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

Rep Al Edwards on People's Politics Comcast Channel 17 tonight at 8:30 p.m. Please tune in!

TONIGHT AT 8:30 P.M. LIVE ON COMCAST 17
PLEASE WATCH PEOPLE'S POLITICS WITH REP. AL EDWARDS
PLEASE PASS IT ON!

Please tune in tonight, Sept. 14th at 8:30 p.m. to
People's Politics with Special Guest Rep. Al Edwards
for an hour long informative legislative &
discussion of current affairs

Broadcast Live on Comcast 17, Phonoscope 75, AT&T Uverse 99 & TVMAX 95
Also live on the internet: Watch live on the internet

Al Edwards Capitol Report & Legislative Update on KCOH Radio 1430 AM

I would like to invite you all to listen and participate in the latest installment of my bi-weekly radio program on KCOH Radio 1430 AM tomorrow August 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

The Al Edwards Capitol Report and Legislative Update will air on this upcoming August 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on KCOH Radio 1430 AM with scheduled special guest Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston. The program will run every other 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, as well as, providing a recap on the recently concluded special session.

So please tune in to KCOH Radio 1430 AM or listen on the internet at: http://www.kcohradio.com/listenlive/default.asp beginning this Tuesday, August 25th 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!

Also I encourage you to call in to the show so that you can participate live on the air at 713.522.1001. The KCOH Studio is located at 5011 Almeda.

Best Wishes,
Al Edwards

Al Edwards Capitol Report & Legislative Update on KCOH Radio 1430 AM on August 11, 2009

Dear Friends in the Community,

I would like to invite you all to listen and participate in a new bi-weekly radio program I will be having on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The Al Edwards Capitol Report and Legislative Update will begin airing on this upcoming August 11th from 8:30 am to 9:00 am on KCOH Radio 1430 AM. The program will run every other 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. I am pleased to be joined by this week's guest, Rep Harold Dutton of Houston who will be dropping by the show.

We will continue to touch on the recent Legislative session, including some of the bills that passed and some that did not pass, as well as, providing a recap on the recently concluded special session.

So please tune in to KCOH Radio 1430 AM or listen on the internet at: http://www.kcohradio.com/listenlive/default.asp beginning this Tuesday, August 11th from 8:30 am to 9:00 am for an enlightening time you won't want to miss! And make sure you pass on the word!

Best Wishes!

Rep Al Edwards supports encouraging more primary care physicians to help solve the healthcare crisis

As the national debate over health care reaches a critical stage, State Rep. Al Edwards and the State of Texas have already taken strides in making one of President Obama's key objectives a reality. At a recent health care Town Hall meeting hosted by President Obama in North Carolina, President Obama touched on a largely unspoken but critical aspect to healthcare access that affects large portions of our population...the shortage of primary care physicians. Without access to primary care physicians and preventative healthcare many people unwisely let health issues escalate into danger zones, thereby stressing their health to limit, as well as their finances. Earlier this year, Rep. Edwards undertook efforts in addressing this issue by passing Doctor Shortage Loan Assistance Legislation- H.B. 2154 in the recent Texas legislative session.

ENTER H.B. 2154 by Rep. Al Edwards
Under H.B. 2154, Rep Al Edwards has taken a step towards helping the country's health care system on the state level and increasing the country's health as a whole by passing an enhancement of the Physician Loan Repayment Program. The bill will provide loan repayment assistance in an amount up to $160,000 in exchange for 4 years of service to primary care physicians who agree to serve in underserved areas of the state including inner cities and rural areas. This will help bring up to 900 new doctors to these urban and rural areas.

This bill is monumental because it precisely addresses the crisis at hand...medical students now face student loan debts sometimes in excess of $160,000 upon entering practice. Therefore the students end up choosing more highly paid specialties in order to pay off their debt. This bill will help pay off their debts in near totality for them, by simply having them commit to serve in doctor shortage areas, areas in dire need of doctors. This ends up being a win-win for both the doctors and the people in that area because now they are able to receive more of the critical preventive care which is the forte of primary care physicians.

Healthy lives are the cornerstone of communities and we all must do our part to make our lives better. Rep. Edwards has received awards across the state for his leadership and commitment to helping achieve these goals and continues to do his part to accomplish the goals set out by President Obama in improving healthcare.

For more information on the statewide attention that the issue of encouraging more primary care physicians has received, please see press coverage in the links below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHmqMJxzfQw


http://healthaccessfortexas.org/news-releases/texas-legislature-gives-final-approval-to-historic-doctor-shortage-bill/

http://www.tafp.org/news/newsReleases/09FPsApplaudRepEdwards.pdf

http://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=5460

http://www.connectamarillo.com/news/story.aspx?id=299277

http://www.texasinsider.org/?p=9109

http://healthaccessfortexas.org/news-releases/governor-perry-signs-historic-physician-loan-repayment-bill

http://www.amarillo.com/stories/052009/new_news14.shtml

http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/052009/sta_441884663.shtml

http://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=5463

http://www.mcdonaldpr.com/PDF%20Support/PR.5.29.Houston1.pdf

http://blogs.chron.com/fortbend/archives/rosenberg/

http://www.tafp.org/News/stories/09.06.01.1.asp

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/politics/entries/2009/05/26/tobacco_tax_bill_clears_senate.html

http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2009/06/29/story6.html

http://blogs.chron.com/fortbend/archives/81st_legislature/

http://www.hcms.org/Template.aspx?id=800

Rep Edwards wants University of Houston to become top tier university, Urges support of Tier One Constitutional Amendment in November

Rep Edwards, fellow co-authors and author Rep Branch on the House floor

As Co-author of HB 51, which passed this session and will provide a path forward for certain Texas universities to become top tier national universities, I support the expansion of Tier 1 Higher Education institutions in Texas. HB 51 will provide a path for University of Houston to become a Tier 1 university through increased research and funding opportunities, contingent upon passage of a constitutional amendment in November. Texas currently has only 3 Tier 1 institutions, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University. In order for Texas to stay competitive economically and educationally with the likes of New York & California, we must add more top tier institutions.

Al Edwards Capitol Report & Legislative Update on KCOH Radio 1430 AM

Dear Friends in the Community,

I would like to invite you all to listen and participate in a new bi-weekly radio program I will be having on KCOH Radio 1430 AM.

The Al Edwards Capitol Report and Legislative Update will begin airing on this upcoming July 28th from 8:30 am to 9:00 am on KCOH Radio 1430 AM . The program will run every other 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 first program we will touch on the recent Legislative session, including some of the bills that passed and some that did not pass, as well as, providing a recap on the recently concluded special session. I am also excited that we have scheduled Rep. Sylvester Turner to stop in for the show.

So please tune in to KCOH Radio 1430 AM or listen on the internet at: http://www.kcohradio.com/listenlive/default.asp beginning this Tuesday, July 28 from 8:30 am to 9:00 am for an enlightening time you won't want to miss! And make sure you pass on the word!


Best Wishes,
Al Edwards

Rep Edwards Town Hall Meeting- April 23, 2009

State Rep Edwards


TOWN HALL MEETING
District 146
REP. AL EDWARDS


Thursday, April 23, 2009
7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Jewish Community Center, Kaplan Theater
5601 South Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77096

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE:
1. Stimulus Package 6. Educational Issues
2. Legislative Update 7. Hurricane & Disaster Information
3. Insurance Policy Info 8. Criminal Justice
4. Property Taxes 9. Area Agency on Aging
5. Holocaust Commission Update

I appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you,
State Representative Al Edwards


For Information Contact:
Linda Pravda Horowitz 713.721.1488
Michael Stoll 713.444.1386

Please feel free to bring in your homeowners/auto insurance policy for TX Dept of Insurance review. Pass the Word to Your Neighbors and Your Friends! Take Care!

Rep Edwards Legislative Update

So far this session over 3,500 bills have been filed addressing a host of issues. There are many issues of focus this legislative session including:

DISASTER RESPONSE
• I've filed legislation that would establish comprehensive disaster response efforts by creating optional volunteer emergency response teams in each legislative district with the intent to enhance cooperation between authorities and residents and to assist in coordinating relief efforts to those in need.
• I've filed HB 443 to require nursing homes to have generators on site for back-up power in the event of a natural disaster and HB 441 to require gas stations to maintain a back-up power source in the event of a natural disaster as well.
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
• This session legislation has been filed to re-regulate college tuition rates and to revise the top ten percent automatic admission law. Other proposals include exempting college textbooks from sales taxes, which I support.
• I also strongly support legislation freezing college tuition rates for at least the next two years for public universities and colleges. However I am alarmed at the graduation rate at some of our institutions including Texas Southern University and University of Houston Downtown where only 9% of college students graduate in 5 years. We must improve on this.
TEACHER PAY RAISES & HEALTHCARE
• I've filed legislation to provide teacher pay raises, HB 660 as well as legislation to provide a 13th benefit check for retired teachers.
• I support efforts to increase CHIP coverage, including raising eligibility to 300% above poverty level, such as in HB 1769.
• I have also signed onto legislation that would provide a buy-in for the Medicaid coverage of disabled children.
HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDE COMMISSION ESTABLISHMENT
• I've co-authored legislation very important legislation that would create the Texas Holocaust & Genocide Commission to examine and educate the populace on past atrocities.
UTILITY MARKET
• Addressing regulation of the utility market in Texas, in order for consumers to obtain relief on their utility bills. There are many utility bills which I support including HB 631 & HB 1620.
TAXES
• HB 442, which I've filed limits the rate of interest accrual on the deferred property tax increases of the elderly.
• I support legislation to reduce franchise taxes on small businesses, authoring HB 1667 & co-authoring HB 720.
STIMULUS
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will help direct Texas' share of the Federal Stimulus funds to those in need most. Here is a quick breakdown of the funds available in Texas:
• Health & Human Services- $5.8 Billion
• Education- $6.2 Billion
• Transportation- $2.7 Billion
• Labor- $1 Billion
• Housing & Infrastructure- $957.1 Million
• Criminal Justice- $161.1 Million

For Information Contact: 512.463.0518

REP. AL EDWARDS RETURNS TO TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AS MEMBER OF THE POWERFUL HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Following the Speaker's recent announcement of Committee assignments, the return of District 146's voice at the table of Texas budget decisions has been restored.

As a member of the powerful Appropriations, Defense & Veterans' Affairs, and the Rules & Resolutions Committees, I will fight for the concerns of District 146 this session.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will be addressing the tough decisions for state spending head-on supporting the causes and issues most important to the people of District 146, including to provide funds for our Houston area colleges and universities.

As a member of the Defense & Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will be able to help shape the disaster response concerns of our area, especially since I have filed legislation to created additional emergency response teams in legislative districts and to require gas stations and nursing homes to have generators.

I look forward to working hard and representing District 146 on these important matters this session!

Rep. Edwards' legislation addresses Hurricane Ike committee recommendations

On Wednesday, February 11, The House Select Committee on Hurricane Ike, chaired by State Representative Sylvester Turner, released a report consisting of recommendations in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Among the many key recommendations is the requirement of back-up power capability at gas stations and at facilities that provide live-in care for the ill, elderly and special needs populations.

State Representative Al Edwards has filed bills HB 441 & HB 443 which addresses some these concerns by requiring gas stations and nursing homes to have generators on site for emergency power in the event of a natural disaster.

The far-reaching recommendations also cite the need for better communication and coordination between authorities and residents in the aftermath of natural disasters. Separate legislation filed by Rep Al Edwards would attempt to solve the dilemma by creating optional volunteer emergency response teams in each legislative district with the intent to enhance cooperation between authorities and residents on the ground. The bill would direct newly created emergency response teams to help coordinate relief aid efforts to local residents of affected areas in dire need of assistance.

The local emergency response teams would develop plans utilizing FEMA-guidelines that establish medical emergency staging sites to treat life-threatening illnesses and other medical conditions in a safe, convenient local setting. The bill would also establish communication centers in each legislative district to communicate better with residents.

"We were blessed that Hurricane Ike didn't do more damage than it did, but had the hurricane lasted just one hour longer, it would have been very devastating. Since we know more storms will occur in the years to come, we need to prepare today for tomorrow," according to Representative Edwards.

81st Texas Legislative Session Convenes

The first week of the 81st Texas Legislative Session has now officially come and gone. This session we will tackle major issues in the face of a projected decline in the state budget for the next two years of about $9 billion due in part to falling revenues from sales taxes.

This week has been especially exciting after the swearing-in ceremony of the first day of session, and on the second day of session, I felt honored as I led the opening prayer of the Texas House of Representative. And now it's time to get down to work with my colleagues as we prepare for a session of helping the people.

My legislative agenda includes bills that I've filed for more rights for renters and apartment dwellers, higher standards for charter schools, increasing the salary for public school teachers, making sure electricity companies are charging their customers appropriately, requiring nursing homes to have generators, beautification projects, increasing the benefits for retired teachers, addressing disaster preparedness and response; and many more bills still being drafted.

I will keep you all informed as I continue to help the people of District 146 in the Texas House of Representatives.

I'm back in the Legislature in order to help the constituents of District 146, so if you have any questions, concerns or would like to voice your opinion on legislation, please contact my office at 512.463.0518 or 713.741.8800.