Smart Meter Opt-Out: Are We There Yet?

Janice Cookston WeTexans.com Archives originally http://wetexans.com/smart-meter-opt-out-are-we-there-yet/ =================================================================== UPDATE: While both pieces of opt-out legislation failed this past legislative session, the PUC has since created a rule that allows electric customers in areas with retail competition to choose a non-standard meter as long as the customer pays for all costs associated with non-standard meter use. Charges will include a one-time fee and a recurring monthly fee. Customers who want to comment on the proposed charges (which are different for each Transmission and Distribution … Continue reading

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Proposition Opposition

With all the recent focus on the government shutdown, many will miss the fact that there is also an election just days away, early voting starts Monday and will run through Friday, November 1.  Texas voters will decide on nine amendments to the Texas Constitution.  View a sample ballot here  The Texas Constitution is a large and complex document because it is rare that constitutional amendments fail at the ballot box. With this in mind it is important to … Continue reading

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Nix Prop 6: Public drain for private gain

Author: Terry Hall From the Archives for We Texans originally wetexans.com/nix-prop-6-public-drain-for-private-gain/ ========================================================== Rural water raid to benefit developers, not average Texan Have you ever had a kid ask for seconds during a meal before he’s even finished what’s on his plate? Well, that’s what the Texas Legislature is asking of voters with Proposition 6 on November 5. Lawmakers want Texans to pass this constitutional amendment to approve more funding for water projects. A similar measure narrowly passed in November 2011 for a $6 billion revolving fund to loan money to local government entities for water infrastructure, outside constitutional debt limitations. Now in 2013, the Texas Legislature is asking voters for permission to raid $2 billion from the state’s emergency fund, known as the Rainy Day Fund, to assist local agencies of government in funding water projects from the state’s water plan.

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Sovereignty and Responsibility

On Tuesday, June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down section 4 of the Voter Rights Act of 1965. This new ruling rightly restores the responsibility for protecting the right to vote on several states that were previously required to have federal oversight of their election laws. This ruling is a victory for state sovereignty, but with sovereignty comes responsibility. Which begs the question, is Texas ready and willing to accept that responsibility? Every ten … Continue reading

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No Rest for the Weary Landowners and Their Advocates

As the Texas Tribune reported, we’ve started the ball rolling AGAIN asking for interim studies and public hearings on common carrier pipelines and eminent domain abuse in our state. We knew public input (pulling wisdom from the minds of men and women) would be an important element in the search for solutions to protecting private property and water while providing fertile ground for oil and gas development. There was ONE and only ONE public hearing … Continue reading

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CATALYST 730: Capitol Training Day

Janice Cookston WeTexans.com Archives originally http://wetexans.com/catalyst730/ =================================== DATE: December 8, 2012 LOCATION: Texas Capitol – Austin TIME: 10:30a – 4:30p Together with Texans for Accountable Government, we proudly present our first annual Catalyst 730: Capitol Training Day, a full day of educational sessions, discussion and dialogue designed to teach you everything you need to know to take an active role in Texas’ legislative process. What’s in a name? cat·a·lyst [kat-l-ist] something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without … Continue reading

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Railroad Commission Favoring Pipelines Over Land Owners

“Only one candidate for Railroad Commissioner has the proven experience and ability to lead the agency and protect private property rights.” That is the opening line from one of Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman’s re-election radio ads (emphasis added). The problem, at least from my perspective as an engaged citizen who has fought to protect private property rights in Texas for years, is that Mr. Smitherman has not lifted a finger to protect property from eminent … Continue reading

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Meet the Candidates Event in Lawton Oklahoma – RJ Harris campaign videos

Debra Medina, former candidate for Governor in Texas, speaks on behalf of RJ Harris - see video below Howard Houchen, candidate for congress in OK-CD02, makes surprise endorsement for RJ Harris at the event - see video below Two videos are from the "Meet the Candidate" event in Lawton Oklahoma on Saturday July 10th.

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Looming Questions: The Race for Governor of Texas

To what degree will you fight for there to be arable land in Texas that has... ...No property tax and no possibility that it can be forced onto you by vote? ...No possibility of the government taking your land? ...No possibility of the government forcing you to vacate your home?

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