Prayer, Medical Treatment and Health Insurance

Giving thanks for Ruth Jones McClendon's cancer remission

Over the last few weeks, we have been sending out horror stories related to healthcare. I want to share with you a positive story about a colleague of mine, where the system worked well. The below story ran in the Houston Chronicle, and it should be the story of all Texans that are faced with serious illness.

Yesterday reminded us to give thanks for all that we've been blessed with. We give our thanks and prayers for Ruth's continuing recovery and remission. This should be the story for every Texan: that they have access to care, good treatment, and insurance to pay for it. Godspeed, Ruth.

For those who don't know, Ruth is a fellow state representative from San Antonio. A graduate of Texas Southern University, she is an exemplary legislator. She has worked hard to get insurance coverage for Texans, especially on the Children's Health Insurance Program Bill in the waning days of session this year. If you want to learn more about Ruth, here's her website: http://www.ruthmcclendon.org/.

Cancer battle turns into a new mission
Lawmaker urges others to react to symptoms
By PEGGY FIKAC
HOUSTON CHRONICLE/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

AUSTIN — It was just a slight cough and a tingling in her fingers.

State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon wasn't really worried about either as this year's regular legislative session was winding down at the Capitol. "We were all coughing," she said. "It's like a meat locker in there."

As for the tingling, a fellow lawmaker suggested it might be carpal tunnel syndrome because she did a lot of repetitive page-turning as a member of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee.

It was enough to prompt McClendon to see a doctor, and the diagnosis turned out to be stark: stage 4 lung cancer, which already had spread to her brain. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of lung cancer.

"It just felt like I was laid out on the floor, and somebody just dropped a bowling ball in the middle of my stomach," said McClendon, D-San Antonio, who had quit smoking in 1998. "It was just like — just everything went out of me."

Aggressive treatment
Then she got busy figuring out what to do.

"You are in shock for a day at least, but then you've got to pull yourself together," McClendon said.

Surgery wasn't an option, so she embarked on a course of radiation and chemotherapy that drove the cancer into remission.

McClendon plans to start "maintenance" chemotherapy in December. In the meantime, she has gone public with her story because she wants to share her good fortune by urging people to get potentially lifesaving screening and checkups — and not let fear hold them back.

"I wanted people to know if they get detected for it early, if they get treatment, then there is life," she said. "It's not a death sentence."

McClendon praised her doctors, including Dr. Amy Lang, a medical oncologist at the START Center for Cancer Care in San Antonio, who she said prescribed a "very aggressive" treatment plan. She said Lang came highly recommended and did a good job of answering the questions McClendon and her husband had about treatment.

It's a mutual-admiration society.
"Everyone that meets Ruth falls in love with her, including me," said Lang, who emphasized McClendon's message, saying, "Don't ignore your symptoms. Go and see your doctor if you think something isn't right. Trust your gut instincts."

Hopes and prayers
McClendon's cancer "is an incurable disease as of today, but she has had a dramatic response to chemotherapy and radiation," Lang said. "Her prognosis is good. She knows that there's a possibility that the cancer could come back, but we know that using the maintenance therapy has been shown to prolong that time before the cancer comes back."

Besides the power of medicine, McClendon also credits the power of prayer — her own prayers and those of family and friends.

"When someone tells you (that) you have stage 4 cancer and it's inoperable, you depend very heavily on your medical team, and I had a very excellent medical team," she said. "But without prayer, there is no way you can get through anything of that magnitude."

U.S. Senate Votes to Bring Health Insurance Reform for a Full Floor Debate

Tonight was an exciting night for our country. Minutes ago, the Senate voted to bring health insurance reform legislation for a full debate before the floor.

I am proud of the Senate for moving health insurance reform forward by voting to proceed with full debate. Congratulations to Senator Reid and the Senate Democrats who have always been up to the challenge of accomplishing this historic goal.

Thank you to all of the members of the public that have been working so diligently for change. Your vigilance and support of our members of Congress has made the difference in getting us this far. The vote tonight cleared a huge hurdle and brought us closer to enacting health insurance reform that will benefit millions of Texans and Americans.

I'm disappointed but definitely not surprised that Senator Cornyn and Senator Hutchison voted to not even have a debate on the legislation. Apparently the fact that they represent a state with the highest uninsured population in the country wasn’t incentive enough for our Senators to debate this legislation. Instead, they have demonstrated they are more committed to the principles of the "party of no" than they are to improving the lives of everyday Texans.
Below I’ve included an article from the Washington Post with more details on tonight’s historic developments.


Senate votes to bring health-care bill to the floor

By Shailagh Murray and Paul KaneWashington Post staff writersSaturday, November 21, 2009 8:17 PM

The Senate voted on party lines Saturday night to end a Republican filibuster and bring a bill that would overhaul the nation's health-care system to the Senate floor.

After days of indecision, the two final holdouts -- Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) -- voted with all 60 members of their caucus to support a procedural motion to begin debate. Though strictly parliamentary, the vote marks a milestone in the quest for health-care reform reignited by President Obama's election.

The vote set up weeks of debate. Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) is aiming for final passage before Christmas.

The House passed a $1 trillion health bill two weeks ago; the $848 billion Senate version represents the work of two committees and hundreds of hours of hearings and deliberations, against a backdrop of fervent Republican opposition. But even as Democrats heralded their expected victory Saturday, they conceded that the vote represents the end of the beginning -- and not the other way around.

Like Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), a holdout until Friday, Lincoln and Landrieu said they will press Reid for further changes to the bill before committing to its final passage.

Even to pass Saturday's hurdle, Reid agreed to a 72-hour review period that Lincoln had sought after the bill was introduced Wednesday night. He added a Medicaid clause worth up to $300 million for Landrieu's home state. Although many Democrats pressed Reid to include language to end a federal antitrust exemption for health insurers, the majority leader omitted the repeal to lock down Nelson's vote.

The weeks ahead are likely to bring many more costly concessions. Democrats are already requesting changes to the legislation, raising concerns related to Medicare, abortion and employer requirements.

Above all, the Democratic caucus remains bitterly divided over a government insurance option. Reid quelled an uprising by liberal senators weeks ago by adding a "public option" to the legislation. But although he included an opt-out clause for states, some moderates -- including Landrieu and Lincoln -- have told Reid they will oppose the Senate bill on final passage unless the provision is dropped.

"My vote should in no way be construed by the supporters of this current framework as an indication of how I might vote on the final bill," said Landrieu, who said she also will seek more generous tax credits for small-business health care. "My vote is a vote to move forward, to continue the good and essential and important and imperative work that is underway."

But Democratic leaders said the Saturday vote provided a jolt of momentum that vastly improved prospects for a completed Senate bill before the Christmas break, leaving January for negotiations with the House. The goal now is to deliver final legislation to Obama in time for the 2010 State of the Union address in late January.

"There will be more procedural hurdles, more disagreements, more pressure from our opponents, more television ads, and many amendments," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.). "But I have no doubt that we will pass this bill."

Republicans portrayed the action Saturday night as considerably more consequential, tantamount to an endorsement of the underlying bill, or "a vote for higher premiums, cuts to Medicare, and more taxes," as Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) declared on the Senate floor.

"All those people who are concerned about the high cost of health care today aren't getting under relief under the Democrat plan," said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). "In fact, their lives are going to get much, much worse."

The Senate bill would provide coverage to 31 million Americans by vastly expanding Medicaid and creating new insurance exchanges for individuals who do not have access to affordable coverage through their employers. For the first time, it would require most people to carry health coverage, although families with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level would receive subsidies to buy policies.

The legislation also would force sweeping changes to the insurance industry to end discriminatory practices, including the rejection of coverage based on pre-existing conditions. It would institute new incentives to encourage disease prevention and to institute the most effective treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma.

On the revenue side, the Senate bill would extract about $400 billion in cost savings from Medicare and Medicaid and impose an excise tax on the most generous health-care policies, dubbed "Cadillac" plans. It would raise payroll taxes for high earners and levy a new 5 percent tax on elective cosmetic surgery.

Even before he released the bill last week, Reid started work on securing the votes to bring the measure to the floor . He canvassed Democrats in private meetings and phone calls and urged groups of senators with shared interest to work together on joint amendments. Leadership aides also drew up lists of potential Republican amendments, to devise how Democrats would respond.
Along with the three Democratic moderates who already have stepped forward, two other senators are likely to become frequent visitors to Reid's office in the weeks ahead. Like Nelson, Landrieu and Lincoln, independent Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (Conn.) opposes the public option but agreed to support the start of debate. Unlike the other three senators, Lieberman has stated unequivocally that he would oppose a government insurance plan in any form.

That leaves Reid with two options. Either he must convince his liberal members to give up the provision, or he must win back Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (Maine), the only Republican to support the Senate Finance Committee bill.

Nelson, Landrieu and other moderate Democrats have suggested they can support an alternative version of the public option proposed by Snowe; it would take effect only if private policies prove unaffordable. Democrats are hopeful they can win her back as the debate advances, and said she has continued to negotiate with Reid -- although she added, "the conversations have to translate into something specific . . . and that hasn't happened."

Texas House Committee Interim Charges are Here

Speaker Joe Straus just released the interim charges for the 81st Legislative Session. As Chairman of the House Committee on County Affairs, I thank Speaker Straus for his work in developing these thoughtful committee charges. The recommendations the Committee on County Affairs develops will form the basis for legislation for the 82nd Legislative Session.

I look forward to holding public hearings and receiving input on the charges. Work on the charges will be carried out with the maximum amount of public input, along with the expertise and knowledge of all stakeholders.

We will bring back a report that reflects the variety of views within the 254 counties in the state of Texas. Click here to see a complete list of Interim Committee Charges for the 81st Legislature.

The House Committee on County Affairs was charged with six individual charges:

1. Study the current practices and tools available to counties to manage growth and development. Consider incompatible land uses and county rulemaking authority, including rulemaking authority bracketed to counties of a certain population.

2. Study county-level health care delivery models for indigent health care that emphasize community-based care to improve the continuity and quality of care. Compare urban and rural health care delivery models and make necessary legislative recommendations.

3. Study county oversight related to pretrial release on bond in criminal cases.

4. Examine how local governments can better inform the public about local government debts.

5. Survey rural economic development programs. Analyze the economic relationship between rural communities and the agriculture industry and their combined impact on the state's economy. Joint Interim Charge with House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock.

6. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.


Click here to see a complete list of Interim Committee Charges for the 81st Legislature.

Nicole's Story: Unaffordable Health Insurance Wouldn't Cover What I Needed

Below is another story we received about someone in Houston that has first hand experience of the worst practices of the insurance industry. If you have a story, please be sure to send it in through email or through my Facebook page. We'll read them, and if you'd like your story shared, we'll make sure to include it on our website or in a future email.

Nicole's husband served in the U.S. Armed Forces and qualifies for health coverage through the Veterans' Administration. Nicole, however, pays for her health care through a public system based on a sliding scale. Last summer, she had a medical emergency requiring four surgeries. Because of a negative experience, Nicole sought to purchase health insurance through the market, hoping she could have access to different hospitals.

The individual market offered unaffordable and stripped down health care plans. Nicole was astounded to discover that the she would have to pay premiums of at least $500 a month and spend $5,000 before her insurance company would even begin to pay for her medical care. Worse, they would not cover surgeries or any care related to the condition for which she was seeking the policy, since that condition would be considered pre-existing.

As Nicole states, "I couldn’t afford insurance for one person. And, even if I could, it wouldn’t cover what I needed."

The market failed Nicole and fails millions of Texans who attempt to purchase health insurance on their own. Even if Nicole could afford the high monthly premiums, the health coverage offered through the market would have been bare-bones, keeping Nicole underinsured.

Nicole needs quality, affordable insurance options that don't discriminate based on "pre-existing" conditions.

Stories like Nicole's are not rare.

Texans throughout the state are waiting for our nation to enact federal health insurance reform so they, too, can access the health care they need.

Senator Reid Unveils Senate Version of Health Insurance Reform

Moments ago, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled the Senate's version of health insurance reform.

Senator Reid has done the American people a great service by unveiling a bill that will expand access to health care, lower the deficit, and end some of the insurance industry's most despicable practices. Senator Reid has shown extraordinary leadership and has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to delivering this victory to the American people.

I am proud of the Senator's dedication and his pledge to move forward with meaningful and fiscally responsible legislation. I trust that the Senate - under the leadership of Senator Reid - will keep this bill, and our country, moving forward.

Senate Health Insurance Reform Bill Insures Americans and Lowers Federal Deficit

Today, the non-partisan Congressional Budged Office (CBO) returned its analysis and cost estimate of the Senate's health insurance reform legislation. The CBO score shows that the Senate version would insure 31 million Americans and reduce the federal deficit by $127 billion over the next ten years.

To recap the process: Two Senate committees passed out their versions of a healthcare reform bill at the end of the summer. Working with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, they have combined the two bills. A week and a half ago, the House passed its version of healthcare reform. Now, the Senate will take the House bill and replace the bill with the Senate's merged version to hopefully pass it out. The House and the Senate will then appoint a conference committee to iron out the differences, take the final version back to each chamber for a final vote, and send the bill to the President for his signature.

At each stage of the process, as a new version of the bill is drafted, the CBO analyzes it for its cost and impact. Since the CBO has returned their analysis of the Senate version of the bill, Majority Leader Reid can release the text to the public and to the Senators to read.

The next step in the process is introducing the bill on the Senate floor, and voting on a motion to proceed with debate. It will require 60 votes to proceed, and Sen. Reid's office has indicated that this vote could be coming up within the next few days.

Below is a story from the Washington Post with more details.

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Reid bill would cost $849, expand coverage to 31 million people, aide says

By Lori Montgomery
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 5:25 PM

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has assembled a compromise health package that would expand coverage to more than 31 million Americans at a cost of $849 billion over the next decade, a senior leadership aide said late Wednesday.

The cost of the package would be more than made up for by cuts in future Medicare spending and an array of new taxes, the aide said, reducing projected budget deficits by $127 billion no later than 2019 -- the biggest cost savings of any health care package so far assembled by congressional Democrats. The measure would also save the government money in the long term, the aide said, cutting projected deficits by as much as $650 billion between 2019 and 2029.

The aide did not release a formal cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office, saying Reid was still awaiting a final report. But, he said, Reid has "received very good news from CBO confirming that we have produced a fiscally responsible bill that reduces the deficit, extends coverage to millions of Americans and meets the President's cost test." Reid was planning to unveil the package at a 5 p.m. meeting of Senate Democrats and formally file the legislation hours later. But the aide said hopes were fading that the Senate would be able to hold a crucial procedural vote Friday to usher the measure onto the Senate floor. That vote is now likely to occur no earlier than Saturday, the aide said.

Complicating the Senate's timetable was the absence of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), who flew home because of a family medical emergency. A Baucus spokesman said it was unclear when Baucus, whose committee drafted one of two health care measures in the Senate, would be able to return to Washington. Because Republicans have threatened to filibuster the health package, Reid needs all 58 Democrats and two independents to be present and voting yes in order to prevail on the procedural motion that would formally begin debate.

The aide declined to provide additional details about the legislation Reid has crafted taking elements from the Finance measure and a rival package assembled by the Senate health committee, saying he would do so after Senate Democrats had been briefed. However, Reid has said the package would extend coverage to 94 percent of Americans by dramatically expanding Medicaid and establishing new marketplaces where people without access to affordable coverage through an employer could purchase comprehensive plans. One of the options offered through those insurance exchanges, Reid has said, would be a government-run insurance program demanded by liberals as an alternative to for-profit private firms. But Reid has also said that states would be permitted to "opt out" of the public plan, leaving only private insurance options in their exchanges.

The package is expected to be financed through more than $400 billion in Medicare cuts, as well as a new tax on high-cost insurance policies. Reid is also expected to propose a small increase in the Medicare payroll tax for workers who earn more than $250,000 a year.

Houstonian Experiences Insurance Industry's Worst Practices

Below is a story we received about someone in Houston that has first hand experience of the worst practices of the insurance industry. If you have a story, please be sure to send it in through email or through my Facebook page. We'll read them, and if you'd like your story shared, we'll make sure to include it on our website or in a future email.

Fred is a master electrician in Houston. He and his brothers, all electricians, formed their own small, family business in the 1980s. Fred has worked hard every day of his life, and as a result he and his brothers have grown their small business over the years, creating a successful company.

Fred has done work on buildings and schools and homes throughout Houston, including many in my own district.

Working for a small business, Fred has to pay very large premiums for very meager health insurance.

A month and a half ago, during his yearly checkup, a blood test showed he had elevated Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which may indicate prostate cancer. Upon learning this news, Fred's health insurance company dropped him from his plan, leaving him uninsured and facing the prospect of dealing with cancer without health insurance.

Thankfully, after further tests, it appears that Fred's high PSA levels were triggered by a noncancerous condition. This condition, however, is now considered a preexisting condition that won't be covered under future insurance plans. As anyone who has gone through a similar experience can attest to, waiting for two weeks for results from more medical tests can be harrowing. Those two weeks wreak havoc on your mind, as you wait anxiously by the phone for the doctor's call. Imagine having to do that knowing that your insurance company shoved you off the plan you've been paying into for years, and that your new preexisting condition would not be covered by any new plan. Imagine having to pay out of pocket for a catastrophic illness like cancer.

No Texan – not the insured, underinsured, or uninsured – should have to delay medical coverage because it is too costly.

Fred's story is one that is repeated throughout our country every day. Hardworking men and women that do everything they are supposed to - go to work, buy insurance coverage, save and plan for the future - are vulnerable to an illness that an insurance company can refuse to cover.

That's wrong. Insurance companies shouldn't drop you if you come down with a serious illness. They shouldn't discriminate against you if you've got a preexisting condition. And they shouldn't recklessly raise premiums while they continue these terrible practices. Health care reform under consideration in Congress right now will end these practices by the insurance industry. The House has already passed a bill, we're now waiting on action in the Senate. We should be receiving good news about action in the Senate later today or tomorrow, when we hear it, we'll be sure to pass it on.

A Texas-sized Hole in the Safety Net

Texas Weekly asked me to write a column on what version of health care reform would be best for Texas. As a member of President Obama's White House Working Group of State Legislators for Health Care Reform, I've had a unique insight to the national process.

The Texas Tribune, a new non-profit, non partisan media site that covers Texas politics and public policy posted the column on their site today. I encourage you to visit their site, which is a great resource on statewide policy matters.

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THE TEXAS TRIBUNE

Texas Weekly: A Texas-sized Hole in the Safety Net
By Rep. Garnet Coleman

A reporter once noted that Governor Perry, when asked a question he did not want to answer, often replied, "It is what it is." For the past nine years, that has also been the frustrating answer millions of uninsured and underinsured Texans received when they asked the governor and the state's Republican leadership, "What about healthcare?"

It's an answer of careless surrender and evidence of an underlying philosophy that is so hostile to reform. Brick by brick, the state's healthcare system has been dismantled over the years. Starting with 2003's rollback under Speaker Craddick, Medically Needy Medicaid —which prevented medical bankruptcies — was eliminated, then the rolls of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) were slashed, and damaging privatization schemes were embarked upon. It continued this session as the Republican leadership killed a bill despite overwhelming approval in both chambers that would have allowed working parents to purchase CHIP coverage for their children.

If the "states' rights" leadership in Texas refuses to do anything for our state, then it's up to Congress to enact reform that will benefit all Americans, especially Texans. The best plan for health insurance reform is one that affordably covers most uninsured Texans, preserves the insurance of those already covered and lowers health care costs.

Texas' current system has left six million Texans without health insurance. Those who can afford coverage fight every day against skyrocketing premiums, declining benefits, medical bankruptcies, preexisting conditions, and the constant threat of being kicked off their own insurance plan. Because of our dismal health standings, we have the most to gain from federal health insurance reform under consideration.

Lowering costs and maintaining affordability is essential to achieving successful reform. In 2008, an alarming 6.9 million Texans spent more than 20 percent of their income on health related costs. Due to skyrocketing insurance rates, workers are no longer rewarded with a pay raise — they have to settle for keeping their insurance.

Too many individuals can't get coverage because insurance companies use the excuse of preexisting conditions like mental illness or cancer to charge higher premiums, or deny them altogether. In a state where 10 percent of residents have diabetes and 28 percent have high blood pressure, the need for reform is paramount.

Allowing individuals to keep their insurance with them, even after losing or changing their jobs, is key. Our state unemployment rate is currently at 8.2 percent, which means that nearly 1 million Texans are unable to find work. Also important is removing the arbitrary limits that insurance companies place on annual and lifetime benefits, because our residents deserve better than being one illness or accident away from bankruptcy.

No Texan — not the insured, underinsured, or uninsured — should have to delay medical coverage because it is too costly. As Texans, we need to support a national plan because it is the best opportunity to reform the state's system.

Statistics tell a story, and being first in the nation for the number of uninsured says that there are leaders in Texas unwilling to provide healthcare to their constituents. Twenty-five percent of women aged 55-64 are uninsured. Many, who are often widows or divorced with no assistance, are waiting for Medicare to kick in on their 65th birthday to bring them the security of having health insurance once again. Another large number of individuals in need are mothers and fathers of kids on Medicaid and CHIP. These groups have fallen through the Texas-sized hole in the social safety net.

If left to this troubling philosophy, the problem will continue to grow and Texas will fall farther behind, to the detriment of its future well being. The best healthcare reform for Texas is one that rejects the failed reasoning of its recent leaders and actually attempts to solve the problem.

"It is what it is," is not a healthcare plan, and it's not a good excuse; it is a proud fanfare for mediocrity and the status quo. The current system has failed Texas families, Texas businesses, and the state as a whole. The people of Texas deserve a victory.

Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, serves in HD-147. He's on the Calendars and Public Health committees, and chairs the Committee on County Affairs.

Rally for Meaningful Health Insurance Reform

Be a part of history and help reform our nation's broken health care system. This Saturday, I'll be speaking at a rally in support of meaningful health insurance reform at the south steps of the Texas Capitol from 1 to 3 p.m. If you are in Austin, I invite you to join me, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Representative Elliott Naishtat and many organizations on the front lines in the fight for health insurance reform.

If you have any questions or would like for me to speak to your organization regarding health insurance reform, don't hesitate to contact my office at 512-463-0524.

In 2008, 2,226 military veterans under age 65 died because they did not have health insurance, a number equating to 14 times the death toll in Afghanistan during the same year. These figures are intolerable and further highlight the need to reform a system in which even our nation's heroes do not have access to health care.

The passage of sweeping health insurance reform legislation by the House of Representatives has made us closer than ever to enacting much needed reforms. The ball is now in the Senate's court. Together, we can continue the momentum and urge the Senate to continue their work on behalf of the American people.

I hope to see you Saturday.

Honoring Our Nation's Veterans

Today, Veterans Day, please join me in honoring the men and women who bravely serve in the United States of America's Armed Forces and fight for the freedoms we enjoy. The startling and horrific tragedy at Fort Hood, which left 13 people dead and another 30 wounded, has made this day even more somber than usual.

The families of those killed and injured at Fort Hood face one of the most difficult and turbulent times of their lives. Adding to the horror and sadness of losing a loved one is the fact that these acts took place on U.S. soil, in a place far from the battlefield, and were carried out by a fellow officer. The healing process for the victims' families, their loved ones, and the community will be undoubtedly long and arduous. We mourn the victims, honor their lives, and demonstrate our deepest appreciation for their service.

Today, I especially remember and thank my grandfather, the late Sergeant Charles H. Jones II, and my uncle, the late Corporal Charles H. Jones III, who served our country in the 92nd Infantry in Italy during World War II. Let us remember and express sincere gratitude to those who have served our country and given their lives for the sake of not only our nation, but each of us as well.

Sergeant Charles H. Jones II and Corporal Charles H. Jones III Buffalo Soldiers, 92nd Infantry

Update on Mayor's Race

I wanted to let you know that today Peter Brown endorsed Annise Parker for Mayor of Houston, as well as provide you with an overview of the mayor's race from this weekend's Houston Chronicle. - Garnet

November 10, 2009
Annise Parker Receives Endorsement of Former Opponent Peter Brown

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: November 10, 2009
Contact: Sue Davis
713-392-6011 | sue@suedavis.net

Houston, TX – Annise Parker today received the endorsement of her former opponent in the Houston Mayor's race, City Councilmember Peter Brown.

In a news conference on the steps of City Hall, Brown today announced that he would be casting his vote for Parker in the runoff election December 12 and he asked all his supporters, friends and family to do the same.

Brown said: "One candidate stands out with a 12-year proven track record of public service, particularly in terms of efficient, transparent government, the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and fiscal responsibility, especially important in these difficult economic times."

Brown also encouraged all of his "supporters, friends, and all who believe in the enormous potential of our great city" to join Parker's campaign.

"I am proud to accept this endorsement from Peter Brown," said Parker. "Councilmember Brown has dedicated his life to improving the quality of life in Houston. I know his service to his community will continue and I look forward to working with him as Mayor."

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Locke faces an uphill battle with Parker

Polls show both mayoral runoff candidates must energize their supporters, try to gain conservative vote for Dec. 12 runoff

By BRADLEY OLSON
HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Nov. 8, 2009, 6:46AM

City Controller Annise Parker heads into next month's mayoral runoff election a step ahead of former City Attorney Gene Locke among voters in most demographic and geographic categories, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis of precinct voting data.

The only exception was with African-Americans, among whom Locke dominated despite a protracted effort by City Councilman Peter Brown to make inroads in that population. Locke's advantage there was weakened by generally low turnout in areas with high populations of black voters, the analysis shows, a factor that will take on heightened importance as the contest becomes refocused on the two remaining candidates.

"The numbers paint a very good picture for the Parker campaign and present some obvious challenges to the Locke team in the finals," said unaffiliated political consultant Keir Murray, whose analysis of the precinct data concurs with that of the Chronicle. "Annise goes into the runoff in a very strong position. I think she's the person to beat."

As new narratives and fault lines emerge, the two candidates must pursue sharply different paths to victory as they seek to win over as many as 70,000 voters — an unusually high 40 percent of the total — who sided with opponents that were eliminated last Tuesday, analysts said.

Parker, who established a major base of support among inside-the-loop white voters and placed first or second in traditionally conservative areas, must get out her base and undertake a major push to woo conservatives, a possibility that may be within reach, according to the data, campaign officials and analysts.

Locke, who placed a distant fourth in traditionally conservative areas, must raise black turnout, unite African-Americans behind his candidacy and win over far more upper- and middle-class white voters, particularly those in the conservative areas that may be most up for grabs, analysts said.

No sacred cows this time

Those disparate plans, and the vulnerabilities of Locke and Parker that play into them, are likely to make the runoff as hard-fought as any in recent memory, a five-week sprint in which the candidates — or their surrogates — may not shy away from attacks of a far sharper character than what occurred at the end of the general election.

The sacred cows in round one — Parker's sexual orientation and Locke's fiery activism in the civil rights movement — are unlikely to remain so, analysts said.

"Each not only has to get their own base out, but voters outside of their base," said Mustafa Tameez, a political strategist deeply involved in the three victories of Mayor Bill White. "That's what makes the race speed up. As they are defining themselves, they will be defining their opponent."

Tameez predicted the nature of the race — the low voter interest in the general election combined with the negative campaigning — could make th e Dec. 12 runo ff one of the few in the city's recent history to bring more voters to the polls than the general election.

Previous races in which that occurred include the 1997 and 2001 campaigns of Mayor Lee Brown, in which African-American turnout was extremely high, analysts recalled. The difference this time is that Locke is running against another Democrat, not a Republican.

Breaking down precincts

Among lower- and middle-income African-Americans, Locke won slightly greater than two out of every three voters, according to the Chronicle analysis.

Peter Brown followed with 19 percent, Parker with 12 percent and Harris County Board of Education Trustee Roy Morales with about 1 percent.

Nearly one in three upper- and middle-class white voters chose Parker, followed by 30 percent for Morales, 23 percent for Brown and 14 percent for Locke. Among Latino voters, 31 percent chose Brown, 26 percent Morales, 28 percent voted for Parker and 13 percent Locke.

Voting precincts in Houston were broken down by income, race and ethnic background to determine voting patterns. Upper-income blacks and Asian-Americans were not included in the survey because registered voters in those categories do not live in concentrated areas in large enough numbers to constitute a voting bloc.

Battle for conservatives

In areas with a high population of conservatives, such as Kingwood and Clear Lake, Morales polled the highest, followed by Parker and Brown. Locke was more than 10 points behind in those areas.

Where those voters will go remains an open question, analysts said.

Because conservative voters are at stake, two lines of attack are likely to emerge. Locke may turn up the heat on accusations that Parker did not do enough as controller to sound the alarm about the city's troubled financial situation. To hit back, Parker may go further in playing up Locke's role in striking deals for three new sports stadiums, deals that recently soured amid the financial crisis.

"The first debate going on with conservatives is, is there a choice? Is there a reason to vote?" said Gary Polland, former chairman of the Harris County Republican Party. "Some say there's really not much of a difference, so why bother, but I do think there are differences between the candidates."

Locke's GOP backers

Grading the candidates on issues important to fiscal conservatives, Polland gave Parker a B for her answers and Locke a D in a brochure produced for the Texas Conservative Review.

Locke has the backing of several heavyweight Republicans, such as former Harris County Judge Robert Eckels, Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman, former Port of Houston Commissioner Ned Holmes and others. A television ad or mail piece featuring them or former Mayor Bob Lanier prominently could go a long way, analysts said. Eckels said conservative voters did not know enough about Locke in the first round.

"Gene has not worked that community as well," he said, adding that Locke's appeal could grow as they come to know him. "Right now, people care about business and jobs, and that's what Gene's got better experience doing."

Parker's sexual orientation and Locke's activism may cancel each other out, several analysts said.

"A small handful of voters" may not choose Parker for that reason, said Joe Householder, a communications consultant who has worked on or observed many Houston municipal elections. "But the folks who won't vote for a lesbian may not vote for an African-American, either."

bradley.olson@chron.com

One House Down, One To Go

Saturday night, the U.S. House of Representatives wrapped up months of hard work and passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act. This historic vote will finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.

The House's action brings us closer than ever before to comprehensive health insurance reform. The focus now turns to the U.S. Senate as we urge them to follow the House's lead and get the bill to President Obama before the end of this year.

Thanks to the long hours and hard work the Senate has already put in, the Senate bill is almost ready to be sent to the floor for debate.

Thank you for your hard work on getting health care reform to this stage, closer than we have ever been in our nation's history. Your phone calls, emails and letters have had an incredible effect. As we turn our attention to the Senate, I ask you to remain vigilant and continue helping to move our country forward.

Thank you particularly to the Democratic members of the Texas delegation that voted for the bill. If any of these members represent you, please make sure to call or write their office and thank them for their support.

• Congressman Henry Cuellar (Laredo)
• Congressman Lloyd Doggett (Austin)
• Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (San Antonio)
• Congressman Al Green (Houston)
• Congressman Gene Green (Houston)
• Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (Mercedes)
• Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee (Houston)
• Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (Dallas)
• Congressman Solomon Ortiz (Corpus Christi)
• Congressman Silvestre Reyes (El Paso)

Below are some links to articles from the past couple of days about the passage of the House bill and pending action in the Senate.

CNN: House Passes Health Care Reform Bill
In a historic vote, the House passed a bill that provides stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and brings down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. It is also fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.

The Hill: House Democrats hope their health vote will 'galvanize' the Senate
The House of Representatives’ historic step brings us far closer to comprehensive health insurance reform than ever before. Thanks to their hard work, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America. House Democrats hope their passing a health bill will help propel the Senate to approve legislation.

New York Times: Obama Presses Senate to Pass Its Health Bill
President Obama appeared Sunday in the Rose Garden to call on senators to “take up the baton and bring this effort to the finish line.” He continued, “For years we’ve been told that this couldn’t be done.” Of the American people, he said, “Moments like this are why they sent us here.”

Historic Health Care Vote in House of Representatives

The United States House of Representatives has just passed HR 3962, sweeping health insurance reform legislation also known as the Affordable Health Care For America Act.

In doing so, they made history for our country and delivered a victory to the American people.

I want to thank Speaker Pelosi, the chairmen and members of the three House committees that crafted the bill, and especially the Texas Democratic Congressional Delegation for their hard work. These members worked diligently for their districts and our state, and delivered a bill that will finally bring health insurance reform to the millions of underinsured and uninsured Texans that have languished for years under leaders that wouldn’t act on their behalf. This bill will reform the insurance industry’s worst practices, which have hurt insured Texans for years, while simultaneously lowering the federal deficit.

When the time came to act, Democrats in Congress seized the opportunity and delivered on their promise to the American people.

I look forward to the upcoming passage of the bill in the Senate, and urge Texas' Senators to get on board and help send this historic bill to the President's desk.

AARP and AMA Endorse House Health Insurance Reform Legislation

Today, both the American Association of Retired People (AARP) and the American Medical Association (AMA) endorsed the House Democratic health insurance reform bill.

The AARP called the Democratic House health insurance reform bill the strongest health care legislation they've seen to date, and have endorsed the bill because it will protect seniors, end discrimination based on age, lower health care costs, and help older Americans and their families.

When announcing the organization's endorsement, AARP CEO Barry Rand stated, "We've read the Affordable Health Care for America Act and we can say with confidence that it meets those goals with improved benefits for people in Medicare and needed health insurance market reforms to help ensure every American can purchase affordable health coverage."

The AMA, who also endorsed the House Democratic health insurance reform legislation, stated that the bill would "go a long way toward making the health system better for patients and physicians." The association added, "It will significantly expand health insurance coverage to Americans to empower patient and physician decision making; institute meaningful insurance market reforms; make substantial investments in quality; institute prevention and wellness initiatives; provide incentives to states that adopt certificate of merit and/or early offer liability reforms, and reduce administrative burdens.”

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that this legislation will insure 36 million Americans and reduce the federal deficit by $104 billion in 10 years. The House Democratic health insurance legislation is expected to hit the House floor on Saturday. Below, I've included an image from CBS that more clearly outlines the process ahead.

Texans Vote for More Nationally Recognized Universities

The people of Houston and Texas scored a victory yesterday with the approval of Proposition 4, which will allow the University of Houston to compete for funds that could assist it in achieving tier one status.

I have been a long time advocate of creating more institutions of excellence in our state so that Texas students can have more nationally recognized options. In May 2008 the Legislative Study Group (LSG), a house caucus that I chair, put out a report calling for the creation of additional tier one universities which you can read here. You can also read the LSG's analysis and recommendation on Proposition 4 here.

Below, I've included an article from today's Houston Chronicle detailing the approved propositions, specifically Proposition 4.

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PROPOSITIONS
Yes vote likely to guide UH's future

By R.G. RATCLIFFE AUSTIN BUREAU
Nov. 4, 2009, 1:49AM

AUSTIN — State constitutional amendments to boost the University of Houston as a research institution and protect private property from government seizure were among 11 propositions approved by Texas voters on Tuesday.

Voters also enshrined the Open Beaches Act into the state Constitution by passing Proposition 9, guaranteeing public access to the sands and shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico.

Three propositions to bring greater fairness to property valuations for tax purposes — Propositions 2, 3 and 5 — also passed despite opposition claims that they opened the door to a state property tax, which has been banned by the Constitution for almost three decades.

The amendment with a significant potential local impact was Proposition 4 to establish the National Research University Fund with a goal of turning seven universities into Tier 1 research institutions like the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.

“Passage of Proposition 4 sends this important message — Texans understand that more nationally recognized research universities will help retain Texas-grown talent, recruit top researchers who will generate billions of dollars in economic growth and create more high-paying, permanent jobs,” said Texans for Tier One campaign co-chair, former lieutenant governor and University of Houston chancellor Bill Hobby.

The University of Houston ranks second behind Texas Tech University in the criteria to become a Tier 1 institution. UH likely will be one of the first to advance under the plan.

But nothing will be immediate because only a portion of the total return of the investments made by the fund will be available for distribution to the universities, and how that money is handed out will be determined by the Legislature every two years.

The amendment will transfer $500 million into the fund from two existing higher education financing funds.

The amendment was opposed by the Young Conservatives of Texas, who claimed too much attention was being spent on research and not enough on education.

Besides Texas Tech and UH, other universities that will benefit from the fund are the University of Texas at Arlington, UT-Dallas, UT-El Paso, UT-San Antonio and the University of North Texas.

In early returns, the Tier 1 proposition was losing in rural areas and winning in the urban areas with colleges set to benefit from the fund. However, the vote was going against the amendment in Brazos County, home of Texas A&M.

The state's Republican gubernatorial candidates took notice of Proposition 11 to limit government taking property by eminent domain for use by private investors. The amendment puts into the Constitution a state law.

Gov. Rick Perry vetoed additional property owner protections in 2007, saying it would cost taxpayers too much money.

Perry and his GOP primary rival, Texas U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, campaigned for the amendment over the past several weeks. Perry used the measure to restore his credentials, while Hutchison reminded voters of Perry's veto.

Here's a look at the other propositions that passed:

Proposition 1: Allows local governments to buy land as a buffer around military bases.

Proposition 6: To make Veterans Land Board bond pool perpetual for land and mortgage loans to veterans.

Proposition 7: Allows members of the Texas State Guard to hold civil office.

Proposition 8: Gives the state authority to contribute money toward the construction of a veterans hospital in South Texas.

Proposition 10: Sets the term of office for members of emergency service district boards at four years.

r.g.ratcliffe@chron.com