Bringing awareness to this issue is extremely important, because without awareness and knowledge the risks often become greater.  One of the important things to know is just what a stroke is. According to the National Stroke Association, a stroke or “brain attack” is the result of a blood clot blocking an artery  in the brain (this is known as a Ishemic stroke) or when a blood vessel breaks, thereby blocking the blood flow to that area of the brain (this is known as a Hemorrhagic). If either of these types of strokes occur, brain cells begin to die and in so doing causes brain damage.  If brain damage occurs, and depending on which section of the brain it occurs, abilities such as speech, movement and memory can be affected.

Today, in the United States, strokes represent the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious long term adult disabilities.  Each year approximately 133,000 people are lost due to strokes. In fact this year alone there will be roughly 795,000 incidents of individuals suffering from a stroke, that is nearly one stroke every forty seconds and the taking of a life every four minutes.  Below are some interesting and surprising statistics about strokes:

• Each year approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke.
• Ishemic strokes account for about eighty-seven percent of all strokes, while Hemorrhagic strokes account for approximately thirteen percent of strokes, but are responsible for over thirty percent of all stroke related deaths.
• In 2010, the direct and indirect cost associated with individuals having a stroke was roughly $73.7 billion dollars in the United States.

It is critical to know, however, that while some groups may have a higher risk of strokes, strokes can still happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age, race or gender.

One of the most important things you can do if you think  you or someone else is having a stroke is to remember FAST and  if needed call 9-1-1. The National Stroke Association recommends an invaluable test called the FAST test.  Fast stands for:

F = Face        Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A = Arms      Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech    Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.  Does their speech sound slurred or strange?

T = Time        If you observe any of these signs(independently or together) call 9-1-1 immediately!

While there are some risk factors associated with strokes that you can’t control, like age, gender, race, or family history, there are some risks factors you can control.  Some of the risk factors you can control are:

• High Blood Pressure – It’s critical to know and control your blood pressure not just for strokes.
• High Cholesterol -  Like blood pressure it is important to know what your cholesterol is too.
• Physical Inactivity -  Include exercise in your daily routine.

These are just a few of the risk factors you can control.  For more information on risks factors and strokes in general, go to www.stroke.org . Remember the more you know about the causes and signs of a stroke, the more likely you could save your life or someone else’s.

The Texas Film Commission was created in 1971 by then Governor Preston Smith, at that time Governor Smith saw the value that the film industry could bring to the State of Texas and its economy.  Since 1971 the Texas Film Commission has continued to build upon that vision and worked to bring more and more films to our state to be shot and produced.  Today, under the leadership of Evan Fitzmaurice, who serves as Director of the Film Commission, that vision continues to grow and now includes building upon the state’s successes in the computer and video game industry.

The list of movies and games that have been developed/produced, or shot in the State of Texas include thousands of films, television series and games.  Some of the previous movies that were mentioned included No Country for Old Men, Pearl Harbor, and Seven Days in Utopia.  Now here are some of the films, TV series and games not previously mentioned:

• The Legend of Billie Jean
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise
• The Tree of Life
• Bernie (just released in April)
• Top Chef Texas
• The Lying Game
• The new Dallas series
• Wolfenstein 3D - PC
• Metroid Prime – Game Cube (Nintendo)

As you can see, Texas has been home to iconic films, television series and games which have been developed/produced, and shot in Texas. These industries have provided thousands of jobs for Texans and put billions of dollars into the state’s economy.  To learn more about the film and video game industry go to www.governor.state.tx.us/film .

Another wonderful component of our state’s economy is the travel and tourism industry.  Tourists from all around come to Texas to experience our incredible beaches and the diverse landscapes found across the state.  In 2010 alone, this industry provided approximately $57.5 billion in economic input in to the state’s economy.  This industry also provided the state with roughly 529,000 jobs with earnings estimated at $16.5 billion.  There are many things the State of Texas is doing to help foster and grow this vital industry including looking in to the expansion of the cruise industry in to South Texas.

All of these industries provide the State of Texas with beneficial and unique economic opportunities.  In order to help showcase these industries and to examine ways in which we as a state can continue to develop and cultivate these invaluable industries, I am proud to be a part of the “Power on for Texas Film, Interactive and Tourism Conference“.  This conference will be held at Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Tuesday May 15, from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. The conference is free to attend.  Please register at poweron.tamucc.edu/ .

The Texas Film Commission is under the administration of the Governor’s office and is currently headed up by Evan Fitzmaurice who serves as the Director of the Film Commission. The Commission outlines that “whether you are an industry professional or new to the business, we are here to help with your film, television, commercial, animation, and video game projects.” In fact you can go to the Film Commission’s website at www.governor.state.tx.us/film and search through their “Job Hotline” which offers information on computer and video game jobs available throughout the State of Texas.

In the United States, the computer and video game industry, also known as interactive entertainment, accounted for approximately $25.1 billion in sales in 2010 according to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) www.theesa.com .  The ESA’s 2011 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry report found that roughly seventy-two percent of United State households play computer and video games.

It is important to know that computer and video games are not just for kids anymore. In fact, today the average age of video gamers is 37 years old and those video gamers have been playing games for at least 12 years.   While the average age of video gamers today is 37 years old, approximately twenty-nine percent of video gamers today are over the age of 50.  The percentage of video gamers over the age 50 who are playing interactive games is expected to grow in the coming years because of the incorporation of computer and video games into the daily activities provided by nursing homes and senior centers.  In addition to the wide array of ages among video gamers, one of the industry’s fastest growing segments is among females over the age of 18.  Today females account for forty-two percent of all computer and video game players.

While the computer and video game industry continues to grow, so do the opportunities it can bring to the citizens of the State of Texas.  Texas currently has the second largest concentration of computer and video game companies in the United States.  In fact, today there are more than 155 development and publishing companies located through the state.  These companies provided more than 4,000 well-paying full-time jobs.   Based on a 2010 report, in 2009 the average employee compensation provided by these companies was $87,630.  The 2009 impact on the state’s Gross Domestic Product  by the computer and video game industry was approximately $1.2 billion and provided roughly $600 million in employee compensation.

Here are some games that were made in Texas that you may recognize:

• 1997 – Age of Empires for the PC
• Soon to be released – Borderlands 2 for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC
• 2010 – Epic Mickey for the Wii
• 2012 – Hunger Games: Girl on Fire for the iphone/ipad
• 1993 – Doom for the PC
• 2008 – Wizard 101 is a massive multiplayer online PC game
• Words with Friends for the iphone
• 2011 - Star Wars: The Old Republic for the PC

The Texas travel and tourism industry does many things for our state including generating jobs, helping to improve the state’s infrastructure and helping to beautify our state.  In fact, based on information found at www.travel.state.tx.us , which is a website maintained by the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism, the economic impact of travel and tourism in 2010 to the State of Texas was approximately $57.5 billion in total direct travel spending.  This amount accounted for a 9.8 percent increase over the previous year.  If you were to break it down, the $57.5 billion translates in to $150 million a day, $6.5 million dollars an hour or $100,000 a minute being spent across the State of Texas by travelers.

While the amount of direct spending in travel was up, so was the need for lodging.  From 2009 to 2010, the demand for lodging increased by 6.3 percent.  In 2011, it is estimated that hotels in Texas collected $7.4 billion in revenue by selling more than 85 million roomnights.  By the same token, air travel to Texas destinations increased by 3.4 percent.  It is estimated that 198 million domestic travelers visited destinations throughout Texas in 2010 with 70% of those travelling for leisure purposes.  Additionally, 7.4 million international travelers came to Texas and spent an estimated $4.3 billion.

While direct travel spending increases the need for venues and lodging, it also helps businesses balance their books and provide for additional work hours for their employees.  It is important to know that the Texas travel and tourism industry helps to support approximately 529,000 jobs in the State of Texas with earnings estimated at $16.5 billion.  While the travel and tourism industry, like many others was impacted by the recession beginning in 2008, of the 74,700 jobs added by the State of Texas nearly 30,000 of them were in the Leisure and Hospitality sector.  In January 2012, employment in the Leisure and Hospitality sector increased by 4,100 jobs over the previous month.

It is clear that the travel and tourism industry is an important part of the Texas economy.  What most people may not know is how beneficial it is to our state and local governments.  In 2010, $3.9 billion in state and local tax revenue was generated by direct travel spending and that does not include property taxes.  These tax revenues represent between 7-8 percent of all local and state tax revenues collected.  When you include federal tax revenues generated by the travel and tourism industry, the total increases to $7.6 billion collected in local, state and federal tax receipts. This represents $850 in tax revenue from each Texas household; again this does not include property taxes.

April 19, 2012

The Honorable Todd Hunter
Todd Hunter Campaign
Corpus Christi, TX

Dear Representative Hunter:

HOSPAC, the state political action committee of the Texas Hospital Association, is pleased to endorse your candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives! To get the word out about your endorsement, THA and HOSPAC will:

1. Publish its endorsements on the HOSPAC Web site next week;
2. Promote the Web site through frequent THA members communications; and
3. Be available to assist your campaign in promoting this endorsement to media outlets in your district.


Next week, HOSPAC is distributing a general news release about its endorsements; however, please use the attached template which may be personalized to promote HOSPAC’s endorsement further in your district. In addition, you may use HOSPAC’s and/or the Texas Hospital Association’s name in campaign advertising or other communications. If you want further assistance with media relations activities, please contact Lance Lunsford, THA’s vice president of advocacy communications, at 512/465-1052.


One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of the state’s hospitals and health care systems, which employ more than 369,000 health care professionals statewide. Endorsement decisions are made by the HOSPAC Board of Directors, a diverse group representing all areas of the state. Decisions are based on candidates’ positions on health care issues, previous support of health care issues, and input from local hospital representatives.

We appreciate your interest in working with hospitals as we face the challenges of delivering care to our diverse, fast-growing population. In 2011, the Texas Legislature made major revisions to Texas Medicaid, including hospital reimbursement, to improve care, reduce costs and achieve budget certainty. The state’s 1115 hospital payment transformation waiver is just being implemented, and hospitals face great uncertainty as Medicaid financing changes and reimbursement cuts are implemented. While the 2013 Legislature will face significant budget challenges, Texas hospitals urge you to work to ensure the state’s revenue structure meets the infrastructure needs of our growing state. Also be aware that Texas hospitals cannot sustain more funding reductions in the portions of Medicaid that impact acute care. Hospitals are major employers in the state, and the health care field is growing rapidly. Texas must ensure an adequate health care workforce to meet the needs of Texans and to enhance the state’s economic viability. With the highest rate of uninsured in the nation, Texas’ health care policies will be more important than ever. Our state’s future depends on a well-educated population, and good health is essential to learning. Both health care and education must be priorities.

If you need further information about health care/hospital issues, please contact THA’s John Hawkins, senior vice president of advocacy and public policy, at 512/465-1505. Hospitals look forward to working with you to improve health care. Good luck in your election efforts!

Sincerely,
James A. Summersett, III, FACHE
Chairman
HOSPAC Board of Directors

Dan Stultz, M.D., FACP, FACHE
President/CEO
Texas Hospital Association

]]> http://electtoddhunter.com/endorsement/hospac-and-the-texas-hospital-association-endorses-todd-hunter/feed/ 0 http://electtoddhunter.com/news/texas-film-industry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=texas-film-industry http://electtoddhunter.com/news/texas-film-industry/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:55:35 +0000 admin http://electtoddhunter.com/?p=2368 In 1971 the Governor Preston Smith created the Texas Film Commission.  Governor Smith believed that it was  ” in the social, economic and educational interest of Texas to encourage the development of the film-communication industry,” and that “Texas has a uniquely vast array of resources, natural, human and economic, which lend themselves to the firm and orderly development of a healthy film production industry.”  Since that time Texas has continued to grow and expand the film industry in the state to include films, commercials, video games and even animations.

Today the Texas Film Commission is under the administration of the Governor’s office and is currently headed up by Evan Fitzmaurice who serves as the Director of the Film Commission. The Commission outlines that “whether you are an industry professional or new to the business, we are here to help with your film, television, commercial, animation, and video game projects.” In fact you can go to the Film Commission’s website at www.governor.state.tx.us/film and search through their “Job Hotline” which offers information on film, television or commercial projects that need both cast and crew.

Texas offers numerous unique and extraordinary opportunities that make the State of Texas ideal for the film industry.  With over 268,000 square miles, Texas is the ideal shooting location.  The terrain in Texas is more diverse than anywhere else in the country.  Along the Texas coast, you have amazing beach sceneries to take advantage of and in northwest Texas you have the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains.  In addition to the incredible scenery that Texas offers, mild winters and warm summers add to the advantages of making films in Texas.

It is because of all the unique features that Texas has to offer that today Texas is home to approximately 130 local production companies. These companies have strived to develop a creative and vibrant film industry and in doing so have managed to attract filmmakers from all over the world.  In fact, in 2007, Director Paul Thomas Anderson chose Texas as the primary filming location for the Academy Award winning film “There Will Be Blood”.  The film received an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.  Over the years, Texas has established an impressive list of critically acclaimed films and television series.

Here is a brief list of those films and television series which have been filmed or animated in Texas:

• True Grit
• No Country for Old Men
• Seven Days in Utopia
• Friday Night Lights (Movie)
• Friday Night Lights (TV Series)
• Transformers: Dark of the Moon
• TLC’s The Little Couple series
• Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
• The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius Seasons 1-3
• Pearl Harbor

With so many films being shot in Texas, thirteen permanent film sites have been set up throughout the state.  The list of permanent sites includes the Coastal Bend’s very own USS Lexington.  The USS Lexington was used in the Oscar award winning movie “Pearl Harbor” and used in an episode of the popular SyFy series “Ghost Hunters”.  Other permanent sites include Indian Cliffs Ranch near El Paso and the Texas Battleship near Houston which is the last remaining U.S. Navy ship to have served in both World Wars and the world’s only remaining battleship modeled after the HMS Dreadnought.

According to the Motion Picture Association of America, the motion picture and television industry in Texas is responsible for 41,269 direct jobs and approximately $1.5 billion in wages.  These jobs are including both production and distribution related type jobs.  In addition, Texas has averaged over 100 film and television productions each year over the past several years. Between 2009 and 2010, 103 film and 45 TV projects where shot in the Great State of Texas.

]]> http://electtoddhunter.com/news/texas-film-industry/feed/ 0 http://electtoddhunter.com/general/tmpa-endorses-todd-hunter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tmpa-endorses-todd-hunter http://electtoddhunter.com/general/tmpa-endorses-todd-hunter/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:23:48 +0000 admin http://electtoddhunter.com/?p=2371 The Texas Municipal Police Association, (TMPA), the state’s largest law enforcement association, today announced their endorsement of State Representative Todd Hunter, (R-Corpus Christi) in his bid for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives.

Kevin Lawrence, Executive Director of TMPA says that during Rep. Hunter’s tenure in the Texas House of Representatives he has distinguished himself as a crime fighter and has won the support of law enforcement officers across the state.

“Representative Todd Hunter has served the citizens of our state in the Texas House of Representatives with honor and distinction.” Lawrence said. “As Chairman of the powerful Calendars Committee he has been a strong voice for law enforcement in the Texas Legislature, a staunch defender of the Constitution and as tough as nails on crime.”

Lawrence says that the over 18,000 law enforcement officers and first responders who are members of TMPA appreciate Todd Hunter’s hard work, courage and dedication in giving law enforcement officers the tools they need in order to take criminals off the streets and to keep them off .”

“Many legislators talk a good game when it comes to being tough on crime.”  Lawrence said. “Todd Hunter has stood in the trenches of political warfare and won many battles for law enforcement officers in Texas.”

Lawrence also praised Hunter for his support of the human trafficking training program for law enforcement officers. The program has helped train officers to locate and apprehend scores of criminals attempting to smuggle their human cargo into and through Texas.  “This specialized training has helped officers stay one step ahead of the human traffickers and all at no additional costs to taxpayers.”

Hunter said. “This is the perfect example of how public and private sector professionals should work together for the greater good.”

“We need to keep Todd Hunter’s tough on crime attitude, dedication and staunch defense of the constitution working for us in the Texas Legislature.” Lawrence said. “Therefore it is without hesitation that we whole-heartedly support him in his re-election to the Texas House.”

Hunter said he was “incredibly grateful and proud to have the support of such a courageous group of men and women.”

“Law enforcement officers are Texas’ first line of defense against increasingly dangerous crimes and situations.” Hunter said. “Texans depend on law enforcement every day for help and support, and I am honored that the TMPA supports my re-election to the Texas House of Representatives.”

Since 1950 TMPA has fought to give all law enforcement officers in Texas the tools that they need to keep criminals off the streets. For the past 60 years the group has worked with Judges, prosecutors and lawmakers as the voice for law enforcement in Texas. TMPA also provides training programs to police across the state, at no cost to the officers.

]]> http://electtoddhunter.com/general/tmpa-endorses-todd-hunter/feed/ 0 http://electtoddhunter.com/news/despite-recent-rain-coastal-bend-still-under-drought-conditions/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=despite-recent-rain-coastal-bend-still-under-drought-conditions http://electtoddhunter.com/news/despite-recent-rain-coastal-bend-still-under-drought-conditions/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:40:03 +0000 admin http://electtoddhunter.com/?p=2352 2011 marked one of the worst droughts in Texas’ recorded history.  Over the past three months the State of Texas has been fortunate to receive significant amounts of rainfall throughout much of the state; however a large percentage of the state is still between dry and exceptional drought conditions including the coastal bend which ranges from severe to exceptional. Since the start of the 2011 drought, the coastal bend has only received 25-50% of the normal rainfall totals.

As a result of the drought conditions still being faced by the State of Texas, Agricultural Commissioner Todd Staples along with state and local leaders have joined with private business to launch the Texas Water Smart conservation campaign.  In a recent press release, Commissioner Staples said “We have a choice to make: conserve water now or risk more job losses in the future, … Our recent historical drought and booming population point to an unavoidable conclusion; it’s time all Texans take a serious look at individual water-use habits and find common-sense ways to conserve. The recent realities are both alarming and painful as drinking water was jeopardized and businesses and households were faced with scarce water resources. With the launch of Texas Water Smart, I’m reminding all Texans that a few drops saved, when multiplied by 25 million citizens, will go a long way.”

The Texas Water Smart campaign encourages all Texans on their website  www.texaswatersmart.com to Get Water Smart by adopting more frugal water-use habits such as:

• Watering only when plants look like they need it, keeping in mind most plants die from over-watering, not under-watering;
• Water in the morning or evening when the temperatures outside are cooler and evaporation loss is less;
• Adjust your lawn mower up at least one notch. A taller loan holds moisture better;
• Keep weeds out of your green spaces. Weeds are notorious for stealing water from other plants, so if you’ll keep their population in check, you won’t have to water as often;
• Use a layer of mulch on the surface of your planting beds to minimize evaporation of moisture and suppress weed growth that competes with water;
• Checking outdoor faucets, hoses and sprinklers for water-wasting leaks, and making sure to repair them quickly;
• Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose water conscious plants adapted to your area;
• Recognize signs of dry grass. Avoid watering until you can see footprints left in the lawn as you walk across it;
• Adjusting sprinklers so only lawns and gardens are watered – not houses, sidewalks or streets;
• Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to water plants;
• Cleaning driveways, patios and sidewalks with a broom or leaf blower instead of a hose.

Inside the home, Texas Water Smart suggests shorter bath times, washing only full loads of dishes and clothes, and fixing leaky faucets and toilets.

By implementing some of these and other water saving ideas, you can not only help save water, but you can also save money.  If you have questions regarding any of these water saving techniques or any other information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.

]]> http://electtoddhunter.com/news/despite-recent-rain-coastal-bend-still-under-drought-conditions/feed/ 0 http://electtoddhunter.com/endorsement/combined-law-enforcement-associations-of-texas-cleat-endorses-todd-hunter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=combined-law-enforcement-associations-of-texas-cleat-endorses-todd-hunter http://electtoddhunter.com/endorsement/combined-law-enforcement-associations-of-texas-cleat-endorses-todd-hunter/#comments Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:36:21 +0000 Todd Hunter http://electtoddhunter.com/?p=2362 April 9, 2012

Dear Representative Todd Hunter:

Because of your longstanding commitment to Texas law enforcement and your public stand on issues that will impact the rank and file officers of the state, the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, or CLEAT, is endorsing your campaign for re-election to the office of state representative.

During the 82nd Legislative Session of Texas, you worked hard to make sure Texas peace officers were represented during one of the most contentious and volatile sessions we have ever seen. Officer rights were assailed at every turn and those who sought to hurt law officers and their families were often emboldened. We are grateful to people like you who were not afraid to listen, lead and stand strong for Texas.

We believe your campaign is about more than mere strategy and political maneuvering.  We believe your strong positions on issues that impact Texas’ public safety and the security of our homeland deserves our support and endorsement.

As you know, CLEAT is the state’s largest police organization and we have the reputation of fighting hard for Texas law enforcement. We believe you have the similar courage to come to Austin and make a difference for the public we protect.

This next session will see a myriad of issues come before the legislature.  We want you to be there fighting for us so that’s why we’ve chosen to stand and fight with you now, during your re-election campaign.

Texas officers deserve representation, advocacy and results they can count on. It is with pride that we endorese your re-election campaign for state representative.

You should know that this is intended to be more than just a lip service endorsement. Please feel free to contact me if I or CLEAT can be of any assistance to you and your campaign.

With Highest Regards,

Charley Wilkison
Director of Public Affairs
CLEAT

]]> http://electtoddhunter.com/endorsement/combined-law-enforcement-associations-of-texas-cleat-endorses-todd-hunter/feed/ 0 http://electtoddhunter.com/endorsement/2346/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2346 http://electtoddhunter.com/endorsement/2346/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:23:03 +0000 Todd Hunter http://electtoddhunter.com/?p=2346 March 30, 2012

The Honorable Todd Hunter
Todd Hunter Campaign

Dear Todd:

I am pleased to inform you that the Business & Commerce Political Action Committee (BACPAC), the political arm of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), has endorsed your candidacy for Texas House District 32 in the May Primary.

Congratulations on being chosen by BACPAC as the candidate best suited to promote a better business climate in Texas.  It is my belief that this endorsement will give your campaign a boost in May.

BACPAC is issuing a statewide press release announcing our endorsement.  If you would like an individual release sent to your district, I have attached an information sheet to expedite the process.

Please call on me if I can be of assistance in any way.  Again, congratulations on your endorsement.

Sincerely,

Bill Hammond

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