the north texas journal v24n21
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BI-WEEKLY Volume 24, Number 21 - May 27, 20
Visit our website at www.northtexasjournal.ne
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Gov. Perry: The Dream of Property Ownership is Secure in Tex
Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 18,
which implements landmark eminent domain reforms to
trengthen private property rights. The governor designated
his legislation as an emergency item for the 2011 Legisla-
ive Session. He was joined by Texas Agriculture Commis-
ioner Todd Staples, Sen. Craig Estes, Sen. Robert Duncan
nd Rep. Charlie Geren for the bill signing.
Im proud to sign into law stronger eminent domain pro-
visions protecting Texas landowners from local and state
government entities that might consider abusing private
roperty rights, Gov. Perry said. Weve come a long way
n the effort to strengthen private property rights through
his legislation, and thanks to the hard work of state law-
makers, particularly Sen. Estes, Sen. Duncan and Rep. Ge-
en, the dream of property ownership is more secure in the
State of Texas now than ever before.
SB 18 requires local and state government entities inter-
sted in acquiring private property to rst make an offer, in
writing and based on an appraisal, to the landowner to pur-
hase the property through a voluntary sale for a fair price.
This prevents entities from making lowball offers knowing
he land can be taken by eminent domain if the landowner
doesnt accept. The bill also requires condemnation peti-
ions to specically state the public use for which the land
s needed, eliminating instances where land is taken with-
out current plans for its use. Additionally, the bill makes itlear that eminent domain may only be used for public use.
We know that Texas is thriving as a state and property is a
valuable asset, but that growth should not come at the ex-
pense of property owners, Sen. Craig Estes said. This is
he most important bill to strengthen private property rights
or landowners.
Further, SB 18 requires a government entity that takes land
o rst have a record vote stating the land to be taken and the
project for which it is being taken. It also requires entitieso provide all appraisals of the property they have during
negotiations to ensure landowners understand the fair mar-
ket value of their land. Finally, this legislation also allows
andowners to repurchase land at the price they were paid
or it if it becomes unnecessary for the project for which it
was taken, or if no actual progress is made toward the proj-
ct in 10 years, even if the project has not been cancelled.
I am proud of the work done by members of the Texas
Senate and House of Representatives to pass this impor
piece of legislation and am pleased to see eminent dom
reforms signed into law, Sen. Robert Duncan said. T
is a strong law that was closely negotiated by major st
holders across the state to secure enduring protections
property owners.
A former farmer, rancher and Texas Agriculture Comm
sioner, Gov. Perry has long made private property righ
priority. Last session at the governors request, the Leg
ture passed a measure allowing Texans to vote on a con
tutional amendment requiring land to be taken only for p
lic use, ending the seizure of property for use by a pri
developer. Additionally, local governments can no lon
condemn an entire area for redevelopment by claiming
blighted without proving that each section is blighted.
amendment also protects Texas landowners against fur
grants of eminent domain authority by requiring each grant to receive a 2/3 vote in each house of the Legislat
Texas voters passed this amendment in November 200
I am proud that our private property owners rights
better protected with the passage of SB 18, Rep. Cha
Geren said. This is a great accomplishment and took a
of hard work from many Texans across the state.
This is a major victory for the people of Texas and a g
accomplishment by Gov. Perry and our Legislature, Aculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. The signin
this bill says, Dont mess with Texas, and dont mess w
Texas land. SB 18 sends a clear message that here in
Lone Star State, we hold dear to our heritage of land o
ership.
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Totally Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption Extended to Surviving Spou
With only ten minutes remaining in the Texas House for
onsideration of non-local Senate Bills, Speaker Straus rec-
ognized Representative Bonnen for an important motion.
I make the motion to move to suspend all necessary rules
o take up and consider Senate Bill 516. Senate Bill 516 is
Representative Fletchers bill, and it is appropriate to get
his done tonight. Its to support our veterans who have
given so much to us, so I move to suspend all necessary
ules to pull this bill up, Representative Bonnen motioned.
The motion prevailed unanimously, and Senate Bill 516
passed 146-0.
This was Representative Fletchers rst bill he led on
November 8, 2010, the rst day of bill ling for the 82nd
Legislative Session. Representative Fletcher asked Senator
Patrick to carry this bill in the Senate, and Senator Patrickdid so proudly and successfully. The enabling legislation
was carried by Doc Anderson in the House and Senator Van
de Putte in the Senate.
By extending property tax exemptions for veterans to
hese deserving spouses, we are recognizing, at least in
mall measure, the very real sacrices that these families
have made in the defense of our country, stated Sen
Patrick.
Currently, a totally disabled veteran receives a 100% p
erty tax exemption. This bill extends the homestead exe
tion to their surviving spouse.
When one of our brave soldiers becomes 100% disab
the family of that soldier has to make career decisions.
too often the spouses of these soldiers forgo career oppo
nities and many reduce work hours, affecting their inc
and retirement. The best care that can be given is from
one youve exchanged vows with, said Representa
Fletcher.
With the passage of this legislation, the spouse will re
the total homestead exemption of their current home
they wish to move about the state, closer to family, oa different home, they will receive an exemption on t
homestead in the amount equal to the exemption they
ceived on their former homestead. This will provide
spouse the nancial peace of mind by ensuring that t
property tax exemption continues to be granted and will
expire after the death of the disabled veteran.
Texas House of Representatives Honors U.S. Military by Passing Armed Forces Day Resoluti
House Resolution 467 commemorates our Nations 61st Annual Armed Forces Day
The Texas House of Representatives adopted Ho
Resolution 467, authored by State Represe
tive Four Price, commemorating the 61st An
Armed Forces Day, today, Saturday, May 21, 2
The Resolution recognizes the dedicated ser
and immeasurable sacrice of our nations mil
personnel. Additionally, the Resolution extend
all members of the nations military profound
preciation for their steadfast and courageous eff
on our countrys behalf.
I encourage all Texans to join in recognition
Armed Forces Day by saying a special thank y
to our current and former service members and t
families for all they do and have done to make
country the beacon for freedom around the wor
said Representative Price
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How To Avoid Cellphone Bill ShockARA) - Some 30 million Americans have experienced cel-
ular bill shock, a surprise that comes along with receiving
unexpected - and expensive - charges when it comes time
o pay their monthly wireless bill.
Consumers are increasingly relying on wireless voice and
data devices to keep in touch with family and friends and,of course, to conduct business. For this reason, the Federal
Communications Commission has launched an industry-
wide investigation into wireless billing practices that may
require carriers to notify users of overcharges and sudden
ncreases in their cellphone bills.
The investigation comes on the heels of an FCC survey that
ndicated one in six mobile device users had experienced
unexpected increases in their bills that werent caused by
a change in service plans. The FCC also reports that of the764 bill-shock complaints led in the rst six months of
2010, 67 percent involved amounts that were $100 or more
han the users normal monthly cellphone bill.
Certain providers like Consumer Cellular are also doing
heir part to help customers avoid expensive charges by of-
fering free mobile alerts when customers reach a certain
hreshold of usage. Consumer Cellular users can choose
he usage level at which they would like to be issued an
alert and whether theyd like to receive the message by
email, text message or both.
n addition to nding a provider that noties its custom-
ers as they approach their monthly voice or data allotment,
following are additional steps consumers can take to avoid
bill shock:
Shop smart. Choose a wireless service that allows you to
change plans (both upgrading and downgrading) in the
middle of a bill cycle. This can help you avoid expensive
charges if you absolutely need to go over your minute or
data allotment.
Use minutes wisely. Listen to voicemails once and then de-
ete, since youre using minutes each time you access your
voicemail from your cellphone. Retrieving your message
from a landline can also be a benecial way to save on
minutes.
Consider free alternatives to 411. 411 can cost up to $2 per
use. Save 411 alternatives, such as 1-800-FREE-411 and
1-800-BING-411, in your phone so you can easily ac
them when you need information.
Monitor your cellphone use. If youre unsure about w
you stand on your minutes, check your account on
Many companies also have a number you can text for
dated usage numbers or a toll free number you can calupdates. Be aware of times that your voice and date u
may spike such as holidays, birthdays, unexpected illn
es, and other special times of the year.
The FCC also identied the following common scena
where consumers incur unexpected extra charges:
* Making international or roaming calls without reali
that you will be charged signicantly more for min
used during those calls.* Incurring charges for data plans when you are unaw
that you have such a plan.
* Being charged taxes and fees that were not made c
when you signed up for your plan.
Taking the proper precautions to monitor your cellph
use and enrolling with a provider that will help you
within your limits can end up saving hundreds of dolla
overage fees. Take a minute to review your plan and g
out the best ways to monitor your usage. For more infor
tion on how to avoid overage fees, visit www.consumerlular.com.
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The Smart Way To Go From Renting To Owning
ARA) - If youve paid attention to any news media over
he past few years, you know that the housing market has
dropped off. From a sellers perspective, that makes life aot harder. But for a buyer, it can mean a wider world of
options and opportunities. For those want to become own-
ers rather than renters, its vitally important to make smart
decisions - as the markets have shown.
Many factors contribute to the real estate markets current
luggishness, and one of them is the fact that lenders are
eluctant to give loans to homebuyers. After the housing
market crisis, its not surprising that they would be more
demanding in their lending practices, but for those eager to
buy, it means that you need to present a pristine nancialprole.
Theres no limit to the amount of real estate browsing you
can do - either online or in your ideal neighborhood - but
before you get serious about purchasing a home, take these
ips into consideration.
* Pay down your debt. Before you even apply for a mort-
gage, its important that you reduce your debt load. The
smaller it is, the better for your debt-to-income ratio, w
lenders use to determine how much theyll allow yo
borrow. Items like car loans, child support and alimcredit card bills and student loans are all factors that
lender will consider. Paying down debt can have the ad
benet of improving your credit, as well.
* Check up on your credit. Having good credit is ano
essential element in smart home buying - it can affect h
lenders view you, and the terms of your mortgage. The
ter shape your credit is in, the better your potential to
the mortgage of your dreams. Every year, youre enti
to a free credit report from one of the three major repor
agencies, like Equifax. Use it as a starting point that give you an idea of your overall credit picture. Look
areas that can be improved upon and track your progres
checking your credit again after youve put in some w
to bring it up.
* Make the biggest down payment possible. The er
zero-down is over, and for good reason. A down payme
and a sizeable one - can help ease the strain of a mortg
in coming years. A minimum of 20 percent down is a g
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dea, and if you can do more than that, so mu ch the
better. If you dont think you can afford a down
payment of 20 percent or more on a house youre
considering, it might be time to shop around for a
ess expensive home that is more bu dget friendly.
* Be an informed buyer. There is a seemingly end-
ess list of things to know about buying a home,
and the faster you want to buy, the faster youll
need to learn it all. One of the best things you c an
do is take a first-time homebuyer class offered
a reputable organization - some cities even o
them for free. Be sure you know the ins and o
of items like closing costs, adjustable rate ver
fixed rate mortgages, how your credit report
fects mortgage rates and the documentation yo
need to get a mortgage. The more you know,
better equipped youll be to make smart decisi
that will make you a happy homeowner for ye
to come.
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Clearing Clutter And Going Green Go Hand In Hand
ARA) - These days, were all trying to make small chang-
s in our everyday habits to live a little more green, from
witching to energy-efcient light bulbs to carrying reus-
ble shopping bags and composting kitchen waste. But
many dont realize that one of the easiest ways to be more
co-friendly is by de-cluttering and donating gently used
tems that youre no longer using.
We know millions of families across the country are al-
eady clearing out their clutter with spring cleaning, says
Tony Shumpert, vice president of recycling and supply
hain operations for Savers, Inc., a thrift store chain. By
donating these items, instead of simply throwing them
way, you can give back to the community and save quality
goods from polluting the earth. In fact, we operate one of
he largest recycling programs in the world, keeping more
han 500 million pounds of goods out of landlls last year
lone.
But if the thought of going green has you turning red in
xhaustion, consider some of these tips to make the task
asier:
Bring a friend in to help with spring cleaning. Not only
an the two of you spend a great afternoon together, but
your friend can also give you an objective opinion as you
ort through items to keep or donate.
Be organized about getting organized. Start in one cor-
ner of one room, and make your way around the room in
circle. Dont move on to the next room until you are n -
shed with the rst. If you need to take a break, go for it, but
lways return to where you left off.
Designate a specic place for donations. Your clutter
orner should be in a handy, but out-of-the-way location
n your home. Encourage family members to place items -
lothes, toys, housewares - that they arent using any longer
nto the bin. For parents, your children will see that gentlyused items shouldnt be thrown away, and something they
dont want any longer can have a new life with someone
lse.
Be realistic about what you think you want to keep. If you
havent worn that shirt in more than a year, its ready to go.
Another way to determine what to donate is to put items
youre not sure about into a box. Seal it and store it. If you
havent opened that box a year later, donate the entire thing.
Chances are, you dont have a clue whats in the box
dont need it.
* Know your nearest donation drop. Once youve desig
ed items to donate, you dont have to spend hours track
down a location to drop your items off. Simply visit w
communitydonationcenter.com to nd a nearby Comnity Donation Center where you can drop off your go
This site also provides a list of nonprots in your area w
donation home pick-up service where theyll come stra
to your door to collect donations.
Even donations not suitable for resale, or that just d
sell on our shelves, nd a second life with Savers,
Shumpert. A portion of these goods are sent to develop
countries where they support micro-economies and
improve the lives of people in other parts of the world.
maining items are sold to domestic material wholesawho recycle the products into new materials such as wip
rags, car insulation and much more.
Another bonus to donating your gently used goods - Sa
partners with more than 140 nonprots and pays these
ganizations for every item they collect. These partners
turn otherwise unused goods into sustainable funding
supports the nonprots programs and services.
When you donate your unused items to Savers nonppartners, another person can put them to use, which h
save space in landlls, and charitable organizations in y
area will benet as well. And you can feel good about
ing one more step toward living a little greener.
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We Bought Alot So You Can Save Alot
by Breegle
Serving The Area Since 1947
Truckload sale!
Grant
Ave. M
Kemp
Kell
Woodstarting at
$1.99sq. ft.
Laminate
99sq. ft.
6x9Vinyl Rem
39sq. ft.
Tilestarting at
89sq. ft.
Closeout
speCials
2301 Grant Wichita Falls, Texas
(940) 322-3129 1-800-234-1404
www.breegle.com
Abbey
Floors To Go Braums
Handford 5
25 YEAR RES.WARRANTY
Wilson Art LS37Stratford OakReg. $3.79 sq ft
Sale $3.09 sq ft
Armstrong ExoticsIroko Ls52Reg. $2.59 sq ft
Sale $1.79 sq ft
White Oak WS39Reg. $4.49 sq ft
Sale $3.89 sq ft
Visit our website at www.northtexasjournal.ne
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*Customer Cash oer good on select 2010 (and prior year) models between 12/29/10-6/30/11.**Finance oer subject to credit approval, applies to purchases o new Yamaha Motorcycles,ATVs & Scooters made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account rom 12/29/10-6/30/11. Minimum contract length is 24 months and maximum length is 36 months. Minimumamount fnanced is $5,000. Fixed APR o 3.99% or 12.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Monthly payments per $1,000 fnanced based on 36 month term are $29.52 at3.99% and $33.69 at 12.99%. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii . Dress properly or your ride with a helmet, eye protection, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride.It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Saety Foundation encourage you to ride saely and respect the environment. For urther inormation regarding the MSF course, pleasecall 1-800-446-9227. ATVs with engine sizes over 90cc are recommended or use only by riders age 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved trainingcourse. For saety and training inormation, see your dealer or call the ATV Saety Institute at 1-800-887- 2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your saety: Always avoid paved suraces.Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs dont mix; avoidexcessive speed; and be particularly careful on difcult terrain. Professional riders depicted on closed courses. 2011 Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. All rights reserved. yamaha-motor.com
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