Endomag Among Finalists for 2015 Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award

HOUSTON, June 24, 2015 – A University of Houston and University College London startup company has been selected as a finalist for the 2015 Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award, the UK’s premier prize for engineering pioneers.

Co-founded in the UK by Audrius Brazdeikis, a research associate professor of physics with the Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH, cancer care company Endomag was chosen for its medical device system that is improving the diagnosis of the spread of breast cancer for patients. Synonymous with spotting the ‘next big thing’ in the technology sector, the MacRobert Award is the UK’s longest running national prize for engineering innovation. Since 1969, the award has identified world-changing innovations with tangible societal benefits and proven commercial success.

Based in Cambridge, Endomag pioneered a new breast cancer diagnostic tool that avoids the use of radioactive tracers in determining the spread of cancer through the lymphatic system. The Sentimag probe developed by Endomag identifies sentinel lymph nodes for removal by detecting a magnetic, rather than radioactive, tracer signal.

“The current standard of care in breast cancer surgery demands that a sentinel lymph node biopsy be performed. The procedure is traditionally guided by injections of radioisotope tracers and use of a gamma probe to locate the lymph node with the highest radioactivity,” Brazdeikis said. “Our collaborative research effort has resulted in developing a handheld magnetic probe that can be used in conjunction with a magnetic tracer to locate the sentinel lymph node quickly and easily for biopsy in breast cancer patients.”

A highly sensitive instrument, Sentimag and its associated Sienna+ tracer combine nanotechnology and advanced magnetic sensors, removing the need for radiation, speeding up the process and putting the detection of the sentinel lymph node directly in the hands of surgeons.

“The Sentimag enables intraoperative, real-time localization of the sentinel lymph node, which is the first lymph node to which a tumor’s metastasizing cancer cells drain, as well as being the most likely to harbor metastases that can also spread to other parts of the body,” Brazdeikis said. “The system’s technology is not limited only to breast cancer and is already being used for other cancer indications, such as melanoma, prostate and thyroid. Other potential indications include lung and colorectal cancer staging.”

In contrast to radioactive tracers, Brazdeikis adds, the Sienna+ magnetic tracer is safe, easily stored and has a long shelf life. Additionally, there are no staff safety issues, supply problems or difficulties associated with the disposal of radioactive waste.

The device is now sold in 18 European countries, and more than 6,000 patients have undergone surgery guided by the Sentimag technology. Endomag started clinical trials in the U.S. under an Investigational Device Exemption in January 2015 at five medical centers in Texas, Pennsylvania and California. The 180-patient study aims to provide further clinical evidence that technology is as safe and effective as the current standard of care with U.S. patients.

“With two of our clinical trial sites in Texas and our University of Houston roots, establishing our first U.S. office in Texas was a natural decision,” said Eric Mayes, CEO of Endomag. “From our strong cross-Atlantic foundations, we expect to build a significant commercial presence in Texas to help bring a better standard of care for all across the U.S.”

Endomag was co-founded by Brazdeikis, Quentin Pankhurst and Simon Hattersley. As a MacRobert Award finalist, the Endomag team is competing for a gold medal and a cash prize of £50,000, which is the equivalent of about $77,500. The winner will be announced July 16 at the Academy’s annual awards dinner in London.

The Washington on the Brazos State Park Association has launched a new user-friendly website for Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site at www.wheretexasbecametexas.org. The website uses engaging features in an easy-to-navigate format that makes it a great reference tool for visitors planning a trip to any of the complex’s attractions, amenities and events:  Star of the Republic Museum; Independence Hall; Barrington Living History Farm; Visitor Center; Washington Emporium Gift Shop;Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site;Six Flags Over Texas Monument; or the park’s lush 293 acres.

“Washington on the Brazos was truly at the epicenter of the events that led ultimately to Texas, as we know it today.  We want all visitors to understand the heroism of the 59 men that signed the Texas Declaration from Mexico in 1836—a brave act that created the nation of Texas and set us apart forever from other states in the union,” says Jim Kolkhorst, President, Washington on the Brazos State Park Association.  “Last year, the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association undertook an aggressive new branding strategy labeling Washington rightly as ‘Where Texas Became Texas.’  Until now, the missing piece of our story was a new website, so we are thrilled it is finished.  We hope it will attract thousands of new visitors to this incredible historic site that every Texan—every visitor—every historian—should visit.”

“The new Washington on the Brazos website offers a clean, intuitive experience to guests looking to visit, learn about upcoming events, or support the park,” says Nick Alter, CEO of Alter Endeavers, the team that led the website’s development.  “One of the things we are most excited about is how easy it is for folks to become a member of the park association. We are proud and excited to be able to help make an important piece of Texas history more available and accessible to the general public.”

New features of the extensive website include a shopping cart; copies of historic documents and maps; membership forms; online tour reservations; an extensive photo gallery; searchable databases; and media releases.

“This website not only tells its guests about Washington on the Brazos and why it is central to the Texas experience, but it acts as a visitors bureau that outlines information about places to stay and dine, events and festivals in the area,” Kolkhorst adds.“We hope visitors to WOB—whether it be physically or online–will consider joining our Park Association to support our Texas heritage for generations to come.”

The Washington on the Brazos State Park Association—the oldest support group for any Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) park—hired San Antonio-based Sellmark to assemble a team of research, re-branding, special events, public relations, social media and website specialists, including Shelton Interactive, who managed the creation of the new website and the design team of Dyal and Partners.

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site has many onsite amenities open daily, as well as an incredible schedule of events and programs.  On the grounds of this TPWD-run state park is the Star of the Republic Museum (collections honoring the history, cultures, diversity and values of early Texans; administered by Blinn College); Independence Hall (the site in 1836 where the representatives met to write the declaration of independence); and Barrington Living History Farm (where interpreters dress, talk, work and farm as the earliest residents of the original farmstead did).  The site’s Visitor Center features interactive exhibits which present a timeline of the Texas Revolution and highlight the historic attractions located within the park; it also houses the spacious Washington Emporium Gift Shop, which offers snacks and a wide range of Texas-themed items and keepsakes.   The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site is a wonderfully preserved example of a 19th century stagecoach inn, located nearby in Anderson, TX.   The Fanthorp Inn is closed in June, July and August of this year for parking lot construction. And remember, entrance to the park grounds, Visitor Center and parking is always free.

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is located at 23400 Park Road 12 in Washington, Texas, off State Hwy. 105 on FM 1155 (about halfway between Brenham and Navasota, and approximately one hour northwest of Houston).  More detailed information on all Washington on the Brazos events is continually updated at www.wheretexasbecametexas.org; the public can email office@wheretexasbecametexas.org, call (936) 878-2214 or visit its Facebook pagefor more information. 

About Washington on the Brazos State Park Association: The oldest support group for any TPWD park, Washington on the Brazos State Park Association was created in the 1950s as a 501(c)(3) non-profit to facilitate preservation projects, celebrations and educational programming at this historic site and its four attractions.  Besides playing an integral part in the creation and subsequent expansion of the Star of the Republic Museum, it also has supplied funding for park and museum personnel; spearheaded funding for the Visitor Center and its educational displays; assisted in the reconstruction of Independence Hall; spearheaded funding for the “real-life” exhibits and programs of the Barrington Living History Farm; assisted in purchasing, relocating and restoring the home of Dr. Anson Jones; assisted in construction of Six Flags Over Texas monument; and provided research to have La Bahia Pecan Tree designated a “Famous Tree of Texas.”

‘If the court delivers what could be a third strike against Obamacare, my colleagues and I are eager to provide the American people with the freedom and the options that they need in order to get the best health care available at a price they can afford.’

WASHINGTON – In remarks on the Senate floor today, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) addressed the King v. Burwell case before the Supreme Court.

Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video of his speech can be found here.

“This week, many are rightly concerned that, depending on what the Supreme Court decides, that millions of people will lose their access to health care should the court rule against the President.”

 “That’s not the Supreme Court’s fault. That’s not the opponents of Obamacare’s fault. That is the President and the people who passed Obamacare’s fault.”

 “While we didn’t contribute to getting the country in this mess, we are ready, willing, and able to provide an off-ramp for the millions of people who may have their health care interrupted.”

 “So I’m here emphatically to say to the Texans whose health care coverage may be disrupted: We will not leave you out in the cold as a casualty of this flawed law.”

“We are prepared, having worked for months now, to protect those who need it as they transition out of Obamacare. Make no mistake about it, this will be the beginning of the end of Obamacare if the court rules for the plaintiff in King v. Burwell.”

“If the Supreme Court rules for King, we will offer the American people what Obamacare never could do: options, choices, the freedom to choose the health care coverage you want at a price you can afford. And most importantly, we want to allow individuals, as well as the states, to opt out of this disastrous law all across the country.”

“If the court delivers what could be a third strike against Obamacare, my colleagues and I are eager to provide the American people with the freedom and the options that they need in order to get the best health care available at a price they can afford.”

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees.

Men in Kilts_®  came out today and cleaned my driveway, sidewalk and siding.  The photo gallery shows the before and after photos of their work. This company does window cleaning, pressure washing and gutter cleaning.  I did not realize how dirty my siding, driveway and sidewalk really was.  These men actually do all the work in Kilts.  The garnered a lot of attention with the drivers passing by as they worked.  They were professional and courteous.  They moved all my plants and patio furniture and when they were done everything went back in exactly where it came from.

Their shirts have the company name and logo on the back and the front actually says: No Peeking!

If you are looking to have this kind of work done, I highly recommend them.  They can be reached at 1-800-777-KILT (5458).  They give free estimates.  Visit their website at www.meninkilts.com. Facebook at www.facebook.com/MeninKiltsHouston , Twitter:  www.twitter.com/MIK_Houston -Google: Men In Kilts Houston.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will increase DWI patrols for a 12-day period that includes the July 4th holiday. From June 26 – July 7, DPS troopers will focus DWI patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent.

“As Texans make their plans for the Fourth of July, DPS is urging everyone to enjoy the holiday responsibly,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Driving while impaired can have deadly consequences, so Texans who plan to drink alcohol should always designate a sober driver or choose alternate forms of transportation. During the holiday, DPS troopers will be increasing patrols to help keep travelers safe and take dangerous drivers off the road.”

During the 2014 July 4th enforcement period, DPS troopers made more than 1,050 DWI arrests during the enforcement period. Of those arrests, 219 were the direct result of a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) grant, which allowed increased patrols in high-risk locations during times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. During the same period, DPS enforcement also resulted in more than 15,000 speeding citations and more than 2,500 seat belt/child safety seat citations.

According to TxDOT, in 2014 more than 1,000 people in Texas were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a driver who was under the influence of alcohol, accounting for 29 percent of the year’s total traffic fatalities.

A Temple of Ma Gayatri, “Center for Gayatri Consciousness”, will formally open in Katy (Texas) on June 27 at 20914 Park Row, Katy, TX 77449.

A project of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) headquartered in Haridwar (India), its grand-opening ceremonies on June 26 and 27 include Kalash Yatra, Yagya, Pran Pratishtha, Mahayagya, etc., which will be presided over by AWGP head Dr. Pranav Pandya. Besides Ma Gayatri, murtis of Lord Ganapati and Lord Hanuman will also be installed, reports suggest.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, commended efforts of temple leadership and area community for realizing this Hindu temple complex.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple would help in this direction.

AWGP, whose tagline is “The Manmaking Odyssey for Transmission of Era”, was founded by Shriram Sharma Acharya (1911-90), and claims to have a following of over 100 million and over 4,000 centers worldwide.

City of Katy, west of Houston, which started as hunting ground of the Karankawa Indian tribes, was settled in 1872 and incorporated in 1945. Its tagline is “Small Town Charm With Big City Convenience” and it is known for annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival. Notable residents associated with Katy include actresses Renee Zellweger, Kimberly Caldwell and Renee O’Connor; football player Andy Dalton; ice hockey player Tyler Myers; and professional female bodybuilder Iris Kyle. Fabol R. Hughes and Byron J. Hebert are Mayor and City Administrator respectively.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation). There are about three million Hindus in USA.

AUSTIN, Texas – The Mobile Registration Intake Center (MRIC) in Fort Bend County is transitioning into a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), opening Thursday, June 25, to provide one-stop service for those affected by the storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred from May 4 to June 19.

A DRC provides expanded services to survivors including general information, help applying for assistance and information on repairing and rebuilding structures.

Location and dates of operation

Fort Bend County Rosenberg Annex
4520 Reading Road
Rosenberg, TX 75471

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday

DRCs are staffed with professionals who will meet with survivors and answer questions, and help with FEMA registration. They are operated jointly by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, FEMA and the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Low-interest disaster loans from SBA also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

People who had storm damage in affected counties also can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Eligible survivors should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

AUSTIN, Texas – The federal disaster declaration for Texas has been expanded to include Individual Assistance for Fayette County as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred between May 4 and June 19, according to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Fayette County joins 30 counties already designated for Individual Assistance: Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Fannin, Fort Bend, Gaines, Grayson, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Johnson, Liberty, Milam, Montague, Navarro, Nueces, Rusk, Smith, Travis, Walker, Wichita, Williamson, Wise and Van Zandt.  Residents in the 31 designated counties are eligible to apply for state and federal assistance.

Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for rent, temporary housing and home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also are available. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Texans who had storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Residents and business owners should apply right away with SBA as part of the overall federal disaster recovery process, and not wait for insurance claims to settle.

People can apply for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 toll free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) daily until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

H-E-B hamburger and hotdog buns and Hill Country Fare hotdog buns recalled for quality issues. All product on the shelf as of Friday June 26^th is not included.
H-E-B, committed to the quality of its products, is issuing a voluntary recall for H-E-B brand hamburger and hotdog buns and Hill Country Fare hotdog buns due to the possible presence of foreign material that might impact the quality of the product. A terry cloth glove used for handling hot pans could have broken up in the dough, resulting in a potential choking hazard.
No incidents have been reported.

Product on the shelf as of Friday June 26 is not included in this recall.

The voluntary recall impacts the following products:

Description                                    UPC                          Best Before Date                     Tie Color
Hamburger Buns
H-E-B 4.5 %100 Wheat             4122083056                        7/2/15-7/4/15                     Org/Grn/Blue
H-E-B TX Plain                          4122074226                        7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue
H-E-B TX Seeded                      4122021761                        7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue
H-E-B 4.5 Plain                          4122023498                        7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue
H-E-B 4.5 Seeded                      412210127                          7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue
H-E-B 4.5 Whole Wheat             4122019164                        7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue

Hotdog Buns
H-E-B Wheat Coney                   4122019165                        7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue
HCF Coney (8 ct)                        4122060201                        7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue
HCF Coney (16 ct)                      4122041461                        7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue
H-E-B Coney (8 ct)                      4122083910                        7/3/15-7/4/15                        Green/Blue

Customers who purchased the product can return the product to the store for a full refund. Customers with any questions or concerns may contact H-E-B Customer Service at 1-855-432-4438.

 Houston Community College is keeping up with constant changes in education and technology by adapting the 21^st century learning concept for students. HCC took a major step in support of that concept with the groundbreaking of the West Houston Institute.

“The design of this facility was crafted toward a vision of innovation and creativity, which is 21^st century learning; unbounded thought processes,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor.

HCC officials, trustees, students, and West Houston business leaders attended a ceremony for the $49M project that will be developed on the existing HCC Alief Campus on Hayes Road. Students who attend classes at the West Houston Institute will focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields using 21^st century school philosophies and interactive learning environments.

“This new building means a lot to me,” said Alberic Kouadio, who is studying Mechanical Engineering. “It means my future and the future of my family.”

Chemical Engineering Student Mario Lumueno said, “This building will give my fellow students more room to work, more exposure to software programs and help increase enrollment.”

The 112,000 square-foot facility will house project-based learning rooms, labs, a Center for Entrepreneurship, MakerSpace, and a large assembly space.

The HCC Alief Campus is already home to the HCC/UT-Tyler Engineering Program with 160 students enrolled to date.

“One of our critical elements of the success of this campus is our partnership with the University of Texas at Tyler, ” said HCC Northwest President Dr. Zachary Hodges. “We are producing mechanical, electrical and civil engineers at this campus.”

District VI Trustee Sandie Mullins has represented the HCC Alief Campus for five years and said she is honored to be part of its growth. She pointed out that, “Partnerships with the Westchase District and Houston West Chamber of Commerce are helping students become successful.”

 “We know obtaining a credential has become essential to earn a livable wage and support a family,”  said Jeannie Bollinger, Houston West Chamber of Commerce CEO. “HCC provides pathways to put people to work in areas that Houston needs the most.”

The West Houston Institute is expected to open in Fall 2016. For more information about this project and others in the HCC Groundbreaker Bond Program, visit hccs.edu/bond.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued the following statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s flawed ruling on states’ constitutional right to define marriage, stating the next fight is religious liberty:

“Today’s ruling by five Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court marks a radical departure from countless generations of societal law and tradition. The impact of this opinion on our society and the familial fabric of our nation will be profound. Far from a victory for anyone, this is instead a dilution of marriage as a societal institution.

“What is most disturbing is the extent to which this opinion is yet another assault on the actual text of the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law itself. Just as Roe v. Wade ripped from the hands of the American people the issue of life and placed it in the judge-made ‘penumbras’ of the Constitution, so has this opinion made clear that our governing document – the protector of our liberties through representative government – can be molded to mean anything by unelected judges.

“But no court, no law, no rule, and no words will change the simple truth that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Nothing will change the importance of a mother and a father to the raising of a child. And nothing will change our collective resolve that all Americans should be able to exercise their faith in their daily lives without infringement and harassment.

“We start by recognizing the primacy and importance of our first freedom – religious liberty. The truth is that the debate over the issue of marriage has increasingly devolved into personal and economic aggression against people of faith who have sought to live their lives consistent with their sincerely-held religious beliefs about marriage. In numerous incidents trumpeted and celebrated by a sympathetic media, progressives advocating the anti-traditional marriage agenda have used this issue to publicly mock, deride, and intimidate devout individuals for daring to believe differently than they do. This ruling will likely only embolden those who seek to punish people who take personal, moral stands based upon their conscience and the teachings of their religion.

“It is not acceptable that people of faith be exposed to such abuse. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects our religious liberty and shields people of faith from such persecution, but those aspects of its protections have been denigrated by radicals, echoed by the media and an increasingly-activist judiciary. Consistent with existing federal and state Religious Freedom Restoration Acts that should already protect religious liberty and prevent discrimination based on religion, we must work to ensure that the guarantees of the First Amendment, protecting freedom of religion, and its corollary freedom of conscience, are secure for all Americans.

“Our guiding principle should be to protect people who want to live, work and raise their families in accordance with their religious faith. We should ensure that people and businesses are not discriminated against by state and local governments based on a person’s religious beliefs, including discrimination against people of faith in the distribution of grants, licenses, certification or accreditation; we should prevent harassing lawsuits against people of faith, their businesses and religious organizations; we should protect non-profits and churches from state and local taxes if the federal government penalizes them by removing their 501(c)(3) status; and we should protect religious adoption and foster care organizations and the children and families they serve. Shortly, my office will be addressing questions about the religious liberties of clerks of court and justices of the peace.

“Displays of hate and intolerance against people of faith should be denounced by all people of good will and spark concern among anyone who believes in religious liberty and freedom for all.

“Despite this decision, I still have faith in America and the American people.  We must be vigilant about our freedom and must use the democratic process to make sure America lives up to its promise as a land of freedom, religious tolerance and hope.”

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WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges that determined that gay marriage is a constitutional right

“As a supporter of marriage as defined by one man and one woman, I’m disappointed in this decision. I joined with 56 of my House and Senate colleagues in submitting an amicus brief in defense of traditional marriage and the rule of law. The constitution appropriately gave the federal government limited powers and gave states the opportunity to determine their own destiny on the rest.

“Two years ago, the Supreme Court insisted that marriage was a policy decision that properly belonged to the states. However, today the Court unjustly imposed a redefinition of marriage nationwide, effectively erasing the votes of millions of Americans in states that have very recently affirmed traditional marriage.”

AUSTIN – Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick requested an opinion from the Texas Attorney General in anticipation of a decision by the United States Supreme Court regarding same sex marriage:

“In Texas, the law of the land defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This principle was adopted by over 76 percent of Texas voters in 2005. However, that definition could be struck down or altered by our nation’s highest court.

“If that should happen, county clerks and Justices of the Peace could be forced to subjugate their sincerely held religious beliefs. The practical reality of this conflict will occur throughout the state.

“This past session, the legislature passed protections for members of the clergy who could be pressured into performing marriages that conflict with their religious beliefs protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Similar First Amendment protections must be extended to others who might encounter similar pressure for same sex marriages.

“My request for opinion asks Attorney General Paxton to provide guidance to county clerks and Justices of the Peace who face this conflict of conscience.”

HOUSTON [June 26, 2015] – Texas A&M University announced the formation of the Texas A&M-Chevron Engineering Academy at Houston Community College, an innovative co-enrollment partnership developed to address the state’s growing need for engineers. Qualified students will be admitted to the Texas A&M Dwight Look College of Engineering, complete the first two years of coursework at HCC, then finish their engineering degrees in College Station.

Mechanical Engineering Student Taiwo Odetola is part of the first cohort of HCC students who start the program in the fall.

“To me this is a lifetime opportunity,” said the father of two. “I wanted to go to Texas A&M; but thought it would be financially difficult. When the opportunity came up I said, ‘oh wow, this is for me’!”

The Texas A&M-Chevron Engineering Academy will allow students like Odetola to remain close to home for the first two years while pursuing one of 16 majors within the college of engineering at Texas A&M. This program is being generously supported by Chevron.

“Texas has a significant need for more engineers and has an abundance of capable students. This new academy program provides a unique pathway toward earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering by completing the first two years of coursework at a two-year college as a Texas A&M engineering student,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System.

A 2012 report by the President’s Advisory Council on Science and Technology projected that 1 million more STEM degrees would be needed in the next decade. In Texas alone, the projected need for engineers in the workforce is 62,000 by 2022. To meet this need, universities and two-year colleges will need to work together to bridge the gap, and attract and retain students who are interested in STEM fields.

“Chevron is committed to increasing access to, and the quality of, education around the world,” said Steve Green, Chevron vice president of public and government affairs. “We are proud to partner with Texas A&M on this important initiative to help ensure an educated and skilled workforce.”

Chevron has donated $5 million to support the Texas A&M-Chevron Engineering Academy at Houston Community College, as well as three other academies across the state.

“Chevron is excited to be able to continue our longstanding relationship with Texas A&M through support of the Engineering Academy initiative, which will help provide opportunities in the field of engineering for many underrepresented and first generation college students,” said Shariq Yosufzai, Chevron vice president of ombuds, diversity & inclusion and university & association relations. “Partnering with Texas A&M, a top source of engineering hires for Chevron, to help provide opportunities in the field of engineering will support our efforts to help build the diverse workforce of tomorrow that will be required to meet the energy needs of the future.”

“HCC is proud to partner with Texas A&M University and Chevron to create this exciting, affordable opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. “Our nation is in need of more engineers and this program will prepare students for a career in this high-demand market.”

Texas A&M Engineering Vice Chancellor and Dean M. Katherine Banks said the academies have the potential to reach beyond the typical pathways for access to a top-ranked engineering program.

“We are excited about this program because our goal is to attract the very best students to Texas A&M Engineering, even if circumstances require them to stay close to home for the first two years of college,” said Banks. “This is not a traditional transfer program. The Academy students are enrolled in the engineering college at Texas A&M from day one. We are committed to supporting these students throughout their academic program, which will result in a degree from one of the premier engineering colleges in the nation.”

What is the danger?

Fireworks are an Independence Day tradition. However, they can also be extremely dangerous, causing severe burns, eye injuries and even death.

What you should do:

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them. In the City of Houston and other parts of Harris County, fireworks are illegal and users can face legal consequences.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Where you can learn more?

Harris County Fire Marshal

Houston Fire Department

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Billy Edward Bruton
1930-2015

Billy Edward Bruton, 85 passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Billy was born January 16, 1930, in Waco to Jesse and Agnes Bruton. He was second youngest of five children. The family moved to Katy where he resided until the age of 15 when entered the U. S. Navy and was a member of the Veterans of Underage Military service.
In January of 2001 he was presented with his High School Diploma by Dr. Leonard Merrell and Katy High School Principal Robert Blankenship, fulfilling a long time desire. He now returns to Magnolia Cemetery where he joins his parents and twin babies. He was a long time member of the Richland Hills Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Bruton, two sons; two daughters; and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorials: Richland Hills Baptist Church Choir or Veterans of Underage Military Service, 106 Sarah Court, Lewisberry, PA., 17339.

Harvest Plaza 5701 Third Street – Downtown Katy 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Join us for a family fun-filled evening watching the adventurous TriStar motion picture: Hook! When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan (Robin Williams) must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.
Bring your favorite little Pirates, Tinkerbells and Lost Boys, along with your picnic baskets and lawn chairs, and set up for a picnic in the park and a movie under the stars. Free popcorn will be provided.
The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. to allow for guests to get set up. We’ll have some games and prizes for the crowd and start the movie right around “dark-thirty” (8:30 p.m.)

Earl Smith Honored for Significant, Long-lasting Contributions to the Optometric Profession

Longtime College of Optometry faculty member and University of Houston administrator Earl L. Smith III, O.D., is a member of an elite group of optometrists who has been selected for the prestigious National Optometry Hall of Fame.

Since 1998, the National Optometry Hall of Fame has recognized and honored optometrists who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the optometric profession. Smith was inducted with two others – Paul C. Ajamian, O.D., and Kenji Hamada, O.D., – at a ceremony and reception June 25 during the American Optometric Association (AOA) Optometry’s Meeting held June 24-28, at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington. The Hall of Fame is administered by Optometry Cares, a philanthropic and charitable organization committed to expanding eye health and vision care access to everyone in the U.S. to enhance human performance and quality of life.

Inductees are chosen for their national stature, significant and enduring impact on the profession, scholastic accomplishments, state and national leadership contributions, and community service. President of Optometry Cares, T. Joel Byars, O.D., and the selection committee chair, William E. Cochran, O.D., wrote in a joint letter, “It is no small achievement to be selected for this national honor. The dedication and commitment to your students, your community and the profession of optometry as a whole are evident by an impressive collection of activities and responsibilities you have held throughout your career. Our profession is fortunate to be represented by luminaries like you.”

Smith received both his Doctor of Optometry and Ph.D. from UH and joined the College of Optometry faculty in 1978. During his tenure at the college, he has served as the chair of the Basic Sciences Department, the associate dean for Graduate Studies and Research and as dean from 2003 to 2013. Smith, who also holds the endowed Greeman-Petty Professorship in Vision Development, currently serves as the interim chief health officer of UH.

In his role as chief health officer, he leads the University’s efforts to develop and implement the strategic plan of the UH Health initiative, as well as launch the new UH Health Sciences Center. He has been steadily spearheading the effort to expand the University’s health-related portfolio by enhancing existing programs and bringing in new ones, as well as creating new clinical services that not only benefit the university, but also serve the community. The hub for this new frontier will be the Health and Biomedical Sciences Building Two, a new nine-story, 280,000-square-foot facility, interconnected with the J. Davis Armistead Building, which is home to the University Eye Institute and much of the College of Optometry, and the Health and Biomedical Sciences Building One.

Smith’s research interests are focused on the optics of the eye. For his research on the role of vision in regulating refractive development and eye growth, he received the Glenn Fry Award in 1996 and the Prentice Medal in 2010 from the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), the Korb Award for Excellence from the Contact Lens and Cornea Section of the AOA in 2011, and was recognized as a Distinguished Scholar and Fellow by the National Academy of Practice in Optometry.

Smith has published more than 180 refereed papers and received 33 years of research funding from the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Eye Institute (NEI). He also is an accomplished lecturer, having received teaching awards at the department, college and university levels.

An active member of the vision science community, Smith is a fellow of the AAO, a fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, a past president of the American Optometric Foundation, a past president of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, a past member and chair of the NIH NEI’s Central Visual Processing Study Section, a past member of NIH’s National Advisory Eye Council, and currently serves as a director on the boards of the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research and the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research.

For his accomplishments in teaching and his impact on the profession of optometry, Smith was presented with the Educator of the Year award in 2003 and Optometrist of the Year award in 2009 by the Texas Optometric Association. Smith is the first active UH faculty member to be inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame. Former College of Optometry dean William R. Baldwin, O.D., who worked at UH for 11 years, from 1979 to 1990, was a 2011 inductee.