Get help on your electricity bill during the summer for qualified individuals

REDUCE YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
DURING THE SIZZLING SUMMER MONTHS!

As the summer heat sizzles here in Houston and throughout Texas, residents will once again see spikes in their electric bills. It is extremely important that consumers who qualify for the LITE-UP Texas electric discount program to immediately seek enrollment and begin to get your 17% discount on your electric bill during the summer months.

The LITE-UP Texas program is designed to help qualified low-income individuals reduce the monthly cost of electric service by up to 17%. The program provides discounts to eligible customers during the months of May to September of each year. A customer qualifies for the discount if they are currently receiving Medicaid and Food Stamps. If you are not in one of the qualified programs listed above, you can still qualify for the discount if your household income is at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. You can sign up for the program through the Public Utilities Commission website at: https://www.liteuptexas.org/NewForm/ or by calling 1-888-782-8477.

Have a Happy "Juneteenth" June 19, 2010

The preservation of history is of paramount importance. As facilitators of history it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the correct history is told. Too often historical details remain untold which tends to distort the perspective, vision, or view of that particular moment in history. As you cannot leave slavery out of the Civil War, the Japanese out of the detainment camps, the Indians out of the Battle of Little Bighorn, and the Jews out of the Holocaust, we must not leave out the details surrounding the only holiday that commemorates the freedom of slaves in this country.

We ask that as you present information concerning Juneteenth please do not leave out two (2) very important facts:

Texas was the 1st state to declare Juneteenth a state holiday.
The legislation to make Juneteenth a holiday was written and sponsored by State Representative Al Edwards of District 146.

Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves on January 1, 1863. Two years later on June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger at Ashton Villa in Galveston, TX informed slaves that they were freed by the order of the Emancipation Proclamation. The former slaves marked that day as a day of celebration and coined the phrase “Juneteenth.” Although African-Americans continued to unofficially celebrate this event, it was not until 1979 that State Representative Al Edwards pushed through legislation to make it a state holiday. Too often these details are left out which then leaves the impression that Abraham Lincoln and Gen. Granger created Juneteenth, when in fact, the former slaves created the celebration and State Representative Al Edwards with HB 1016 established it as an official state holiday.

Please help us to preserve Texas history by passing this information on. We thank you in advance for your attention and support of these details. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to meet with State Rep. Al Edwards please call 713- 741-8800.

Sincerely,
Al Edwards

Juneteenth USA
P.O. Box 321473
Houston, TX 77021

Al Edwards' 31st Annual Juneteenth Gospel Gala & Emancipator's Award: Father's Day Celebration

Call to request your tickets now! 713.741.8800

HAPPY JUNETEENTH 2010



Dear Friends and Neighbors,

June 19, 2010 marks the annual celebration of Juneteenth! This Juneteenth is the 31st anniversary of Emancipation Day or Juneteenth becoming a state holiday in Texas as a result of legislation authored by Rep. Al Edwards. This year also signals the 145 years since General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 in Galveston, TX in 1865 guaranteeing the emancipation of the slaves. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. At a time when some people seek to re-write our history for harmful political purposes, it is more important than ever to celebrate and remember the history of our nation.

I'm urging everyone to participate in the many area Juneteenth events across the city and nation.
Here are just a few of the events:

Join the many celebrations in the Houston-area and beyond, including in Galveston, where on Saturday, June 19th at 8:30 a.m. there will be a recitation of General Order No. 3 and H.B. 1016 authored by Rep. Edwards which created the holiday, a prayer vigil, thanksgiving service, and free breakfast at the historic Ashton Villa located at 2328 Broadway in Galveston, TX.

Also in Temple, TX on Saturday, June 19th at 10 a.m. there will be a Juneteenth Parade and Festival at Ferguson Park & 24th Street. For more information contact Mr. Willie Floyd at 254.773.1448.

In addition, various Juneteenth events will take place in San Antonio under the guidance of Byron Miller. More information is available at http://www.juneteenthsanantonio.com/events.html.

And make sure to join us for the highly anticipated grand finale, the Al Edwards' Emancipator Awards and Gospel Gala honoring the late gospel artist Shirley Joiner and all Father's, their families and friends, who can receive invitations free of charge. The event will be on June 20th, Father's Day at 5pm in Jones Hall in Downtown Houston. Featuring Dr. Bobby Jones of BET with a special presentation by Yolanda Adams, and many more. This event is invitation only, dress is semi-formal, no children under 10 years old. For more information, call 713.741.8800.

For additional ticket invitations you must make your requests early, please contact 713.741.8800.

Nominees for 2010 Al Edwards' Emancipator Awards include Maxie Sanford, Rev. Rugley Monroe Jr., and Honorable Betty Brock Bell.

Some of the noted performers include Sister Risé Joiner-Peters, Kathy Taylor, Sister Theola Booker & the Southeast Mass Choir, V. Michael McKay, Esprit Hunter, Endurance, GMWA-Houston Chapter, and many more.

Happy Juneteenth!

REP. AL EDWARDS NAMED CHAIR OF SUBCOMMITTEE TO STUDY BORDER SECURITY EFFECTIVENESS & FUNDING

CONTINUES IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE WORK

State Representative Al Edwards has been named Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Homeland Security Funds. The committee is responsible with evaluating the amount and effectiveness of Texas border funding. In the 2010-11 Budget, the Legislature has allocated over $120 million to enhance border security and stop the violence, crime and gang activity from coming into Texas. As you may be aware, Texas has seen an intolerable increase in violent crime along our border as drug violence has escalated. As a member of the House Appropriations and the Defense & Veterans' Affairs Committees, Rep. Edwards commands an extremely important position in making sure that our borders are protected in the most effective manner possible to keep the people of Texas safe. Being entrusted with such an prestigious role continues to show just how highly regarded and effective the leadership values Rep. Edwards. The first committee hearing will convene on May 11, 2010 in Room E1.030 of the State Capitol Building in Austin.

New Appliance Rebate Program

Representative Al Edwards Announces Appliance Rebate Program
Encourages locals to trade in their old appliances for new energy-efficient models

(April 5, 2010) – Today State Representative Al Edwards took time to inform locals about the upcoming Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program. From April 16-25, Texas residents who participate in the program and replace an old appliance with a new, energy-efficient model will receive a rebate based on the type and model of the appliance. Interested citizens are encouraged to reserve their spot by signing up on April 7th at www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org or via phone at (877) 780-3039.

"If you need to replace an old refrigerator or dishwasher or even a major appliance like a central air conditioner, now is a great time," said Representative Edwards. "If you participate in the Trade Up Program, you can get an energy-efficient model and a large rebate. It's win-win."
The Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program is paid for by the federal stimulus fund and aims to stimulate the economy and increase energy conservation in Texas. Texas Trade Up rebates will be offered for eight eligible appliance categories: central air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, air-source heat pumps, hot water heaters, refrigerators, and room air conditioners.

"It is the first program of its kind in our state," said XX. "It's going to be popular, so you need to call in on April 7th to reserve your spot."

More information about the program can be found at http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/ or by calling Representative Edwards's office at 512.463.0518.

Al Edwards' District 146- Annual Barbeque & Get Out To Vote Rally

You're invited to attend

State Representative Al Edwards' & District 146

Fight Against, Violence, AIDS, & Get Out to Vote Rally

February 27, 2010

From: 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.

Location: Best Motor Company, 3356 Old Spanish Trail (off 288)

Come join us! While you are enjoying the festivities pick up campaign material, yard signs, and find your voting location. Come and meet some of our dignitaries. Please make plans to be there.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Vote to Re-Elect Al Edwards as State Representative for District 146

Rep. Edwards Honored by Texas Police Chief's Association for Legislative Leadership

On Tuesday, February 9th, Rep. Al Edwards received a coveted award in Houston from the Texas Police Chief's Association.

The award for "Outstanding Contributions to Law Enforcement during the 81st Legislative Session" was based on Edwards legislative commitment and achievement in passing legislation, HB 2153, during the recent session. His bill, HB 2153, now protects the community against sex offenders who try to game the system and claim they are homeless (so police can't keep track of their location) by requiring them to physically check-in every 30 days to law enforcement and tell their whereabouts.

The award was presented at the well-attended Baptist Ministers Association of Houston weekly meeting at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church. Members of the Houston Police Department and the Texas Police Chief's Association members of surrounding areas were on hand to present the award. Rep. Edwards expressed his appreciation for the honor of being chosen as a recipient of the award and stressed that he would continue to work with law enforcement on sensible efforts to reduce crime and on getting more officers on the street to protect the community.