Ken Paxton Campaign

www.TexasBudgetBusters.com

2010-06-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 11, 2010
Contact: Sheacy Thompson (817) 683-8639

Texas Budget Busters Lets Texans Tell State Lawmakers
How to Control Government Spending

Texas State Representative Ken Paxton (R-McKinney) has launched TexasBudgetBusters.com to expose the wasteful spending in Texas’ budget and to offer solutions for promoting government transparency and efficiency.

“Like many Texas families, the State of Texas is feeling the impact of the economic recession. When individuals, families and businesses face economic hardships, the solution is to cut spending. Just as families must prioritize and stick to a budget when there is a downturn in the economy, our State government must also control its spending,” says State Representative Ken Paxton.

“The State is facing an approximate $15 - $18 billion shortfall for the upcoming 2012 – 2013 biennium,” Representative Ken Paxton continued. “As we prepare for the 82nd Legislative Session, Texas lawmakers must act responsibly in order to balance the Texas budget. Additionally, the Legislature must remain cautious this session when passing legislation that could affect our State’s economy and work to maintain our business-friendly policies in order to encourage business and job growth while keeping taxes low to help struggling families.”

Using TexasBudgetBusters.com, Texas taxpayers will have an opportunity before the 82nd Session of the Legislature convenes in January to voice their opinions and work to convince their State Representatives and Senators to cut unnecessary government spending, eliminate inefficiency and keep taxes low. Texans are encouraged to log on and vote on proposed budget cuts and other cost-saving proposals, post ideas for balancing the budget and become involved in the state budget process.

“The time has come for Texans to tell their representatives how their state budget should look. After all, Texas taxpayers know best regarding how government should spend their tax dollars,” Representative Paxton concludes.

State Representative Ken Paxton is currently serving his fourth term in office. His district includes Allen, Celina, Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper in Collin County. Representative Paxton currently resides in McKinney, Texas with his wife Angela and their four children.

#####

Pol. adv. paid for by Ken Paxton Campaign; Bill Bates, Treasurer; 5613 S. Woodcreek Circle, McKinney, Texas 75071

Independent Conservative Republicans of Texas

2010-04-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

CONSERVATIVE TEXAS LEGISLATORS BAND TOGETHER TO START NEW ORGANIZATION; PUT PEOPLE BEFORE PARTY

Pledges to 5 core principals and to unite conservatives

AUSTIN – On the eve of the “Tea Party” movement’s anniversary, conservative legislators in Texas have banded together to form a new organization – the Independent Conservative Republicans of Texas. With conservative voters organizing like never before to protest the unprecedented overreaching intrusion of the federal government, voters need to know there are Republican legislators who share their beliefs and will uphold their principals.

The group was founded on five core principles each member has committed to uphold:

• Stand for conservative principals and to put people before Party.
• Fiscally accountable, limit the size of government, and fight for free market principles.
• Protect our borders and to support a strong military.
• Protect life, support strong family values, and uphold the Judeo-Christian beliefs our nation was founded upon.
• Honor the Constitution and protect the sovereign rights of Texas.

“We are all proud members of the Republican Party and will remain so. However, this organization provides us with accountability outside of our political party,” the group’s founder Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) remarked. “We recognize we are first and foremost accountable to the people who elected us. We have dedicated ourselves to these core principals and have said ‘this is who we are and this is how we will legislate,’” Sen. Patrick concluded.

“We're joining together to say test us, try us, hold us accountable. We mean it when we pledge to defend limited government, individual liberties and free enterprise,” remarked Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford).

“The voters placed their trust in us because we share their values and priorities, and we have a responsibility to govern according to those principles,” Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Lewisville) added.

"With increased awareness of the citizens expressing their desire to be involved, it is exciting to be a part of this movement to accept the challenge of bringing our state and nation back to the conservative, godly heritage of our founding fathers,” Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Van) offered.

"I am proud of our State's efforts over the past few years that have led to financial stability, budget surpluses and limited government spending. Unfortunately, Washington, D.C. has not demonstrated this type of fiscal restraint. What is worse is that fact that our U.S. Congress has passed many laws to coerce the states to comply with federal laws and regulations, which I believe is in violation of the 10th Amendment. The Independent Conservative Republicans will fight to uphold state's rights to keep Congress from forcing its problematic policies on us and encourage Washington to look to Texas as an example and follow our lead," Rep. Ken Paxton (R-McKinney) remarked.

"The Tenth Amendment is the foundation of the Constitution."
- Thomas Jefferson

Additional information may be found on the group’s website at www.ICRepublicans.com

###

Editor’s Note: Mike Huckabee will dedicate part of his nationally syndicated radio program to this subject on Monday morning. Station info here: http://radio.mikehuckabee.com/.

Founding Members

Texas Senators
Sen. Bob Deuell
Sen. Robert Duncan
Sen. Kevin Eltife
Sen. Craig Estes
Sen. Troy Fraser
Sen. Chris Harris
Sen. Glenn Hegar
Sen. Joan Huffman
Sen. Mike Jackson
Sen. Jane Nelson
Sen. Robert Nichols
Sen. Dan Patrick
Sen. Kel Seliger
Sen. Florence Shapiro

Texas Representatives
Rep. Doc Anderson
Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock
Rep. Leo Berman
Rep. Bill Callegari
Rep. Warren Chisum
Rep. Wayne Christian
Rep. Tom Craddick
Rep. Brandon Creighton
Rep. Myra Crownover
Rep. Drew Darby
Rep. John Davis
Rep. Rob Eissler
Rep. Gary Elkins
Rep. Allen Fletcher
Rep. Dan Flynn
Rep. Kelly Hancock
Rep. Rick Hardcastle
Rep. Linda Harper-Brown
Rep. Will Hartnett
Rep. Charlie Howard
Rep. Bryan Hughes
Rep. Todd Hunter
Rep. Jim Jackson
Rep. Phil King
Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt
Rep. Lois Kolkhorst
Rep. Jodie Laubenberg
Rep. Ken Legler
Rep. Tyron Lewis
Rep. Jerry Madden
Rep. Sid Miller
Rep. Geanie Morrison
Rep. Rob Orr
Rep. John Otto
Rep. Tan Parker
Rep. Ken Paxton
Rep. Larry Phillips
Rep. Debbie Riddle
Rep. Ralph Sheffield
Rep. Larry Taylor
Rep. Randy Weber
Rep. Beverly Woolley
Rep. John Zerwas

PD POL AD INDEPENDENT CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS OF TEXAS

2010-03-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Call to Action

March 16, 2010

Contact: Sheacy Thompson

Phone: (469) 742-0100

Call to Action: Stop Health Care Reform

It Could Pass This Week

The U.S. House of Representatives is planning to vote on President Obama’s nearly $1 trillion health care reform plan by the end of this week. However, if there are not enough votes to actually pass the bill, then Speaker Nancy Pelosi has suggested that she will consider using a tactic known as the “self-executing rule” to pass legislation to radically overhaul our health care system without an actual vote in the House.

According to the Library of Congress’ Congressional Research Service, the self-executing rule is a two-for-one procedure, meaning that when the House adopts a rule, it also simultaneously agrees to a separate matter, which is specified in the rule itself. For instance, self-executing rules may stipulate that a policy proposal, such as the health care reform plan, is deemed to have passed the House, albeit discretely, and been incorporated in the bill to be considered. House lawmakers would not have the opportunity to amend or vote separately on the self-executed provision, as it would automatically be agreed to when the House passed the rule.

Originally, the self-executing rule was used to expedite House action by accepting all Senate amendments to House-passed bills. However, Speaker Pelosi could exploit this procedure to allow House members to approve the Senate health care reform bill without actually voting on it, thus keeping those members who support the bill from having to accept responsibility for its passing.

A decision by the House to use the self-executing rule to pass health care reform bill faces Constitutional problems and will most assuredly be challenged in the Courts. And so, the Administration and congressional leaders who support the overreaching health care legislation continue to strong arm members into voting for the plan, as they fortunately do not currently have the numbers to pass this legislation outright.

While there is broad agreement that our current health care system is in-need of change, the recent proposals considered in Congress would dramatically increase health care costs while removing the patient from the decision-making process. Big government programs continue to fail, and I am not at all comfortable with putting my health and the health of my family into the hands of bureaucrats and agenda-driven politicians.

As concerned citizens, we have an obligation to contact the members who are sitting on the fence and encourage them to find solutions for improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of health care, rather than shoving through an outrageously expensive health care reform bill that lacks meaningful changes. Therefore, I encourage you to join me in contacting the handful of congressmen who are currently undecided and have the opportunity to do what is right for America.

Below is a list of Democrat congressmen who are pro-life but supported Obama’s 2009 health care plan as well as a list of moderate Democrats who are currently undecided. This list is provided by the Republican Party of Texas. Please contact as many members on this list as possible to make your voice heard.

Call the 12 Pro-Life Members who supported the pro-life Stupak Amendment but voted for Obama’s Health Care plan in 2009, and tell them to stand up for life and oppose ObamaCare:

Ahn "Joseph" Cao (Republican)
http://josephcao.house.gov
Phone: (202) 225-6636
Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District
======================
Jerry Costello
http://costello.house.gov/
(202) 225-5661
Illinois 12th Congressional District
=======================
Kathy Dahlkemper
http://www.dahlkemper.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-5406
Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District
=========================
Joe Donnelly
http://donnelly.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-3915
Indiana's 2nd Congressional District
============================
Steve Driehaus
http://driehaus.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-2216
Ohio's 1st Congressional District
===============================
Brad Ellsworth
http://www.ellsworth.house.gov
phone: (202) 225-4636
8th Congressional District of Indiana
======================================
Marcy Kaptur
http://www.kaptur.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-4146
9th Congressional District of Ohio
======================================
Dale E. Kildee
http://www.house.gov/kildee/
Phone: 202-225-3611
5th Congressional District of Illinois
=======================================
Daniel Lipinski
http://www.lipinski.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-5701
3rd Congressional District of Illinois
================================================
James Oberstar
http://oberstar.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-6211
8th Congressional District of Minnesota
===================================================
Bart Stupak
http://www.house.gov/stupak/
Phone: (202) 225 4735
1st Congressional District of Michigan
====================================================
Charlie Wilson
http://www.charliewilson.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-5705
6th Congressional District of Ohio

Call these moderate Democrats who were called to the White House to be pressured to vote for Obama’s health care plan and tell them that voting “yes” will cost them their jobs:
John Adler
http://adler.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-4765
3rd District of New Jersey
=================================
Jason Altmire
http://altmire.house.gov/
Phone: 202-225-2565
4th Congressional District of Pennsylvania
==============================
Melissa Bean
Phone: 202-225-3711
http://www.house.gov/bean/
8th Congressional District of Illinois
==============================
Lois Capps
http://capps.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-3601
23rd Congressional District of California
===============================
Joseph Crowley
http://crowley.house.gov/
Phone: 202-225-3965
7th Congressional District of New York
===============================
Ron Kind
http://www.kind.house.gov/
Phone: (202) 225-5506
3rd Congressional District of Wisconsin
==============================
Allyson Schwartz
http://schwartz.house.gov/
phone: (202) 225-6111
13^th Congressional District of Pennsylvania

==============================

Other potential “no vote”:

Solomon Ortiz
http://www.house.gov/formortiz/issue.htm

Phone: (202) 225-7742

Texas’ 27^th Congressional District

Pol. Ad. Paid for by Ken Paxton Campaign; 5316 S. Woodcreek Circle, McKinney, Texas 75071

Ken Paxton Appointed to House Select Committee

2010-01-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: January 12, 2010

Contacts: Randy Samuelson (512) 463.0356

State Representative Ken Paxton Appointed to the

House Select Committee on Fiscal Stability

(Austin) - This week, Representative Ken Paxton was appointed to the newly created House Select Committee on Fiscal Stability by Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus. The Committee will assess Texas' ability to meet its current and future budget obligations and analyze whether the shortfall is due to the current recession alone or more systemic problems. Representative Paxton is one of 15 House members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Fiscal Stability.

In response to the appointment, Representative Ken Paxton said, "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on this important committee. Taxpayers have elected us to set the state budget, which is the most important function of the State Legislature. Given the recent downturn in our economy, we must serve our constituents by working to ensure prudent spending of taxpayer dollars to fund core government responsibilities while sparing taxpayers from additional financial burdens."

While Texas has fared better than most states, our declining revenue is cause for concern. Major budgetary demands coupled with declining revenues and increased population growth will substantially strain the State's budget next cycle. In order to address this problem next legislative session, this committee will evaluate the root cause of these shortfalls to determine if the recent and anticipated shortfalls are simply the product of the ongoing recession or whether state resources simply cannot keep pace with increasing demands. Additionally, the Committee will offer solutions to address our growing economic problem.

"Texas is currently one of the few states in the nation that did not experience a budget deficit in 2009. With continued fiscal discipline, limited government growth, and low taxes, Texas can remain a leader and an example for the rest of the country to follow. I look forward to promoting these conservative principles next legislative session," concluded Paxton.

Pol. Adv paid for by Ken Paxton Campaign, 5613 S. Woodcreek Circle, McKinney, Texas 75071

Representative Ken Paxton Supports Second Amendment

2009-12-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: November 24,2009

Contacts: Sheacy Thompson (972) 562-4543

Representative Ken Paxton Signs Amicus Brief Supporting

Second Amendment Rights in Pivotal Supreme Court Case

Representative Ken Paxton joined a large bipartisan group of state legislators and other elected officials from all 50 states who have signed an amicus curiae, or "friend of the court," brief supporting the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) position that the Second Amendment must be upheld by the states through the Fourteenth Amendment. The amicus brief bears the signatures of 891 state legislators and other elected officials, including two governors and three lieutenant governors, and was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of McDonald v. City of Chicago.

Last week, the NRA filed the brief complete with lawmakers signatures with the U.S. Supreme Court as Respondent in Support of Petitioner in the McDonald case. The NRA brief asks the Court to hold that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment.

"I was pleased to see so many state lawmakers agree that our Second Amendment freedoms should apply to all Americans. Gun owners across the country should be proud of the stand that their elected officials are taking to support this crucial effort to restore and protect the gun rights of law-abiding Americans," said Representative Paxton.

In September, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider the McDonald case, which is on appeal from the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that prior Supreme Court precedent prevented the court from applying the Second Amendment rights to the states and local governments. However, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decided in an earlier case (Nordyke v. King) that the Supreme Court precedent does not prevent the Second Amendment from applying to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

"I am hopeful that the U.S. Supreme Court will rule in accordance with the Constitution's true meaning, which will guarantee the rights for all law-abiding Americans to own and bear arms," concluded Representative Paxton.

Chicago has had a handgun ban and other restrictive gun laws in place for 27 years. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the McDonald case in February 2010.

Pol. Adv paid for by Ken Paxton Campaign, 5613 S. Woodcreek Circle, McKinney, Texas 75071

Representative Ken Paxton Named “Champion of Free Enterprise”

2009-10-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

The Texas Association of Business named State Representative Ken Paxton "Champion of Free Enterprise" for his positive voting record last legislative session. This award is the Association's highest legislative distinction and further demonstrates Rep. Ken Paxton's commitment to strengthening our State's business climate to keep the economy growing in Texas.

As a small business owner, Rep. Ken Paxton understands that fiscally responsible public policy leads to a prosperous business climate that benefits all Texans.

"Given the downturn in the economy, my goal last legislative session was for us to maintain our business-friendly climate in order to encourage business and job growth while also keeping taxes low for Texas families," explained State Representative Ken Paxton. "This past session, we reduced the tax burden on small businesses, reformed our appraisal system, and passed a reasonable state budget to help accomplish this goal."

Representative Ken Paxton joint-authored House Bill 4765 last legislative session to provide tax relief to small business owners by raising the small business tax exemption from $300,000 to $1,000,000. Approximately 230,000 additional businesses will now qualify to be exempt from paying the margins tax. Decreasing the tax burden on small businesses allows for continued growth and expansion of Texas businesses during this strenuous economic climate.

"I have continuously been a strong opponent of the new margins tax that was passed in 2006," said Representative Paxton. "The effects of the new margins tax hit Texas' small business owners the hardest. Fortunately this session, we passed legislation to deliver much needed tax relief to the small businesses that continue to provide a healthy economic environment in our state."

Pol. Adv paid for by Ken Paxton Campaign, 5613 S. Woodcreek Circle, McKinney, Texas 75071

Welcome to Texas, Madame Speaker

2009-09-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Texas, Madame Speaker: An Open Letter to Nancy Pelosi

Dear Madame Speaker,

I want to be one of the first to welcome you to Texas for your fundraising visit on Saturday in Austin. You should feel at home as you drive from the airport to your event, passing by businesses that were once located in your home state of California and being greeted by the smiles of friendly Californians who now call Texas home.

I understand that you will be here to accept donations for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Texas is an excellent venue for such an event, as workers in our state still have jobs and discretionary income. In addition to taking Texas money back with you to Washington, I would like to respectfully request that you also carry back some insight for your colleagues that you may personally witness during your visit to our state.

Since your party gained control of Congress and the White House, you and your colleagues have proposed federal policies that look like the policies that have recently been used to govern California. I understand you spend most of your time in the Beltway, so let me help you become reacquainted with your home state.

California's unemployment rate is teetering on 12%, which is more than two points higher than the national average. California is currently struggling to close a $24.3 billion budget gap, partly caused by a decrease in revenue from the personal income tax. California lawmakers are looking to further increase income taxes on the middle class to make up the difference, just as you and your colleagues are proposing to fund your health care proposal. Rather than taking more money out of the pockets of taxpayers, may I suggest another solution?

Texas, which has a 7.5% unemployment rate (two points BELOW the national average), was affected by a slowing economy after 9/11. During the 78th Legislative Session, Texas faced a $10 billion shortfall. By cutting expenditures and passing a responsible budget, the Legislature managed to cover our state's expenditures for the biennium without raising taxes and without dipping into our "Rainy Day Fund." Furthermore, because of our business-friendly policies, our economy recovered, and we ended our next Legislative session with a $14 billion surplus. Last year, more jobs were created in Texas than in the other 49 states COMBINED. Did I mention that we don't even have a state income tax?

With all due respect, Madame Speaker, the harsh regulations on businesses, as found in your Cap and Trade bill, and increased taxes on individuals and businesses, as found in your Health Care proposal, will not help our country recover from this economic downturn. Additionally, a vibrant economy lies not in handouts or bailouts, but in sound and responsible fiscal policies that encourage growth and opportunity. Rather than relying on the power of government, I believe we should rely on the power and creativity of the American people. Please take a close look while you are in Texas and suggest to your colleagues that Congress should re-focus its priorities by promoting policies that allow businesses, families and individuals to thrive without additional financial burdens and bureaucratic restrictions that lead to job loss and increased prices.

Regards,

Ken Paxton

Texas State Representative, District 70

Pol. Adv. paid for by Ken Paxton Campaign, 5613 S. Woodcreek Cir., McKinney, Texas 75071