la prensa informa, educa e inspira - La Prensa De San Antonio

More documents

Recommendations

Info

8-A LA PRENSA DE SAN ANTONIO 17 de marzo de 2013 escenario politico Legislation to help the beverage industry For this week’s insights into the Texas Legislature, I want to discuss a topic of the utmost seriousness: Drinking beer. And whiskey…and tequila. Perhaps you might expect something more weighty, such as education or the budget. Well, rest assured, I’m hard at work on those most important issues. But actually, I consider beer and distilled spirits to be pretty serious subjects, too, because if a package of bills related to the beverages industry makes its way through the Legislature and into law, it will bring good jobs and business opportunities to Texas. In recent years, I heard complaints that certain regulations put in place shortly after Prohibition ended no longer made sense in our modern times. While these laws may have been necessary in the 1930s to prohibit monopolies and mob influence, today they are seen as inhibiting business expansion and putting Texas companies at a competitive disadvantage with out-of-state brewers and distillers. However, several attempts to change these laws in previous legislative sessions failed because of disagreements between different segments of the industry. So, about a year ago, I began a series of stakeholder meetings that brought these different factions together. Producers, distributors, and retailers did exactly what we should do in a democracy: They identified their differences, figured out what they could agree on, and looked for solutions. The end result has been a series of bills that I helped author. State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte Gates addresses first bi-partisan meeting By Laura Zapata With regards to beer, Senate Bills 515-518 would: • Help production brewers (such as San Antonio’s Ranger Creek or Alamo Beer Company) to sell a small amount of their product on the premises of their brewery • Allow brewpubs (retailers that brew their own, often restaurants, such as San Antonio’s Blue Star Brewing or Freetail Brewing) to sell their products off-premises • Allow brewers under a certain size to self-distribute. These bills still keep our “three-tier” system in place (which requires separation between producers, distributors, and retailers) while acknowledging that the beer industry has changed in recent years and that we must allow these small brewers to expand. Maybe some small Texas brewer will become the next craft beer success story, like Boston’s Samuel Adams Brewing did! This package of bills just passed the Senate Business & Commerce Committee. Hopefully, it will eventually make its way through the Senate, House, and to the Governor’s desk. I’m also trying to help other artisans that have recently sprung up in Texas: makers of quality distilled spirits (San Antonio examples include Ranger Creek again, which also makes whiskey, and Rebecca Creek Distillery). Much like the beer bills, my SB 905 would allow distillers to get their product directly into the hands of consumers. If passed, distillers could sell a limited On Thursday, Bill Gates addressed the first bi-partisan meeting of the Freshman Class. Gates and his wife Melinda co-chair the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where they work to expand opportunity to the world’s most disadvantaged people by collaborating with grantees and partners. The luncheon was hosted by Republican Freshman Class President Luke Messer and Democrat Freshman Class Co-Presidents Rep. Matt Cartwright and Rep. Joaquin Castro. “It was an honor to talk to new legislators about the enduring commitment our country has shown to improving the health of the poorest people around the world over the past 15 years,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “American tax payers can be proud that our representatives have put aside politics in an effort to work together for the greater good.” “Whether in business or his philanthropic efforts, Bill Gates is a model of what can be accomplished with strong leadership focused on measured results,” said Rep. Luke Messer. “Hearing from Mr. Gates was a great opportunity for this newly elected group of leaders who are eager to make a difference. Working together, I am convinced the freshman class can contribute to the national debate.” “Mr. Gates’ view that we must do the most good we can as efficiently, and directly, as possible borrows from the best parts of our Democratic and Republican values, and his desire to alleviate suffering transcends party lines,” said Rep. Matt Cartwright. “I look forward to amount of their product at their distillery, and they could sell a bottle or two of their product for visitors to take home, much like wineries may do now. Two of my other bills, SB 642 and 652, would more easily allow bulk sales of distillers’ products. SB 642 would allow food producers — such as, say, a barbecue sauce maker that wants to use whiskey in the sauce — to buy in bulk directly from an in-state distiller. Currently, they must buy from a retailer, an arrangement that is expensive to the food producer and has cost our in-state distillers some lucrative contracts. Hey, why shouldn’t a Texas barbecue sauce contain all Texas ingredients, instead of being forced to use whiskey from Kentucky or Tennessee? Similarly, SB 652 would allow Texas distillers to sell in bulk to one another instead of being forced to buy from out-of-state. The bill also allows a distiller to buy directly from a brewer — this would save money for Texas distillers, such as those who may want to buy Texas beer to use in the production of their whiskies. Both SB 642 and 652 passed the Senate on Wednesday, and now head to the House. When you look at it that way, you can see this is actually quite a serious topic. These bills are about more than a drinking a beverage — they’re about growing Texas businesses, putting people to work, and buying Texan! State Senator Leticia Van de Putte represents District 26 in central Bexar County. working closely with my freshman members—Republicans and Democrats alike—to set the clear goals and bring about the positive, measurable change that Mr. Gates spoke so eloquently about.” “I truly believe that our freshman class came to Washington ready to take on the big issues of the day and move our country forward,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro. “After two months in office, many of us have crossed party lines in an effort to do what is best for the country. As we came together to listen to a man whose organization is dedicated to improving people’s lives, I was encouraged to continue working with all of my colleagues to put Americans first.” The luncheon was attended by over 60 of the 84 freshman members of Congress and is the first of several bi-partisan events of the freshman class. AVISO A AGRICULTORES O GANADEROS HISPANOS Y A MUJERES AGRICULTORAS O GANADERAS COMPENSACIÓN POR RECLAMACIÓN DE DISCRIMINACIÓN Si usted o alguien que usted conoce considera que el Departamento de Agricultura de Estados Unidos (USDA por sus siglas en inglés) le negó indebidamente beneficios de préstamos agrícolas entre los años 1981 y 2000 por ser hispano o mujer, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para solicitar compensación. Solo reclamaciones enviadas por correo y fechadas por el servicio postal el 25 Marzo 2013 o antes pueden ser consideradas para pago en efectivo o alivio de deuda. Si usted considera que califica para solicitar compensación, por favor llame al Centro de Llamadas para Agricultores y Ganaderos o ingrese a la página web: 1-888-508-4429 www.farmerclaims.gov political scene Appreciating American politics At a moment when competing budget plans and debates over gun control legislation consistently remind the US public of the difficulties that the Democratic and Republican parties sometimes have in finding common ground, it is worth appreciating some of the positive aspects of the country’s political system. For this purpose, reflecting on Italy’s recent parliamentary election is valuable. Three facts should be noted firsthand. First, Italy has had literally dozens of governments since the Second World War, whereas the United States has only had 13 presidents (including FDR who died before the war’s end) during the same period. Second, Italy’s political spectrum is a hodgepodge of center-right, fascist, avowed communist, populist, leftist, and even regional parties. Needless to say, the range of ideologies represented in the US Congress is much narrower and legislators must manifest their diverse beliefs within one of only two parties. Conversely, there are currently 14 parties represented in the 630 member Chamber of Deputies and a similar number are in the 319 member Senate of Italy’s parliament. Third, Italians have a much higher level of political participation. The turnout last month was the lowest in a legislative election since World War II, but it was still about 75%. Conversely, US presidential elections rarely garner close to 60%. Some readers may be familiar with political satirist Steven Colbert’s attempts to become a viable presidential contender, either as a Democrat or an Independent. While he never succeeded, Colbert’s Italian counterpart has. About onefourth of Italian voters just cast their ballots for a new party, the Five Star Movement (M5S), created by a comedian named Beppe Grillo. His strident anti-establishment criticisms proved effective with a public disgruntled with austerity and disillusioned with their political officials. Though the M5S came in third place behind two broad coalitions, some opine that it will be the kingmaker in selecting the new prime minister. In the alternative, new elections must be held if no party can garner enough support from smaller parties to obtain a majority of seats and form a new government. That is no easy task and requires multi-partisanship on a scale rarely seen in the United States. Such complexity and uncertainty highlights some of the perhaps-underappreciated By Carlos Castañeda advantages of the presidential, relative-majority system of the United States. While it may be less dynamic and the positions of certain legislators are sometimes boringly predictable, this gives a political stability to the world’s largest economy, which investors cherish and Italy’s system often lacks. The fact that the stock market dipped significantly after Italy’s election on February 25th is a testament to this fact. The complex rules for apportioning seats to parties in the proportional representation system are beyond the scope of this article, but what is noteworthy is the uncertainty and need for political accommodation (critics would call it horse-trading) amongst various parties is a feature that the United States need not worry about. Gridlock could always be much, much worse. Thus, though it helps to look in the mirror from time to time in order to objectively evaluate the faults of one’s country, looking abroad for some instructive comparisons is also worthwhile. While complaints about a lack of bipartisanship will continue, as will the needless disparagement of party “moderates” as part of demands for ideological purity, there is still plenty to like about American government. Cruz offers amendment to defund Obamacare From the Offices of Senator Ted Cruz U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) Wednesday gave his first major floor speech, offering his amendment that defunds Obamacare in the Continuing Resolution, the “Restore Growth First” amendment. He was earlier joined at a press conference by Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT), Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Rand Paul (R-KY) to discuss the importance of passing this legislation. “Economic growth should be our first priority and if we implement Obamacare now, it is certain to be destructive to economic growth,” Sen. Cruz said. “We have already seen more and more small businesses reducing jobs, dropping healthcare coverage or forcing employees to work fewer hours in order to avoid the burdens and costs of Obamacare. Every elected official should be united in preventing a policy which will lead to further job losses and make it more difficult for young people, Hispanics, African Americans, single moms and others who are struggling. To implement Obamacare now, when the economy has flat lined, has potential to do enormous harm and enormous damage to the economy.” Co-sponsors to the “Restore Growth First” amendment cosponsors include: Lee; Inhofe; Paul; Marco Rubio (R-FL); John Cornyn (R-TX); Ron Johnson (R-WI); Jim Risch (R-ID); David Vitter (R-LA); Tom Coburn (R- OK); Tim Scott (R-SC); Dean Heller (R-NV); Pat Toomey (R-PA); Mike Johanns (R-PA); Deb Fischer (R-NE); Johnny Isakson (R-GA); Richard Burr (R-NC); Pat Roberts (R-KS); John Barrasso (R-WY); and Jeff Sessions (R-AL). “Nancy Pelosi famously said we needed to pass Obamacare to see what was in it,” Sen. Lee said. “Now that we know what is in it, it’s critical that we clarify for the American, beyond a shadow of a doubt, who does and does not still support this complex, expensive, and damaging law.” President Obama promised American families they would pay $2,500 less for their insurance premiums by the end of his first term. Today, the average premium has increased $3,000—a $5,500 swing between what was promised versus what has happened. Additionally, only 2 percent of the health plans currently available to consumers in the private market offer the coverage needed to satisfy mandatory government requirements, according to HealthPocket Inc., a technology firm that compares and ranks health plans. Obamacare also includes more than 20 tax increases that the Joint Committee on Taxation estimates will raise $1 trillion in taxes over the next decade. Numerous third parties have voiced their support for Sen. Cruz’s amendment to defund Obamacare, including: • Club for Growth • Heritage Action • National Taxpayers Union • Family Research Council • FreedomWorks • Tea Party Patriots • Americans for Prosperity • National Right to Life • Concerned Women for America • Citizens Against Government Waste • Eagle Forum • Americans for Tax Reform • Independent Women’s Voice • American Commitment • Madison Project • Senate Conservatives Fund • Campaign for Liberty • Virginians for Quality Healthcare El Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos es un proveedor y empleador que apoya la igualdad de oportunidades. United States Department of Agriculture
17 de marzo de 2013 LA PRENSA DE SAN ANTONIO 9-A AVISO DE CONSULTA PÚBLICA MEJORAS EN EL LAGO ELMENDORF Pre-register for your mammogram at healthyUexpress.com or call 358-3720. Taller de Diseño Conceptual La Ciudad de San Antonio y la Autoridad Fluvial del Río San Antonio organizarán el primer taller de una serie para captivar la opinión pública sobre el diseño conceptual de las mejoras al Parque del Lago Elmendorf que están siendo financiadas por la ciudad. La comunidad entera está invitada a atender y ser parte de la planificación del futuro de este estupendo parque. Martes, 19 de marzo, 6 p.m. Rodriguez Elementary 3626 W. Cesar E. Chávez (W. Durango) Para más información, por favor llame al (210) 302-3244. 6th Annual Spring Fest Saturday, March 23 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 2121 SW 36 th St. • Egg hunt • Health screenings • Healthy snacks • Games • Parade • Petting zoo Special appearances by Daisy Bee, Spring Bunny & Pony Chocolate! educación education State archives unveils rediscovered papers from Republic of Texas History By Cesar Garza The Texas State Archives has unveiled a new exhibit featuring rediscovered papers of the Republic of Texas Legation to the United States. This is a unique collection of documents that captures the pressing diplomatic activities of the short-lived Republic as it grappled with boundary issues, relations with Mexico, and the strenuous path to statehood in Washington, D.C. Part of the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), the State Archives presents this exhibit in the lobby of the Lorenzo de Zavala Building, 1201 Brazos St., Austin. The public may view the exhibit in person, for free, at any time during the lobby’s operating hours, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public may also view part of the exhibit’s contents online at http:// bit.ly/tslac-legation. As an independent nation from 1836 to 1846, the Republic of Texas sent diplomatic representatives to form a legation or diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C. The legation wrestled with many issues, among them annexation, Native American raids, and how to finance the government of a new nation. After Texas was annexed by the U.S. in December 1845, the legation office closed. Sam Houston, U.S. Senator from Texas, retained the papers instead of conveying them to the Texas Secretary of State in Austin, and they were passed down to his descendants. In 1973 Houston’s descendants donated to TSLAC the portion of the legation papers dated from 1839 to 1845. For decades these were the only known records of the Texas legation. The earlier records dating from 1836 to 1839 remained unaccounted for until 2004, when they were offered for auction. TSLAC and the Office of the Texas Attorney General claimed these documents as official state records on behalf of the people of Texas. Following a temporary arrangement in which the rediscovered legation papers were housed and displayed at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth for five years, the documents entered the permanent collection of the State Archives in Austin in December 2012. Today the State Archives’ exhibit in the Lorenzo de Zavala Building lobby paints a detailed, diplomatic picture of a struggling new nation. Highlights include an 1836 letter from Stephen F. Austin (Republic of Texas Secretary of State) to the Texas ambassador in D.C., stating that Mexican General Santa Anna has left for D.C. An 1838 letter from the U.S. Secretary of State to Anson Jones notifies the Republic of Texas President that the U.S. received notification that Texas withdrew its proposition to be annexed by the U.S. In a letter dated March 1, 1838, Samuel F. B. Morse offers the Republic of Texas the exclusive use of the telegraph he invented. Other documents deal with a variety of topics, including boundary issues, Native American raids, and the Texas Navy. The Republic of Texas Legation Papers will remain on exhibit until August 30, 2013. Stephen F. Austin to William H. Wharton, November 25, 1836, stating that Santa Anna has left for Washington, D.C. and that copies of the public and secret versions of the Treaty of Velasco are enclosed. (Courtesy photo) Samuel F. B. Morse to Memucan Hunt, March 1, 1838, offering the Republic of Texas the exclusive use of the telegraph he invented. (Courtesy photo) St. Philip’s College recognized statewide By Kay C. Hnedricks The Alamo Colleges’ District Support Operations (DSO) and St. Philip’s College have been recognized at the Achievement Level for the Texas Award for Performance Excellence by the Quality Texas Foundation. They are two of only nine organizations in Texas to earn this recognition. The honorees were singled out for demonstrating strong dedication to quality and high performance, evidenced by well-deployed, effective, systematic approaches to organizational management, with good performance levels and trends evaluated against industry standards. The Quality Texas Foundation cited a number of best practices that qualified the Alamo Colleges DOS for this recognition. In particular, they felt that the systematic process for strategic planning was one of the Alamo Colleges’ foremost areas of strength. St. Philip’s received special recognition for their accomplishments in leadership, planning and student focus. Patterned after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria and process, the Texas Award for Performance Excellence is an annual recognition of Texas organizations that have achieved performance excellence and applied outstanding quality principles in their day-today operations. The award will be presented to the Alamo Colleges and St. Philip’s College in June during the Texas award ceremony. “I am so proud of the accomplishments of all employees engaged in building cycles of improvement into our key processes and initiatives,” said Alamo Colleges’ Chancellor Dr. Bruce Leslie. “This recognition is an important step in our journey to become the best in the nation in student success and performance excellence. A special thanks goes to our Board of Trustees for leading the way,” he added. The Alamo Colleges’ DSO and all five colleges are actively engaged in the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) program and Northwest Vista College which received the TAPE Award in 2007, is the only educational institution in the nation to receive a national Baldrige assessment this year and received two commendations for leadership and customer service.
Page 1 and 2: LA PRENSA INFORMA, EDUCA E INSPIRA
Page 3 and 4: 17 de marzo de 2013 LA PRENSA DE SA
Page 7: 17 de marzo de 2013 LA PRENSA DE SA
Page 11 and 12: 17 de marzo de 2013 What’s inside
Page 13 and 14: 17 de marzo de 2013 Deportes... Val
Page 15 and 16: 17 de marzo de 2013 La Prensa de Sa
Page 17 and 18: 17 de marzo de 2013 La Prensa de Sa
Page 19 and 20: 17 de marzo de 2013 Candlelight Bal
Page 23 and 24: 17 de marzo de 2013 Güero Polkas:

la prensa informa, educa e inspira - La Prensa De San Antonio

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?