republican party of bexar county party of bexar county ... senators ted cruz of texas, rand paul of...
TRANSCRIPT
Republ ican Party of Bexar County
INSIDE THE ISSUE
Chairman Robert Stovall ..2
Rep. Lamar Smith ...... ...2
Speaker Joe Straus…… ... 3
Community Links ....... ...4
Grassroots ................. ...5
Calendar Evets ........... ...6
Gov. Abbott’s Priorities . 7
Home Town Hero ....... ...8
APPLY TO BE AN
ELECTION OFFICIAL
Vivian D. Brown, Editor
SENATE HEALTH CARE
DISCUSSION DRAFT
June/July 2017
Last week the United States Senate posted online a “discussion draft” of H.R. 1628
the “Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017”. The 142 page draft is a virtual checkoff
list of the issues that concerned most Republican’s when ObamaCare became law.
Although this is not a perfect bill it does contain many of the things we Republican’s
have cried out for since the initial passage of ObamaCare. One of the biggest promis-
es kept are the repeals of dozens of taxes including the Individual and Employer
Mandates. SEC 104 and 105 of the discussion draft eliminates the tax entirely.
Upon further examination I found the repeal of at least nine other taxes (pg. 25. SEC
108—117). Some of the repeals are on employee health premiums and benefits, over
the counter meds, prescription meds. The plan also outlines repeals of the health
insurance tax, the Medicare tax increase, and the medical device tax.
So far five Republican Senators have come out against this plan. Senators Ted Cruz
of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and
Dean Heller of Nevada.
Majority Leader McConnell says he will push for a vote before the July 4th recess.
The Republican led Senate must have a simple majority to pass this reconciliation
bill. As of now with those five Senators favoring “nay” the pathway passage is nar-
row.
The president has spoken in favor of this ObamaCare repeal-and-replacement and
will work closely with the Senate, particularly the five, to strike a deal.
We know Obamacare is collapsing and premiums are skyrocketing. Republican’s
must act to fix it not only for the health of our nation but for the health of the 2018
elections.
Your elected representatives need to hear from you. You can visit the Senate website
to find his or her contact information. Call or write your Senator and let them know
you demand a repeal-and-replace to the disastrous Obamacare.
CONGRESSMAN LAMAR SMITH
APPLAUDS PARIS CLIMATE
AGREEMENT WITHDRAWAL
MORE THAN THE WEATHER
WILL BE HOT THIS SUMMER
It’s a virtual guarantee that the Texas weather will not be the only heat felt this summer.
Although the Texas Legislature passed many important bills during the 85th Legislative
session there were many issues left unresolved. Governor Abbott has called a 30 day spe-
cial session to begin on July 18, 2017. The Governor has outlined 20 issues for the House
and Senate to consider. (Full list on page 8)
Calling a special session hasn’t been done since 2013. The estimated cost ranges from
five to eight million dollars. Both the House and Senate must feel the heat from the Gov-
ernor and Texan’s to make this special session count and get the work of the people done.
Let’s hope our legislators come together for the benefit of Texans and put personal poli-
tics aside and serve their constituents.
Congressman Lamar Smith, chairman of the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technol-
ogy Committee, had the following to say after President Trump recently announced
U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.
“By withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, President Trump has freed Amer-
ica from a bad deal that would cost billions of dollars but have little significant envi-
ronmental benefit. Former President Obama bypassed Congress when he agreed to
the deal, putting our nation at an economic disadvantage and imposing huge burdens
on American families and businesses. President Trump’s decision will allow America
to move forward with policies based on sound science and smart cost-benefit analyses
to ensure Americans don’t bear the brunt of the all-pain, no-gain policies of the previ-
ous administration.”
2
Congressman Lamar Smith
CD 21
1100 NE Loop 410, Ste. 640
San Antonio, TX 78209-1302
(210) 821-5024
2409 Rayburn House
Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-4236
A Bexar County native,
Congressman Lamar Smith
represents constituents of
Texas’s 21st Congressional
District in the U.S. House.
Chairman Robert Stovall
(210) 824-9445
One thing we have proven in Texas in recent years is that state government can live with-
in its means. We work in the Texas House to set priorities so that we can make the right
investments while keeping overall spending low. That pattern continued in this year's
legislative session with the passage of our state budget.
The Legislature recently approved a budget for the next two years that keeps overall
state spending flat, even as the Texas population keeps growing steadily. By practicing
fiscal discipline, we ensured that Texas will continue to have one of the lowest per-capita
spending rates in the country. We also have left a historically large amount of money,
nearly $11 billion, in our Rainy Day Fund.
We began the legislative session with a sizable budget shortfall caused in large part by
contraction in the oil-and-gas market. As a result, we asked state agencies to identify
savings in their budgets, and spending was ultimately reduced at a number of agencies.
By looking for savings across state government, we were able to make dollars available
for some of our most urgent and pressing priorities.
For example, we put significant resources into better protecting children from abuse and
neglect. Child Protective Services has struggled to see children at risk of abuse in a time-
ly manner, leading to some tragic deaths of Texas children in the last couple of years. But
we provided funding for new CPS employees so that they have smaller caseloads and can
see each child more quickly. This investment will help prevent the abuse of innocent
children.
We also made it a priority to invest in better mental health care and make badly needed
repairs at mental health facilities around the state. Mental health reform can lead to tax-
payer savings as issues are treated more efficiently in our hospitals and our criminal
justice system.
The Legislature also made key investments in cybersecurity, so that state agencies can
better protect citizens' private data. We also continued to prioritize transportation so
that Texas has the roads and highways needed for a growing and competitive economy,
and the House made sure that our colleges and universities remain strong and equipped
to educate a competitive workforce.
Texas has for years led the way in responsible budgeting of taxpayer dollars, and this
year was no different. Short on revenue, we knew that difficult decisions needed to be
made. We kept spending under control and we put taxpayers' resources to good use. It's
the kind of disciplined fiscal leadership that Texans have rightfully come to expect.
3
Speaker Joe Straus HD 121
7373 Broadway, Ste. 202-A
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 828-4411
Capitol Office
Room 2W.13
P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768
(512) 463-1000
Joe Straus is a State Representa-tive from Bexar County and the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
TEXAS HOUSE SHOWS RESTRAINT
IN STATE BUDGET
USEFUL COMMUNITY LINKS
1. Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce
www.alamocitychamber.org
2. Bexar County Government, Justice, Community, Parks, and Veteran Information
www.bexar.org
3. Health and Human Services Commission
https://hhs.texas.gov
4. North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
www.northsachamber.org
5. Official City of San Antonio Website- Mayor/City Council
www.sanantonio.gov
6. Official State of Texas website
www.texas.gov
7. San Antonio Events/Happenings
www.visitsanantonio.com
www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
8. San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
www.sahcc.org
9. San Antonio Housing Authority
www.saha.org
10. San Antonio River Authority
www.sara-tx.org
11. South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
www.southsachamber.org
12. Texas Association of African American Chamber of Commerce
www.taaacc.org
13. Texas Workforce Commission
www.twc.state.tx.us
14. The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
www.sachamber.org
15. Trinity University Events/Lectures
https://new.trinity.edu/events
16. West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
www.westsachamber.org
Yvonndia Sebasco, Bexar News Community Events Segment Leader Precinct Chair, 3042
Have a link you think would be useful to others?
Send them to
Yvonndia Sebasco
Community Events Segment Leader
Have a community event to promote?
Send your ideas to
City Officials Sworn In
Two new Republican City Council
members were sworn in Wednes-
day at a public ceremony in
downtown’s Arneson River Thea-
tre.
Republicans., District 6’s Greg
Brockhouse, a former mortgage
banker and consultant, was victo-
rious over Melissa Cabello Havrda
and District 10’s Clayton Perry, a
retired Air Force engineer, beat
Ezra Johnson for the seat. Council
Brockhouse says he is focused on
public safety, infrastructure, and
jobs. “Everything we do will be
based on delivering core city ser-
vices with fiscal humility and re-
spect for taxpayer’s money.” He
would like to thank everyone in
District 6 for voting for him say-
ing,
“We are blessed to have been
elected and we are ready to work.
My door will always be open and I
look forward to serving San Anto-
nio.” Councilman Perry could not
be reached for comment.
As I write this article, the State Republican Party Chairman’s job is vacant and
the election for the interim Chairman is yet to be held. If you have followed
the brief, but spirited campaigning by both James Dickey and Rick Figueroa,
there is a term that has been said by all sides quite frequently. Grassroots. But
who is it and why is it so important?
If you’re reading this newsletter, it is very likely that YOU are part of the Grass-
roots. In Texas, we are lucky enough to have a party structure that begins at
the lowest level, the individual Republican voter and works up to the job that,
by the time you read this, has been filled by either James or Rick. The ideas
and values are determined by people like you. People who are passionate
about their beliefs and desires for their party.
Every even year 8,000 passionate Republicans attend the State Republican
Convention and it is that group of people who decide what the priorities of the
Republican Party of Texas will be for the next two years.
However, to be effective in taking those priorities and values and turning them
into Texas Law, it takes even more work. It takes those same Grassroots to
deliver that same passion to the State Senators and Representatives in Austin.
It takes showing up at committee hearings and testifying in front of those leg-
islators and telling them why you are passionate. It likely entails several trips
to Austin and your legislator’s local office. If enough voters show up to a
cause, it will get their attention. And if your cause doesn’t pass in the session,
you work to build a stronger base of support, keep the pressure on between
sessions, and then go after it again and again until you achieve victory.
If you are like me, you have a busy work and family life. Being a passionate
advocate for what you believe is not easy. But the things important in life sel-
dom are easy. So as we reflect on which of our priorities and party planks have
not been passed this legislative session, ask yourself what you can do to help
those causes that you are most passionate about become law next session.
There is likely a group of people who are already pushing for that issue. Find
out how you can help them achieve your common goal.
Michael P. Deffendall,
Bexar News
Grassroots Segment Leader
Precinct Chairman, 4166
GOP GRASSROOTS: WHO ARE
THEY AND WHY ARE THEY
IMPORTANT TO OUR SUCCESS?
5
Michael Deffendall
Grassroots Segment Leader
Have an idea for a grassroots segment?
Send your ideas to
RPT CHAIRMAN UPDATE
With a very close 32—31 vote
On June 3rd the SREC elected
James Dickey for the Interim State
Chairman . There were two candi-
dates to choose from, Rick
Figueora and James Dickey.
Chairman Stovall and the RPBC
congratulates the new State Chair
for the Republican Party of Texas,
Mr. James Dickey.
We wish to thank Chairman Tom
Mechler for his dedication and tire-
less efforts as he worked across the
state to keep Texas Red.
Bexar looks forward to continuing
the great relationship with the state
party and developing new areas of
mutual benefit.
June 27—2017 Kick Off with Judge John Fleming
June 28—Republican Club of Bexar County Monthly Lunch Meeting
June 28— A Reception Honoring Rebecca Simmons
June 29—SARW Membership Reception
June 29—Jakub Kosiba for ACCD Board of Trustees Campaign Kick-Off Party
July 4—Independence Day
July 5—Communication Committee Meeting
July 8—TRCCA 2017 Candidate Development & Campaign Management Training
JULY 10—C OU NT Y EXECU TI V E C OM M I TT EE MEETI NG
July 10—Management Committee Monthly Meeting
July 11— 2017 Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar Classes
July 11—Alamo Pachyderm Club Monthly Luncheon
July 13—Boogie Down to Keep Judge Jarrett
July 14—Bexar County Republican Women Monthly Luncheon
July 15— Let’s Get Together and Make Bexar County Conservative
July 18—HCR Republicans Meeting
July 23—Republican Club of Bexar County Monthly Luncheon
July 24—Young Republicans of Bexar County Meeting
View the full details of every event on our website at
www.BexarGOP.org/event-calendar
6
ELECTION JUDGES
NEEDED
If you would like to earn up to
$12 an hour we have the job for
you. Certification for 2017-2018
Election Judges is now happen-
ing. Current judges must com-
plete their test and submit by
June 30 to the elections depart-
ment. If you have never served
before and want to register for a
class. please contact Mandissa
Oni Parker at 210.335.8683.
Once you are certified
contact HQ .
8
LIST OF GOVERNOR ABBOTT’S
SPECIAL SESSION PRIORITIES
COMMUNICATION TEAM
Vivian Brown Communication Director
Bexar News Editor
Mike Asmus Republifact Segment
Michael Deffendall Grassroots Segment
Stan Fisher Web Development
Chennine Guerro Spanish Segment
Stephen Jordan Technology Segment
Jamie Mathis Club Segment
Yvonndia Sebasco Community Events
1. Sunset legislation
2. Teacher pay increase of $1,000
3. Administrative flexibility in teacher hiring and retention practices
4. School finance reform commission
5. School choice for special needs students
6. Property tax reform
7. Caps on state and local spending
8. Preventing cities from regulating what property owners do with trees on private land
9. Preventing local governments from changing rules midway through construction
projects
10. Speeding up local government permitting process
11. Municipal annexation reform
12. Texting while driving preemption
13. Privacy
14. Prohibition of taxpayer dollars to collect union dues
15. Prohibition of taxpayer funding for abortion providers
16. Pro-life insurance reform
17. Strengthening abortion reporting requirements when health complications arise
18. Strengthening patient protections relating to do-not-resuscitate orders
19. Cracking down on mail-in ballot fraud
20. Extending maternal mortality task force
“A special session was entirely avoidable, and there was plenty of
time for the legislature to forge compromises to avoid the time
and taxpayer expense of a special session. As Governor, if I am
going to call a special session, I intend to make it count. “ —-
Governor Greg Abbott
Republ ican Party
of
Bexar County
909 NE Loop 410, Suite 514
San Antonio, TX 78209-1302
210-824-9445
Email:
Email Editor:
Website
bexargop.org
Party Leaders
Chair: Rober t Stovall
Vice Chair: Anna Maria Far ias
Secretary: Deanna Abiassi
Director Operations: Becky Edler
Communication Director: Vivian Brown
Management Committee
Precinct 1 Patty Gutting
Scott Stratton
Precinct 2 Betty Eckert
Ray Rodriguez
Precinct 3 Ann Chandler
James Cotter
Precinct 4 Jeanne Melendez
Bradley Chandler Political Advertising paid for by Republican Party of Bexar County
HOMETOWN HERO SPOTLIGHT STAFF SERGEANT WILLIAM J. BORDELON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For valorous and gallant conduct above and be-
yond the call of duty as a member of an Assault
Engineer Platoon of the First Battalion, Eight-
eenth Marines, tactically attached to the Second
Marines, Second Marine Division, in action
against the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa in the
Gilbert Islands on November 20, 1943. Landing
in the assault waves under withering enemy fire
which killed all but four of the men in his tractor,
Staff Sergeant Bordelon hurriedly made demolition charges and personally put two
pill boxes out of action. Hit by enemy machine-gun fire just as a charge exploded in
his hand while assaulting a third position, he courageously remained in action and,
although out of demolition, provided himself with a rifle and furnished fire cover-
age for a group of men scaling the seawall. Disregarding his own serious condition,
he unhesitatingly went to the aid of one of his demolition men, wounded and call-
ing for help in the water, rescuing this man and another who had been hit by enemy
fire while attempting to make the rescue. Still refusing first aid for himself, he again
made up demolition charges and single-handedly assaulted a fourth Japanese ma-
chine-gun position but was instantly killed when caught in a final burst of fire from
the enemy. Staff Sergeant Bordelon's great personal valor during a critical phase of
securing the limited beachhead was a contributing factor in the ultimate occupation
of the island and his heroic determination reflects the highest credit upon the Unit-
ed States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
SSGT William J. Bordelon
Medal of Honor Recipient
form San Antonio