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.

Come Join State Rep. Al Edwards for the District 146 Community Conference Workshop on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 10 AM

State Representative Al Edwards
Of District 146
Ranked 3rd in Seniority, in the Texas House of Representatives
A member of the House Appropriations Committee

Announces a

DISTRICT 146 COMMUNITY CONFERENCE WORKSHOP-

To Discuss Project Completion, New District Plans, Other Issues, Concerns and Possible Solutions

District 146 must establish an aggressive agenda for making decisions and taking quick action on the many pressing issues and concerns. We must act with needed urgency to resolve our problems.

Let’s have a serious inclusive discussion about the greatest district in Texas. Essentially this is a real opportunity to express yourself!

It’s your time to speak out!

Bring your issues, concerns and possible solutions to:

St. Paul Baptist Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. James Nash
8309 Brandon Street, Houston, TX 77051
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010, at 10:00 A.M.

For more information please call 713.741.8800


MacGREGOR PUBLICITY, EVENT PLANNERS, PUBLIC RELATIONS, CLIPPINGS BUREAU
“Creating & Promoting Positive Public Images”
3821 N. MacGregor Way, Houston, TX 77004, 713.527.9488, fax 714.942.7374

Don't Forget to Register To Vote! Deadline is Monday, February 1, 2010

The upcoming March 2, 2010 Primary Elections are almost upon us. Don't forget about these important upcoming dates:

February 1, 2010- Is the Last day to register to vote for the 2010 Primary
February 16, 2010- Is the first day of Early Voting for the 2010 Primary
February 23, 2010- Is the Last day to apply for a ballot by mail in 2010 Primary
February 26, 2010- Is the last day of Early Voting for the 2010 Primary

March 2, 2010- Is the Primary Election Day!

For more information, check out the following websites:
Harris County Voting Information
More Voting Info from the Texas Secretary of State's Office

Rep Edwards Earns Legislative Champion Award from TACHC

Rep. Al Edwards Earns Statewide "Legislative Champion Award" for his Doctor Shortage Legislation

Texas Association of Community Health Centers honors
the Houston lawmaker with its Legislative Champion Award

Houston, TX – Houston’s Central Care Community Health Center has honored State Rep. Al Edwards (D-Houston) for the historic Physician Loan Repayment Program measure he authored in the Texas Legislature during the past Session.

Rep. Edwards was presented the Legislative Champion Award by the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) for his work during the 81st Texas Legislature.

The program he passed is designed to bring physicians to medically underserved areas of the state and also to provide a cut in the franchise tax for at least 40,000 small businesses in Texas. The measure emerged as one of the centerpiece bills of the 2009 legislative session.

“Physicians and health centers consider this new program to be the most significant legislation to pass in decades because of its potential to bring basic medical care to millions of Texans in the inner cities and rural areas of our state,” said TACHC Executive Director José E. Camacho. “Texans for years should know it was the dedication and tireless work of state Rep. Al Edwards that made Texas a healthier, more prosperous state.”

The legislation Rep. Al Edwards authored creates an enhanced physician loan repayment program. It will be available to primary care physicians who agree to practice in underserved areas of the state and will assist in paying off student loans amassed during medical school training. Medical school graduates carry a debt as high as $160,000 in student loans.

“The legislation was carefully crafted by Rep. Edwards to solve a very real problem in Houston. This is an incredibly important measure, and our health center is deeply indebted to Rep. Edwards for his leadership,” said Anganette Young, Executive Director of Central Care Community Health Center. “The impact of this program will truly be seen and felt in Houston.” In fact, portions of District 146, South of 610 in Sunnyside & South Park have the highest rate of doctor shortages in all of Harris County.

The Physician Loan Repayment Program is expected to bring up to 900 new doctors to urban and rural areas.

The proposal made it through an extremely challenging legislative session. In its final version, House Bill 2154 ultimately won overwhelming support in the Texas House and Senate. In June, Governor Rick Perry formally signed the physician loan repayment bill into law. The legislation became effective Sept. 1, 2009.

More than half of Texas counties are in need of primary care physicians. In 2008, 26 Texas counties had no primary care physician. More than 110 Texas counties – rural and urban – have been designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, meaning those counties do not meet a minimum national threshold of one physician for every 3,500 people.

About the TACHC
The Texas Association of Community Health Centers is a private, non-profit membership association that represents safety-net health care providers in Texas. Association members include Community and Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless Grantees, Public Housing Primary Care Grantees, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Grantees, Health Center Networks and other providers who strive to meet the health care needs of the uninsured and underserved. TACHC serves as the primary care association for the state of Texas.

Rep Al Edwards' Successful Legislation from the 81st Session

State Representative Al Edwards

Legislative Accomplishments
A recap of his successes from the 81st Legislative Session

31 Successful pieces of Legislation, Out of 99 Pieces with which he was involved

Authored Legislation by Rep. Edwards which became law in 81st Legislative Session:

HB 2154- Bringing Doctors to Needy Communities- This historic piece of legislation provides significant loan repayment assistance to Primary Care Physicians who agree to practice in underserved and needy areas. In fact areas of District 146, including Sunnyside & South Park and the Central Care Community Health Center, are designated as underserved areas, which is why I fought so strongly for this legislation. This bill will help underserved areas and Community Health Centers to attract doctors to serve in the area, thereby leading to better health care access for the most needy residents of our area. Also, this historic bill provided the funding for small business tax cuts for those with revenues up to $1 million.

HB 2153- Homeless Sex Offender Registration- Another key piece of legislation, I passed HB 2153 to help protect our children from the horrors of sex offenders. This bill closes a loophole in the sex offender registration laws which previously did not allow for the tracking of sex offenders who claimed to be "homeless". Our police had no way to know where these sex offenders were. With the passage of this bill, a sex offender who claims to be "homeless" would be required to physically check-in to law enforcement authorities where they are located at least once every 30 days and give a description of the location or area in which they are staying. This new piece of legislation will significantly help law enforcement to protect citizens from sex offenders.

HB 3206- Pollution Control Tax Credits- This successful bill establishes a framework for industrial companies to apply for and receive pollution control equipment tax credits on a fair and equitable basis. The bill sets up a TCEQ regulator-driven formal application process to ensure that evaluation methods for the tax credit applications is based on the actual pollution control usage of the equipment in question. This will stop industrial companies for receiving tax breaks on equipment that is used to make profits and not control pollution, which has been costing our school districts, counties, and even homeowners by not requiring these companies to pay their fair share.

HB 4777- Which creates a new management district in District 146 that will beautify the community and bring about job development South of the 610/Astrodome area which will brings thousands of jobs and homes to District 146.

Sponsored Legislation by Rep. Edwards which became law in 81st Session:

SB 1377- Crime Victim Fund Solvency- I sponsored this successful piece of legislation which is designed to ensure that the Crime Victims Compensation Fund remains a solvent source of funds to provide victims of crime financial assistance to help get their lives back in order. This bill provides a mechanism so that 50% of year-end balance funds greater than $5 million which accumulate in the Crime Victims Compensation Auxiliary Fund are automatically directed to the main Crime Victims Compensation Fund. This great bill will ensure that payments to victims for costs incurred as a result of a crime committed such as medical bills or counseling are available to be made. In recent years the Crime Victims Compensation Fund had been in danger of insolvency, with this bill's passage in the future this will no longer be the case.

SB 1206- Helping Good Prisoners Get Out (Bill vetoed by Gov. Perry)
I also sponsored this necessary piece of legislation to reduce the delays for the processing of parole for incarcerated persons. This bill only affects inmates who had been granted parole contingent upon completion of a rehabilitation program. Offenders were completing all their necessary programs and requirements needed to be released, however they were doing so earlier than their estimated completion date. The delays in releasing these offenders for parole limited bed capacity and causing a back log in the system producing further unnecessary expenses. The bill, as passed, allows a range of dates to release these offenders only once they've completed their approved rehabilitation program, in a range of time which is 15 to 45 days prior to the established target completion date. This streamlining process will help save the state $13.5 million over the next two years.


Rep. Edwards' Joint-Authored Legislation which became law in the 81st Session:

HB 67/ SB 487- Creating a health insurance buy-in for parents with children with mental development disabilities.

HB 200- Streamlining continuing education requirements for public school principals.

HB 610- Establishing the Legislative Committee on Aging, which will study issues affecting the elderly population in Texas and make recommendations to the Legislature on how to provide a better quality of life for our seniors.

HB 968- Regulating the use of crossbows for hunting.

HB 1637- Which clarified the normal weekly hours of work under the shared work unemployment compensation program to ensure that benefits are available for those in need.

HB 1830- Which created a streamlined and efficient structure for information technology security practices amongst State Agencies.

HB 1831- Revising and establishing new disaster preparedness & emergency management practices.

HB 2242- Abolishes the Texas cultural endowment fund and transfers the balance to the Texas Commission for the Arts.

HB 2729- Relating to payment of certain judgments against the State of Texas.

HB 2806- Relating to the reinstatement of a firefighter or police officer to a previously held position based on seniority on the return of another firefighter or police officer from a military leave of absence.

HB 3226- Relating to the payment of temporary housing costs for certain individuals who are released or are eligible for release on parole or to mandatory supervision.

HB 3857- Relating to foreclosure of liens on real property and certain personal property owned by members or dependents of the military; providing a criminal penalty.

Co-Authored Legislation by Rep. Edwards which became law in the 81st Session:

HB 3- Reforming the public school educational system's accountability, curriculum, and promotion requirements.

HB 38/SB 297- Provides in-state college tuition to veterans whose residence is outside of Texas.

HB 51- Establishes a pathway for additional Tier 1 colleges & universities in Texas, including the University of Houston.

HB 394- Allows small businesses with less than 250 employees to become eligible for funding opportunities from the Texas Enterprise Fund.

HB 795/SB 482- Establishes the Texas Holocaust & Genocide Commission.

HB 873- Provides incentives for film, television, video, and digital interactive media production companies for filming in Texas.

HB 1310- Regulation of tanning facilities.

HB 1452- Enhances the eligibility for participation in job training and employment assistance programs by veterans in Texas.

HB 3097- Creates the Texas Dept of Motor Vehicles to streamline registration issues.

HB 3452- Establishes the Texas Armed Services Scholarship in Texas.

HB 3613- Provides property tax exemptions for disabled veterans.

HJR 39- Historic Civil Rights measure ratifying the Texas Constitution to prohibit use of poll taxes.

SB 455- Regulating the practice of dental assistants.

Don't forget to exercise your right that so many before us fought and died for, Register to vote!

The upcoming March 2, 2010 Primary Elections are almost upon us. Don't forget about these important upcoming dates:

February 1, 2010- Is the Last day to register to vote for the 2010 Primary
February 16, 2010- Is the first day of Early Voting for the 2010 Primary
February 23, 2010- Is the Last day to apply for a ballot by mail in 2010 Primary
February 26, 2010- Is the last day of Early Voting for the 2010 Primary

March 2, 2010- Is the Primary Election Day!

For more information, check out the following websites:
Harris County Voting Info
Even more information from the Texas Secretary of State's Office

Fighting Crime in the Houston Area

Recently, Rep. Al Edwards met with Houston Police Department & businesses to push for additional patrols and police presence in District 146 of Houston. In the meeting, Rep. Edwards stressed the importance of enhancing crime prevention and protection in his district, and along with local businesses offered new locations for police substation storefronts for HPD to operate out of. The business owners, Rep. Edwards and HPD discussed steps they could take to combat rising crime. It is extremely important for HPD and our local community to work together to stem the rise in area burglaries and thefts. This meeting and others in the future will hopefully produce tangible results as our community makes strides to make us safer.

Rep. Al Edwards joins with TDHCA to combat Homelessness in Houston area

STATE REP. AL EDWARDS & TEXAS DEPT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(January 4, 2010)

State housing agency rushing $5.7 million to help combat homelessness in Houston

(AUSTIN) — The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and State Representative Al Edwards announced on December 17, 2009, a $5.7 million award to the City of Houston to help transition homeless persons into rental housing and access services designed to enhance self-sufficiency, bringing greater stability to the lives these individuals and the communities in which they live.

The award is part of $13.2 million TDHCA awarded through the Homeless Housing and Services Program, a new state-funded initiative created by the 81st Texas Legislative session providing $20 million over two years to the state’s eight largest cities.

“Homelessness is a problem that impacts every community in the state, and it is imperative that we begin to reverse this trend and ensure our fellow Texans can access permanent housing,” said Representative Edwards in making the announcement. “This award is an excellent example of what the legislature envisioned when it approved these funds, and I am confident the city will be a good steward of these important dollars. I encourage TDHCA to continue its commitment to this program.”

“Whether the result of domestic violence, chemical dependency or the loss of a job, far too many residents of this great state have no permanent place to call home,” said TDHCA Executive Director Michael Gerber. “Homelessness robs the spirit and diminishes the quality of our society. The Department worked hard to rapidly move these funds to our local partners, where we expect to have a dramatic and positive impact on the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.”

The city will allocate its award to three subcontractors to administer: SEARCH, Saint Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities, and The Bread of Life. SEARCH will provide targeted services to clients in permanent housing, while Saint Luke’s will support a “train the trainer” case management system to address the needs of homeless Houstonians. The Bread of Life will use its portion of funding to support an existing drop-in center for shelter services to the homeless.

About The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is the state agency responsible for affordable housing, community services, energy assistance, colonia housing programs, and disaster recovery housing programs. It currently administers $2 billion through for-profit, nonprofit, and local government partnerships to deliver local housing and community-based opportunities and assistance to Texans in need.

For more information contact: Gordon Anderson, TDHCA 512.475.4743 or Jill McFarren, TDHCA 512.475.2844