Wednesday, December 30, 2009

REP. AL EDWARDS FILES FOR RE-ELECTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 30, 2009


REP. AL EDWARDS SEEKS RE-ELECTION TO DISTRICT 146 SEAT

Houston, TX-- As expected, Representative Al Edwards formally announced today that he will be seeking re-election in 2010. After a productive legislative session, Al Edwards hopes to continue representing House District 146.

In his bid for re-election, Representative Edwards emphasizes his community involvement and significant accomplishments from the recent legislative session. His accomplishments include successfully authoring 4 bills which became law, as well as sponsoring and joint/co-authoring an additional 27 bills into law; collectively totaling 31 successful pieces of legislation becoming law out of the more than 99 bills with which he was directly involved, and cast over 1,700 votes for-or-against legislation.

Among many of Representative Edwards’ accomplishments is passing legislation to encourage additional primary care physicians in urban and rural areas, voted to establish the Holocaust Commission, and H.B. 2153, which requires homeless sex offenders to physically check in to law enforcement agencies. He also passed H.B. 3206 which ensures that industrial companies pay their fair share of taxes on pollution control equipment and the creation of a management district to encourage job growth in District 146 near the Astrodome.

Edwards played a role in many important issues this session that include authoring legislation which provided the necessary funding for 2010 small business tax cuts; supporting property tax exemptions for disabled veterans; also pay raises for teachers; joining efforts to establish a future pathway for University of Houston as a Tier One University; and successfully obtained additional funding for Houston area colleges and universities.

"When re-elected, I'll continue working diligently to represent the views of my constituents in Austin and work effectively to improve our area and the state as a whole," said State Representative Al Edwards. "I am returning to Austin as an ongoing advocate for the constituents of District 146. Seniority is useful in the Texas House of Representatives, and I am number three out of 150 members in seniority."

Al Edwards focuses on increasing access to affordable health care, enhancing public safety, and helping small businesses with job growth and development. He currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee, the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Defense & Veterans' Affairs and Rules & Resolutions Committees, and is a member of the House Democratic Caucus. He has represented District 146 for 15 sessions and is third highest ranking in seniority in the Texas House of Representatives. As a very attentive legislator, Edwards has never used a sick day in his 29 years of the legislature, having a perfect attendance record while doing the people's work.

Representative Edwards who received the Legislative Champion Award from the Texas Association of Community Health Centers for his role in the passage of H.B. 2154 this past session, has recently received the endorsements of Rev. S.J. Gilbert, Sr., President of the Houston Metropolitan Ministers Association, the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston, the Southside Ministers Association of Houston, and such notable community leaders as Rev. William “Bill” Lawson, Dr. D.Z. Cofield, Rev. J.J. Roberson, Rev. James Nash, Rev. T.R. Williams, Rev. Terry Anderson, Rev. Jimmie Dixon, Rev. Lamon Atkins, Rev. Rugley Monroe , Rev. F.N. Williams, Sr., Black American Voters, the CWA Union Local 6222 of Houston and many more.
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Monday, December 28, 2009

Al Edwards "Watchman on the Wall" Capitol Report & Legislative Update on KCOH 1430 AM on December 29th

State Representative Al Edwards
"Watchman on the Wall"

Dear Friends in the Community,

I would like to invite you all to listen and participate in my weekly radio program on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The next Al Edwards Capitol Report and Legislative Update will air on Tuesday, December 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The program will now run every Tuesday morning at the same time slot, and it will cover the issues that impact you the most; including the hot topics, issues of interest from the State Legislature, and important local community issues just to name a few.

On the program we will touch on the recent Legislative session, including some of the bills that passed and some that did not pass.

So please tune in to KCOH Radio 1430 AM or listen on the internet at:
Listen live to KCOH

Tuesday, December 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for an enlightening time you won't want to miss! And make sure you pass on the word!

Don't forget, we will have open lines so please feel free to call in to 713.526.1430.

Best Wishes,
Al Edwards

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to All

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope that family and friends alike were able to enjoy this special day!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Rep. Al Edwards "Holiday Luncheon & Legislative Update" A Successful Affair

On December 19, 2009, State Representative Al Edwards hosted his 32nd Annual Holiday Luncheon & Legislative Update for District 146. The well attended and well received event was held at Wyatt's Cafeteria on Griggs Road. The capacity-sized crowd filled Wyatt's leaving not an empty seat in the house. Residents were treated to a free turkey dinner with all the fixings, had many chances to receive free gifts in multiple raffles, and received an informative legislative update on many of the important statewide issues that passed this legislative session. Many key community leaders were in attendance, as well as fellow local officials attended including Congressman Al Green, State Representative Sylvester Turner & Judge Robert Hinojosa to help impart important messages to the attendees. The attendees were exceptionally entertained with virtually none leaving the riveting event early. Residents had a chance to converse one-on-one with State Representative Al Edwards afterwards and were happy to have shared some Holiday season cheer with fellow residents of District 146.

One resident's take on the event can be found at:
Edwards Holiday Luncheon 2009
Courtesy of Craig Anthony Thomas of Webcatz Studioz

Monday, December 21, 2009

Utility Assistance/Weatherization Assistance Program Information

UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION

IF YOU LIVE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND MEET THE FEDERAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME GUIDELINES FOR 200% OF POVERTY LEVEL AND BELOW, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR UTILITY BILLS.

In Harris County, this service is administered by Sheltering Arms Senior Services. This federally funded Utility Assistance Program assists low-income seniors (60+), families with young children, and the disabled, with the payment of gas and electricity bills, when funding is available. Recipients of these funds must qualify by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ minimum income standards of 200% of poverty level or below. Sheltering Arms Senior Services also administers weatherization assistance. If you are interested in weatherization services, you will need to follow the utility assistance application process.
For additional information, go to the following Web sites and links.

Sheltering Arms Senior Services programs available:
http://www.shelteringarms.org

General information about Texas utility assistance and weatherization programs available outside Harris County:
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us

A listing of Texas utility assistance program providers in your area can be found at the above website here:
Energy Program Providers
A listing of Texas weatherization assistance program providers in your area:
Weatherization Assistance Providers


NOTE: Appointments for assistance will begin in late February, 2010. Please check the Sheltering Arms Website for more information on 2010 enrollment opportunities.

To Apply for Utility Assistance
1. The first step in the application process is to call United Way's Helpline at 2-1-1. If your phone service cannot access 2-1-1, call United Way at 713-957-4357.

2. The 2-1-1 staff will let you know what outreach site in the community you need to visit to complete your application. You can also look up your site online, according to your home zip code.

3. Call the application site phone number received from the United Way's 2-1-1, to make an appointment. This application site is for your geographic area.

4. Please be sure to bring these required items to your appointment:
• Recent copies of your gas and electric utility bills and/or disconnect notices (disconnect notices are only needed for the Disconnect Notice Program).
• Copy of applicant's Photo I.D.
• Proof of household income for the last 30 days, such as recent payroll stubs or documentation of Social Security, Social Security disability benefits, Unemployment Insurance, Pension Funds, etc.
• Copy of social security cards, birth certificates, and/or shot records for all household members.


Please be sure to bring copies of these required items. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of your appointment.

IF YOUR NEED IS AN EMERGENCY due to the heat crisis, current disconnect notice and/or no working air conditioning unit or a doctor's notice stating that living without an air conditioner is life threatening, please call Sheltering Arms at 713-956-7456. This number is only for emergencies.



GREAT PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR WEATHERIZATION SERVICE CONTRACTORS

Independent Contractor for Weatherization Work
Independent Contractor for HVAC Work

The formal posting and bid solicitation for contractors will begin mid-January, 2010

Please check the Sheltering Arms web site at http://www.shelteringarms.org for updates.

To receive formal notification of the process, send a letter with your name, company name, address, and request for a Weatherization or HVAC bid package to:
Sheltering Arms
Contractor Bid Notification
3838 Aberdeen Way
Houston, TX 77025

Al Edwards "Watchman on the Wall" Capitol Report & Legislative Update on KCOH 1430 AM on December 22nd

State Representative Al Edwards
"Watchman on the Wall"

Dear Friends in the Community,

I would like to invite you all to listen and participate in my weekly radio program on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The next Al Edwards Capitol Report and Legislative Update will air on December 22nd from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The program will now run every Tuesday morning at the same time slot, and it will cover the issues that impact you the most; including the hot topics, issues of interest from the State Legislature, and important local community issues just to name a few.

On the program we will touch on the recent Legislative session, including some of the bills that passed and some that did not pass.

So please tune in to KCOH Radio 1430 AM or listen on the internet at:
Listen live to KCOH

Tuesday, December 22nd from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for an enlightening time you won't want to miss! And make sure you pass on the word!

Don't forget, we will have open lines so please feel free to call in to 713.526.1430.

Best Wishes,
Al Edwards

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Al Edwards "Watchman on the Wall" Capitol Report & Legislative Update on KCOH 1430 AM on December 15th

State Representative Al Edwards
"Watchman on the Wall"

Dear Friends in the Community,

I would like to invite you all to listen and participate in my weekly radio program on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The next Al Edwards Capitol Report and Legislative Update will air on December 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The program will now run every Tuesday morning at the same time slot, and it will cover the issues that impact you the most; including the hot topics, issues of interest from the State Legislature, and important local community issues just to name a few.

On the program we will touch on the recent Legislative session, including some of the bills that passed and some that did not pass.

So please tune in to KCOH Radio 1430 AM or listen on the internet at:
Listen Live to KCOH online

Tuesday, December 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for an enlightening time you won't want to miss! And make sure you pass on the word!

Don't forget, we will have open lines so please feel free to call in to 713.526.1430.

Best Wishes,
Al Edwards

Monday, December 7, 2009

Al Edwards "Watchman on the Wall" Capitol Report & Legislative Update on KCOH 1430 AM on December 8th

State Representative Al Edwards
"Watchman on the Wall"

Dear Friends in the Community,

I would like to invite you all to listen and participate in my weekly radio program on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The next Al Edwards Capitol Report and Legislative Update will air on December 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The program will now run every Tuesday morning at the same time slot, and it will cover the issues that impact you the most; including the hot topics, issues of interest from the State Legislature, and important local community issues just to name a few.

On the program we will touch on the recent Legislative session, including some of the bills that passed and some that did not pass.

So please tune in to KCOH Radio 1430 AM or listen on the internet at:
Listen Live to KCOH online

Tuesday, December 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for an enlightening time you won't want to miss! And make sure you pass on the word!

Don't forget, we will have open lines so please feel free to call in to 713.526.1430.

Best Wishes,
Al Edwards