Latest Press Release
April 30, 2009
Join Free Market Foundation in Urging Congress to Show Fiscal Restraint in Budget Negotiations
The Texas Senate and House Conference committee will meet soon to determine the 2010-11 state budget. We are urging them to limit budget growth, reject UI stimulus funds, restore incentive pay, undo transportation diversions, and preserve Economic Stabilization Fund for the future.
CONTACT THE BUDGET CONFEREES NOW TO ASK THEM TO:
(1) Limit budget growth to the lesser of population growth plus inflation or the growth in personal income. The conference committee should look for ways to keep budget growth at a minimum, keeping in mind population growth and changes in personal income levels.
(2) Do not accept the federal stimulus funds for unemployment insurance (UI). The House adopted a budget amendment that takes $555 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund (Rainy Day Fund) if UI stimulus funds are not accepted. We believe the State unemployment policies and the Enterprise Fund should be separate issues, and that the long-term costs of making federally-required unemployment policy changes outweigh any short-term benefit from accepting stimulus funds.
(3) Restore the state's teacher incentive pay programs. While the Senate budget increased funding for the state's incentive pay programs, the House stripped the funding, giving it to districts regardless of their interest in incentive pay. The Senate's approach will provide both the amount and the predictability of funding that will encourage more districts to participate in incentive pay, which research has shown to produce positive results for our students.
(4) Undo the diversion of transportation funds to non-transportation purposes. The current state budget takes nearly $1.6 billion out of the state highway funds to pay for 17 other functions of government. The budget bills approved by both chambers only reduce these diversions by about $21 million. Instead of creating new transportation taxes, the legislature should reprioritize its spending so that the transportation taxes we're already paying go toward that purpose.
(5) Preserve the Economic Stabilization Fund for the future. The House and Senate must protect the Economic Stabilization Fund. To the extent the legislature accepts "federal stimulus" funds, it should use them for one-time purposes to the greatest extent possible and leave the Economic Stabilization Fund alone so that it is available for our future needs.
ACT NOW! ASK THE BUDGET CONFEREES TO DEMONSTRATE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY!
Senate:
Chair: Steve Ogden (R-Round Rock): (512) 463-0105 , Steve.Ogden@senate.state.tx.us
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-McAllen): (512) 463-0120 , Juan.Hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us
Florence Shapiro (R-Plano): (512) 463-0108 , Florence.Shapiro@senate.state.tx.us
Royce West (D-Dallas): (512) 463-0123 , Royce.West@senate.state.tx.us
Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands): (512) 463-0104 , Tommy.Williams@senate.state.tx.us
House:
Chair: Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie): (512) 463-0516 , Jim.Pitts@house.state.tx.us
Ruth McClendon (D-San Antonio): (512) 463-0708 , Ruth.McClendon@house.state.tx.us
John Otto (R-Dayton): (512) 463-0570 , John.Otto@house.state.tx.us
Richard Pena Raymond (D-Laredo): (512) 463-0558 , Richard.Raymond@house.state.tx.us
John Zerwas (R-Simonton): (512) 463-0657 , John.Zerwas@house.state.tx.us
Groups joining the coalition alongside Free Market Foundation include Texas Public Policy Foundation, Americans for Prosperity - Texas, Heritage Alliance, National Federation of Independent Business - Texas, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, and Texas Eagle Forum.
------------------------------------------------------------------
March 16, 2009
Court Rules in Favor of Texas Moment of Silence Law
Case Argued by Liberty Legal Institute
PLANO, Texas - The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed that the 60-second moment of silence in Texas public schools is constitutional. Liberty Legal Institute represented seven Texas schoolchildren in their amicus brief in the lawsuit, and argued the case at the Fifth Circuit alongside Texas Solicitor General James Ho.
"We applaud the Fifth Circuit for affirming students’ right to pray while at school," said Hiram Sasser, director of litigation at Liberty Legal Institute, who argued the case with Solicitor General Ho.
CLICK HERE to view the opinion.
January 27, 2009
Free Market Foundation Comments on Gov. Perry's State of the State Address
AUSTIN, Texas – Following Gov. Perry’s State of the State address conclusion at 12:20 p.m. (CST), Kelly Shackelford, president of Free Market Foundation, released the following statement:
“Today’s speech was an excellent speech by a courageous conservative. He was solid on fiscal conservative issues, limited government, and protecting the sanctity of life. These values are what makes Texas so great.”
Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs at Free Market Foundation, said this:
“Gov. Perry's specific call to support the life-saving use of adult stem cells and the women's health issue of access to ultrasound images shows these will be top issues this session. We'll be in Austin supporting these issues as well.“
-------------------------------------
January 22, 2009
Free Market Foundation Comments After Divided State Board of Education Rejects 20-Year Science Standards
AUSTIN, Texas – Following the State Board of Education’s 7-7 vote to remove the “strengths and weaknesses” wording from the TEKS requirement for science teaching, Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs at Free Market Foundation, released the following statement:
“It's outrageous that our highest elected education officials voted to silence teachers and students in science class. Despite being overwhelmed by emails and phone calls to keep strengths and weaknesses, the divided State Board of Education ignored constituents and sided with a small group of activists. This decision shows that science has evolved into a political popularity contest. The truth has been expelled from the science classroom.”
Mr. Saenz testified in the State Board of Education hearing. He was joined by Texas-based science experts and a mother whose children were affected by proposed changes, who argued for the 20-year requirement of teaching strengths and weaknesses in Texas schools. Pro-Evolution Advocates:
Rene Nunez -- Absent
Lawrence Allen
Mary Helen Berlanga
Bob Craig
Rick Agosto
Tincy Miller
Mavis Knight
Pat Hardy
Voting to keep "strengths and weaknesses" in the Science standards:
Barbara Cargill
Cynthia Dunbar
Gail Lowe
Ken Mercer
Don McLeroy
David Bradley
Terri Leo
-----------------------------------------
December 16, 2008
New Survey Shows Children Have Fewer Problems at Home and at School When They Live In Intact Married Families that Worship Regularly
PLANO, Texas - A new large scale federal study released today by Free Market Foundation finds that children have fewer problems at school and home when they live with both biological parents and frequently attend religious services. Drs. Nicholas Zill and Philip Fletcher co-authored the new study which analyzes data from the National Survey of Children’s Health.
Among their remarkable findings: children in this group are five times less likely to repeat a grade, less likely to have behavior problems at home and school, and are more likely to be cooperative and understanding of others’ feelings. Parents of these children report less stress, healthier parent-child relationships, and fewer concerns about their children’s achievement. These differences hold up even after controlling for family income and poverty, low parent education levels, and race and ethnicity.
“According to this study, Texas ranks in the bottom half of states with only 56 percent of Texas children living with both biological or adoptive parents. Given the clear benefits of children being raised in a home with mom and dad, our state should being doing all it can to promote this incredibly powerful family structure,” said Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs at Free Market Foundation. “Policymakers and educators are always looking for solutions to low student achievement numbers and poor well-being. This study has found the answer, help keep mom and dad together and protect freedom to allow for religious worship by the family.”
November 19, 2008
Science Teaching Debate in Texas State Board of Education Today
Free Market Foundation to Argue for Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin, TX -- Today, the Texas State Board of Education will conduct a hearing on the issue of scientific curriculum for all students in Texas. One issue in particular that will be discussed is a proposed change in teaching of scientific theories, including evolution.
A group of non-elected persons recommended that the State Board of Education eliminate a 20-year policy of teaching the strengths and weaknesses of all scientific theories. The recommendation is being veraciously supported by a radical left-wing organization that opposes academic freedom.
"I don't know of any respectable scientist who would sacrifice the basic tenets in the progress of science for left wing ideology. Saying you can’t teach the strengths and weaknesses of all scientific theories-- that's what science is all about - critical thinking and questioning," says Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs at Free Market Foundation. “The Board is being asked to choose between free and open scientific inquiry and censorship; that’s an easy choice.”
Free Market will be testifying today at the State Board of Education urging the board to keep the 20-year policy in place.
August 28, 2008
Attorney General: State Mandates Bible Teaching in Texas Schools
AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Greg Abbott decided today that Representative Warren Chisum’s bill (H.B. 1287) requires all Texas public schools to offer instruction on the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
The 80th Texas Legislature passed into law Rep. Chisum’s bill that requires all Texas school districts to provide instruction in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament.
Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs at Free Market Foundation, was instrumental in helping to pass H.B. 1287, and said, “For too long Texas school districts have been threatened and oppressed by enemies of academic freedom, for simply daring to offer instruction on the Bible.”
At the request of the Attorney General, Liberty Legal Institute filed a brief which argued that H.B. 1287 mandates all Texas schools provide instruction on the Bible and that the course outlined in the law is a permissible way of accomplishing that mandate. Abbott’s statement agrees with Liberty Legal, saying that schools must include instruction on the Bible’s impact on literature and history.
Hiram Sasser, director of litigation at Liberty Legal Institute, said, “I applaud the Attorney General for deferring to the legislature, upholding the law and being a part of giving Texas students the cultural currency they will need to compete and be successful in the 21st century.”
CLICK HERE to read the Attorney General’s decision.
August 25, 2008
Citizens Win Right to Be Heard on Speaker of the House
Court Declares Speaker of the House Laws Unconstitutional
Austin, Texas - The U. S. District Court ruled in favor of the Free Market Foundation, Kelly Shackelford and others in a landmark ruling declaring unconstitutional the laws severely limiting private speech about the Speaker of the House race. The lawsuit challenged a state law that restricts individuals and organizations from spending money in favor of promoting or opposing a candidate for Texas Speaker of the House. A violation of these laws was punishable by up to one year in jail.
“This is a great victory for the broad coalition of clients we represented who were bonded by their common interest in protecting the freedom of political speech,” said Lawrence VanDyke, lead attorney for the plaintiffs from the firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
The case began in early 2008 when Free Market Foundation, the ACLU of Texas, and Texas Eagle Forum PAC filed a lawsuit asking the federal court to declare the laws unconstitutional. The groups were granted a preliminary injunction, which temporarily halted the Texas Ethics Commission from enforcing the law. Now, the Court has permanently declared the laws unconstitutional.
“This victory secures the rights of every citizen in Texas to be free to speak their mind about the Speaker of the House race without the fear of being thrown into jail,” said Kelly Shackelford, President of the Free Market Foundation and a plaintiff in this case.
CLICK HERE to view the decision.
August 12, 2008
Students Speak up on the Texas’ Moment of Silence Lawsuit
Brief Filed to Defend Students’ Rights
An amicus brief was filed on behalf of a group of students in federal court yesterday urging the federal court of appeals to uphold the state's Moment of Silence Statute. The action is a result of a lawsuit against the state by David Croft, an atheist, who objects that the word “pray” is listed in the statute along with “reflect” or “meditate” as activities students can choose during a school's 60 second moment of silence. The federal district court upheld the Texas law, but Croft appealed.
“This law is about freedom – students have the freedom to pray, meditate, or simply think about their day,” said Kelly Shackelford, Esq., chief counsel of Liberty Legal Institute, the Plano-based organization representing the students. “It takes real intolerance for people to sue to try to stop students from praying during their time of freedom. That’s not America. That’s not the law.”
In their brief, the students are considered on the same side as Attorney General Greg Abbott, who is defending the state's existing law which allows a minute after reciting the Pledges for students to pray, meditate or reflect. Abbott successfully defended the statute in federal district court; but the case was appealed by the plaintiff and is now being heard by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
August 11, 2008
Religious Liberty Expert Kelly Shackelford Applauds President Bush’s Pressure on China
Bush Urges China to Stop Religious Persecution
In response to President Bush’s remarks on religious freedom after church services in Beijing today, Kelly Shackelford, constitutional law attorney and expert on religious liberty, issued the following statement:
“Religious liberty is a constitutional right, and also a basic human right that should be upheld for people from all races and creeds. I applaud President Bush for his leadership in defending this freedom. China’s actions have been atrocious. China must stop violating the dignity of its people through religious persecution.”
Kelly Shackelford is chief counsel for Liberty Legal Institute and the president of Free Market Foundation. He has argued before in U.S. Supreme Court as well as the Texas Supreme Court and won two landmark religious liberty cases in 2007 alone, and continues to be a leader in the defense of freedom of speech and religion worldwide.
August 8, 2008
WHAT: Free Market Foundation, Texas' leading advocacy group promoting family values and constitutional freedoms, is opening a new office in Austin this month.
The move provides Free Market Foundation with a branch office in Austin which will be headed by Attorney and Director of Legislative Affairs Jonathan Saenz. Saenz will provide legal expertise and advocacy on key legislation and serve as a media source on legal and policy issues affecting Texas families and freedoms, religious liberty, sanctity of human life, and limited government.
WHO: Jonathan Saenz, Esq., director of legislative affairs, is a constitutional expert and frequently testifies before the Texas Legislature and other government agencies on various bills concerning families and constitutional rights. He recently testified before the Texas State Board of Education in favor of Bible electives standards approved in a 10-5 vote.
Saenz assisted the lead attorneys of Free Market Foundation: Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel and president, and Hiram Sasser, director of litigation, in two landmark First Amendment cases last year at the Texas Supreme Court.
Saenz offers a lively interview and is not afraid to debate the issues. He is frequently featured in media outlets throughout the state of Texas, as well as national and international media including Fox's National Election Headquarters, L. A. Times, USA Today, Washington Post, USA Radio, and CBS Radio.
DETAILS: Free Market Foundation is the only Texas-based advocacy group with legal (Liberty Legal Institute), legislative, and cultural arms defending families, churches, and freedom. Free Market Foundation is a 501 ©3 organization dedicated to protecting families and defending freedoms in Texas.
For more information, visit www.freemarket.org. Call Jennifer Grisham at 972-423-8889 ext. 102 to schedule an interview.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2008
Bible Electives Pass State Board
Austin—In response to the Texas State Board of Education’s (10-5) vote today to approve curriculum standards and TEKS (requirements) for Bible electives offered in Texas high schools, Free Market Foundation’s Director of Legislative Affairs, Jonathan Saenz states:
“Elective Bible courses now have the final green light from the SBOE and Texas has now gained an academic advantage.”
Yesterday Jonathan Saenz testified before the SBOE in favor of the proposed curriculum standards and TEKS for high school Bible electives, which are required to be offered in Texas high schools as a result of Rep. Warren Chisum's bill (H.B. 1287). Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott affirmed the constitutionality of these standards and proposed TEKS in a letter to the SBOE last week. The SBOE just approved these same standards (TEKS) in their 10-5 vote.
“There was some token opposition from enemies of academic freedom, but at the end of the day, the SBOE followed the Attorney General's opinion and made the right decision,” said Saenz.
Please call or email for interviews.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2008
Free Market Joins June Hunt Vision: Non-Profits Unite at Historic Groundbreaking Monday
What/Who: In a first-of-its-kind union, Free Market Foundation, Hope for the Heart and a total of 14 influential Christian non-profits in the Dallas area are allying in June Hunt’s vision for one center to serve as a hub of Christian ministry and advocacy nationwide. Dubbed the Hope Center by Hunt, this central location on Plano Parkway in Plano will be home to a powerful union geographically and missionally.
Quote: “This is a great opportunity for Free Market Foundation to expand spatially and relationally, while at the same time being a resource and advocate for the other Christian ministries making a difference in Texas and nationwide,” said Kelly Shackelford, President of Free Market Foundation and Chief Counsel for Liberty Legal Institute.
When: Monday, June 30th at 9:00a.m. Free Market will join June Hunt, Campus Crusade for Christ, Young Life, and East-West Ministries among others in a historical groundbreaking ceremony for the $46 million development.
Topics of Discussion: June Hunt birthed the vision for Hope Center as Founder of Hope for the Heart and invited Free Market Foundation to join the selective building project. Free Market Foundation and its legal division, Liberty Legal Institute, will be the only organization included that interfaces with the government and defends religious freedoms in the courts and legislature.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2008
Vietnamese Boat People Denied Religious Freedom in Plano
Plano, TX- Today, The Plano Vietnamese Baptist Church (PVBC) is suing the City of Plano for enforcing an unconstitutional ordinance that discriminates against small churches.
“I don’t understand why they don’t want our church to be here,” said Pastor Le who head PVBC. “All we want is to worship God and serve this community.”
Members of PVBC fled religious persecution under a Communist regime in Vietnam, traveling to America in the 1980s and 1990s. Pastor Le started the PVBC in 2003 with a handful of individuals, and after the church grew to 50 members, began to look for a building of their own. The property Pastor Le found on Avenue G in Plano was previously a church, before conversion to a daycare, and now sits unoccupied.
Pastor Le and members of PVBC followed the proper procedures to purchase the property, petitioning the City of Plano’s Board of Adjustment to make an exception to a two acre minimum site requirement, as the Board had done for other churches in the past. Despite staff’s recommendation for approval, the Board denied Pastor Le’s request.
“No city should have a rule that specifically bans churches and synagogues. What’s happening to this Vietnamese Church is wrong, it’s unconstitutional, and it’s got to stop,” said Kelly Shackelford, Chief Counsel for Liberty Legal Institute, the religious freedoms organization representing PVBC.
According to Jeff Mateer, Chief Counsel for PVBC, “Using zoning laws to arbitrarily discriminate against this Vietnamese church is the essential abuse of governmental authority that the Constitution prohibits. Members of this church fled religious persecution in another country only to encounter it again in Plano.”
Liberty Legal Institute filed the lawsuit today on behalf of PVBC in Collin County District Court. Pastor Le and church members now await the City of Plano’s response.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 4, 2008
Constitutional law expert and Free Market President, Kelly Shackelford responds to California’s Refusal to Grant Same-Sex ‘Stay’
Dallas- In response to the California Supreme Court’s decision today refusing to grant a stay on the court’s ruling in favor of same-sex marriage until a November referendum, Kelly Shackelford, President of Free Market Foundation and constitutional law expert states:
“The original vote of over 4.6 million people was not enough nor will this self appointed oligarchy of 4 wait to hear the decision of the people of their state. Lawlessness is the rule of the day in California- a tyranny of 4 who will not listen to the people or respect their votes,” said Kelly Shackelford, President of Free Market Foundation.
“Activist judges do not respect the law or the will of the people. This decision just proves that once again,” said Shackelford.
The court’s decision today refusing a stay opens the doors for same-sex couples in California to be married by the state, effective June 17th.
Free Market Foundation was a driving force in drafting and passing Proposition II in Texas, which defines marriage as between one man and one woman in the state constitution. The Foundation continues to lead a strong grassroots effort to protect traditional marriage and ensure the people of America have a voice of influence.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 20, 2008
Boy Saved by Stem Cells from Brother’s Umbilical Cord Testifies Tomorrow
Austin—Joseph Davis II, along with his family, will testify before a Texas House Interim Committee tomorrow about how the adult stem cells extracted from his brother’s umbilical cord blood saved his life.
Joseph Davis II was born with sickle-cell anemia. For over a year, his family could not find an adult stem and cord blood donor match. Their search ended when Darlene and Joseph Sr. gave birth to a second son, Isaac Davis. Isaac was a perfect adult stem cell and cord blood donor match, and after a successful transplant procedure, Joseph Davis II was healed of sickle-cell anemia.
“I was so worried, not knowing how my son could be healed, so it was a miracle when the adult stem cells in cord blood saved my son’s life,” said Darlene Davis, Joseph’s II mother.
“I think Isaac, my big brother, is like ‘Superman,’ he saved my life with his cord blood,” said Joseph, who was cured of sickle cell anemia by the adult stem cells in his brother’s cord blood.
Adult stem cells have saved over 20,000 lives and have been proven to treat over 70 diseases such as juvenile diabetes, heart disease, leukemia and spinal cord injuries, and their supply is abundant in umbilical cord blood. In the last legislative session, the Texas Legislature approved funding for collection of umbilical cord blood for adult stem cell storing, as well as further research. The Davis family also testified at a 2007 hearing that eventually led to the creation of a new brochure for pregnant mothers about cord blood donation and banking.
“This family is a miraculous example of the enormous benefit that adult stem cells have on our society. Because of the funding and effort invested in umbilical cord blood procedures, a young boy is alive today,” said Jonathan Saenz, Director of Legislative Affairs for Free Market Foundation, the group that has organized the Davis family’s testimony in the hearing.
Other medical experts and state leaders will join the Davis family in submitting testimony about the lives that have been, and can be, saved by umbilical cord blood collection and adult stem cell transplant procedures. Speaker Tom Craddick ordered the Interim Charge Hearing before a House Subcommittee of Appropriations for tomorrow. The hearing will be the initial foundation for a House Interim Report on the success and need for continued efforts to support adult stem cell research and treatments, as well as umbilical cord blood collection and donation.
“This is where the future of medical science lies. Tomorrow’s hearing shows that Texas has a chance to lead the medical progress that can save the lives of many individuals suffering from deadly diseases,” said Saenz.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2008
Liberty Legal Files Brief in Polygamist Case: Watch Out for Parental Rights and Religious Freedom
Dallas, TX-Today, Liberty Legal Institute field an amicus brief in the West Texas polygamy case, Sara Steed, et al., advising the Texas Third Court of Appeals against hasty judgments that could violate the parental rights of all Texans or trample upon religious freedom.
“This is not about choosing a side, it’s about protecting the foundational freedoms of parents and churches in the midst of a very pressured situation for the courts,” said Hiram Sasser, Director of Litigation for Liberty Legal Institute.
The case of Sara Steed, et al. encompasses allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse that have emerged out of a recent law enforcement raid upon a West Texas ranch occupied by a sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The court’s decision will determine future custody of children raised within the West Texas religious sect.
In its amicus brief, LLI warns the Court of Appeals to apply a standard of strict scrutiny when determining whether to take custody of a child away from his/her parent, unless the state presents evidence to establish sexual exploitation or abuse exists. This same standard applies to a church, which has autonomy to operate according to its beliefs unless improper sexual conduct occurs, or the state has a compelling interest in overcoming an imminent threat to public or private health and safety.
“The key for the court is to follow the proper procedure and protect the rights of all parents in the process. Otherwise, every Texan loses their freedoms and the standard of protection is lowered for everyone,” said Kelly Shackelford, Chief Counsel for Liberty Legal Institute.
Liberty Legal Institute is the leading legal advocacy group for religious freedom and parental rights in Texas, winning two landmark religious freedom cases before the Texas Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 15, 2008
Texas Taxpayers Foot $3 Billion Bill for Family Breakdown
Texas- Texas taxpayers are dolling out nearly $3 billion each year to cover the costs of family fragmentation, says a national and state by state report on the economic costs of family breakdown released today by four renown policy and research groups and principal investigator Ben Scafidi, Ph.D., economics professor at Georgia College & State University. Nationally, high divorce rates and unmarried childbearing costs taxpayers $112 billion annually.
“This is yet another wake-up call. Protecting marriage and keeping families intact would save Texas taxpayers billions of dollars each year,” said Kelly Shackelford, President of Free Market Foundation, Texas’ leading family policy group.
The report “The Taxpayer Costs for Divorce and Unwed Childbearing” reveals that a shocking 842,000 children are living in poverty in unmarried households in Texas. The majority of these, 756,000, live with an unmarried mother, reinforcing the argument that fatherlesness is a growing burden on families and society as a whole. According to “Taxpayer Costs for Divorce…” the Texas Justice System spent over $1.5 billion in 2006.
“It’s a tragedy that year after year, thousands of defenseless Texas children live in poverty because of the financial costs of divorce and family breakdown,” said Jonathan Saenz, Director of Legislative Affairs for Free Market Foundation.
Although the economic impact is tragic, the report acknowledges Texas’ leadership in reform, highlighting Texas legislators’ 2007 mandate that a minimum of $15 million (1%) from the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families block grant be spent on marriage strengthening activities. As the report reflects, if even a slight number of marriages benefit from this investment, the measure will be cost-effective for Texas taxpayers.
Free Market Foundation was actively involved in helping pass the $15 million mandate for strengthening marriages and will be playing a large role in the Texas legislature’s consideration of continuing reform next session.
CLICK HERE to link to the report.
To set up an interview with Kelly Shackelford or Jonathan Saenz, please contact Nicole Hay, Director of Media at media[at]libertylegal[dot]org or 972-423-8889 ext 102.
Free Market Foundation is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to protecting freedoms and strengthening families. For more information, visit our website at www.freemarket.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 14, 2008
Houston Pastors’ Council Reports Liberal Group for IRS Violation
Houston, TX-Today, the Houston Area Pastors Council (HAPC), represented by the Liberty Legal Institute, sent a letter to the IRS accusing the Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) of attempting to influence elections.
Reverend Dave Welch, Executive Director of the Houston Area Pastors Council, states in the letter to the IRS that the AU has attempted to “chill the speech of pastors across the country” by filing and publicizing frivolous complaints against pastors with the IRS.
“If Americans United really cared about ‘separation’ of church and state, they wouldn’t be so interested in having the government involved in trying to tell churches what to do and harassing pastors. I think their true partisan purpose is clear,” said Shackelford.
A recent filing by the AU against Pastor Riggle, Senior Pastor of Grace Community Church in Houston, TX, has provoked Reverend Welch and the HAPC’s intervention. Pastor Riggle was attacked by the AU after sending a personal endorsement letter to contacts in the Houston area supporting his friend Shelley Sekula Gibbs for public office. Although the AU acknowledged this was a personal letter, paid for by the campaign and not the church, they proceeded to publicize accusations against Pastor Riggle.
“We believe that Pastor Riggle was not only acting well within his rights, but soundly in conformance to his Biblical duties. It is not appropriate or acceptable for individuals or organizations to use threats and intimidation in an attempt to silence the church. It is our intent to make sure that every pastor not only knows his but exercises his rights,” said Reverend Welch.
The letter notes that AU files its complaints not after, but before elections, and then makes a public announcement as well. Non-profits are prohibited from attempting to influence candidate elections.
“Unlike Pastor Riggle, who is a private citizen, AU is a non-profit and cannot try to influence elections,” said Kelly Shackelford, Chief Counsel for Liberty Legal Institute.
The letter sent today to the IRS by the HAPC requests that the IRS investigate the AU for violation against a law preventing non-profits from intervening in political campaigns.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 2, 2008
Faith in Schools: Anti-Christian Trends & Your Rights
Dallas- What rights do students have to express their faith in public schools?
Find out about a new law passed by the Texas Legislature last year that protects a student’s liberty to hand out candy canes with Bible verses or invite their friends to a Young Life event.
In silence, many students are enduring harassment, censorship and persecution from school teachers and officials who are hostile to Christianity or afraid of allowing free speech in schools. Do you know what rights and remedies you have to counter religious-viewpoint discrimination?
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Moms in Touch International, Open Doors and God Empowered Ministries have joined together to host religious liberties experts from Free Market Foundation, Liberty Legal Institute and The Coghlan Firm.
Tomorrow night, Free Market President and Liberty Legal Chief Counsel Kelly Shackelford will talk about religious freedom alongside Director of Legislative Affairs Jonathan Saenz from Free Market and religious liberties expert Kelly Coghlan from The Coghlan Firm.
Don’t miss this eye-opening event!
LOCATION: The MET Family Life Center
11403 Regency Green Drive
WHEN: Thursday, April 3
TIME: 6:15 p.m.
RSVP: info[at]godempowered[dot]com
For comment, please contact Nicole Hay, Director of Media at media[at]freemarket[dot]org or 972-423-8889 ext 102.
Free Market Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to protecting freedoms and strengthening families. For more information, visit our website at www.freemarket.org.
|