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.

I know that in my meetings with superintendents, school board members and teachers, there is much more the state can do to strengthen our public schools and give our kids every possible opportunity to reach their highest potential.   I saw a couple of stories recently that reminded me of these challenges.

The Dallas Morning News recently reported on the growing number of teachers who moonlight to make ends meet. According to a recent study conducted by Sam Houston State University, 40% of Texas teachers work one or more jobs, in addition to teaching.  The number of teachers working two jobs has increased 50% increased in just two years. Additionally, “47 percent of those surveyed said they have seriously considered leaving the profession.”   This is a serious problem – we’re not going to attract and retain the best teachers if we don’t pay an adequate wage.

This week, the Houston Chronicle reported that numerous school districts around the state of Texas are likely to once again sue the state over an inadequate finance system.  In 2006, the Legislature froze school districts’ funding, causing serious financial strain on most districts across the state.  Just as I advocated in my first session, the Legislature should get serious about our school funding problems and address the issue in a meaningful way – before being ordered to do so by the courts.

I believe that there aren’t a lot of problems Texans can’t solve if we really put our minds to it.  School funding is no different.  We need for Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature to come together and find some common ground on this issue.  And we should do it soon.

Tax Free Weekend Just Around the Corner

With school starting back soon, that means it’s time for Texas’ annual tax-free weekend.   This year it is August 20-22, and your family can save on back to school gear, including clothes, backpacks, shoes, pens and crayons. For a full list of tax free items, click here.

New Veterans Lottery Ticket Hits Stores

A couple weeks ago, the newest Veterans Cash scratch off ticket went on sale and in just a week and a half, over $1.1 million worth of the new tickets have been sold across the state, bringing the total ticket sales to $28.8 million since November. New Veterans Lottery Ticket Hits Stores.

With 23% going straight to the Fund for Veterans Assistance (the rest goes to pay prize winners and a little bit to administrative costs), the $28.8 million in ticket sales translates into over $6.6 million for veterans and their families in need of emergency services, transportation to VA facilities or PTSD counseling.

I have said it before and I will say it again:  I am so proud to have been able to work on this effort and to make this ticket a reality. So far, $3.6 million in grants checks have been cut, helping countless veterans in times of need.

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 was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). With over 90,000 members and 403 posts across the state, the Texas VFW is the largest veterans organization in the state. The award was presented during the opening joint session of the annual VFW state convention.

According to the Texas VFW, Turner is the first freshman legislator to receive this award.

“Representative Chris Turner has been a staunch advocate for our state’s veterans and their families,” said Roy Grona, Texas VFW State Adjutant-Quartermaster. “Because of his work and leadership on veterans issues, more Texas veterans are getting the help they need and deserve.”

“I am incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition,” Turner said. “The Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars are the true heroes to the 1.7 million veterans in our state. I am proud of the work we did to pass the lottery scratch-off bill, which is benefitting countless veterans across the state of Texas.”

During the 81st Legislative Session, Representative Turner authored and passed several pieces of legislation benefitting veterans and their families. Most notably, Turner authored House Bill 1299, creating a scratch-off lottery ticket to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA). The FVA provides grants to aid veterans and their families in times of financial need and support PTSD counseling and other veterans’ services. The lottery ticket was released on November 9, 2009 and has raised over $5.5 million for the FVA.

Turner, who was named “Freshman of the Year” by the bipartisan House Veterans Caucus and given the “Leadership Award” from the Texas Veterans Commission and “Legislator of the Year” by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Texas State Council, also passed legislation requiring institutions of higher education to designate a financial aid specialist to be trained on issues related to veterans’ programs, including the GI Bill and the Hazelwood Act.

He was also the House sponsor of legislation to allow state employees, who are members of military reserves or National Guard, to continue to accrue their sick and vacation leave time while they are on active military duty.

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.

As summer quickly approaches, our campaign is moving into high gear.

With Election Day less than six months away, we’ve put together a grassroots campaign plan that will engage voters in every corner of our district.

Because of the huge success of the last campaign’s Mega Walks, we’re bringing them back!  During our Mega Walks in 2008, over 200 volunteers helped the campaign knock on over 12,000 doors!

If you didn’t get to participate in a Mega Walk in 2008, here’s how it works:

We focus our volunteer efforts on one Saturday a month and by having dozens of volunteers knocking on doors at the same time, we cover a lot of territory and make a huge impact.  On Saturday, August 7th, volunteers will hit the streets again to talk to voters about our campaign for the second Mega Walk of 2010.

Sign up for the August 7th Mega Walk!

Details: Bring your walking shoes and get ready to hit the streets! Meet at the campaign headquarters in Arlington or Creekside Park #51 in Fort Worth at 9:30 am.  All materials, training, donuts and drinks will be provided by the campaign. And afterwards join Chris and Lisa for a thank you cook out at their home.

That said, my connection with organized sports is pretty much confined to that of a fan and spectator.  I never really played sports as a kid, and the few times I did, it wasn’t always pretty.  OK, it never was.

So I was simultaneously excited and terrified when I was recently invited to throw out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game.  While I have a fair amount of experience and comfort level appearing in front of large crowds, the first pitch concept was, shall we say, outside my comfort zone.  Nonetheless, I was thrilled about the opportunity.

Somewhat excitedly, I told Lisa that I was going to throw out the first pitch.  “Don’t do it,” she advised.  “Politics and sports don’t mix well.”

OK.  I figured a male friend would appreciate the significance of throwing out a first pitch.  So I called a longtime friend, who’ll remain nameless (let’s just call him “Josh”) about my upcoming adventure.  The conversation went like this:

Me: “You’ll never believe this.  I am throwing out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game.  July 5^th!”

“Josh:” dead silence

Me: “You still there?”

“Josh:” “Um, yeah.  You kind of wish they would ask you to do something you’re good at, like give a speech.”

So with that vote of confidence, I began my training.  I was fortunate to have two friends who know what they’re doing when it comes to baseball, and even though they did not have a lot to work with, they got me to where I could throw a decent pitch.

As game day approached my level of apprehension increased considerably.  I started having dreams nightmares about throwing the ball into the dirt, or shanking it to the right or left.

My family members tried to offer me sound advice:  my stepson Scott, who is a student at Texas State, offered this gem:  “Just don’t throw it under-handed.”  His sister, Melissa, devised a complicated plot in which Rangers President/baseball legend Nolan Ryan would throw out the ball, but everyone would think it was really me.

Eventually, the day came – and as nervous as I had been, I felt strangely calm when I finally got out on the field.  Maybe that’s the magic of America’s Pastime.

My first pitch was a first for me – I’m really glad I got to do it.  You probably won’t see this on Sports Center, so be sure to take a look at the video here:

Celebrating Our Nation’s Birthday

Lisa and I had a great time Saturday riding in Arlington’s annual Fourth of July Parade.  With over 130 entries, this is one of the largest parades in the state. The rain held off as tens of thousands of people lined the streets — many show up at the break of dawn to get a good seat. It was a great way to kick off Independence Day weekend and celebrate our nation’s birthday.

And the celebration isn’t over yet. This Saturday, Lisa and I will be riding in the Crowley Celebration of Freedom parade for the third year in a row. As in past years, I know that there will be a great crowd!

A Victory for the Air We Breathe

On Tuesday, TXI announced that it would close all four of its wet cement kilns located in Midlothian, just South of House District 96. This is a great victory for southern Tarrant County residents, who are downwind from the kilns and in the direct path of dangerous pollutants emitted from the plants, including nitrogen oxides, which produce ozone and smog.

The cement industry has come a long way since the “wet kiln” technology was introduced decades ago and there are now much cleaner ways to produce cement.  During the previous legislative session, I voted in favor of an amendment to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Sunset bill that would require TxDOT to buy “green cement” for construction projects. Unfortunately, the amendment (and ultimately, the bill) did not pass, but I will continue to support measures that will improve the air quality in the Metroplex and across Texas.  In the meantime, we all have something to celebrate with TXI’s announcement.

Community Calendar

Each Saturday in July

8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Burleson Farmer’s Market
Clark and Renfro Streets, Burleson

July 10, 2010

Parade begins at 10 AM
Crowley Celebration of Freedom Parade
Begins at Crowley High School and Ends at Bicentennial Park

July 15, 2010

6:00 to 7:00 PM
UTA Planetarium presents “Unseen Universe”
UTA Planetarium
700 Planetarium Place, Arlington

July 16 through July 18, 2010

Evening Performance -7:00 PM
Matinee – 2:00 PM
Mansfield Community Theatre presents “My Fair Lady”
Kennedale Performing Arts Center 901 Wildcat Way, Kennedale

Thank you again for all your help!

Chris
P.S. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend.