Action Update - Issue 76 :: August 6, 2006
Turn Back The Clock On Privatization?
Texas Public Policy Foundation
Hear this interview with Albert Hawkins, Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner.
In 2003 the Legislature directed the Health and Human Services Commission to bring greater efficiency to the processing of applications for state assistance. Specifically, the Commission was directed to utilize call centers and outsource the work, if true cost savings could be realized. The Commission last year signed a contract with Texas Access Alliance, a consortium of firms that would take over routine functions and data collection. This is one of the largest outsourcing projects in the state’s history. The contract began phasing in late last year, with the roll-out set to gradually cover the state. However, problems in the transition have stalled the planned implementation. Meanwhile, relentless criticism from advocates of big government have sought to derail the privatization effort altogether.
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TEXAS SIZED TAX REVOLT
AUGUST 16, 2006
Texas Association of Counties is using tax dollars to oppose taxpayer protections;
and now wants to silence taxpayers.
County Public Officials Don't Want You There!
Frustration with State Bar of Texas
American Tort Reform Association
Though it's been more than five years since the Texas Court of Appeals upheld a trial judge's order for San Antonio attorneys Robert Kugle, Andrew Toscano and Robert "Trey" Wilson to pay nearly $1 million in sanctions for their role in bringing a fraudulent product liability lawsuit that sought to extort $2 billion from DaimlerChrysler in 1998, Wilson has made no payments toward his share of the sanctions, and both he and Toscano continue to practice law.
It appeared that the federal government was poised to bring criminal charges when the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas asked state prosecutors not to pursue their own investigation, but no charges have been brought thus far. Kugle was disbarred and has fled the country with a fraudulently obtained fortune, but officials have taken no significant action against Toscano and Wilson who also engaged in what many believe to be felonious conduct -- including mail and wire fraud, perjury, subornation of perjury and obstruction of justice. Outrageously, the two continue to practice law.
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RECOMMENDED READING
"Taxpayers across the state are outraged. There are certainly
pockets of taxpayer
groups that are already forming to fight appraisal increases and to fight tax
increases," [Peggy Venable] said.
- Blowin' and Goin'
Texas has seized bragging rights as the No. 1 state in wind power-generation capacity, breezing past historic leader California.
From teachers and parents to school board members, people statewide eagerly await
the state ratings each year.
INFORMATION:
Janelle Shepard, Executive Director
Texans for Texas, Inc., 815-A Brazos St #384, Austin, TX 78701-9996.
© 2004 Texans For Texas, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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