Jim Dunnam - State Representative

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Jim Dunnam Calls for a Bi-Partisan Panel on Corporate Campaign Finance - (2010-01-22)
Local Representative pushes for a balanced study of necessary changes Today, State Representative Jim Dunnam called for the appointment of a committee to study the impact of a recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion on the campaign finance system of Texas. In a letter to House Speaker Joe Straus, Dunnam pushed for a bi-partisan investigation of the effects of the Court's decision on the Texas election code and the possibility of campaign finance legislation next session. "Independent, nonpartisan polling has consistently shown that Texans believe that campaign finance is a high priority issue," wrote Dunnam. "A balanced examination of the issue and a measured response that preserves Texas's public policy as expressed in our statutes is the least they deserve." <
Read More ›› by: - 2010-01-22 comments Category: No category found Tags: Citizens United v. FEC, campaign finance,

Jim Dunnam Comments on Governor Perry's Decision to Not Compete For Race to the Top Education Funds - (2010-01-13)
Chairman of the Select Committee talks about its impact on public schools in Texas State Representative Jim Dunnam (D-Waco), Chairman of the House Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, released the following statement in response to Governor Perry's decision to not apply for federal "Race to the Top" education dollars: By throwing in the towel before the competition has even begun, Governor Perry has officially won the race to the bottom. The Governor and I have our policy differences - I passed a moratorium on the expansion of charter schools in 2001 while he actively pressured members to vote against it. I criticized him in 2005 when he used federal funds to create a divisive teacher incentive pay program. However, the one thing that he and I should both agree on is that our schools need as much support as possible. There's a pot of as much as $700 million dollars in grant money that the Governor doesn't want our state to compete for.
Read More ›› by: - 2010-01-13 comments Category: Public Education, Higher Education, Tags: Public Education, Higher Education,

Jim Dunnam Announces Re-Election Bid - (2010-01-04)
Local Representative will seek another term As expected, Representative Jim Dunnam today formally announced that he will be seeking re-election in 2010. Dunnam hopes to continue representing House District 57, comprised of Falls, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and part of McLennan counties, for another two-year term. The announcement was coupled with the launch of his updated campaign website, www.jimdunnam.com. Dunnam says his campaign strategy is simple. He will focus on his accomplishments in District 57 and across the state. "I'm not going to be making elaborate promises," said Dunnam. "If re-elected, I will continue to do what I've done for the past seven sessions -- represent the views of my constituents in Austin and worked to improve our community and our state." Dunnam focuses on improving local schools and public safety, encouraging job growth and economic development, increasing access to affordable health care, and protecting the environment. Routinely named one of the Texas House’s most influential and powerful members, Jim currently chairs the Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, serves on the Committees on Transportation and Environmental Regulations, and is the leader of the 73-member Texas House Democratic Caucus. "Since the Legislature wrapped up in May, I've been visiting with my constituents about the issues," said Dunnam. "I hope I will again get chance to return to Austin for another turn and continue advocating on their behalf." More information on Rep. Dunnam's accomplishments and other matters are available on his website, www.jimdunnam.com. Interested parties are also encouraged to contact his office at (512) 463-0508.
Read More ›› by: - 2010-01-04 comments Category: No category found Tags: Election 2010,

Jim Dunnam Discusses School Curriculum - (2009-12-03)
Op-Ed: What Should Be Required for High School Graduation? Whether I'm out in the district talking to constituents, on the floor of the Texas House, or at home with my kids, everyone has something to say about high school graduation requirements. In recent years, the state has mandated more and more courses, leading to our current situation - four mandatory years of English, math, science, and social studies and strict elective requirements for most students. This approach has raised concerns about course flexibility, the opportunity for vocational training, and the lack of local input. It's my opinion that rigid course requirements are not good for our students. Our schools need to accommodate all of our children - whether they're aiming for a four-year university, a community college, a technical school, or a high school diploma. Remember that Texas has three pathways to graduation: Minimum HSP, Recommended HSP and Distinguished Achievement Program. Students pursuing the Minimum plan are required to complete 4 credits of English, 3 of math, 2 of science and 2½ of social studies as core curriculum. The Recommended and Distinguished plans require the four-by-four curriculum plus additional academic courses such as foreign language. Last session, I voted to pass a major public education bill that begins to scale back course requirements. House Bill 3 adds flexibility to the state's "Recommended" program by re
Read More ›› by: - 2009-12-03 comments Category: Public Education, Tags: Public Education,

Jim Dunnam Calls for a Special Session - (2009-11-24)
House Democratic Leader strives to fulfill his commitment to retired teachers Jim Dunnam, the Texas House of Representatives Democratic Leader, on Tuesday called on Governor Perry to call a special session to allow the Legislature to fulfill its commitment to retired teachers and state employees and give them the $500 one time supplemental payment we intended for them to receive. Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott, on Monday issued an opinion (GA-0746) that effectively denies the supplemental payment the 81st Texas Legislature approved in May 2009. The Attorney General's ruling states that since the General Appropriations Act requires a "conclusive opinion that such one-time payments are constitutionally and statutorily permissible" and because the appropriation raises questions about compliance with article III, sections 44 and 53 of the Texas Constitution, it is "Impossible for us to conclusively opine that such payments are constitutionally and statutorily permissible." As a result, Senate Bill 1 of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) will instead increase the state contribution rate to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. In May 2009, the Texas Legislature approved a one-time supplemental payment of up to $500 for certain TRS retires. The legislation stated that if the Attorney General did not rule that the payments were constitutionally and statutorily permissible, the amounts would be transferred to the teacher Retirement System to increase the state contribution rate.
Read More ›› by: - 2009-11-24 comments Category: Public Education, Tags: Rick Perry, Retired Teachers, 13th Check, Public Education,

Jim Dunnam Discusses Transportation Funding - (2009-11-20)

Op-Ed: How will we pay for new roads?

The just announced and long overdue expansion of I-35 to six lanes in Central Texas bears significance that cannot be understated. For everyone, it means safer and more efficient state and national infrastructure. For Waco and the surrounding communities in particular, it means local jobs and economic growth. During a time of clear and often justified frustration with government, it’s nice to have government be responsive to local needs. However, the announcement also highlights a big problem we face - Texas is rapidly running out of money for new road construction.

Our gas tax pays for Texas roads. Texas used to be “pay as you go”, meaning we only built what we could pay for at the time. In 2003, Texas started building roads with bonds secured by future gas tax receipts. The argument is that because of rising construction costs, it’s cheaper to build roads at today’s costs with tomorrow’s dollars rather than later when they are more expensive to build.

by: - 2009-11-20 comments

Category: Transportation, ,
Tags: Transportation, Road Construction, TxDOT, I-35,

Jim Dunnam Applauds I-35 Expansion in Central Texas - (2009-11-19)

New highway project will expand I-35 to six lanes between Salado and Hillsboro

Today local State Representative Jim Dunnam applauded TxDOT's vote to expand Interstate 35 to six lanes between Salado and Hillsboro, including most of McLennan County. The Texas Transportation Commission voted Thursday to approve the expansion, which had been recommended by TxDOT staff. The project has been in the works for many years.

"This stretch of I-35 is incredibly dangerous right now," said Rep. Dunnam. "There are accidents every single day. That is why I have worked so hard to make sure this project happens. We've needed six lanes here for a long time."

The I-35 expansion is one of many highway projects approved by the Texas Transportation Commission Thursday. The projects will be funded by Proposition 12 bond proceeds, which were approved by the voters in 2007 and by the Legislature earlier this year.

by: - 2009-11-19 comments

Category: Transportation,
Tags: Transportation, TxDOT, I-35,

Jim Dunnam Announces Cash for College Booklet for Texas Students - (2009-11-13)
Representative hopes booklet will make college more affordable for families Today, State Representative Jim Dunnam announced the publication of CASH FOR COLLEGE, 6^th Edition. CASH FOR COLLEGE is a comprehensive guide of scholarships, grants and loans for college students. The booklet, which now runs over 127 pages, contains information on the importance of a college education, types of financial aid, tips on applying for financial assistance and over 100 pages of specific scholarships, grants and loan programs offered at the national, state and local level. Rep. Dunnam first began publishing and distributing CASH FOR COLLEGE in 1999. Over the past ten years, Jim has distributed over 75,000 copies of the guidebook locally. Each year, the guide is updated with the help of local high school counselors, with a goal of providing college-bound individuals with an in-depth resource to fight the mounting costs of a college education. This update is particularly useful this year, as tuition rates are raising all over the nation, especially in Texas. CASH FOR COLLEGE is a cooperative effort by Rep. Dunnam and the Austin American Statesman. In the past, CASH FOR COLLEGE focused locally on McLennan County seniors and colleges. The 6^th Edition has been expanded to add sections on scholarships
Read More ›› by: - 2009-11-13 comments Category: Public Education, Higher Education, Tags: Public Education, Higher Education, College Tuition,

Jim Dunnam Celebrates Veterans' Day - (2009-11-11)

Local Representative spends the day honoring local veterans and discussing recent legislation

On Wednesday, State Representative Jim Dunnam attended the Waco-McLennan County Veterans' Day Parade. He spent the day visiting with local veterans about their service and discussing new laws passed by the Texas Legislature last session.

"In my eyes, no one is more deserving of our respect that the nearly 1.7 million veterans living in our state," said Dunnam. "I know that it is my duty in the Legislature to get them the benefits, services, and recognition that they deserve."

During the recent constitutional election on November 3rd, two propositions were approved by Texas voters related to veterans' affairs. Proposition 6 empowers the Veteran' Land Board to continue financing land purchases and home mortgages for Texas veterans at lower-than-market rates. Proposition 8 allows the state to contribute resources to establish and maintain veterans' hospitals in Texas.

by: - 2009-11-11 comments

Category: Veterans Affairs,
Tags: Veterans Affairs, Constitutional Amendments,

Jim Dunnam Discusses Constitutional Election Results - (2009-11-04)
Dunnam looks at the numbers in District 57 and across the state On Tuesday, Texas voters approved all 11 proposed amendments to the state constitution. While each passed by at least a ten percentage point margin on the state level, many of the propositions were not strongly supported across District 57, an area composed of Falls, Leon, Madison, Robertson and part of McLennan counties. "Not all of our results match up with the statewide results," said Representative Jim Dunnam, who represents District 57 in the Texas House. "If you look at the numbers, it's easy to see that many of the voters in our area were opposed to a few of the propositions." Possibly the most controversial amendment - Prop. 1, which allows city-owned buffer zones around military bases - passed with a ten-point margin on the state level but lost significantly in Falls, Leon, Madison and Robertson counties. In Leon, the most extreme case, the results were around 31% in favor and 69% against the proposition. "It's not unusual to see these kind of results from time to time," said Dunnam. "I focus on the highlights of the election, the things that will really affect our lives here." Representative Dunnam is referring to the most popular amendment of the election - Prop. 11, which restricts government use of eminent domain - which was overwhelmingly supported in District 57. It was approved in all five counties by over 80 percent. "It prohibits the government from taking property to build a new shopping center," said Dunnam. "This is a key protection of private property, and it was long overdue." Other approved propositions concern funding for emerging research universities, regulations for property appraisals, veterans' services and the right to access public beaches.&n
Read More ›› by: - 2009-11-04 comments Category: Constitutional Election, Tags: Constitutional Amendments,

Jim Dunnam Discusses the Proposed Constitutional Amendments - (2009-11-01)
Representatives explains the decisions voters will face at the polls on November 3rd On November 3rd, Texans voters will be asked to approve or reject 11 proposed state constitutional amendments. These amendments address a wide variety of issues and can be difficult to understand. Voters are encouraged to call Representative Dunnam's office at (512) 463-0508 with questions or comments. Proposition 11 is one of the most significant amendments on the ballot because it contains a major change to the controversial practice of eminent domain. Proposition 11 would limit eminent domain by prohibiting the taking of property for the primary purpose of economic development or the enhancement of tax revenues. It would add a key protection of private property to the Texas constitution.
Read More ›› by: - 2009-11-01 comments Category: Constitutional Election, Tags: Constitutional Amendments,

Jim Dunnam Discusses the State Budget - (2009-10-27)
Op-Ed: Texas a fiscal wonderlad? Now that's pure fantasy Thru the Looking Glass with David Dewhurst and Rick Perry Up is down. Left is right. Black is white. It applies to Alice once she fell down that hole and walked through the looking glass. It applies equally to our Republican leadership in Texas. Watching Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst accept and spend President Barack Obama's stimulus money like drunken sailors then attempt to hide/rationalize/deny/avoid that fact, is getting more and more surreal and humorous — and more and more sad. <
Read More ›› by: - 2009-10-27 comments Category: State Budget, Tags: State Budget, Rick Perry, David Dewhurst,

Jim Dunnam Visits Robertson County for Town Hall Meetings - (2009-10-26)
Dunnam meets with citizens in Bremond and Calvert Local State Representative Jim Dunnam held two town hall meetings last Monday in Robertson County. He met with constituents at Bremond City Hall from 8:30 a.m. until noon and the Calvert Fire Department from 1 until 4 p.m. to discuss new laws and local concerns. In Bremond, Dunnam met with City Mayor Rick Swick, County Sheriff Gerald Yezak, employees of the BISD, and many local residents. The major topics included public school funding and accountability requirements, the stimulus package, water drainage problems, road improvement projects, and emergency preparedness equipment. One local eighth grader, Anthony Wilganowski of Bremond Middle School, showed up to talk to Representative Dunnam about the health care debate in Washington D.C. for a class project. "In spite of the rain, folks came by and talked about their concerns," said Jim. "It's really important to understand local issues, so I know how I can do a better job in Austin." In Calvert, Dunnam greeted Mr. Temple's hist
Read More ›› by: - 2009-10-26 comments Category: Town Hall Meetings, Robertson County, Tags: Town Hall Meetings, Robertson County,

Jim Dunnam Receives Interim Charges - (2009-10-23)

Chairman Dunnam's House Committee will form major legislation for 2011

Chairman Jim Dunnam, of the House Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, on Monday announced he looks forward to getting started on the interim charges assigned to the committee by the Speaker of the House, Joe Straus. The committee will make recommendations that will form the basis for major legislation to be considered by the 82nd Legislature when it convenes in January 2011.

The Select Committee has been assigned the following charges:

Monitor the use of funds, adherence to state and federal reporting requirements, and ongoing development of federal rules and regulations provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Evaluate the impact of those funds on the state's economy. This charge will be studied jointly with the House Committee on Appropriations.

Review the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' Weatherization Assistance Program and increased funding from ARRA. Examine the methodology used to distribute funds and the program's effectiveness at reducing residential energy costs. This charge will be studied jointly with the House Committee on Urban Affairs.

by: - 2009-10-23 comments

Category: Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Committee,
Tags: Select Committee. Joe Straus, ,

Jim Dunnam Visits Leon County for Town Hall Meetings - (2009-10-22)
Dunnam discusses legislative matters and local issues in Buffalo and Centerville Local State Representative Jim Dunnam held two town hall meetings last Thursday in Leon County. He met with constituents at the Buffalo City Housing Authority from 8:30 until 11 am and the Centerville County Courthouse Annex from 1 until 4 pm to discuss local problems and new laws. "I spent the day talking with elected officials and local residents about everything from CHIP to home insurance reform to the public school system to new roads," said Dunnam. "I always like to receive feedback and new ideas from my constituents. Town hall meets are a great way to reach out and get to know the community."
Read More ›› by: - 2009-10-22 comments Category: Town Hall Meetings, Leon County, Tags: Town Hall Meetings, Leon County,

Jim Dunnam Encourages District 57 to Vote Early - (2009-10-19)
Early voting takes place this month for the Nov. 3 Texas State Constitutional Election This week, local State Representative Jim Dunnam reminded voters that the polls have opened for the Texas Constitutional Amendment Election. From October 19th - 30th, voters are encouraged to avoid Election Day lines by voting early at convenient locations across their county. Texans voters are asked to approve or reject the 11 proposed State Constitutional Amendments submitted by the 81st Texas Legislature. They address issues varying from state funding for veterans' hospitals to the creation of additional tier-one public universities to public use of open beaches. "This is an important election," said Rep. Dunnam. "Voters are being asked to make permanent changes to the Texas Constitution. It is our right and duty to participate."
Read More ›› by: - 2009-10-19 comments Category: Constitutional Election, Tags: Constitutional Amendments,

Jim Dunnam Brings Key State Leaders to Central Texas - (2009-10-11)
Local State Representative will showcase Waco-area as over 50 state officials attend legislative retreat Waco-area State Representative and Texas House Democratic Leader Jim Dunnam will host over 50 Members of the Texas House to a legislative retreat in Waco this weekend. "I am proud that the House Democratic Caucus will hold its inaugural legislative retreat in the Heart of Texas this weekend," said Rep. Dunnam. "This is a great opportunity to showcase everything our community has to offer to some of the most important leaders in our state." Texas House Members in town for the weekend will hear from panels of issue experts, and continue their work to develop real solutions for working families across the state. In addition to policy discussions, the state leaders will visit numerous sites in Central Texas, including the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Co “F” Ranger Headquarters, t
Read More ›› by: - 2009-10-11 comments Category: House Democratic Caucus, McLennan County, Tags: House Democratic Caucus, McLennan County,

Jim Dunnam Discusses Changes to the Texas Tomorrow Fund - (2009-09-14)
Op-Ed: Texas should honor its commitment to our families Comptroller Susan Combs dropped a bombshell on parents, grandparents and other loved ones in late August when she announced that participants in the Texas Tomorrow Fund will now receive a much lower-than-expected return on cancelled contracts. Promised a payout based on current public university costs, parents will now only receive the amount they paid into the fund for contracts canceled because the child dies or obtains a scholarship. To add insult to injury, an administrative fee will be subtracted from the total, putting Texas families at risk of getting back even less than they put in. The Texas Tomorrow Fund was created to provide Texas parents a safe and stable way to plan for their children’s education. It assured families that despite rising costs fueled mostly by tuition deregulation, they could still afford college. It encouraged us to invest in our children’s futures. It was, literally, a contract they made with the State of Texas. One of the strongest selling points of the Texas Tomorrow Fund was that the money invested would be returned with interest should the children receive a financial scholarship or not pursue a college degree. It relieved parents of the financial risk of college accounts and motivated stud
Read More ›› by: - 2009-09-14 comments Category: Public Education, Higher Education, Tags: Public Education, Higher Education,