Table of Contents
Programs
President's Note
Save the Date
Campaign Activities
Americanism
Minutes
Caring for America
Legislative
GOP Conventions
|
|
Meeting Notice
Wednesday March 25, 2020
Houston Racquet Club, 10709 Memorial Drive 11:00 AM Registration
11:30 AM Program and Lunch
Lunch $30.00
NOTE: There is no longer a “no-eat” option
NOTE: RSVP link will be sent out later this week on our new and improved website! So be on the lookout and we apologize for any inconvenience.
Kindly notify us of dietary restrictions when you R.S.V.P.
|
|
|
Keep Our County Red! - Harris County Republican Party Chairman, Paul Simpson
Theresa Kosmoski, VRW 1st VP - Programs
|
|
|
As we prepare for the November elections, there are many things that each of us can and must do in Harris County if we are to win back any of the seats that were lost thanks to Robert Francis and the blue wave. We must have a united front and a clear game plan. Come and hear from Harris County Republican Party Chair, Paul Simpson, as he walks us through the plan to take back our county and judiciary seats and restore sanity to our community. Additionally, we will hear about the new Village RW initiative – local strike forces – and how our membership can make a difference in November.
 Paul is a pro-life conservative with a lifelong passion for conservative political activism. Elected State Chairman of the Louisiana Teenage Republicans when he was 16 years old, Paul later spent a college summer recruiting and mobilizing young people for conservative Republican congressional campaigns in Iowa and Michigan. Active in the Harris County Republican Party for over thirty years, Paul has campaigned, recruited, mobilized, organized, and raised millions of dollars for the Party, while also serving as a poll watcher, election judge, and convention delegate. During his 20 years as a Republican precinct chair, Paul also served as County Party district chair, legal counsel, and treasurer. Paul is in his third term as Harris County Republican Party Chair, a position he has held since June 2014.
After graduating from Rice University with degrees in history and engineering, Paul worked in the oil industry designing & overseeing drilling & producing wells, supervising engineering teams, and managing onshore & offshore construction projects. While working full-time, he put himself through evening law school at the University of Houston, graduating with honors. A licensed engineer and patent lawyer, Paul has been a partner with the law firm of McGinnis Lochridge since 2001, with a practice centered on oil and gas litigation and related matters.
Paul is a lector at the 4,000-family St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, where he was formerly president of the Pastoral Council and Committee Chair of the Boy Scout Troop. He also served as president of St. Catherine’s Montessori School, overseeing a multi-million-dollar capital campaign, and served for four years on the board of Incarnate Word Academy in downtown Houston.
Paul and his wife Kathy, married over 34 years, have a son and daughter, who are both Houston natives, graduates of Franciscan University, and proud Republicans!
|
|
History is on OUR Side.
Fight for it!
Deanna Harrington, VRW President
|
|
|
|
For those of us who lived through the end of the Cold War, it is hard to believe that the Democratic Party could be on the verge of nominating a Socialist as their Presidential nominee. The party of John F. Kennedy and Harry Truman could nominate a man who honeymooned in the Soviet Union and who just recently had good things to say about Fidel Castro. They could nominate a man who believes the answer to society’s problems is more government and less freedom.
Throughout the 20th century, the Left was on the march, but in the end freedom prevailed. On January 11, 1989, as the Soviet Union was in free-fall, President Regan spoke to his fellow Americans for the last time from the Oval Office. He said the following:
“We stood, again, for freedom. I know we always have, but in the past few years the world again -- and in a way, we ourselves -- rediscovered it….The way I see it, there were two great triumphs, two things that I'm proudest of. One is the economic recovery, in which the people of America created -- and filled -- 19 million new jobs. The other is the recovery of our morale. America is respected again in the world and looked to for leadership.”
“Countries across the globe are turning to free markets and free speech and turning away from the ideologies of the past. For them, the great rediscovery of the 1980's has been that, lo and behold, the moral way of government is the practical way of government: Democracy, the profoundly good, is also the profoundly productive.”
“We have once again reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts.”
“And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was eight years ago. But more than that: After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom.”
These are great words, but as Republicans and members of Village Republican Women, we understand that these quotes are still true and describe where we currently stand under Republican leadership today. We should be proud. We should be encouraged. We should be motivated.
As always, kindly remind your friends in the middle of these simple truths:
A vote for Republicans is a vote for freedom;
it is a vote for personal responsibility;
it is a vote for the rule of law;
it is a vote for freedom of speech;
it is a vote for free enterprise;
it is a vote for freedom of religion;
it is a vote for reduced federal regulation;
it is a vote for limited taxes;
it is a vote for energy independence; and,
it is a vote for national security.
There is a choice.
Our economy is stronger than it has ever been. Our country is more respected now than in many years, and more people all over the world support freedom---everyone it seems except Bernie Sanders and his supporters on the Left. As Bernie Sanders rises in the polls, we Village Republican Women know history is on our side.
|
|
- March 25 – VRW General Meeting
- May 15 - Texas Federation of Republican Women Tribute to Women Luncheon
- June 6 - VRW Ways and Means Fundraiser Lunch Event
|
|
|
March 3 is the Texas Primary!
Let's help GET OUT THE VOTE!
|
|
|
Please remind everyone to vote and vote down ballot. Judges, school trustees, county chair and precinct chair are near the end of the ballot. Go to your polling place prepared with notes. Share your picks on candidates with friends, neighbors etc. Most of all spread your enthusiasm for the election process.
Precinct conventions are held at your precinct after polls close at the Primary election. BE THERE! It's fun, you meet neighbors and can voice your opinion.
*Are you keeping track of your hours? You can send hours to me monthly if it's easier. I'm always eager to hear about your campaign activities. Email me at campaign@villagerepublicanwomen.org
—Anne Trousdale, VRW Campaigns Chair
|
|
Celebrate Our Constitution!
Mary Grace Landrum, Americanism
|
|
|
March is the month to celebrate our Constitution. On March 1, 1781 congress formally announced the ratified the Articles of Confederation. Congress, under these Articles, was the sole governing body of our national government until March 4, 1789 when the new Congress met for the first time under the new U.S. Constitution. The meeting took place in New York City. Our constitution is regarding as the oldest written and codified national constitution in force. Hillsdale College offers free copies of the constitution as well as free online courses. CLICK HERE
Thanks to Anne Trousdale and Mickey Marvins for assisting with a Precinct 3 Candidate Meet ‘n Greet at Brookdale Senior Living, Memorial City. We had 52 residents attend to hear our Republican candidates.
|
|
From the February General Meeting
Nolia Rohde, Recording Secretary
|
|
|
|
The meeting was called to order by President Harrington at 11:33 A.M. Mrs. Harrington then welcomed everyone.
Chaplain Robyn Harrison gave the invocation. State Representative Jim Murphy led the attendees in the Pledges.
President Harrington introduced the Elected Officials, Candidates, and Guests, and re-introduced new Board Members.
The Previous Minutes were approved as distributed and the Treasurer’s Report will be filed for audit as stated.
Mrs. Harrington gave the following announcements:
For Julie Jaehne, Ways & Means Vice President: Save the Date - Saturday, June 6 for our Centennial Celebration of the women’s right to vote. We will celebrate 100 years with an A.D. Players performance of the presidents and the suffrage movement. There will be a Village Market, luncheon, and live auction.
For Nancy Scott, Treasurer: The financial statements are on the table. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.
For Anne Trousdale, Campaign Activities Chair: Don’t forget to attend your precinct convention. Keep track of your hours.
For Ellie Skelton, Corresponding Secretary and Karen Houck, Membership Chair:
Some of our members are not seeing emails from us. Please check your spam or junk file. If nothing is there, please reach out to Karen to make sure your membership is current, as well as confirm that we’ve got your correct email address. Membership – if you have not renewed, please see Karen.
For Mary Scheinder and Harris County Republican Party: We need help putting together packages for the precinct caucus meetings to be held at the close of the polls on election day, March 3rd. Volunteers are needed on Wednesday, February 26 at the HCRP Headquarters.
Voting: Friday is the last day to vote early. There was a reminder to go to the end of the ballot.
Mrs. Theresa Kosmoski, 1st VP – Programs, introduced Tom Ramsey, Susan Sample, and Brenda Stardig, the Precinct 3 Candidates for Harris County Commissioner. Moderator, conservative TV political personality, Jacquie Baly, led the candidates through a series of questions related to issues relevant to Precinct 3. Community Improvement and flooding were two of the major issues addressed.
Mrs. Kosmoski then introduced the two men who want to shape the future of the Republican Party in Texas, James Dickey, current chairman of the RPT, and challenger, LTC Allen West (Ret.). Mrs. Baly also moderated this debate, questioning issues such as Party platform, funding for the Party, role of the chairman, and minority involvement in the Party.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:57 P.M.
|
|
Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation
4th Annual Community Book Drive
March 1-31, 2020
March is National Literacy Awareness Month. The Ladies for Literacy Guild in partnership with the Houston Rockets Women's Organization, Reliant, Houston Public Libraries, and Harris County Public Libraries will be hosting the Book Drive during the month of March. The books collected will be used to stock The Curiosity Cruiser and put books into the hands of children and adults in need. You can donate new or like new children's, young adult, or adult books to a library near you.
Please join the Caring for America Committee and donate books to this citywide event. Google Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation 4th Annual Community Book Drive for more information and a list of library drop-off locations.
Lucretia Shaver
Caring for America, Chair
|
|
Bringing the Fight
By Senator Joan Huffman
|
|
|
As a former prosecutor, criminal district court judge, and current Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, I have been using my unique experience and knowledge to help lead the fight against human trafficking in the Texas Senate for nearly a decade. With the help of my colleagues and leadership, I have passed strong and impactful anti-human trafficking bills for the past 4 consecutive sessions, strengthening penalties for criminal traffickers and improving resources for trafficking victims. Because of these efforts, I believe that the State of Texas is better equipped to combat against human trafficking.
For example, In the 84th legislative session I sponsored HB 10, which enhanced penalties for those who purchase sex from minors, allowed for victims of human trafficking to have witness immunity, required persons convicted of human trafficking to be added to the sex offender registration, and created a child sex trafficking prevention unit within the Office of the Governor. The Governor’s Child Sex Trafficking Team (CSTT) has since become one of the leading forces in the nation to fight against human trafficking. To learn more about the CSTT and the incredible work they are doing across our state, please visit their website HERE
In the 85th legislative session I sponsored HB 2552, which lowered the burden of proof for cities and counties to file nuisance actions against massage parlors where prostitution arrests have occurred, or which are unlicensed. We also gave innocent property owners and landlords a streamlined eviction process they can use if they suspect prostitution or trafficking is happening on their property. This change in statue was needed because victims of human trafficking may be closer than you think. A recent estimate by Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of Children At Risk showed that there are more brothels and illicit parlors in the Greater Houston Area than there are Starbucks. To learn more about the signs of human trafficking in your community, please visit the Texas Attorney General's webpage, HERE If you suspect that a local business is being used as a front for human trafficking, please contact your local law enforcement agency. Law enforcement can assist in filing nuisance and abatement lawsuits, which are the primary means used by local governments to shut down illegal, unlicensed sexually oriented businesses.
During the 86th legislative session I authored SB 20, which amended prostitution and related statutes to provide increased penalties for buyers and mandatory community supervision provisions for sellers. These changes will help decrease demand and direct individuals at high risk of human trafficking to the services they need. SB 20 also updated the Texas Penal Code to match recent changes to the Federal Communications Decency Act, which will allow local law enforcement to pursue state charges against online traffickers, which is a big win for our state's law enforcement. Additionally, the bill streamlined the process for human trafficking victims to request a nondisclosure of criminal history record information on the grounds that the person committed the offense solely as a victim of trafficking. Just this month, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the creation of a customized clemency application for survivors of trafficking and domestic abuse. Under the new protocol, Texas inmates will be allowed to cite their experience as victims when requesting relief from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
During the 86th legislative session as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, I worked to provide substantial funding for anti-human trafficking programs and the state agencies tasked with fighting against this scourge. Specifically HB 1, the General Appropriations Acts, provides:
- $37.8M for anti-human trafficking efforts at the Department of Public Safety, including $27.9M in new funding for anti-child sex and anti-human trafficking efforts and anti-gang squads;
- $5.7M total for the Human Trafficking Section at the Office of the Attorney General to handle additional prosecutions, a $3.5M increase over the current budget;
- $5.7M to support the Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit within the Office of the Governor;
- $60,000 for a training program for nurses to help recognize victims of human trafficking at the Department of State Health Services;
- $1.2M to fund staff for human trafficking prevention at the Department of Family and Protective Services;
- $200,000 for signs at public transportation hubs regarding services and assistance available to victims of human trafficking through the Texas Department of Transportation;
- $6.1M for anti-human trafficking related efforts at establishments licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; and
- $1.7M for a dedicated anti-human trafficking unit at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
 Most unfortunately, as long as there is a demand for trafficked individuals, there will be those seeking to supply them. According to the University of Texas (see graphic), there are an estimated 313,000 victims of human trafficking in Texas, including almost 80,000 minors. This is absolutely unacceptable. We must continue to prosecute aggressively and identify publicly those who willingly pay for sex acts and do whatever we can within the law to help drive down the demand. Many local organizations have teamed with law enforcement to accomplish these goals, and I will continue to support their efforts through legislation in the Texas Senate.
Here are some of the other bills that I championed over the years to help our state fight against human trafficking:
SB 1802 (86th):
Provides additional tools for the prosecution of trafficking-related crimes by enhancing penalties for would-be traffickers and expanding the definition of "coercion" for purposes of prosecuting trafficking-related crimes.
HB 403 (86th):
Requires human trafficking training for all school board trustees through the state in efforts to identify and eliminate human trafficking in our schools.
HB 2529 (85th):
Expanded the definition of coercion in the Penal Code to include behaviors or actions often taken against trafficked persons, such as confiscating or withholding a trafficked person's government records/ID or controlling proceeds brought in by the trafficked person.
HB 2511 (84th):
Created the state-run Voluntary Human Trafficking Prevention Business Partnership, which any business in Texas that agrees to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against labor and sex trafficking can join.
SB 12 (83rd):
Provided prosecutors with additional resources to convict repeat offenders of human trafficking.
For more information on human trafficking in Texas, and how our state government is fighting against it please reach out to my office at 713-850-1981 or 512-463-0117. Thank you!
Sincerely,
|
|
It’s March…and it is Republican Convention time!
|
|
|
In last month’s newsletter, there was information provided in Theresa Kosmoski’s article regarding the convention process which begins immediately. This notice will serve as a reminder of how you take part.
If you voted early, you received a form titled “Harris County Republican Party Notice of Conventions” which is attached to this notice. Those of you voting on March 3, will receive it then. If for any reason you do not get one, you can sign an oath of affiliation at the precinct convention that will begin at 7:30 PM, March 3, 2020 at your polling location. The attached form will also provide a website and phone number for additional information. You should check the HCRP website to be sure of the location of your precinct’s convention CLICK HERE.
You may be elected an officer at your convention (chairman, secretary) and selected to be a delegate to the Senatorial District Convention which will be held on Saturday, March 21. If you are the only person present, nominate and elect yourself to be a delegate, complete the convention packet and ask others who voted in your precinct to be delegates on March 21. If your convention is well attended and resolutions are being presented, each person submitting a resolution should provide three copies of it.
On Saturday, March 21, the SD Convention will be held at various locations in the county when delegates to the State Convention will be elected. That convention will be held here in Houston, May 13-16, 2020 when (1) delegates to the Republican National Convention will be elected, (2) the Chairman/Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas will be elected, and (3) the Texas National Committeeman and Committeewoman will be elected.
Carolyn Hodges, Village RW Bylaws Chair and Parliamentarian
|
|
|
|
