CPC Social Issues Class

February 6 Class ECHO and Austin

2011-02-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

On February 6, Ed McHorse provided a presentation on the plans for ECHO to the CPC Social Issues class. The link to the presentation is attached It really speaks for itself as to the goals and opportunities for the organization. http://www.scribd.com/doc/49367250

We will keep this link up for a while. Ed is starting to develop a speaker's bureau and updates should be available over time. One important program, other than getting involved directly is the upcoming 100K homes project. This program is in the planning stages for Austin. The web site http://100khomes.org/ describes the national overview. Look for more information as the program develops locally.

Sunday January 23 Austin Energy

2011-02-01T13:50:00.000-08:00

Carlos Cordova of Austin Energy presented an overview of the assistance programs that Austin Energy provides under the Customer Assistance Program (CAP). They have a brochure on this program describing qualifications and including an enrollment card.

A brochure is available in the Church Office. We also discussed the pending rate review. There is a citizen's advisory board which includes Beth Atherton of Caritas. Meetings will be ongoing for the next six months. We would like to have a class member monitor this process

January 9 and 16 Advocacy 101

2011-02-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

Led by Rachel McClure and Rachel Farris, the class got a one two (both in leaders and duration) on advocacy and how each of us can make a difference in debates that we are passionate about.

Key concepts include:

Knowledge of the process, issues, and when and why to communicate with elected officials
Being thoughtful (but persistent) in communicating; and
Being willing to make your voice heard.

The more things change the more they stay the same

2011-02-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

As you can see we have been lazy for a while. Great things were going on, we just did not post. So lets start with January of 2011 and see what has changed.

More on Mental Health Issues

2009-02-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

On Sunday Feb 8 we will continue our fantastic discussion on Mental Health Issues. Led by our Pastor Intern, Sherry Higdon, we will move past some of the frightening statistics (2.4 Million Americans live with schizophrenia; Bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million American adults) and discuss Ministry and Mental Illness a Theological Perspective

Economics Makes Sense

2009-01-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Bill Avera, for speaking to the Social Issues Class Sunday Jan 25. Bill's perspectives on the economics of bailouts; value of education; and various options for making the economy improve were much appreciated.

A lasting comment to paraphrase (I hope this is at least close) came when he summarized his thesis adviser's perspective on the economy:

The potential upside for our economy is only limited by what we can think of in our minds. Unfortunately, the potential for how low our economy can go is also only limted by how bad we think it can get in our own minds.

Couple Bill's thoughts with Joseph's message about our perceptions of good things happening and we may have something good to think about.

The Numbers Are In

2009-01-13T06:04:00.001-08:00

The Comptroller report is in. $9.1 Billion shortfall. Statesman Article link here http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/01/13/0113revenue.html

Interesting backdrop for the Legislative Session.

Texas Impact Events

2009-01-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

Texas Legislative session begins Tuesday.

Texas Impact events:
1. Monday Reception 5:30 PM First Methodist (donations accepted);
2. Interfaith Service 9:30 South steps of Capitol;
3. Legislative Advocacy Camp Tuesday 1-4PM (1st Methodist $25 for materials)

January 11 - The State of Texas

2009-01-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

During January we will review the upcoming legislative agenda and try to understand the economics behind the economy without the sensationalism of the headlines.

As an introduction to this we discussed the timetable of the legislature session and some of the existing information that has been available from the State departments to set the stage.

As we all now know, there will be a new Speaker in the Texas House and a new President in the White House. As I noted in the introduction Sunday I am hoping it is only serendipity and not prophesy that my radio was tuned to a station I do not normally listen to and played the Who's classic song "We Won't Get Fooled Again" (Meet the new boss same as the old boss....)

Topics:
State Controller's Report - A preview of the issues to be addressed in the actual report to the Leg that will set the budget http://www.texasahead.org/economy/outlook.html Overall Texas sounds pretty good compared to the nation. We know the Governor believes TX does not need support from the stimulus. We'll see what the numbers turn up. Do we think its all OK? The answer is no. Here are the notes we discussed.

(1) Jobs -
(a) US Job losses in Nov 524,000 – Texas gained 7,300
(2) Housing “Texas “has avoided the boom and bust cycle” of others
(3) Oil & Natural Gas
(a) Futures at $41.70 $103.61 below the peak price
(b) FY 2008 Tax collections from oil up 72%
(c) 2009???
(4) Fuel Prices
(a) Gas Tax Revenue decreased by 0.7 % in Nov
(b) Oct 08 miles driven down 2.8%
(5) Sales Tax Receipts
(a) Nov 08 up 4.7% vs. 07
(b) State sales tax for FY 2009 up 4.5% so far
(c) Motor vehicle Sales Tax collections down
(6) Consumer Confidence down 45%

2. There is a recurring theme from the State Demographer http://txsdc.utsa.edu/download/pdf/presentations/2008_12_11_TASSCC_State_of_the_State.pdf that emphasizes the need to improve education to close the income disparity between anglos and non-anglos. As the trends indicate that anglos will loose majority status between 2014 and 2020 and by 2040 Latinos will be the majority ethnic background. We discussed this with our Breakthrough Austin www.breakthroughaustin.org presentation.

We questioned whether education will really be addressed in the Leg.

3. Finally, The Comptroller's office also addresses education as a priority, particularly emphasizing the need to support CTE (career and technical education). The report discussing this is found at:
http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/workforce/PDF/09_Steps.pdf

With so much to do we look forward to the New Year with anticipation

Middle East Peace Jan 4

2009-01-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday January 4, 2009 (can it be?) Our discussion centered on the current state of affairs relating to Israel and Gaza. Sadly, as we enter the new year concerned about our own economic affairs we are brought back to the reality that in other parts of the world people are dying on both sides of a conflict that seems to have no end.

While we did not come up with a solution, we did discuss the lack of information we have regarding the relationships between the warring parties. Our views of country loyalites are often different than the loyalites and relationships in cultures that go back hundreds or thousands of years. A Financial Times article (11/22/08) referenced the relationship between certain Gaza family clans with more than 5000 members whose history extends over 300 years who have been battling with Hamas within Gaza. There was a general hope that the UN process would work to bring about a stop to the fighting, and a desire to get more information. It was suggested that the UN web site would be a good place to look for updates.

The UN has a daily briefing page at www.un.org The briefing page is http://www.un.org/News/ossg/hilites.htm

Finally, to put it in perspective, FG offers the following.

Good review of book, "A World of Trouble" about our long term mis-handling of the Middle East, in the Life --- section of the AA-S. Also, on further "research" I find the area of the Gaza Strip is only 14% of Travis Co. (139 sq. mi.) for a population density of about 10,000 per sq. mi. No wonder we didn't solve the problem today.

Health Care - Dec 28

2009-01-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

For our December 28 class a small but loyal group met to recap the issues relating to health care.

A main topic was a hope that the discussion relating to health care options could stay away from sound bytes and fears, and instead focus on the realities of the alternatives that are out there. In this regard, we noted that most of us did not have direct experience with a single payer system (think Canada, UK, etc) and that the debate over the health care options often gets reduced to perceptions that generate fear rather than building solutions.

Those interested in participating more fully can attend meetings of the group Health Care for All Texans (not affiliated) which meets the last Monday of the month, while the venue recently changed from Carver Library to Little Walnut Creek Library 835 Rundberg . Note that this group is openly in favor of single payer solutions. If there are other meeting groups with a different focus we will try to pass them on. Their background is noted below.

HCFAT supports single payer healthcare. The group was founded by Ana Malinow, M.D. who teaches at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
HCFAT has chapters in Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, and in Austin.

Caritas Presentation

2008-11-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

On Sunday November 23, we had a great visit with Jo Kathryn Quinn of Caritas. Jo Kathryn is Director of Self Sufficiency Services for Caritas. Caritas performs important services targeted at Austin and Travis County residents. In addition to providing direct support such as 450 lunches daily, they provide homeless prevention support that helps keep residents from becoming homeless, refugee support and much much more.

Caritas is an important downtown neighbor. Our discussion included specific questions about who is eligible for support, and also what it really takes to live in Austin. Their guidelines indicate that $11.50 per hour is the wage it takes for a single adult to maintain a 1 BR apartment in Austin.

An important project coming up is an annual count of homeless residents scheduled for January. Look for some ideas on how to help soon.

Downtown Austin Plan

2008-11-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

On Sunday November 16, CPC's own John Nyfler presented an overview of the Downtown Austin Plan and we discussed how some of the pending plans may affect CPC and the issues we are concerned about. This was a great presentation and look for a reprise -with additions if there is an appropriate Wednesday night available. In addition, we have a binder of information that John collected that will be available for others that organizes information by topic.

The formal Downtown Austin Master Plan is scheduled to be put to the City Council late 2008 or early 2009. The top 5 priorities of the plan are:

Maintain Downtown's competitive position in the region -
Make Downtown a stronger place. Be more purposeful about how density is achieved
Keep Downtown authentic and diverse
Re-invest in the Public Realm
Dedicate leadership, capacity and funding to implement the Downtown Austin Plan

for more details go to the City Website http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/downloads/DAP_Five_Top_Priorities_1-2-08.pdf

Projections are that residential population of downtown could grow from 8500 to 25,000

The Waller Creek Tunnel project; The Cap Metro Mater Plan; Lance Armstrong Bikeway; The Library and other projects were reviewed.

In addition there will be a direct impact of the plan on Brazos street that will impact the Church facility and parking.

November 2 Personal Action Water Conservation at Home

2008-10-27T09:55:00.001-07:00

Mark Hastings has prepared a hands on, what it is possible to do, talk on solving water issues individually in your own home.

Water Issues in Texas

2008-10-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

On Sunday October 26, Andy Sansom presented a detailed picture of issues facing natural resources and water in Texas. Update to come

Elections 2

2008-10-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

On Sunday October 19 we discussed various local elections and the issues.

The most spirited issue and range of opinions related to Austin Proposition 2.

Class members included those with long support for the Stop Domain Subsidies efforts and its potential detriment to Austin and others that are concerned about the impact on future developments in Austin.

The Austin Chronicle has several articles and letters to the Editor this week which represent a microcosm of this issue.

Resources on Courts and Elections

2008-10-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a summary of what was discussed on October 12 and resources to reach your own opinion.
Here are the web resources that John used.
The link below is for all the Texas Court Elections
www.texasbar.com/
on left hand side, select about the state bar then select Member directory and look up the candidates.
The link below has the pdf of the State Bar Poll for all the Texas judicial elections: CAVEAT, this poll was taken in the spring and included other primary candidates so sometimes there are ratings for 4 names. It is not clear to me just exactly what it means unless a candidate is rated very, very low compared to others.
www.texasbar.com/pollresults
The link below is for the rating by the Houston Bar Association
www.hba.org/folder-poll-results/qual08.pdf

The link below is good for the Texas Supreme Court candidates. It actually covers judicial elections nationwide but you can find Texas under the State Judicial Elections tab on the home page:
http://judgepedia.org/
Candidate web pages:
www.justicephiljohnson.com
www.lindayanez.com
www.reelectdalewainwright.com
www.samhoustonforjustice.com
http://libertarianpartycandidates.us/candidates/david-g-smith-2008-justice-supreme-court-place-7
www.wallacejefferson.com
www.judgejimjordan.com

News article on Linda Yanez
www.texasobserver.org/article.php?aid=2793 on Linda Yanez

Blog Action Day - Poverty in Austin - 2

2008-10-15T04:53:00.000-07:00

Fact: On any given day in Travis County, 25,000 children between the ages of 5 and 12 reside in families with incomes below the Federal poverty guidelines. Some of them live week to week. It is astonishing to realize how much these people are just like the rest of us…hard-working, responsible, and caring.

Well, let’s start with one of the ministries we are involved with at CPC.
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) – A program of Foundation for the Homeless
This is a shelter program that is based on a national model that provides basic room and board accommodations while they work towards achieving permanent residence and self-sufficiency. In Austin, a network of “host” churches (or other entities) will house up to 4 families for a week at a time at their facilities while also providing hot meals, shower and laundry facilities, and basic supplies. The network also includes “support” churches (or other entities) that will provide volunteer and supply support for the host entity that they work with.

What is so wonderful about IHN is that volunteers will see and experience the positive results from their involvement! Families that enter the program have a great chance of achieving permanent residence and self-sufficiency. We have a good core of volunteers for IHN and we occasionally get a chance to talk to the families. We LOVE it when a family lets us know that they will have their own residence soon! And they are so thankful for our hospitality! Hugs and prayers are often exchanged as they leave after their week-long stay, and some of us even joke that we hope we don’t see them when our next host week arrives! (In other words, our mutual hope is that they will have permanent residence by that time!)
If you are part of a congregation, community group, or other organization that is not currently involved in this valuable outreach, you are strongly encouraged to communicate this to your congregation or group and organize a team to help! If desired, your team may begin in a support role, then may become a host at a later time, or your team may have the facilities to become a host immediately. Most of the volunteer activities during a host week are easy and require only a short time commitment:

· Help cook/host meals for the families
· Check and buy supplies as needed; donate food or supplies
· Help with move-in (carry guest belongings to rooms, set up rooms and make beds, set out towels, etc)
· Spend a night at the host facility
· Help with move-out and clean/restore rooms used
· Help with washing bedding and towels after host week ends
Foundation for the Homeless is always eager to meet or talk with potential volunteers. We provide screening and training for IHN volunteers and anyone working with children. Volunteer application forms may be downloaded at http://www.foundationhomeless.org/ and faxed to (512) 453-6732.
We are also eager to recruit new congregations as host or support congregations for Family Promise/Interfaith Hospitality Network Shelter Program. Contact Shelby Menina, IHN Director at smenina@foundationhomeless.org or Sharon Lowe, Executive Director at slowe@foundationhomeless.org or call 453-6570.

Blog Action Day 1 - Poverty in Austin

2008-10-15T04:19:00.000-07:00

Today we begin with a description of one of Austin's organizations helping face poverty.

Foundation for the Homeless: Keeping Families Together In Shelter and Beyond

On any given day in Travis County, 25,000 children between the ages of 5 and 12 reside in families with incomes below the Federal poverty guidelines. (Census data). These are the families most likely to join the ranks of the “invisible” homeless--families who continue in school or work while living with friends, other family, in hotels or in their car. Most often, these families have been pushed out of their homes by some catastrophic event such as illness, job loss, transportation loss, loss of a loved one, mounting debts or a bad divorce.

Foundation for the Homeless, Inc. is the only organization in the Austin area that routinely provides shelter and case management services to intact (two parent) or to single father homeless families. Each family gets its own room or private space. Other shelter programs generally split-up families by gender, serve only single-parent families, serve only families where the parents are younger than 25 or serve only immigrant families. Foundation for the Homeless also serves single-parent, young and immigrant families, provided they have one or more children under the age of 18.

FFH provides shelter and case management services to families through its Interfaith Hospitality Network Shelter Program (IHN) and Passages Supportive Services Program. During 2007, the IHN Shelter Program served 35 families or 105 individuals, including 65 females and 40 males. Approximately 2/3 or 65 these individuals were children under age 18: 31 were age 5 and under; 19 were ages 6 through 12; and 15 were ages 13 through 17.

Sunday October 12 - The Courts

2008-10-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

Election season is upon us.

On October 12th and 19th, the social issues class will be addressing some of the election candidates this Fall. We scheduled it this early because there are many early voters in the class. If you have already used your mail in ballot privilege, we are too late.
On the 12th we will cover some of the general state elections and in particular the Texas Supreme Court . Central Presbyterian's own John Harmon will join us to talk about the role of the Supreme Court in Texas. (On the 19th we will look at local house and senate and county offices; I am looking for volunteers to cover such elections. See issues from Jim's email ).

Party affiliation: in this order: Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, Independent.

Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams - Y Mark Thompson - N David Floyd - N - -

Chief Justice, Supreme Court Wallace B. Jefferson - Y Jim Jordan - N Tom Oxford - N - -

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7 Dale Wainwright - Y Sam Houston - N David G. Smith - - -

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 Phil Johnson - Y Linda Reyna Yañez - N Drew Shirley - N - -

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 Tom Price - Y Susan Strawn - N Matthew E. Eilers - N
- -
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4 Paul Womack - Y J.R. Molina - N Dave Howard - N - -

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9 Cathy Cochran - Y - William Bryan Strange, III - N - -

Education Action

2008-10-07T14:39:00.001-07:00

In our follow up discussion on education we reviewed Breakthrough Austin information and looked for actions we could take to help. Some of the ideas for potential action include:

Individuals volunteer as mentors for Breakthrough
Survey Mission partners for opportunities to support high school education with low income youth.
Partner with another church to support junior high and high school students
Offer Church program for Austin high or other youth for tutoring or other activities

Health Care Summary

2008-10-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

Our discussions about health care led us to view that more universal health care on a national level is still an important priority to revisit early in 2009 or at least after the elections when we know whose plan will become the basis for further discussion.

Senator Kirk Watson

2008-10-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Senator Kirk Watson presented an overview of social issues facing Texas at CPC's Wednesday night program. Senator Watson was both direct and humorous in his presentation of issues and lessons that he learned growing up that lead him to prioritize education, jobs, and health care access among his priorities for social issues.

His comments were illuminating regarding the CHIP program for health care support to lower income children. From a business standpoint, every dollar the state spends generates $2.66 in additional spending all going to Local Texas Businesses (hospitals, doctors, clinics) who in turn will purchase goods and services from other businesses. Few business development plans can get such a return.

Senator Watson also discussed his involvement in trying to help Johnston High students and he is looking for ways to support at risk schools in the next legislative session.

Breakthrough Austin

2008-10-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday September 21 Barry Aidman Executive Director of Breakthrough Austin spoke to the Social Issues Class. Breakthrough Austin provides paths to College for low income students in Austin. Their web site is www.breakthroughaustin.org

The statistics are incredible. Overall 79% of High School Students graduate in 4 years. In the target group that Breakthrough works with the statistic is 36%. Similarly, the greatest predictor of whether a student goes to college (statistically) is income. 51% of upper income students go on to college while 6% of lower income students do.

So its the parents right? Wrong. In the survey group parents and kids both want to go to college. The barriers that they face are many and tough to categorize.

Breakthrough targets middle school students and puts them on the path by helping with

Academic preparation
Attitude needed to navigate system and get to college (been through the bureaucracy in a bigger school lately)
Family encouragement (Loans a big issue)
College Prep activities

Programs include:

Core Program
Case management
Summer Programs
Monitoring
High School Placement
Alumni support

We will be spending more time on education but if you cannot wait contact Breakthrough and volunteer.

Ann Kitchen Discusses New Insurance Program

2008-10-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

On September 14, Ann Kitchen Executive Director of ICC (Indigent Care Coalition) of Central Texas presented information regarding the Central Texas Regional Health Coverage Project. This project intends to offer small to medium businesses (2-50 empoyees) new options for low cost health care coverage. See www.healthcarecentraltexas.com for details.

Ann's presentation described their process and objectives for this unique program which can be successful with just 10,000 enrollees in 3 years. Medical Providers should receive competitive payments and employers should be able to offer more cost effective health care in cases where it is not offered now.

Communication will be key when this program launches. If you do not have healthcare at work or are a small business employer go to the web site above and check it out.