In March of 2006, Daniel Pink published a book titled A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future that discussed the importance of fine arts education in schools. Senate Bill 3 had lawmakers confused as to why the arts programs were to be stripped from the curriculum and left it up to the students to waste their electives on any fine arts course.
This bill was actually one of the biggest school reform rewrites since No Child Left Behind. While there is a slight concern for how this change will effect the students, there are other concerns about how to fund this bill. With her Sentate Bill 982, Senator Leticia Van de Putte has suggested reinstating "Robin Hood", limiting recapture to districts wealthier than AISD. Colleges are suffering from a similar complaint: high admission costs and restrictions. Senator Judith Zaffirini proposed Senate Bill 1443 limiting tuition increases in universities by 5% a year; the bill was unanimously approved by the senate. This bill is now en route to the House, where it will meet Senate Bill 175, which caps admissions under the top 10% at 50% for incoming freshman.
Education is probably one of the biggest subjects I hear tossed around when it comes to debates about government funding. I subscribe to the school of thought that, when it comes to college especially, the rich man and the poor man can attend but the middle-class man has to practically sell his soul. Legislators seem to be taking steps to even this predicament out but, as the author of this article states, it could become a "decades long financial commitment".
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Abortion-Ultrasound Comment
After reading Politically Provoked's comments on the abortion-ultrasound bill, I would have to say that I agree with her on the subject that the opposition of the bill is not the risk to women's health, but more an opposition to the guilt trip that government is trying to place on these women for their decision.
I, myself, am pro-choice. I don't go around screaming that out at people but, if anyone asked me, I would admit to it. I believe that women should have the right to decide whether or not to bring a baby into this world. It could be for such reasons as the baby's quality of life will severely suffer due to poverty, improper living conditions, unhealthy/abusive environment, etc... Like Provoked, I think it wrong to attempt to guilt these women into rethinking their decision to abort the pregnancy. It is my opinion that most of these women have already considered the emotional and physical trauma they will be subjecting themselves to by making this decision. To pour more salt into the wound, so to speak, seems a little crass to me, much like a parent guilt tripping their child for not calling every week.
I can understand the concern for women's health when it comes to abortions. It's a brutal process and can take its toll on a woman's body and mind. But, like I said, I can't imagine there is any woman in this country that hasn't weighed all of her options before deciding to terminate her pregnancy. For the government to question her decision seems a little like meddling to me.
I, myself, am pro-choice. I don't go around screaming that out at people but, if anyone asked me, I would admit to it. I believe that women should have the right to decide whether or not to bring a baby into this world. It could be for such reasons as the baby's quality of life will severely suffer due to poverty, improper living conditions, unhealthy/abusive environment, etc... Like Provoked, I think it wrong to attempt to guilt these women into rethinking their decision to abort the pregnancy. It is my opinion that most of these women have already considered the emotional and physical trauma they will be subjecting themselves to by making this decision. To pour more salt into the wound, so to speak, seems a little crass to me, much like a parent guilt tripping their child for not calling every week.
I can understand the concern for women's health when it comes to abortions. It's a brutal process and can take its toll on a woman's body and mind. But, like I said, I can't imagine there is any woman in this country that hasn't weighed all of her options before deciding to terminate her pregnancy. For the government to question her decision seems a little like meddling to me.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
But before that, there were dinosaurs. But they were a bit crap so f-ck 'em!
In response to JT's Texas State Stuff Blog.
I am a huge advocate of evolution. Honestly, I really don't understand why it is still considered a theory. When you have fossilized evidence of a fish with legs, doesn't that garner enough proof that organisms will evolve to survive in a changing world?
When it comes down to teaching evolution in school, I am all for it. It's science, plain and simple. The teachers don't have to state whether or not they believe in it, but it's unfair to treat it like the red-headed stepchild simply because it's still technically a theory and goes against the Bible's proclamation that all humans were created in the image we currently have today.
I suppose my response to JT's blog isn't exactly concerning evolution (I agree that this should be taught), but more about religion being a factor. I am not an advocate of organized religion (the reasons of which I won't subject anyone to listen to). However, it is a subject that has been a major stepping stone in the human existence. If nothing else, it makes for a good lecture as to why people tend to be small-minded against evolution. I think that giving students a broader perspective on the many schools of thought when it comes to the existence of humans allows them to really wrap their minds around what is logical and what is merely faith-based.
I am a huge advocate of evolution. Honestly, I really don't understand why it is still considered a theory. When you have fossilized evidence of a fish with legs, doesn't that garner enough proof that organisms will evolve to survive in a changing world?
When it comes down to teaching evolution in school, I am all for it. It's science, plain and simple. The teachers don't have to state whether or not they believe in it, but it's unfair to treat it like the red-headed stepchild simply because it's still technically a theory and goes against the Bible's proclamation that all humans were created in the image we currently have today.
I suppose my response to JT's blog isn't exactly concerning evolution (I agree that this should be taught), but more about religion being a factor. I am not an advocate of organized religion (the reasons of which I won't subject anyone to listen to). However, it is a subject that has been a major stepping stone in the human existence. If nothing else, it makes for a good lecture as to why people tend to be small-minded against evolution. I think that giving students a broader perspective on the many schools of thought when it comes to the existence of humans allows them to really wrap their minds around what is logical and what is merely faith-based.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Road Less Traveled By is Still Taxed
High gasoline prices seem to be the bane of every American's existence these days. We can't seem to escape it, even when the entire country is in recession. Last summer, Rick Perry promised that, if the Texas Department of Transportation would borrow $1.5 million for road-building projects, he and his legislature would work to stop diverting the $600 million a year collected from motor vehicle fees and gasoline tax to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Well, here we are, and in an estimated 24 to 36 months, TXDOT will most likely be saying 'no new roads', due to the crappy economy, which has been slowly tanking since last summer. Because of this, there won't be any surplus to fill the gap if that $600 million is not diverted to DPS. It is even rumored that lawmakers will be using the state's rainy day fund of almost $9.1 million to cover themselves politically in 2011, rather than putting it to better use on the roads or even the school system.
In this article from the Austin American Statesman, the author states that metropolitan counties should be allowed to vote on whether or not to impose a higher gasoline tax, which, since 1991, has been 20 cents to the gallon. I fully agree. It is obvious that the legislation in the state would rather piddle away our tax dollars on campaigning than providing us with decent roads. In the hands of the citizens, the decision to use this money for the upkeep and construction of new roads in central Texas will be impacted more greatly and will help to justify the possible rise in the gasoline tax. At least then, we will feel as if we have gotten our money's worth!
Well, here we are, and in an estimated 24 to 36 months, TXDOT will most likely be saying 'no new roads', due to the crappy economy, which has been slowly tanking since last summer. Because of this, there won't be any surplus to fill the gap if that $600 million is not diverted to DPS. It is even rumored that lawmakers will be using the state's rainy day fund of almost $9.1 million to cover themselves politically in 2011, rather than putting it to better use on the roads or even the school system.
In this article from the Austin American Statesman, the author states that metropolitan counties should be allowed to vote on whether or not to impose a higher gasoline tax, which, since 1991, has been 20 cents to the gallon. I fully agree. It is obvious that the legislation in the state would rather piddle away our tax dollars on campaigning than providing us with decent roads. In the hands of the citizens, the decision to use this money for the upkeep and construction of new roads in central Texas will be impacted more greatly and will help to justify the possible rise in the gasoline tax. At least then, we will feel as if we have gotten our money's worth!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Unemployment for Women
In these trying economic times, it can be really hard for most of us to hold down our jobs. It seems like every time I listen to the news or NPR, they are giving an update on which companies have made cutbacks in payroll and how many thousands of people they have booted out the door. Every time I hear these statistics, I always envision the long line snaking out the door of the unemployment office. I should know...as of this past week, I was one of those people.
According to the Austin Chronicle's 'On the Ledge' blog, Gov. Rick Perry is on the verge of denying unemployed citizens in Texas $555 million in federal unemployment assistance. The Democratic party has become concerned and taken the time to highlight some of the reforms in the UI system, including those that pertain to benefits for women (see the video).
Generally, I didn't think that gender mattered when it came to unemployment assistance. However, the amount of assistance offered to women, especially women who were only working part-time, is considerably lower than the average working person. The author of this article has made it a point to include clips from the press conference, held April 2nd, that focused on women who are mothers working part-time to support their children and women who are college students. Even though the blog isn't lengthy, it's obvious that the author is appealing to readers who would sympathize with these working mothers and students.
I was neither a working mother nor a part-time employee. However, given my current situation, I can definitely sympathize with these women. I am receiving a mere pittance from the government for the time I put in with my company. While this money is definitely appreciated, it is nowhere near enough to keep a single woman with 1 or more children afloat for very long.
According to the Austin Chronicle's 'On the Ledge' blog, Gov. Rick Perry is on the verge of denying unemployed citizens in Texas $555 million in federal unemployment assistance. The Democratic party has become concerned and taken the time to highlight some of the reforms in the UI system, including those that pertain to benefits for women (see the video).
Generally, I didn't think that gender mattered when it came to unemployment assistance. However, the amount of assistance offered to women, especially women who were only working part-time, is considerably lower than the average working person. The author of this article has made it a point to include clips from the press conference, held April 2nd, that focused on women who are mothers working part-time to support their children and women who are college students. Even though the blog isn't lengthy, it's obvious that the author is appealing to readers who would sympathize with these working mothers and students.
I was neither a working mother nor a part-time employee. However, given my current situation, I can definitely sympathize with these women. I am receiving a mere pittance from the government for the time I put in with my company. While this money is definitely appreciated, it is nowhere near enough to keep a single woman with 1 or more children afloat for very long.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Last Train to Leander
One of the things I loved when I moved to Portland, OR, was the light rail. There was nothing more satisfactory than riding to work during the morning/evening rush hour, laughing maniacally as I passed all those poor saps stuck in the bumper to bumper traffic, their precious gasoline slowly idling out of their tail pipes into the ether. The appreciation of the light rail in OR was actually brought on by the fact that, in 2004, I voted 'yes' to the Austin commuter rail. Five years later and Austin has yet to see it. Perhaps this is due to the environmentalists claiming that the train would be too loud (Hello! It's a bunch of steel cars with steel wheels on a steel track. Of course, it's going to make a little noise) or the fact that, out of the $214 million Capital Metro had reserved in 2002, they have spent so much money on other projects that they can't afford the $85-115 million it would take to fund the commuter rail.
In this article, the author talks about Capitol Metro's inadequacy when it comes to actually starting the commuter rail. Granted they have attempted to get outside help, calling on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to offer expertise, but this hasn't been enough to get the ball rolling in the right direction. He (or she, as it were. Apparently, no one thought it important to give the author credit for writing this article...) appears to be appealing to those of us who voted for the commuter rail and are somewhat perplexed that it has yet to be completed. He/she has good points regarding the discrepancy when it comes to where the funding for the light rail seems to be disappearing to and how this is hurting Capitol Metro's already injured image in the public eye.
The author ends the article with a modicum of support for Capitol Metro's return to steady footing; although, this support is waning fast. It's very obvious, even to Capitol Metro supporters, that they have a long way to go before they can fix this blunder of a project. This area is bursting at the seams with new growth and the highways, as well as most people's sanity, could use the break from all the vehicular mayhem.
In this article, the author talks about Capitol Metro's inadequacy when it comes to actually starting the commuter rail. Granted they have attempted to get outside help, calling on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to offer expertise, but this hasn't been enough to get the ball rolling in the right direction. He (or she, as it were. Apparently, no one thought it important to give the author credit for writing this article...) appears to be appealing to those of us who voted for the commuter rail and are somewhat perplexed that it has yet to be completed. He/she has good points regarding the discrepancy when it comes to where the funding for the light rail seems to be disappearing to and how this is hurting Capitol Metro's already injured image in the public eye.
The author ends the article with a modicum of support for Capitol Metro's return to steady footing; although, this support is waning fast. It's very obvious, even to Capitol Metro supporters, that they have a long way to go before they can fix this blunder of a project. This area is bursting at the seams with new growth and the highways, as well as most people's sanity, could use the break from all the vehicular mayhem.
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Titty Tax
Sounds tit-illating, doesn't it? Do you ever wonder why the cover charge at a strip joint is so high? It isn't just to pay the waitresses, strippers, bouncers, bartenders, etc... A portion of that money is actually placed into a fund for sexually assaulted survivor programs. Seems a little ironic that a business based solely on sex should have to contribute to any fund that helps victims of violent behavior that most likely derived from visiting such an establishment.
House Bill 1751, 'The Topless Tax', is actually in limbo. It was considered unconstitutional and now sits in appeals. Despite this fact, the state comptroller still collects the surcharge from all 167 sexually oriented businesses in the state. As a result, all of that money meant for survivor programs is now just sitting in an account. $11.2 million, completely unspent.
Love them or hate them, these businesses exist all around us. Our right to free speech makes them possible. This article is an interesting read because most of us rarely spare a moment to think about what these businesses could possibly give back to society, besides an evening of lewd entertainment.
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A744363
House Bill 1751, 'The Topless Tax', is actually in limbo. It was considered unconstitutional and now sits in appeals. Despite this fact, the state comptroller still collects the surcharge from all 167 sexually oriented businesses in the state. As a result, all of that money meant for survivor programs is now just sitting in an account. $11.2 million, completely unspent.
Love them or hate them, these businesses exist all around us. Our right to free speech makes them possible. This article is an interesting read because most of us rarely spare a moment to think about what these businesses could possibly give back to society, besides an evening of lewd entertainment.
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A744363
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs
Most people who know me know this about my personality: there is nothing that can get me to leave a conversation faster than bringing up religion or politics. It's not as if I don't have my opinions or beliefs on either of these subjects. On the contrary, I have very strong feelings about both and I like to hear different opinions, when someone is willing to discuss them rationally and not try to force them upon me.
I've voted every year since I turned 18. I sort of follow the ideology that if you don't vote, you shouldn't be allowed to complain. I am guilty of not paying attention to politics until it comes down to crunch time and I have to decide which bubble on the ballot to fill in. I don't lean left or right, as it were. I am simply stuck at a 90 degree angle right in the middle. However, I won't claim that I am an independent. No, that would be conforming to a particular political party and I have learned over the years that my political beliefs encompass tidbits from all the parties.
According to the typology test in our syllabus, I am an "Upbeat":
Other than the fact that it is required for my degree, I am taking this class to have a better understanding of politics and government in Texas. Aside from visiting the Alamo a few months ago with family, I don't think I have actually sat down and read anything about it since 7th grade Texas History. Sometimes you get so used to having these relics around that you forget why they are there or what they stood for. I am hoping that by the end of this course I have a little more interest in politics, or at least enough to plant my feet long enough to listen to someone's opening argument before making a hasty exit from the room.
I've voted every year since I turned 18. I sort of follow the ideology that if you don't vote, you shouldn't be allowed to complain. I am guilty of not paying attention to politics until it comes down to crunch time and I have to decide which bubble on the ballot to fill in. I don't lean left or right, as it were. I am simply stuck at a 90 degree angle right in the middle. However, I won't claim that I am an independent. No, that would be conforming to a particular political party and I have learned over the years that my political beliefs encompass tidbits from all the parties.
According to the typology test in our syllabus, I am an "Upbeat":
- Upbeats express positive views about the economy, government and society. Satisfied with their own financial situation and the direction the nation is heading, these voters support George W. Bush’s leadership in economic matters more than on social or foreign policy issues. Combining highly favorable views of government with equally positive views of business and the marketplace, Upbeats believe that success is in people’s own hands, and that businesses make a positive contribution to society. This group also has a very favorable view of immigrants.
Other than the fact that it is required for my degree, I am taking this class to have a better understanding of politics and government in Texas. Aside from visiting the Alamo a few months ago with family, I don't think I have actually sat down and read anything about it since 7th grade Texas History. Sometimes you get so used to having these relics around that you forget why they are there or what they stood for. I am hoping that by the end of this course I have a little more interest in politics, or at least enough to plant my feet long enough to listen to someone's opening argument before making a hasty exit from the room.
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