JohnGarza117

A Week in the Life: January 23-27

2012-02-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a collection of photos from last week. John attended several events, including a meeting at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, a Northwest Vista College Forum Panel, a joint meeting with the Alamo Pachyderm Club and the Latino National Republican Coalition of Bexar County, a discussion about the STEM Program and the City of Somerset Cowboy Breakfast. Whew!

Redistricting, Revisited

2012-01-31T10:04:00.000-08:00

Many Texas Democrats choose to perpetuate the myth that a voter’s ethnicity can predict which party they support. Democrats claim to represent Hispanic Texans, but that claim doesn’t match up with how Hispanics in Texas vote. Hispanics, like all Americans, are not a politically cohesive group and hold a plurality of political beliefs.

In 2010, the Republican Party of Texas elected more Hispanics to statewide office than the Democrat party. There are presently six Hispanic Republicans in the Texas Legislature, two Hispanic Republicans on the Texas Supreme Court, and numerous Hispanic Republican officeholders throughout the state. Nationally, a significant number of majority Hispanic Congressional districts have elected conservative Republican members, including: CD 21 Florida (75.6% Hispanic), CD 27 Texas (73.2% Hispanic), CD 25 Florida (71.6% Hispanic), CD 18 Florida (66.9% Hispanic), CD 23 Texas (66.4% Hispanic), CD 2 New Mexico (51.8% Hispanic) and CD 28 California (51.2% Hispanic).

On Jan. 20, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the court drawn Texas redistricting maps and rightfully chastised the San Antonio court for its judicial activism. The lower court erred by adopting the arguments of partisan factions seeking to redraw the maps produced by the Legislature. The San Antonio court's disregard for the Legislature's map was in fact disregard for the will of the people of Texas, who spoke through their elected representatives.

Before the Supreme Court ruling, two Federal judges voted to change the boundaries of District 117. Honorable Jerry Smith, the other Federal judge who heard the case and voted against changing the district, wrote “any purported challenge to the Bexar County districts is without foundation,” and “we should not use past elections as a crystal ball to predict how future elections will turn out.” He went on to explain that the court “is prevented from making such complex political predictions tied to race-based assumptions,” and “nothing in the State’s plan will hinder Hispanic opportunity to register and vote in greater numbers than before.”

While the San Antonio federal court clearly has jurisdiction to review redistricting maps to ensure compliance with constitutional protections, it cannot override the political will of the people of Texas when no such violations have been found. Racism in America is still a reality, but partisan factions should not use the Voting Rights Act to push a partisan agenda. The Texas Democratic Party has lost sight of the goal of the Civil Rights Movement—that we abandon superficial racial barriers and come together as a unified American people. Liberty, freedom and optimism are what truly define what it means to be an American, not race or political affiliation.

John V. Garza represents District 117.

Cowboy Breakfast

2012-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me enjoying the Somerset Cowboy Breakfast with my wife, daughter & sister-in-law on Friday, January 27. Early morning but the food was great. Many thanks to the City of Somerset for sponsoring the event!

My Point of View: The Redistricting Debate

2012-01-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

The American Civil Rights movement should be about true integration. A candidate should be elected because he or she represents voters the best, regardless of race. Unfortunately, the Texas Democratic Party has failed to take the same non-racial stance. Instead, it has chosen to manipulate the Voting Rights Act as a way to gain seats in the Legislature.

The current redistricting debate centers on this. The Texas Democrat Party has chosen to support candidates defined primarily by racial background in special racially drawn districts, rather than candidates with broad appeal. The result is self-segregation, over dependence on racial politics and a class of protected politicians who are limited in their electability to their racially protected districts.

Two Federal judges voted to change the boundaries of District 117 on the belief that it violated the Voting Rights Act. They discussed changing 117 in a lengthy defense of their proposed interim map, but their only claim was that the State tried to replace regularly voting Hispanics with those who do not regularly vote. This is not part of the Voting Rights Act or any case law. They do not attack District 117’s stats because the map was carefully drawn to improve every statistic.

Honorable Jerry Smith, the other Federal judge who heard the case, voted against changing District 117. He wrote that “any purported challenge to the Bexar County districts is without foundation,” and “we should not use past elections as a crystal ball to predict how future elections will turn out.” He went on to explain that the court “is prevented from making such complex political predictions tied to race-based assumptions,” and “nothing in the State’s plan will hinder Hispanic opportunity to register and vote in greater numbers than before.”

Texas Democrats are so concerned about getting elected that they forget they must represent everyone in their districts. This is why candidates that define themselves primarily on their racial background often fail to get popular support. In contemporary America, including Bexar County, race-baiting needs to end.

Creating a climate of racial polarization does not achieve anything. Hispanics and Mexican-Americans consider themselves simply American.

John V. Garza represents District 117. He will testify before the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. next week regarding redistricting.

HOA Reforms

2011-12-15T17:09:00.001-08:00

House Bill 2761, coauthored by Representative Garza, is one of the most current HOA reform bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This new piece of legislation changes the way HOAs are run by requiring Homeowners Associations to have open records, meetings, and elections for HOA residents. While this new bill takes HOA regulation in the right direction, it is essential to be familiar with your rights as homeowners, to know the new laws presiding over HOAs, and to be involved in making sure that your HOAs abide by Texas law.

House Bill 2761

Open Records:

Upon request, HOA records are accessible to all HOA residents. Accessible records include financial records and attorney files.

To access copies of records, HOA residents must:

Submit their request via certified mail.
Pay for the requested copies.

In response to request, HOAs must:

Provide copies of records within 10 days, or notify HOA residents of the delay and give notice on when requested copies will be obtainable.
Upon request, HOA records are accessible to all HOA residents. Accessible records include financial records and attorney files.

Important notes on open records:

HOAs are required to keep residents' records on file in HOA neighborhoods that exceed 14 lots.
HOAs are prohibited from foreclosing on residents' homes based on unpaid fees for requested records.

Open Meetings:

All HOA meetings must be open to HOA residents, and upon resident request, HOAs are required to give information on each meeting time and location. HOAs must also mail a notification of meetings 10 days prior to meeting dates, or must post a notification 72 hours before meetings. In the exception that HOA board members must hold an executive meeting in private, HOAs are required to take minutes and notes to be reviewed by HOA residents.

Open Elections:

All HOA residents may vote in an HOA election, and anyone may run for a position on an HOA board. Under the new legislation, HOAs must represent the entire HOA residency in elections. HOAs may notify residents of voting dates 60 days prior to an election, or by a minimum of 10 days before an election.

If your local HOAs are not abiding by these new Texas laws, take action and get involved by informing your local judge. It is up to you to help make sure that your HOAs are properly serving your neighborhoods.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Constituents,

As the holiday season approaches, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue serving as the District 117 State Representative. The ability to represent your community in the Texas House of Representatives has been a blessing, and I look forward to working on everyone’s behalf over the next year.

We all know our State faces many challenges, but these challenges can be overcome if we continue to listen and work together. Meeting with many of you during my time in office has opened up discussions about the issues that are most important, and I thank you for taking the time to give me your opinions and thoughts.

As we start to prepare for the upcoming year, please continue to give me your input so we can keep moving in the right direction. Our community and our state will only grow stronger if we work together and I invite you all to call my office at 512-463-0269 or feel free to visit my website and Facebook page at your convenience.

Thank you again for trusting me and for allowing me to continue to represent you in the Texas House of Representatives. I would also like to thank all my staff for all their hard work and dedication. May God bless you this Thanksgiving!

Kind regards,

John V. Garza

Rep. Garza Visits Lackland Air Force Base and Honors Veterans Day

2011-11-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

Rep. John V. Garza toured Lackland Air Force Base on Friday, Nov. 4, in observance of Veteran's Day. "As the "Gateway to the Air Force," Lackland's primary mission is to provide basic training for all non-prior service Airmen of the regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve (Lackland AFB)". He toured with Brian Grelk, Commander of the 326th Training Squadron. Rep. Garza encourages everyone to take part in the Celebrate America's Military events this weekend. The Greater San Antonio Chamber has organized the events since 1970, when the Chamber created Celebrate America's Military as a way for the community to say thank you to the U.S. Armed Forces.

"I encourage you to attend a Veterans Day service near you to show your support for our veterans and the victims of the Fort Hood shootings, their families, and our active military members across the nation and world," Rep. Garza said. "They make tremendous sacrifices every day to protect our freedoms."

Veteran's Day is tomorrow on Friday, Nov 11. Please join Representative Garza and honor the veterans who have bravely served our country.

H-E-B Plus! Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in Lytle, Texas

2011-11-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, October 27, Representative John V. Garza, along with many other political figures, came together with the City of Lytle, TX to celebrate the opening of the new H-E-B plus! located on Interstate 35.

Along with Representative Garza, Atascosa County Commissioner Bill Torans, Lytle Mayor Mark Bowen, Somerset Mayor Paul Cuellar, Devine Mayor Bill Herring and Natalia Mayor Ruby Vera, came to show their support for the new business in the growing Lytle. Representative Garza said about the city, which currently has a population of 2,800 residents: “It's great to see our small communities growing and thriving. The new H-E-B will undoubtedly help facilitate the new growth of Lytle.”

Surrounding communities also joined together in the celebration, as local high schools provided entertainment for guests: the Medina Valley High School JROTC presented H-E-B colors, the Lytle High School Drum Line greeted guests, the and Somerset High School Mariachi Band, Azul Real, performed live music to guests as they toured the new store.

Stay tuned for more of the latest news and most recent updates on events for Rep. Garza!

Rep. Garza Awarded "Newcomer of the Year" by the Texas Association of Builders

2011-10-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Rep. Garza accepting the TABGRC Award for "Newcomer of the Year"

On October 20, 2011, Representative John V. Garza attended the Texas Association of Builders Government Relations Committee meeting in Austin, TX where members discussed taxes and the November 8th Texas Constitutional Amendment Election. John was also honored with the Texas Housing Champion Award for "Newcomer of the Year."

"Affordable home ownership for families is a pillar of our economy; it is a private property right that we must protect. The right of homeownership for all families and citizens must be passionately defended. We must be able to own our homes without a ongoing perpetual debt attached (taxes)," Rep. Garza commented after receiving the award.

Representative John V. Garza's is focused on building and supporting the economy in order for Texas communities and families to grow and thrive.

Rep. Garza's "Texas Housing Champion" Award from the Texas Association of Building"

Rep. Garza with Christian Finke the Sales Manager at Builders FirstSource

OCTOBER 24- NOVEMBER 4 VOTE

2011-10-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Texas Constitutional Amendment Election 2011

The 2011 Texas Constitution Amendment Election is on Nov. 8. Do you know what’s on the ballot? Here is a list of pros and cons for the 10 new propositions. Early voting for the election is Oct. 24 – Nov. 4.

Proposition I

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.

This proposition gives property tax exemption to the surviving spouses of disabled veterans.

Pro:

· This amendment will give disabled veterans peace of mind that their families will be taken care of after they die.

Con:

· Opposing this proposition means opposing tax relief for the surviving spouses of disabled veterans.

Proposition II

The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $6 billion at any time outstanding.

This proposition gives the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) the right to issue bonds up to the amount of $6 billion.

Pro:

· The new budget will give TWDB the funds for community water and wastewater needs.

· TWDB can loan funds to water providers at a low-interest rate for infrastructure projects.

Con:

· Could create long-term debt by allowing TWDB to issue bonds to the maximum value of $6 billion, and could cumulatively cost over $6 billion.

Proposition III

The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Texas to finance educational loans to students.

This position would allow the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to provide student loans at lower interest rates.

Pro:

· Would keep the stand-alone Hinson-Hazlewood student loan program running, and wouldn't raise tax rates.

· By giving THECB the right to help fund student loans at low-interest rates when needed, the state could avoid expensive constitutional amendments every 4-6 years in order to fund education.

Con:

· The state’s current debt could make loaning money a risk. If students default on loan payments, the debt of Hinson-Hazlewood will ultimately affect the Texas budget.

Proposition IV

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area and to pledge for repayment of the bonds or notes increases in ad valorem taxes imposed by the county on property in the area. The amendment does not provide authority for increasing ad valorem tax rates.

This proposition allows counties to fund underdeveloped areas with property taxes.

Pro:

· By developing unused land, counties can bring in additional property taxes and funding.

· Would allow counties to use undeveloped properties for needed transportation projects.

Con:

· If counties use the undeveloped land to create new areas of transportation, it could spark higher property appraisals instead of higher tax rates.

Proposition V

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow cities or counties to enter into inter-local contracts with other cities or counties without the imposition of a tax or the provision of a sinking fund.

This proposition would allow cities or counties to start inter-local projects without being taxed or creating a sinking fund. A sinking fund is traditionally a fund created to pay for the loans an entity borrows in order to reduce its debt and liability.

Pro:

· Saves taxpayers money in the long run by allowing inter-local government projects to run more efficiently and continue without contract renewal.

Con:

· In situations where inter-local projects acquire a debt, there is not a required tax or sinking fund to hold those projects accountable for that debt.

Proposition VI

The constitutional amendment clarifying references to the permanent school fund, allowing the General Land Office to distribute revenue from permanent school fund land or other properties to the available school fund to provide additional funding for public education, and providing for an increase in the market value of the permanent school fund for the purpose of allowing increased distributions from the available school fund.

This proposition would allow schools to take from their permanent school fund to pay for expenses.

Pro:

· Allows schools access to funds without the barrier of the General Land Office.

Con:

· Is only a temporary solution and could cause problems later on if schools are unable to replenish their permanent school funds.

Proposition VII

The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.

This proposition allows El Paso County districts to issue bonds supported by taxes to create recreational facilities and parks.

Pro:

· Would bring in human capital and create regional investment for El Paso County districts.

· Supports community recreation.

Con:

· May increase debt or shift community focus away from growing the local economy.

Proposition VIII

The constitutional amendment providing for the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of open-space land devoted to water-stewardship purposes on the basis of its productive capacity.

This proposition appraises the tax value of a property with a water source based on the amount of clean, quality water the property can produce.

Pro:

· Gives landowners incentive to work with the state to create clean, quality water sources.

Con:

· Increases the number of tax exemptions landowners involved in water stewardship already have.

Proposition IX

The constitutional amendment authorizing the governor to grant a pardon to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision.

This proposition allows individuals who have pleaded “guilty” or “no contest” to their crimes and completed their court mandate to receive a pardon by governor.

Pro:

· Gives those who plead “guilty” or “no contest” the same right to be pardoned that individuals with convictions already have.

· Gives an individual with no criminal conviction the chance to remove the crime he or she pleaded guilty to from his or her permanent record.

Con:

· The public would not see the crime on a person’s record after he or she was pardoned.

Proposition X

The constitutional amendment to change the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain elected county or district officeholders if they become candidates for another office.

This proposition extends the term for district and county officials by 30 days to prevent officials from resigning from office to campaign for another office before their term is over.

Pro:

· Prevents district and county officials from resigning from office in the transitional month during elections.

Con:

· Officials should not be allowed to hold office while campaigning for another office.

John V. Garza represents District 117.

Representative Garza's Remarks on September 11 (at the New Life Christian Center)

2011-09-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

Each one of us here today has those specific and unique events in our life that have shaken us and in some way defined who we are. Ten years ago our entire nation shared in one single event that undoubtedly we can all look back on and know we are different. Different as individuals, yes, but changed as a nation; as a people we encountered a tragedy than no one in this country could escape. On September 11, 2001 the world changed forever.

I remember being on the top floor in the highest building in the Rio Grande Valley looking out on a bright crisp morning, a clear blue sky, attending an executive meeting, trying to keep my mind on the discussion at hand when someone interrupted with the news of what had occurred in New York. I remember taking mental inventory of all our loved ones and how this event would unfold and possibly affect them. I remember worrying most about my family in San Antonio with our armed forces presence here. I recall most the peace and calm of my spirit as the Lord assured me that me and my household would be safe through this ordeal and at the same time a spirit of mourning and compassion over the lost souls and the families impacted by these horrific events that were unfolding rapidly before our eyes, an event that rattled every single heart in America.

I speak to you today as an American who like many of you drew on our faith and the Comforter of that Faith on September 11th. I remember Him, that same Spirit, Who rose up within the heart of this nation, I remember the public prayers, the fear and reverence for God, and the compassion that rested upon our people. I reflect on that day, these ten years after the fact, only one word comes to mind. Strength.

Our country was attacked and we suffered severely. They attacked what they saw as national symbols of our strongholds of military power and our economic prosperity. Our enemy no doubt tied the twin towers as our tower of Babylon, the making of a name unto ourselves and the Pentagon as our tower of Hananeen and Meah, the towers of fortification and protection for Israel. America did not let this catastrophe end with the aftermath of destruction. We, the United States of America, lived up to our name and united around our common grief and stood tall as a country. America was created by strong faith in a Strong God by men and women persecuted by common and similar tragedy that would break a common will. They valued justice, freedom, truth and what was right and what was honorable. A Heritage who sought to enter into a land of peace where Gods rest would prevail. They understood the lengths and widths necessary to protect those values. Now 235 years after their legacy, that same will, that same spirit is alive and must continue to prevail in this country, and it was just 10 years ago today that an attack on those freedoms awakened The Truth. The Truth that we have an indestructible Tower which is a Tower of Protection, A Strong Hightower of Salvation, The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower, that the righteous may run to and not be afraid. He is Our Strength and the Cornerstone of the faith that built this nation. We as His Church and as His People must be the Banners of that Truth in our society, We must exhibit His Righteousness as a multicolored robe of compassion and mercy, We must be the Healers and Comforters in those times of tragedy and despair, We must be a provision to the widow, to the orphan, to a struggling brother or the stranger traveling through our nation. We must exhibit the justice of His law through the compassionate grace of His Son breaking every burden and setting the captives free, for those who are at liberty in Christ are free indeed and we are a free people with the Liberty to exhibit God in all His excellence. We must carry forth that bravery exhibited by everyday citizens that sacrificed themselves for the preservation of that legacy for the generations to come. Remember the New Yorkers that hurled themselves into the smoke and flames to retrieve their fallen countrymen, and the men and women that overturned the suicide hijacker in flight 93 and selflessly saved our Capitol at the cost of their own lives. These brave souls put themselves in the midst of danger to safe guard those same principles that so many soldiers sacrificed for since the dawn of our nation and still do today. These brave citizens may have not worn a uniform; they were valiant warriors just the same

I am so proud to be an American today because of who we proved ourselves to be under such horrific circumstances. Unlike any other time in my life I witnessed our nation rally around goodness, faith, and hope. Do you remember all the "God Bless America" slogans that popped up soon after the attack, and the surge of prayers that were offered up, it was incredible, and we need with all His Strength to continue to be that America and more today. God is a living God and God of the Living, He will do for this country what His Word says, and His Word is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever. We will in this country and will continue to prosper so long as we Trust Him, Fear Him and Let Him continue to use us as the defenders of His people Israel. As a nation we saw the face of evil, and we turned to the grace of God. Psalm 91 reads:

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my High Tower, my God, in whom I trust.”

I remember when the entire U.S. Congress joined hand in hand on the Capitol steps to word a prayer for our safety. Party lines didn’t matter, opinions didn’t matter, money didn’t matter, and instead we all paused, set aside our differences and focused on our huge similarity, being American.

Helen Keller once said "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering, the soul is strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." And looking back on that day few words are as truer. So today as we remember the attack of September 11, 2001, and the near 3000 lives that were taken from us, remember the strength that we share on this day. Remember the pain we felt, but the ambition that was inspired, and certainly how we have succeeded in defending freedom.

As we reflect on the events of September 11th, a milestone, and cast our eyes forward to the next chapter in our history, with great pride I know that against all odds we prosper. The forces of evil, war, fear, or even fallen buildings can never crush our American spirit. We stand today as a testament of that undying spirit knowing that in the face of oppression can we rise up against it and say, in the words of Todd Beamer, "Let's, Roll"!

Dissolving BexarMet would silence voice of rural customers

2011-08-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

Bexar Metropolitan Water District customers have had enough. We want to do something about the problems within our water company. Some have presented a vote for dissolution as the only viable option, but a yes vote to dissolve BexarMet would permanently silence rural customers.

The district's board is selected by public election, BexarMet customers presently have the right to vote for their water district representatives. If BexarMet is dissolved and transferred to the San Antonio Water System, the San Antonio City Council will be appointing all representatives. San Antonio residents may choose their City Council members, while 44 percent of BexarMet customers who live outside the city will not have that voice.

A vote to dissolve means BexarMet's ratepayers surrender their right to directly elected representation. Those who support the dissolution of BexarMet justify the lack of rural representation because voters will have the choice of whether or not to agree at the ballot box. But does everyone really understand what they are agreeing to?

The San Antonio City Council's primary concern is for the residents of San Antonio, not those who live outside of it, and naturally so. Yet those who live outside the city are being asked to surrender local control of their water resources to an entity they have no voice in selecting. Presently, voters cannot be assured that SAWS will be accountable to the needs of rural customers and future development outside the city.

Legislators have placed us in an additional difficult position. SB341 places Bexar Met in pending receivership. The possibility of dissolution of the company by pending election gives SAWs a five-year option provision of takeover and sovereign immunity against all new contracts and debt agreements that bind BexarMet. Consequently, banks have recently given notice to pull short-term financing commitments which paralyzes all current capital improvement projects to outlying areas. This creates all sorts of immediate dire consequences.

If voters chose not to dissolve BexarMet by election, Senate Bill 271 takes effect by imposing strict term-limits on its board, as well as reformed ethics and reporting requirements. This will result in a better BexarMet while maintaining voting rights, accountability and direct representation for its customers.

No one denies that there have been serious problems with BexarMet. However, dissolving the company in favor of San Antonio Water System denies rural voters direct representation, governmental accountability and the local control they deserve and currently possess.

I urge all BexarMet customers to seriously consider voting against surrendering your voting rights and against loosing local control. A no vote on BexarMet will introduce reform, impose term limits and ensure a water district that is directly accountable to all of its customers — all of us.

John V. Garza represents Texas House District 117. He is a BexarMet customer.

Rep. Garza's Medina Valley High School Commencement Speech

2011-06-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am honored to share with you this message, graduates of 2011. I congratulate you on your achievements and I thank all those who helped you on your way – your parents and grandparents, teachers, administrators, siblings and friends.

I want to especially thank the exemplary leadership at your school who without complaint have endured these difficult economic times and budget cuts, and more recently for the stand taken by one leader who has chosen to take a stand to defend the rights of our citizens and community to exercise and declare our beliefs and faith in prayer. Last year my daughter Rebekah, a salutatorian gave her speech about service using Christ Jesus as the example. I was very proud of her yet I still cringed thinking some left group would complain or file suit. Nothing happened fortunately, but as I was preparing my speech for this year’s commencement ceremony I began to witness all hell break loose against that day. I called Liberty Institute right away and got them involved to help; I did not call the attorney general, He just jumped right in and we kept in contact with his office through that week in preparation for that evening. Thank God all went well that evening and no one was thrown in jail.

I know all this is also the testimony of the MVISD school board and our local community leadership. Graduates, consider this; you are the heritage of this leadership, qualify yourself a product of this most elite group of leaders, of not only here in South Texas, all of Texas, and yes even the United States of America.

A testament of great leadership is that it is transparent, accountable and a fiscal responsible government, effective in its return on every resource, be it human, monetary, physical or spiritual. I am confident that it was in this much diligent determination, prayer and faithfulness of those who believe in you, who trust you, encouraged you and disciplined you, those of integrity and character that lead you and guided your path to this very destiny. Every good and perfect plan is here for you for the taking. These folks, families, and this community have provided it for you.

Today is not only the Omega; it is the Alpha, the beginning, a genesis of possibilities, nothing impossible if you only believe, seize this day. Each of you graduating today carry forth a spirit of hope for a prosperous and blessed future, to continue that good thing which was planted in you from the beginning, the heritage of those who stand with you and by you today, not to forget the generations who forged before you, as well those who will follow you after your course is completed. There is after all nothing new under the sun, there is however a new life, a vision within you to begin, to dream, to create, to explore, to move forth, to improve, to excel, to serve, to sacrifice, to celebrate, and to continue to grow and create in this life abundantly. Your current situation or your past cannot exclude you, nor does it qualify you for this new exciting adventure, this trail you will blaze, that you now begin to step out into.

This new life of exciting possibilities is not temporal, but it is eternal and forever. This attitude, these precepts, This Word of Truth, these beliefs, this fiery Spirit will carry you, counsel you, guide you, and deliver you to overcome every challenge, every difficulty, every trial, every fiery furnace, every doubt, every discouragement, all bitterness and anger, all sickness and despair, yes and even death, nothing can defeat you if you only continue forward to the prize of an excellent life, that is yours in this upward calling to live and love what is truth, what is right and what is just. Faith, hope and love will carry you forward to every right decision in all of life’s circumstance. Love and service will grow peace in your life, and in your family, if you only believe and center your goals and your vision to the excellent way, to always do what is right. You will never be disappointed with your life and you will grow and bear a fruitful abundance that you never imagined possible.

I stand before you today for many of you as your State Representative. I am still living the adventure; I see Gods vision for my life; I see His very government established here in you His people. When I decided to run for office many people questioned why? Many obstacles confronted me; I was an unknown, a Hispanic Republican running in a Democrat majority District against a three time incumbent. I had little prior political experience and very few dollars in my campaign fund. A Father of 5 with 2 grandchildren and a demanding job left little time to run, my oldest daughter was in a near fatal accident here on Highway 90 and my wife’s only sister had a lung transplant, Wow what a year and we still won the election, I was the darkest of all horses in the state of Texas. However, what others saw as weaknesses were in fact what strengthen me from within, to use the impossible to achieve all things possible for those who have the power to believe, to believe that we can go beyond even physical limits of time and space to reach those dreams. I believe each of you are predestined and predetermined to success and to prosper. It is only your decision to accept and believe what your true purpose here in this life is and to go after it, never giving up, to give life your total energy, your heart, soul, mind and body.

Give it your all and your future will roll out before you like you will have never dreamed.

Today of all days is a day to give thanks for each of you graduates here and of all the great things you will achieve as individuals and also as a class, a family, a community. There will be no community if some of you do not remain, or return to build and serve and continue what is here today.

It is almost humorous that we were almost mandated today not to pray by our own court, the Judge of all Judges Commands us to pray. Today of all days is a day to pray, to pray for rain for our farmers and ranchers and to restore our water table, to pray for our U.S. and local economy to be restored, our debts to be paid, for our business owners and for our unemployed and for our own pocketbooks. Today we need to pray for those devastated by wildfires, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis here and throughout our globe, to pray for our soldiers and armed servicemen who sacrifice their lives daily to protect our nation, to pray for our local police and sheriffs who more today than ever are exposed to brutal violence. We pray for you graduates, that your future be as bright and promising as the one I share with you today, to join me in this great adventure of faith in God, that if we all work together for the good like we did this week, that good things happen, great and impossible things will manifest because we continue to grab hold and have faith in these core truths.

Among the many blessings you have this day is that fact that you are Americans. In America, unlike most places in the world, a young person can dream of limitless opportunity. Our greatest leaders have come from places like San Antonio and surrounding areas of Bexar County. Any of you graduates can be the next Bill Gates, the next President, or the next State Representative, the next superstar. America still is the land of opportunity. America is your birthright – embraces it and believe unto Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and nothing will be impossible for you.

Affordable Housing for Texas

2011-05-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

Late this afternoon, Representative John V Garza's HB 1576 passed the House for a final vote and now goes to the governor's desk for approval. The bill would require appraisal districts honor any examinations by the IRS for tax exemptions for affordable housing. It basically allows builders to more freely create homes for those in need, without being speculated by two separate entities, this bill will eliminate that redundancy.

Private Schools Still not Allowed to Compete in the UIL

2011-05-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

47 states allow private schools from competing with public schools, both academically and athletically. Late tonight, Texas remained one of the three states to not include them in UIL competition.

Senator Dan Patrick's (R-Houston) SB 1214 was not able to be voted on in time for the deadline at 12:00 AM Wednesday morning. District 117 Texas State Representative John V Garza sponsored the bill in the House and was disappointed to see the time expire. However, if there is a special session in the summer, who knows where it will appear as an amendment? And, even then, we will not stop fighting to allow private schools compete. It is good for the kids, the parents, and Texas as a State.

Working for our Veterans

2011-05-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

The National Veterans Outreach Program stopped by our offices today to thank Texas District 117 Representative John V Garza for sponsoring SB 327 which would allow veterans services like the ones based in San Antonio be contracted by government agencies.

Carlos Martinez is the President of the National Veterans Outreach Program (NVOP) of the American GI Forum. Yolanda Suarez-Senior Vice President of Business Operations.

The National Veterans Outreach Program, is a Veteran Service Organization, is headquartered in San Antonio Texas with field office throughout the State of Texas.

They provide job training, job placement for veterans of all era’s.

Also, The NVOP started one of the first Veterans Homeless Centers in America.

As a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), The American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, Inc., or NVOP as many refer to it, is a 39 year old organization that has served veterans with special challenges to employment since its founding in 1972. It is an organization that has cobbled many opportunities together to create an extensive continuum of care for veterans considered by many across the country as unique and innovative.

The Key Players in SB 341

2011-05-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Texas House of Representatives
Have been dealing with BexarMet legislation for years.

SAWS Chief Robert R. Puente
Supports his company consolidating BexarMet.

Bexar County State Rep. Lyle Larson
Supports SAWS management of BexarMet

State Rep. Jose Menendez
Sponsors the bill in the House

State Representative John V Garza
Will not support a bill without provisions that
provides representation for the rural communities.

BexarMet General Manager Tom Gallier
Believes his water company can be reformed.

State Senator Carlos Uresti
Introduced SB 341

Here is a list of BexarMet ratepayers, and other groups who oppose this bill without Rep. Garza's amendments:

Public Education Summit

2011-05-11T13:32:00.000-07:00


Rep. John V Garza meets with the superintendents from his district.

     On May 10th, 2011 in the Members Lounge of the Texas Capitol, District 117 Representative John V Garza (R-San Antonio) invited the superintendents of his district to talk and work together in addressing the current state of Texas public education. The participants included: Mrs. Michelle Carrol-Smith (Lytle ISD), Mr. James Stanseberry (Medina Valley ISD), Dr. John Folks (Northside ISD), Dr. Juan Antonio Jasso (Southside ISD), and Dr. Lloyd Verstuyft (Southwest ISD).

     The group met with Rep. Garza and his staff on the issues most pertinent to their districts and public education as a whole. They addressed numerous problems with the current system in terms of equality of apportionment and brought to light the inconsistencies of government mandates and available resources. The meeting was ended with a visit by Chairman of the Committee on Public Education Rob Eissler (R-The Woodlands) who explained the present and future state of education in Texas. "What's neat about Bexar County is you're already meeting and talking together, and you're on the leading edge of what's coming; and that is finding ways to do your job better, without a lot more money," he said.

     Rep. John V Garza saw the meeting as a positive step in joining with the leaders of education in his district, to solve the problems that face Texas' Public Education.

HB 2761 Passes on the Floor

2011-05-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

To help create and maintain a more transparent and accessible Home Owners Association in Texas, Rep. John V Garza (R-San Antonio) introduced and helped pass HB 2761 late tonight. The bill would require that all records of HOA meetings in Texas be kept open to the public in an archive. This way, homeowners and property owners would have access to the information that they need.

Th bill passed with an engrossed vote tonight.

Rep. Garza Introduces Emergency Bill to Aid Texas Volunteer Firefighters (HB 3863)

2011-05-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

A truck is forced to turn around by a fire in Potter County, Texas. (Wildfire Today)

     In Texas, so far, over 2.2 million acres have been burned by the devastating wild fires rampant throughout the state. A total of 1,100 buildings have also been destroyed including hundreds of homes. The effort to contain and stop the fires have fallen to the brave firefighters of the state. This is not an easy or cheap task, with costs estimated at $2 million a day (KTXS News). Over 500 men and women work throughout the day to put out the fires that ravage the Texan landscape. Much of them, volunteers that rely on fundraisers to pay for their costs.

     This is where the fundamental problem lies. The State only permits two tax exempt fundraisers for volunteer firefighters every year. Seeing that this year alone; containing the fire looks to be an incredibly expensive task, firefighters need to find means to create revenue to pay for equipment and support.

     That is why State Rep. John V Garza (R- San Antonio), has introduced a bill that would help aide the fighters by allowing them 10 tax exempt fundraisers for the next two years. In House Bill 3863, volunteer firefighters are allowed to make more money and fund their efforts in protecting the State and the people living in the threatened homes.

For more information feel free to visit: www.johngarza117.com or like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Fixing the Immigration Crisis

2011-04-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

HCR 88 Committee Hearing

(Urging Congress to Reform Immigration Policies)

Austin, TX- (04/13/2011) Late tonight, around 8:00 PM, District 117 State Representative John V Garza laid out his house resolution in the Committee on State Affairs. The legislation would urge the United States Congress to take a look at the current immigration policy and reform it to meet the needs of Texas businesses and law enforcement.
He stated:

"HCR 88 calls on Congress to fix our broken immigration system and to address immigration not only as a criminal law issue, but also as an economic issue. Additionally the resolution faults the current system of immigration for being discriminatory, promoting illegal immigration and for producing a class of vulnerable persons. This resolution is joint and co-authored by eight members of the Hispanic Republican Conference. The proliferation of immigration related legislation in the Texas Legislature and across the country is the direct result of the Federal Government's unwillingness to address the immigration crisis. The power to regulate immigration is without question an exclusive federal power. Due to the federal government's failure to provide an effective system of immigration, immigration enforcement and border security, state legislatures are left to deal with the effects. Such issues before the Texas Legislature include human tracking, added strain on Health Care and Educational system, employment verification, election integrity and border security.

One of the present flaws in our Federal and State approaches to immigration is that they view illegal immigration as solely a criminal law issue, ignoring its economic causes. As a South Texas Representative, I understand that illegal immigration is predominantly an economic issue. Economic migrants are pushed from their country of origin for economic reasons and drawn into the United States by economic opportunity. A new system of immigration should address the role US employers play in drawing immigrants into the country and the reality that certain sectors of the American economy rely on migrant workers for its labor force. The 1986 amnesty exemplifies what happens when this economic reality is ignored. Prior to amnesty illegal workers were concentrated in certain sectors of the economy. Following amnesty, they moved into more desirable sectors of the economy leaving a void which was filled by subsequent waves of illegal immigrants. The resolution calls on Congress to establish a guest worker system which would protect first American workers from competition, but also allow non-citizen economic migrants to come out of the shadows, pay taxes and freely return to their country of origin. Those with criminal intent hide among the economic migrants often exploiting them. Addressing the issue of economic migrants will free up law enforcement resources to concentrate on criminals and border security.

There are other problems with the current system of immigration. First and foremost, it has discriminatory country of origin classifications. As of March 2011, Mexicans and Filipinos must wait in excess of 18 years, while Europeans and others wait only 5 for VISA priority dates. HCR 88 calls on Congress to develop a more equitable system of immigration which eliminates country of origin preferences. Additionally, immigrants who have cut in line and violated American immigration laws should not be given amnesty, nor preferential treatment over immigrants who have honestly complied with our immigration laws and waited for an opportunity to immigrate.

All enforcement efforts must respect the civil rights of US Citizens and the US Citizen children of immigrants. "I cannot support any legislation which would result in Hispanic American citizens being treated as a "suspect class" or attempt to remove any right from the US Citizen children of immigrants. In America, children are never held liable for the unlawful actions of their parents."

Cities which adopt policies against enforcement of immigration laws also contribute to the problem by providing sanctuary for illegal immigrants, employers who hire illegal workers and those who exploit immigrants.

Unfortunately, we can pass all sorts of state laws to try to address the issue and effects of illegal immigration but the reality is that none of them will correct one of the root causes of the problem, our out-dated system of immigration.

A new system of immigration must respect our national sovereignty but also our origins as a country of immigrants. It must provide for strict enforcement of the law, but also allow a means for needed labor in certain sectors of our economy. It must respect the human dignity of the immigrant, and give them a means to share in the American dream and discriminate against no immigrant because of their country of origin.

The following is a quote from President Ronald Reagan, “I . . . have thought of America as a place in the divine scheme of things that was set aside as a promised land . . . [A]nd the price of admission was very simple . . . Any place in the world and any person from these places; any person with the courage, with the desire to tear up their roots, to strive for freedom, to attempt and dare to live in a strange and foreign place, to travel halfway across the world was welcome here . . . I believe that God in shedding his grace on this country has always in this divine scheme of things kept an eye on our land and guided it as a promised land for these people.

Immigration is not a partisan issue. It is a people issue. And as an American and a descendent of immigrants, I believe that we must ensure that America remains a promised land. We need a new system of immigration to address the modern context of immigration, to ensure national security, to protect our economy, to be a welcoming nation and to allow 12 million people in this country to come out of the shadows, pay taxes and allow us to spend out precious tax dollars on fighting the criminal elements on the border."

Little opposition was heard at the hearing, and to address one witness against it, Committee Chairman Rep. Byron Cook (R-Corsicana) asked, "I'm looking at this resolution and I'm scratching my head, why you're not supporting this." At the end of the hearings, Committee Member Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth) said, "I want to thank [John] for bringing the best piece of legislation that I've seen go through this committee, this session."

HCR 88 is currently "pending" awaiting a reading on the floor.