Austin – Today, State Representative Chris Turner joined Rep. Allen Vaught and other members of the Texas House of Representatives in signing a letter to President Obama requesting that operational control (OPCON) of one to two MC-12 aircraft no longer needed for Operation Iraqi Freedom be transferred to the Texas Air National Guard for use along the Texas-Mexico border.

“With violence in Mexican border towns increasing and continued illegal border crossings, our state and nation need to employ every available tool and strategy to secure the border,” Turner said.  “Utilizing the surveillance capabilities of MC-12 aircraft to keep dangerous drug cartel thugs out of our state would make a lot of sense.”

If the transfer of OPCON to the Texas Air National Guard is not possible, the letter alternately asks the President to transfer MC-12 crew training to the Texas Guard so that the training will occur along the state’s southern border.  MC-12 crew training is currently conducted in conjunction with the Mississippi Air National Guard.

Turner serves on the House Committee on Defense and Veterans Affairs, which has oversight of Texas military forces and the National Guard.  Vaught is vice-chairman of the committee and is a decorated combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

ARLINGTON – Today, State Representative Chris Turner announced that his campaign has the backing of the Texas AFT (American Federation of Teachers), the Texas State Teachers Association and the United Educators Association. Combined, the organizations represent over 137,000 Texas teachers.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the support of the largest teacher organizations in the state,” said State Representative Chris Turner. “The role and impact teachers have in our community and to the future success of young Texans can not be understated. I am proud to stand with them as they are standing with me during this campaign.”

“The Texas State Teachers Association is proud to support Rep. Chris Turner for reelection,” said Rita Haecker, President, Texas State Teachers Association. “Chris is a strong supporter of the public schools and schoolteachers, and we need to keep friends of education like him in Austin.”

“Bill Zedler spent his career in the Legislature voting against teachers and public schools – from slashing funding for textbooks and school programs to trying to send public dollars to private schools,” said Larry Shaw, Executive Director, United Educators Association, which represents thousands of teachers in Tarrant County school districts. “We need leadership that will stand up for public schools and our children, and will always make education a top priority. Chris Turner is that leader and the people of House District 96 need to send him back to Austin.”

“State Representative Chris Turner is a smart, effective advocate for Texas students from pre-K through college. He has earned the strong endorsement of Texas AFT, the 65,000-member state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, made up of teachers and educational support personnel in public elementary, secondary, and higher education,” said Linda Bridges, President Texas AFT. “Everyone who believes that education is the path to economic opportunity for our schoolchildren and the key to a healthy economic future for our state should support Chris Turner’s re-election to the Texas House.”

During his first term in office, Turner has worked closely with teachers, administrators and parents to provide children the tools they need to succeed in our public schools. Turner coauthored House Bill 3646, which added $1.9 billion in school funding and included a much needed pay raise for teachers. Turner also supported House Bill 3, changing the accountability standards for Texas schools.

This measure reduces reliance on the TAKs test, yet Turner believes that more must be done to reduce the impact of standardize testing in public schools.

Turner was elected in 2008 to serve Southern Tarrant County’s House District 96, which includes Crowley, Kennedale, and portions of Arlington, Burleson, Mansfield, and Fort Worth. During the 81st Legislative Session, Turner was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Urban Affairs and the House Committee of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs.

ARLINGTON – Today Sate Representative Chris Turner reminded parents that tax free weekend is just over two weeks away, beginning Friday, August 20 through Sunday, August 22. Clothing, shoes, school supplies under $100, and back packs will be tax free during the three day period.

“School is just around the corner and taking advantage of the tax free weekend is a great way to save money during the tough economic times,” Turner said. “I encourage families in our district to take advantage of the tax free weekend.”

The following is an all-inclusive list of qualifying school supplies (if priced less than $100):

AUSTIN – Today State Representative Chris Turner reminded parents and students about a new Texas law requiring college students residing on campus to get the Meningococcal disease vaccine at least 10 days before moving on campus.  The vaccination is required for new and transfer students attending public or private Texas institutions.

“It is important that students get this vaccine and help prevent the spread of this disease,” said Turner.  “This vaccine has the potential to protect countless students from this debilitating disease.”

The vaccine protects against four out of five of the common strains of meningococcal disease.  The disease, a bacterial infection, begins with flu-like symptoms and acts quickly. Eleven (11) percent of sufferers die from the disease, even if they receive treatment.  Many survivors experience enduring physical effects, including blindness, deafness, amputations, or brain or kidney damage.

According to the National Meningitis Association, one in seven college students who contract the disease will die as a result.

Meningococcal disease passes through person-to-person contact such as coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks or utensils, or kissing.  Because on-campus college students live in close quarters, they have a higher risk of contracting the disease.

The law was named for University of Texas at Austin student Jamie Schanbaum who contracted the disease in 2008 and ultimately lost both of her legs and most of her fingers.  The “Jamie Schanbaum Act” went into effect January 1, 2010.

ARLINGTON – Yesterday, State Representative Chris Turner’s campaign (House District 96, Tarrant County) filed its July Semiannual Report with the Texas Ethics Commission, reporting $191,724 in contributions from over 300 donors for the first six months of the year and an ending cash balance of $321,116.  The Turner campaign has raised $443,000 for the 2010 campaign to date, fueled by bipartisan support from individuals and organizations across Tarrant County and Texas.

“I am truly honored to have the support of so many teachers, small business owners, police officers, firefighters, veterans and others who care about our state,” Turner said. ”With over $320,000 in the bank and a strong grassroots campaign organization, we are in great position to win this race and continue our hard work and record of results for our district.”

In terms of cash on hand, Turner’s campaign is $147,000 ahead of where it was at this point two years ago, when Turner first ran and went on to defeat the three-term incumbent, former Rep. Bill Zedler.

With less than four months to go until the election, Turner’s campaign has thirteen times the available cash as Zedler, who reported a total of $24,760 on hand.  Zedler raised less than $25,000 in the most recent reporting period.

“With a thirteen to one cash advantage, a grassroots campaign that has already knocked on over 10,000 doors and strong bipartisan support throughout District 96, our campaign is well-positioned to be victorious in November,” concluded Turner.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

ARLINGTON – On Monday, May 31, State Representative Chris Turner (HD96) will speak at two southern Tarrant County Memorial Day events.

The first, Burleson’s Operation Remember Kick-Off event, will begin the “Operation Remember” effort, a new community project in the City of Burleson to honor and preserve the history of our veterans.

The second event, Mansfield’s annual Memorial Day Celebration, will be held at Skyvue Memorial Gardens. The event is expected to draw 100 area veterans, community leaders and citizens.

http://www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org/

Third Annual Sales Tax Holiday for ENERGY STAR® Appliances Could Mean Big Savings for Southern Tarrant County Residents

AUSTIN – Today Sate Representative Chris Turner reminded his constituents that beginning Saturday, May 29 through Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, Texans can purchase new ENERGY STAR® appliances and household equipment without having to pay state and local sales tax for those items.

“I hope that those in need of new appliances will take advantage of this sales tax holiday,” Turner said.  “Anyone who is in the market for new, more inefficient appliances and light bulbs should try and take advantage of this opportunity.”

The three day ENERGY STAR® sales tax holiday is expected to save Texans $3 million in state and local taxes. The holiday begins at 12:01AM on Saturday, May 29 and ends Monday, May 31 at 11:59PM.

The following items with the ENERGY STAR® label will be tax exempt:

• Air Conditioners (less than $6000)
• Refrigerators (less than $2000)
• Ceiling fans
• Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
• Clothes washers
• Dishwashers
• Dehumidifiers
• Programmable thermostats

Installation and delivery charges for these products will also be tax exempt.  For more information, visit www.texaspowerfulsmart.org.

AUSTIN – Yesterday, State Representative Chris Turner held a joint press conference with Governor Rick Perry in Houston to announce that the first Fund for Veterans Assistance (FVA) grant has been awarded to the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The $1 million grant will be used to fund emergency needs, including assistance with mortgages, utilities and buying necessities, such as food and clothing, for veterans facing financial difficulties.

“With over 1.7 million veterans in our state, this grant will mean a great deal to those in need of immediate, emergency assistance,” said Turner. “It was an honor to have worked side by side with veterans from across Texas to pass legislation creating the veterans scratch-off game, which has raised close to $4 million to fund this and future grants.”

“We can’t put a price tag on the incredible sacrifices these brave men and women have made to protect our freedom. It is my hope that with this grant and future grants we can show our appreciation to veterans and their families by helping them during times of need,” continued Turner.

During the 81st Legislative Session, Turner authored the legislation creating the veterans scratch-off lottery ticket. Since going on sale in November 2009, the $2 ticket has raised nearly $4 million for the FVA. Money in the FVA will be awarded in the form of grants to organizations serving veterans and their families.

From Left to Right: Mike Berger, Director of the Texas VFW Foundation; State Rep. Chris Turner; Roy Grona, State Adjutant-Quartermaster of the Department of Texas of Veterans of Foreign Wars; General Karen Rankin, Chair, Texas Veterans Commission; Governor Rick Perry; General Smith, Chair, Fund for Veterans Assistance Advisory Committee

“This $1 million grant will help so many veterans across our state who are in need of emergency aid. It is because of the hard work of State Representative Chris Turner that this money is available,” said Roy Grona, State Adjutant-Quartermaster of the Department of Texas of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The second round of grants will be awarded in May and are expected to total up to $3 million.

For his work during the 81st Legislative Session on passing the measure to create the veterans lottery scratch-off ticket and on issues affecting veterans and their families, Chris was named “Freshman of the Year” by the bi-partisan Legislative Veterans Caucus and given the Leadership Award by the Texas Veterans Commission. Turner, who represents House District 96 in southern Tarrant County, serves as a member on the House Committee on Defense and Veterans Affairs.

www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org.

Texans Must Reserve Rebate Beginning Wednesday, April 7

AUSTIN – Today, State Representative Chris Turner urged his constituents to participate in the “Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program,” which will provide rebates for Energy Star® appliances. Those seeking to take advantage of this program must reserve a rebate; the reservation period begins at 7am on Wednesday, April 7.

“For those in the market for new appliances, this is a great opportunity to not only purchase a more energy efficient hot water heater, refrigerator or dishwasher, but to get money back in the process,” said State Representative Chris Turner. “The reservations for the rebates will go fast and I urge my constituents to reserve their rebates as soon as possible.”

The dollar amount of the rebates depend on the type of appliance purchased. For example, the rebate for a new Energy Star® refrigerator will be $240, with an additional $75 if the old appliance is recycled. The rebate for an energy efficient air-source heat pump will be up to $1600, with the an additional $75 if the old heat pump is recycled.

To reserve a rebate, Texans may visit www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org.or call (877) 780-3039. The rebates may be used beginning April 16 to replace old, functioning appliances. Included in the “Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program” are refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashers, central air conditioners, air-source heat pumps, and hot water heaters.

Specific rebate amounts and criteria for appliances may be found on the program’s website — www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org.

“It is great news that the Tracy family will have Houston’s extensive medical expenses paid and that the baby will have health insurance going forward. I commend Doug and Kim for their tenacity in fighting for their son, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to help in this situation. I thank Mike Geeslin, the Texas Commissioner of Insurance, for his quick response to my inquiries and BlueCross BlueShield of Texas for working with us to come to a fair resolution for the Tracy family.”