Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Harris County to Stop New Unlawful “Guaranteed Income” Scheme
Paxton Says It Violates Texas Supreme Court’s Previous Ruling
September 20, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Harris County Commissioners Court for attempting to restart its unlawful “guaranteed income” program despite being ordered to halt all similar cash disbursements in a virtually identical case.
In April, Attorney General Paxton sued Harris County to stop an unlawful “guaranteed income” welfare scheme called “Uplift Harris” that sought to redistribute public money with “no strings attached” to 1,928 Harris County residents—including some classifications of noncitizens. The Texas Constitution explicitly rejects such programs and forbids “any county, city, town or other political corporation or subdivision of the State … to grant public money or thing of value in aid of, or to any individual.”
The Supreme Court of Texas stopped the unlawful program while litigation continued, noting “the State has raised serious doubts about the constitutionality of the Uplift Harris program, and this potential violation of the Texas Constitution could not be remedied or undone if payments were to commence while the underlying appeal proceeds.”
Following this, however, the Harris County Commissioners Court voted to enact a substantially similar welfare scheme—with significantly increased administrative costs—despite the clear direction from the Texas Supreme Court. Based on available public information, Harris County plans to simply re-enroll the same residents previously enrolled in the prior version of the unlawful program.
“Harris County acts as though the Texas Constitution does not apply to them and as though they do not have to abide by the Texas Supreme Court’s rulings,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Using public funds in this way directly violates the law. Harris County is willing to undermine the legal process out of apparent desperation to push this money into certain hands as quickly as possible.”
County Extension Agent Mario Villarino Visited with John Mark Dempsey on this Second Cup of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Texas A&M AgriLife County Extension Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez sat down and had a chat with John Mark. The two discussed army worms, 4-H, pesticides, and more. Be sure to check it out below.
Foreign Farmland Ownership From Master Gardener David Wall
September 19, 2024 – Foreign ownership of U.S. agriculture appears to be a two-fold problem. First there’s the ownership of companies processing agriculture products. For example, China owns Smithfield, our largest pork producer. Many pesticides are produced by foreign countries, and forcing them to comply with our regulations is difficult at best. Legislation is lacking, because Congress is loath to interfere for fear that any new law will hurt rather than help American farmers. Then, when considering legislation, congressional personnel are subject to strong lobbying. As a result, Congress seldom passes laws to help farmers over foreign interests.
The second problem is foreign farmland ownership. Such ownership doubled from 2009 to 2019 (latest data available), and now covers over 35 million acres (one source says 40M acres) of our farmland, an area nearly as big as the state of Iowa. Foreign countries own farmland in all 50 states, with Texas having the largest share, and Oklahoma with a smaller share. For whatever reason, the largest concern about foreign ownership is with China, although China only owns 191,652 acres, or ½ of one percent of the total foreign ownership. On the other hand, China has made land purchases adjacent to military facilities, raising national security concerns.
In 2019, 49% of foreign-owned land was forested, 25% was crop-land, 24% was pasture, and 2% was in non-agriculture use. Overall, foreign-owned lands don’t threaten our food security, although local problems can occur, such as when water supplies are at a premium, or when produce is sent to the home country instead of being available here.
Nation-wide, little to no oversight is in place to monitor foreign-owned lands, and penalties for misuse are virtually nonexistent. At the state level, only six states forbid foreign-owned land, and only a few have a cap on how much land can be foreign-owned.
Christus Health Will Offer Flu Shots September 24th at the Senior Citizens Activity Center
September 19, 2024 – Christus Health will provide free flu shots Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The flu shots will be available beginning at 11:00am. There will be a limited amount. First come first serve. Christus Health will be providing these flu shots at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Texas Farm Credit Makes Biscuits
September 19, 2024 – Employees of Texas Farm Credit of Sulphur Springs and other area branches all gathered at the Senior Activity Center Wednesday morning to help Meal-A-Day.
Meal-A-Day receives fresh produce and other bulk item from the Texas Food Bank each week. Breaking those commodities down so they can be cooked and sent out takes some time and effort. These volunteers pitched in and:
- Peeled 100# of potatoes
- Chopped 30# of bell peppers
- Prepped 50# of carrots
- Baked about 210 savory and sweet drop biscuits (pictured)
- Bagged approximately 300 servings of candy and cookies for desserts
- And prepared watermelons (They worked so fast we lost count on how many were done)
Team Biscuit
Team Biscuit had a unique challenge to overcome. They improvised and developed a new recipe using commodities provided by the food bank. The results was a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy drop biscuit that paired well with the lentil soup cooked and sent out by Thursday Cooking team.
If you or your organization would like to volunteers at Meal-A-Day, call 903 885 1661.
If you would like to deliver meals to seniors in Hopkins County give Meal-A-Day a call at 903 885 1661.
Paxton Touts NCP Choices Program: Surpasses $1 Billion in Child Support Collections
September 19, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that an Office of the Attorney General Child Support program designed to support career development for noncustodial parents known as the NCP Choices Program has surpassed the $1 billion mark in child support collections from program participants. This milestone highlights the program’s effectiveness in assisting noncustodial parents (“NCP”) with fulfilling their child support obligations through career development and improved job opportunities.
The NCP Choices Program is a collaboration between the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division, the Texas Workforce Commission, and Child Support (IV-D) Courts. Since 2005, the program has benefited thousands of parents and their children across Texas.
The NCP Choices Program has transformed the lives of many Texas families. By helping noncustodial parents secure stable employment, the program ensures that children receive consistent financial support and that parents can achieve long-term economic stability. Through innovative programs such as NCP Choices, the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division works to ensure children receive the financial support they need and deserve.
“I am extremely proud of the success of our NCP Choices Program, which has helped so many Texas parents struggling with employment achieve greater financial stability for their families,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The NCP Choices Program underscores our commitment to ensuring that Texas children receive the support they need.”
For more information about the NCP Choices Program or to confirm eligibility requirements, click here or call (800) 252-8014.
When and How to Report Terroristic Threats in Schools
September 18, 2024 – Lake Country Crime Stoppers releases helpful information for students, parents, and school staff on how to identify and report terroristic threats to schools.
The information shared by Lake County Crime Stoppers details what could constitute a valid threat, reminding everyone that “no threat is a joke.” Those that would like to remain anonymous by reporting a threat can do so by calling 903-885-2020.
A&M-Commerce Offers New Competency-Based Degrees
September 18, 2024 – The College of Innovation and Design (CID) at Texas A&M-Commerce has announced two new competency-based bachelor’s degree programs. Both degrees aim to help working professionals enhance their careers and transform their lives.
The undergraduate programs in city planning and human resource development continue CID’s mission of providing relevant, workforce-driven degrees.
Shaping tomorrow’s cities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for skilled city planners is on the rise. Rapid urbanization, climate change and economic and infrastructure development are just some of the key issues driving this growth. Additional factors include affordable housing, access to services and community engagement.
A bachelor’s in city planning can provide a foundation for careers in city and regional government, state and federal agencies, housing, transit, nonprofits and more.
The competency-based, online BAAS in Public Administration, City Planning is designed to equip future city planners and administrators to tackle challenges, including rapid urbanization and economic development. The program also emphasizes the intersection of urban planning and rural development.
Howdy Lisenbee, city manager for the City of Commerce, Texas, is a member of the advisory board that contributed to the program’s development. He said it’s important for citizens and elected officials to have confidence that those serving the community have the education, experience and skills to succeed and serve well.
“Additionally, city staff need an effective yet affordable path to grow their education and skill base to serve their respective communities,” Lisenbee said. “We are excited to see this program open and even more excited to see students from communities around the region have access to this incredible opportunity.”
A bachelor’s degree in city planning serves as an entry point into the field. Professionals often go on to obtain a master’s degree to elevate into top roles. Urban and regional planners with a master’s degree can expect median wages to hit $81,800.
Growing and retaining a talented workforce
Another new competency-based program offered by CID helps students develop skills to become human resource development professionals.
The program, offered as a BAAS in Human Resource Development, prepares students to become professionals skilled at enhancing organizational efficiency and helping employees develop their knowledge, skills and abilities.
This robust program covers:
- Employee training and development
- Performance improvement
- Emotional intelligence
- Coaching
- Succession planning
- Employee career development and
- Organizational culture and development
Dr. Catherine Cockrell, the program’s instructor, says the bachelor’s in human resource development is a great opportunity to begin a career in human resources.
“The outlook for professionals in human resource development is growing due to the ever-changing global landscape,” Cockrell said. “These professionals are increasingly strategic partners at the highest level in organizations. They’re tech-savvy with varied specializations.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of human resource specialists is expected to grow eight percent between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. While entry-level employees can expect median wages to hit $67,650 annually, human resource managers average $136,350 per year.
Degree programs built for busy students
Both competency-based programs are offered fully online in seven-week terms. Students can transfer up to 84 credit hours and leverage prior learning to accelerate through coursework. The programs are offered at a flat rate of $1,000 per term and are eligible for financial aid.
“These new degree programs exemplify our commitment to providing accessible education that meets the evolving needs of today’s professionals,” said Dr. April Sanders, interim dean of CID. “By focusing on public administration and human resource development, we’re equipping our students with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful impacts in their communities and organizations.”
Explore the many degree programs and graduate certificates available through the College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M-Commerce.
DPS Offers Saturday Driver License Appointments in September
September 17, 2024 – AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is adding Saturday appointments at select driver license offices statewide through the end of September.
Participating offices—located in all regions of Texas—will be open for half days each Saturday through the end of the month to serve additional customers needing driver license or identification card renewal or replacement services by appointment only. Appointments for new Texas resident driver license and identification card services may also be available depending on location.
Saturday appointments are available on Sept. 21 and 28, and customers can book them now online here.
You can find additional information about DPS driver license services, including what to bring to your upcoming appointment, here.
HUD Expands Housing Counseling Services to More Americans
The Department celebrates Housing Counseling by introducing new initiatives, including a partnership with Zillow, and the use of virtual methods to broaden access and reach more Americans seeking housing assistance.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a series of new actions to expand housing counseling services and strengthen pathways to homeownership for Americans. HUD is also launching a new partnership with Zillow to help attract the next generation of homebuyers. HUD also published a final rule to allow additional flexibilities to housing counseling agencies when delivering critical housing counseling services to potential homebuyers, homeowners, and renters. Today’s announcements reflect the Biden-Harris Administration and HUD’s commitment to expanding access to homeownership, particularly for disadvantaged communities and first-time homebuyers, and communities who have typically been shut out of homeownership opportunities.
“Every day, HUD’s counselors provide thousands of Americans with trusted advice about buying a home, avoiding foreclosure, and locating and sustaining affordable housing. But we know we can help even more people,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “Today’s announcements will help us do just that. Together, we will reach a new generation of homeowners, help more families build generational wealth, and continue our work to help Americans historically left out of the homebuying process.”
“We’re excited to raise awareness about the availability and benefits of housing counseling,” said Federal Housing Commissioner Julia Gordon. “These initiatives make it easier for households to access the assistance they need to navigate the homebuying process or to secure safe, affordable and stable housing.”
Partnership with Zillow to Broaden Reach of HUD’s Let’s Make Home the Goal campaign
Zillow-which reaches 217 million visitors a month-will display “Let’s Make Home the Goal” advertisements on its digital platforms. The multi-year “Let’s Make Home the Goal” campaign generates awareness of the availability and benefits of pre-purchase housing counseling provided by HUD-certified housing counselors and is designed to reach communities of color that have historically faced more difficulties with the homebuying process due to systemic barriers. Access to quality housing counseling services helps bridge the racial homeownership and knowledge gap for first-time homebuyers and communities of color seeking to buy a home and build generational wealth.
Originally launched in June 2023, the “Let’s Make Home the Goal” campaign has reached nearly 5 million diverse, prospective homebuyers in 15 media markets. This year’s initiative, with the support of Zillow, intends to reach more than 8 million potential homeowners across 42 media markets.
“We are thrilled to partner with Zillow to expand our reach and tout the importance of comprehensive housing counseling services,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing Counseling David Berenbaum. “This collaboration allows us to use Zillow’s innovative platform, ensuring that more individuals and families receive the support they need to achieve their housing goals.”
“At Zillow, we are committed to getting more people home. We were founded with a focus on transparency and providing access to the data and information needed to find housing. We’re expanding on that foundation by helping consumers get connected to the right resources, helping to reduce the barriers they face to securing affordable housing,” said Jennifer Butler, Vice President of Government Affairs at Zillow. “Partnering with HUD on their ‘Let’s Make Home the Goal’ campaign and increasing access to quality credit counseling services is an important step to help bridge the homeownership gap and build generational wealth for more families.”
New Final Rule to Expand Critical Offerings at Housing Counseling Agencies
The Modernizing the Delivery of Housing Counseling Services final rule now allows HUD-approved housing counseling agencies to use alternative communication methods, including meeting virtually and by phone, to engage and educate homebuyers and renters seeking support with their housing needs. Implementing the rule will increase accessibility for people who have difficulty obtaining in-person services due to linguistic, physical, geographic or other barriers such as transportation and childcare costs. Expanding these options is also a more cost-effective and efficient way for housing counseling agencies to meet with their clients, as they no longer need to maintain multiple facilities for in-person engagements. Participating agencies that are unable to provide virtual and/or remote meeting flexibilities or in person counseling to clients who need them are required to refer those in need of services to other agencies. Industry and public feedback on the rule indicated an overwhelming preference to be able to provide online education and counseling virtually or by telephone.
The effective date of the rule is October 16, 2024.
To locate a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency nationwide, please visit www.hud.gov/findacounselor.
