Charles "Doc" Anderson : Texas State Representative

REMARKS BY REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES "DOC" ANDERSON
TCEQ PUBLIC MEETING ON EPA OZONE STANDARDS

June 17, 2010

I appreciate the opportunity to present comments on behalf of my constituents and many other concerned Texans regarding proposed revisions to the 2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. As a legislator who has successfully fought for clean air, against obsolete coal plant technology, and in favor of forward-looking policy on gasification and alternative energy sources, it should be clear that any collaborative policy should reflect consensus, proper utilization of sound technological resources, and reason. The EPA's proposed revisions are lacking in all three.

The common efforts of both the public and private sectors in Texas have produced quantifiable results and a demonstration of this state's commitment to being responsible stewards of our environment. Together over the past ten years, Texans have achieved a 22% reduction in ozone and 46% reduction in NOx emissions, while at the same time growing 16%in population. These achievements are well ahead of reductions nationwide (8% ozone, 22% NOx). This should be noted for more than its irony; it should serve as a model for level-headed action by other states and--unfortunately, as we've come to discover--our own federal government.

In addition to other observations already made which assert that the EPA is exceeding even the boundaries of the law it is charged to uphold, I would emphasize that federal overreaching in this area is more than a threat to the concept of decentralized governance. This new NAAQS is: 1) inconsistent with the Clean Air Act, review process, and implementation schedule, which clearly does not provide EPA with the authority to alter or expedite implementation schedules. Furthermore, 2) there is no new significant scientific evidence to support revisiting the 2008 NAAQS; 3) the cost to public health benefit analysis has not been substantiated to support such an arbitrary change; and 4) these standards are so stringent as to possibly preclude effective compliance.

In conclusion, the proposed revisions to 2008 NAAQS should be withdrawn. I submit that sound policy and clean air need not be mutually exclusive. Our continued, collaborative, successful work in Texas has shown that. Thank you again for this opportunity.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 15, 2010

REP. ANDERSON APPLAUDS COLLABORATION
IN PRESERVING THE BIG 12 CONFERENCE

AUSTIN -- Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson (R-Waco) today congratulated Big 12 Conference commissioner Don Beebe and the member institutions of the conference for "pulling together to preserve the historical alliances between regional universities."

"Our constituents--Bears, Aggies, Longhorns, Red Raiders all--made it clear to us that they expected to be heard on their desire to keep the conference together", Rep. Andersonsaid. "Students, parents, and alumni were deeply and passionately concerned that a region with such rich collegiate athletic traditions would be divided up into alliances west of the Rockies and east of the Mississippi."

Representative Andersonspent nearly two weeks in continual contact with university and Big 12 Conference officials, capped off by an e-mail to chancellors and regents late last week in anticipation of regent meetings and legislative meetings on conference alignment issues. The letter was posted on the website of the Waco Tribune Herald:
http://www.wacotrib.com/news/breakingnews/Letter-from-State-Rep-Doc-Anderson-to-chancellors-regents-of-Big-12-Texas-universities.html

"Keeping the Big 12 Conference together is a clear win for our constituents and the member institutions of the Big 12, as well as jobs and the economy", Rep. Andersonsaid. "I'm very glad that everyone was able to pull together for the greater good of the great state of Texas."

Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson represents Waco and McLennan County, including the campus of Baylor University.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Texas Conservative Coalition Presents its Courageous Conservative Award to State Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson

CLICK HERE TO download the PDF file

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Texas State Legislators, Grassroots Activists to Co-Host Event to Bolster Constitutional Rights

CLICK HERE TO download the PDF file

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rep. Anderson, TexDOT Meet on I-35 Improvements

CLICK HERE TO download the PDF file

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Texas Conservative Coalition letter to Texas Attorney General Gregg Abbott regarding the health care reform bill passed by the US House of Representatives.

CLICK HERE TO download the PDF file

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Texans must continue to oppose federal health care reform
By State Representative Charles “Doc” Anderson

With the U.S. House of Representatives ready to consider the health care reform legislation that was passed by the Senate on Christmas Eve, Texans must again make their voices heard in opposition to this misguided government takeover of the American health care system.

The current debate over health care reform, and those pushing for this overreaching change, have failed to convince the American public that their plan is an effective way to provide health coverage for the estimated 46 million Americans who are currently uninsured. There are more effective alternative measures to improve our healthcare delivery system, in both access and cost containment.

At its core, the current legislative proposal is not innovative at all. With the goal of providing health coverage to the estimated 46 million Americans who are currently uninsured, “reform” advocates have reverted to the tried and failed tax-and-spend approach that has already driven Medicaid and Medicare to the brink of bankruptcy; Social Security is a fiscal wreck for the same reason.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the cost of the coverage expansions under the proposed legislation passed by the Senate will be $196 billion per year by 2019. This cost is projected to grow by 8 percent per year during the subsequent decade. The bulk of the cost consists of health insurance exchange subsidies, expanded eligibility for Medicaid, and tax credits for employers. Despite these tremendous expenditures, CBO analysis suggests that 24 million non-elderly individuals will remain uninsured in 2019.

Placing the federal government directly in the center of our health care system ignores the lessons learned in a host of other industries: the government cannot provide services at a lower cost than the private sector without significant taxpayer subsidization. Has Congress really forgotten about Amtrak --not to mention the already failed experiments in government-run health care?

Ultimately, the legislation will result in a new generation of Americans who are entirely reliant on the government and taxpayers for their health care coverage, increasing the strain on state coffers . In Texas, Medicaid costs have exploded in recent years, growing from $11.1 billion in 1999 to $24.5 billion in 2009. This is especially alarming given that these increases took place in relatively good economic times (unemployment averaged 5.03 percent in that period). Medicaid already accounts for 15 percent of the state budget, and is directly responsible for crowding out spending on much-needed budget items such as infrastructure improvements.

However, perhaps the most worrisome aspect of the proposed legislation is the financial penalty that would be imposed on individuals or businesses that do not purchase health insurance. The legislation’s emphasis on penalizing those who do not comply betrays its intent to place the federal government at the center of our nation’s health care system at the expense of individual choice and liberty, free enterprise, and competition.

This approach ignores the reality that some individuals may not wish to purchase health insurance and that it may be unaffordable for some businesses to do so. Indeed, of 46 million Americans considered uninsured, 33 percent (or 15 million) are people who earn over 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level or are childless adults aged 18-35. Ultimately, many of these folks simply choose not to purchase health insurance or choose to spend their income on other things. Either way, taxpayers should not have to pick up the health care tab for these groups.

The current health care reform plan is clearly wrong for our country and wrong for our state. With Congressional leadership attempting to force this legislation through, people must stay engaged and continue to voice their opposition. Since the legislation will still require Congressional action, all members of Texas’ Congressional delegation have an important role to play in opposing the health care reform plan.

Doc Anderson Represents House District 56
in the Texas Legislature, comprising part of McLennan County.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For Immediate Release
December 3, 2009
For Information Contact:
Todd M. Smith (512) 658-9699

Anderson files for Reelection to
Texas House of Representatives
Veterinarian seeking fourth term in Texas Legislature

Waco, Texas—District 56 State Representative Charles “Doc” Anderson today filed the necessary documents with McLennan County Republican Party officials to seek reelection to a fourth term in the Texas House of Representatives. Anderson, the Vice Chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee, was first elected to the Texas House in November, 2004. He was reelected to the legislature in 2006 and 2008.

A graduate of the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Anderson has served as a small animal veterinarian in Waco since 1981. "Doc" began his involvement in the political process as an advocate for small business. He served on committees for the Texas Association of Business and the National Federation of Independent Businesses and was appointed to the Texas Small Business Advisory Council by Governor Perry. In 1998 and 2000 he represented Texas as a delegate to the Congressional Small Business Summit in Washington, DC.

In addition to his service on the Agriculture and Livestock Committee, Representative Anderson also serves as a member of the Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services Committee and the House Rules and Resolutions Committee. Additionally, Representative Anderson serves as an appointed member of the statewide Agricultural Policy Council, the multi-state Energy Council, and the National Conference of State Legislatures Committee on Agriculture, Energy, and the Environment. He is a member of the Conservative Coalition, the largest caucus in the Legislature, the Community College Caucus, and Texas Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus. He is the Vice Chair of the Rural Caucus.

Consistently ranked as one of the most conservative legislators in Texas, Representative Anderson has focused his service in the Texas House on protecting taxpayers, reducing the size and scope of government, and strengthening Texas families.

“It has been a humbling and gratifying experience to represent Waco and McLennan County in the Texas House of Representatives,” Anderson said. “The next session of the Texas Legislature will deal with many serious issues facing our state and our region. I am excited about the opportunity to continue to play a leadership role in the Texas House and to ensure that the interests of our special part of Texas continue to receive the attention they deserve,” Anderson added.

“The upcoming session of the Texas Legislature is likely to find our state with a significant budget shortfall and a push from many for increased taxes. I will continue my strong opposition to higher taxes. Instead, I will fight to make sure that Texas lives within its means, just like the people of Texas must do,” Anderson continued.

Representative Anderson and his wife, Sandie, have been married for 28 years and have one son and one grandson.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Doc Anderson, guest column:
Maintaining a local accent in our business dealings

Waco Tribune Herald
Saturday, October 31, 2009

History shows that communities that support local businesses benefit in many ways. By keeping the money flowing within the community, unemployment levels are diminished and the tax base is enhanced. That consequently improves our communities’ ability to serve its citizens and improve quality of life for everyone.

Most local chambers of commerce have vigorous “buy local” initiatives, which help raise the profile of local businesses, the very engine of our economic structure. This effort should be extended to all aspects of business, not just retail, as is often the case.

City and county government as well as private and public businesses should all re-evaluate their use of local entities before looking outside our area. Engineers, architects, employee benefit management, subcontractors, roofers, data collection, printing and accountants are just a few of the professional pursuits often overlooked locally.

Local businesses generally provide better customer service because we see these people regularly in our community. These folks also enhance our overall quality of life by donating to local charities. For instance, they support sports, scouting activities, Little League and other activities for our youth.

Taxpayers who vote and pass local bond issues to build schools, community colleges, city and county projects naturally expect that the contractors will be local businesses, if at all possible. They do not expect those jobs to go to out-of-town concerns.

Yes, contract and procurement law is very complicated. However, every effort should be made to determine the “best-value standard” rather than the low bid alone. They should take into account the multiplier effect of keeping those dollars local.

Both government code, which governs state purchasing procurements, and local government codes, which guide city government, have language permitting a “best-value standard” in accepting bids. Local ordinances, too, can always be altered to bolster this idea.

Accordingly, local businesses can offer difference-making points in successfully managing a contract. (Most purchasing authorities assign various weights to different aspects of a bid.)

Every company should have a timely and fair opportunity to submit a bid on any local project.

I call upon our local businesses, large and small, as well as local governments to redouble their efforts and support the local folks. “Look here first” should be among our dominant thoughts.

I encourage all of us in this district to put forth a better effort to help our communities maintain a competitive balance and improve our economy and quality of life.

Charles “Doc” Anderson is a local veterinarian and a Republican state representative whose district includes Waco.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Press Release
Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson
900 Austin Ave Suite 804
Waco, Texas 76701

Date: November 19, 2009
Kurt Krakowian- District Director.

HEART OF TEXAS TO RECEIVE STATE BOND MONEY FOR I-35 WIDENING;
REP. ANDERSON APPLAUDS COMMISSION, PROCESS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2009

(AUSTIN) -- The Texas Transportation Commission today approved staff recommendations for widening Interstate 35 in McLennan, Hill, and Bell counties through bond proceeds approved by Texas voters in 2007. Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson, R-Waco, hailed the vote as "critical step to improve the safety, mobility, and economic vitality of McLennan County, Central Texas, and the entire state which depends on a safe 'Main Street of Texas'."

"I also appreciate the responsive approach that TxDOT has taken in my attempts to keep them constructively engaged with our area stakeholders for the development of this vital economic corridor," Rep. Anderson said, referring to the long-term process to keep Waco and surrounding areas a top priority for the Texas Transportation Commission.

Earlier this year, Representative Anderson convened a series of meetings along the I-35 corridor, coordinating the efforts of McLennan, Hill, and Bell County stakeholders in a unified effort, encouraging TxDOT officials to address the urgency of I-35 expansion. Rep. Anderson stated that "It was determined by TxDOT that, when more funding became available, the I-35 corridor in central Texas would receive top priority. I am pleased that this is being accomplished. This will absolutely save lives."

"The safety and efficiency improvements that need to be made along this critical stretch of interstate," Rep. Anderson continued, "are of importance to McLennan County and all Texans. I am pleased that the Texas Transportation Commission shares this view, and has the long-term interest of the entire state in mind as they make their decisions."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Press Release
Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson
900 Austin Ave Suite 804
Waco, Texas 76701

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
August 13, 2009 Kurt Krakowian (254) 754-3862

Texas Eagle Forum names Doc Anderson one of Two Top Conservative lawmakers in Texas House of Representatives
McLennan County Republican earns 100% voting record for 81st Session

Austin, Texas— The Texas Eagle Forum, one of the state’s oldest and most effective pro-family advocacy organizations has named Texas State Representative Charles “Doc” Anderson as one of the top two conservative lawmakers in the Texas House of Representatives based upon his cumulative voting record during the 81st Texas Legislature which ended in June.

"Doc Anderson earned a 100% conservative rating from Texas Eagle Forum during the 2009 legislative session, one of only two earned by House members to do so,” said Cathie Adams, the president of the Texas Eagle Forum and the Republican National Committee Woman for Texas. State Representative Ken Paxton of McKinney joined Anderson in scoring a perfect 100%.

“Representative Anderson’s conservative record proves his clear understanding of the conservative nature of his district and of our state and his strong desire to accurately represent in our state’s capitol the constituents that elected him to be their voice in Austin. His record demonstrates that he serves them with courage and conviction,”
added Adams.

The Eagle Forum, formed by national conservative leader Phyllis Schlafly, has been leading the pro-family movement with strength and decisiveness since 1972. It has earned recognition from the national and local media as well as from U.S. Presidents and local elected officials. Texas Eagle Forum's mission is to enable conservative and pro-family men and women to participate in the process of self-government and public policy-making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, respect for family integrity, public and private virtue, and private enterprise.

Representative Anderson said that he was honored to receive the recognition from the Texas Eagle Forum and said that he was pleased that his voting record earned top conservative honors. “My voting record in the Texas House has always been reflective of the values of the citizens of McLennan County and District 56 who have sent me to represent them in the legislature. I have worked hard to accurately carry their values and their common-sense conservative philosophy to Austin and I plan to continue doing just that, Representative Anderson added.

Representative Anderson was first elected to the Texas House in November 2004 and he is currently completing his third term. In the Texas House he serves as Vice Chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee, as a member of the Pensions, Financial Services, and Investments Committee. He is a member of the Conservative Coalition in the Texas House.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Press Release
Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson
900 Austin Ave Suite 804
Waco, Texas 76701

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kurt Krakowian
August 14, 2009
Phone: 254-754-3892

Rep. Anderson Urges Texas Congressmen to Oppose President Obama’s Costly Public-Option Health Care Proposals

AUSTIN, TEXAS — In a letter to the Texas Congressional delegation, State Representative Charles "Doc" Anderson (R-Waco) joined thirty-five of his colleagues in the Texas Legislature in urging opposition to pending federal health care legislation that would vastly increase government spending, necessitating tax increases.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the insurance coverage provisions of H.R. 3200 would cost more than $1 trillion over ten years (2010-19). The legislation would be funded in part by a “surtax” on households with annual incomes above $350,000. Clearly, given CBO estimates, taxes will have to be raised on other income-earning households in the future.

Rep. Anderson stated in the letter: “Legislation being considered by Congress would place the federal government directly in the center of our health care system in competition with providers in the private marketplace, and at the expense of taxpayers and consumer choice.” Continued Rep. Anderson: “People are demanding health care reform; not a government takeover of health care. There is a major difference between the two.”

Rep. Anderson continued, “I strongly oppose more government spending and even more government intrusion in the name of health care. Anyone who believes that the federal government should run our health care system need only to look at the failure of Fannie Mae to see all the warning signs. ”

“The health and well-being of each Texan is too precious to be entrusted to a massive, government-run, federal health care scheme that will be expensive and untrustworthy. Leaving health care decisions to unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. is a disaster waiting to happen,” stated Rep. Anderson.

He concluded: “America needs health care reform, but there is a better way. Reducing health insurance mandates, passing sensible lawsuit abuse reforms like those passed by the Texas Legislature in 2003, encouraging innovation, and improving price and quality transparency are four positive health care reforms that could help to lower costs and improve care without massive government intervention.”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DISABLED VETERANS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF REACHES FINAL PASSAGE

AUSTIN -- After passage of legislation to grant property tax relief for disabled veterans, Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson (District 56-Waco) expressed gratitude for our veterans' service and for their sacrifice to this great state and nation.

"There was legislative wrangling on other issues this session that has delayed this specific bill, but perseverance and continuing effort resulted in a final unanimous vote," said Rep. Anderson. "This has been one of our most important issues to address in the 81st Legislature. Our voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to do this two years ago, and it was imperative that this Legislature be able to repay our disabled veterans and honor their families in this manner."

After this morning's vote, HB 3613 is headed to the Governor for signature.

For more information, please contact Rep. Anderson's office:
(512) 463-0135 or e-mail:
charles.anderson@house.state.tx.us

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please install flash.

Click play on the player to the left to hear the KTRH interview with Rep Doc Anderson regarding salvia.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Doc" Anderson to take his effort to
ban hallucinogenic drug plant to Dr. Phil show
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Salvia Divinorum-What is it?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

State Reviewing Legislation to Ban Salvia
November 10, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Popularity of a hallucinogen may thwart it's medical uses
Published: September 8, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Texas Rep. Doc Anderson at McLennan Co. (Waco) Republican Convention.
March 29, 2008

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NeighborWorks® Waco
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Salvia May be Outlawed in Texas
March 14, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Latest high attracts teens, thwarts restriction efforts
Herb produces brief, intense high with hallucinations.
June 30, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Powerful Drug Sweeps Internet, Concerns Parents
June 13, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Local landfill a green energy source for Mars factory
July 10, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Salvia a legal high, but maybe not for long
August 14, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Texas lawmaker pushes to criminalize hallucinogenic drug salvia
August 14, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Republican seeks moratorium on new coal plant permitting
Lawmaker is from Waco area, where nine facilities proposed
January 25, 2007
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Local Lawmaker Drafts Additional Legislation On Coal-Fired Power Plants
February 23, 2007
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Opposing view: Seniors are more cautious
New restrictions would unfairly discriminate against older drivers.
April 17, 2007
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Anderson re-elected Texas State Representative
March 5, 2008
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Anderson’s Coal Moratorium Legislation On The Move
February 16th, 2007
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ANDERSON INTRODUCES CONCURRENT RESOLUTION FOR 180 DAY MORATORIUM ON NEW COAL PLANTS
January 24th, 2007
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Legislation could delay coal plant permits
January 24, 2007
Click here to read the full story

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .