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Rural Friends / ACRE |
FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK… October 2006 Issue
Rural Texas is losing political clout in the state and federal legislatures. It is a sad reality that urban areas now dominate the elections of state and federal representatives leaving rural and agricultural interest out in the cold. Recent legislation that cleared the way for the transfer of water rights out of river basins and the trans-Texas corridor will have a huge impact on rural Texas. Even though rural Texas will feel the negative impact, we had very little voice in writing the legislation that allowed it to happen. In fact, it was difficult to even obtain information about what was taking place.
At Wharton County Electric Cooperative and at other electric cooperative throughout Texas and nationwide, we have the opportunity to participate in a non-partisan political action committee called Rural Friends/ACRE. Rural Friends/ACRE allows rural Texans and farm folks across the USA to speak with one voice. We encourage all of our members to consider joining. Membership is strictly voluntary and consists of persons who have an interest in preserving and defending the local electric cooperative including the economic wellbeing of the rural areas we serve.
Donations are made to candidates for state and federal offices who demonstrate support for electric cooperative. Support is based on their voting records on legislation affecting electric cooperatives, their statements on cooperative issues and their historical stance on those issues.
It makes no difference whether they are Democrat, Republican or Independent; if they support electric cooperatives and the rural way of life, we will support them. Texas Electric Cooperative (TEC) is constantly lobbying for legislation which will make the cost of electric service affordable and the rural economy strong. TEC has won many battles in the legislature such as the opportunity to opt out of competition and support exceptions for electric cooperatives in the way their retirement plans are allowed to operate. One of the big cost savings measures in the recent legislature was the tax treatments allowed for cooperatives which will save our members millions of dollars. Much of this success is due to the excellent efforts of our lobbyist in our statewide organization. The fact that we have a huge membership and a political action committee, Rural Friends/ACRE, makes their effort even more effective.
I am proud to report that all of our directors at WCEC as well as our management staff and many of our employees are members of Rural Friends/ACRE. We urge all members to consider joining Rural Friends/ACRE. Attached in this issue of the Texas Co-op Power magazine is an application form that you can use to join for as little as $25 per year. This $25 per year can be very important in helping us get the rural electric story across where it counts.
If you have any questions or comments about Rural Friends/ACRE please do not hesitate to call me. |
Admin
on September 14 2006 10:54:00
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Tips of the day |
| *Increase the thermostat to at least 75 degrees, and use ceiling fans. The ceiling fans are a low-cost cooling additive that circulates the air which makes it appear cooler than it actually is in turn reducing your energy bill.
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