Estamos en un momento de incertidumbre inimaginable. No sabemos cómo adaptarnos a la nueva vida que nos espera, ni qué pasará con la economía y mucho menos con nuestros trabajos. Pero ¿sabías que está comprobado que el 90% de las cosas que nos preocupan no se harán realidad jamás?
En estos días hemos aprendido mucho sobre lavarnos las manos, usar tapabocas al igual que sobre medidas de distanciamiento social. Sin embargo, ¿te has lavado bien la cabeza para filtrar esos pensamientos agobiantes que llegan a atormentarte cuando sientes incertidumbre? Hoy te voy a compartir las 3 técnicas que me han permitido permanecer en calma durante esta inesperada cuarentena:
Técnica #1: Evito la sobre información porque me he dado cuenta que el exceso de información solo incrementa las emociones negativas. Así que si quiero informarme busco fuentes muy confiables y no quiere decir que todo el día voy a leer y ver noticias, ¡no! Separo un momento del día para hacerlo, por lo general lo hago a primera hora del día y espero hasta la mañana siguiente.
Técnica #2: Cuando me llegan pensamientos catastróficos como: “María tú que eres diabética y sobreviviente de cáncer, ¡si te da el COVID-19 no hay Dios que te salve!”, lo primero que hago es cuestionar la validez de esos pensamientos alarmantes y trato de reemplazarlos por algo más racional como por ejemplo “María debes tomar precauciones estrictas por tu condición médica”.
Técnica #3: No propago el miedo. Si visitas mis redes sociales te darás cuenta que no utilizo mis plataformas para hablar de la situación actual que ya todos conocemos, más bien intento distraer a mis seguidores con alegría y motivación. Esto también lo aplico en mi vida personal.
Sé que necesitamos de mucha firmeza para mantener nuestros pensamientos bajo control. No es fácil pero cuando lo hagas vas a tener una vida más tranquila, mayor claridad para tomar decisiones y plenitud sin importar la circunstancias que estés atravesando en tu exterior.
Para más motivación sígueme en: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaMarinOnline, Instagram: @mariamarinmotivation, https://www.instagram.com/mariamarinmotivation/
El estudio, a cargo de expertos del Instituto Yeutter de UN en Lincoln junto con el Fondo Carnegie para la Paz Internacional, encontró que la mayoría de los encuestados en los estados mencionados favorece una agilización de los trámites inmigratorios para permitir la llegada de inmigrantes que trabajen en puestos que los ciudadanos o residentes legales dejan vacantes.
Sin embargo, existe una diferencia entre Nebraska y los otros dos estados: aunque en todos los casos el respaldo a inmigración fue similar, los encuestados en Nebraska hablaron con mayor frecuencia y convicción a favor de los inmigrantes que los encuestados en Colorado y en Ohio.
La razón, explica el reporte, es que “la pérdida de población en las zonas rurales de Nebraska hace que esas áreas dependan más en la llegada de inmigrantes internacionales para compensar la falta de trabajadores locales y la disminución de la población”.
El sondeo también encontró que los habitantes de Lincoln y de Omaha (las dos ciudades más populosas de Nebraska) se sienten “orgullosos” de tener más refugiados por persona que cualquier otra área metropolitana en Estados Unidos.
A la vez, Colorado, Nebraska y Ohio estuvieron de acuerdo en dos temas: oponerse a la inmigración ilegal y a las llamadas “fronteras abiertas”, y en aceptar “los desafíos culturales que invariablemente surgen por la llegada de poblaciones de inmigrantes y refugiados”, especialmente a zonas rurales tradicionalmente más culturalmente conservadoras que las ciudades.
A pesar del creciente desempleo en esos tres estados creado por la pandemia del coronavirus, los inmigrantes todavía son necesarios para trabajos de agricultura y de ganadería, dice el reporte, porque los ‘millennials’ no están interesados en esos trabajos, la edad promedio de los trabajadores en zonas rurales es relativamente alta, y desde 2010 se ha incrementado el éxodo de habitantes desde esas áreas hacia las ciudades.
Principalmente en Nebraska, pero también en Colorado y en Ohio, los residentes “ven a las familias inmigrantes como la manera de hacer crecer la población y, así, la manera de mantener o hacer crecer los negocios y las escuelas”, indica el informe.
Aún más, “algunas comunidades habrían muerto y serían ciudades fantasma desde hace mucho tiempo si no hubiese sido por el influjo de inmigrantes”. Y ese fenómeno no se limitó sólo a zonas rurales.
Por ejemplo, durante la última década, en Lincoln el índice de diversidad (es decir, habitantes no blancos) pasó del 24.4% al 31.8%. Y esa tendencia continuará mientras los inmigrantes sean quienes completen la fuerza laboral faltante.
“Para muchos de los entrevistados, la diversidad será una fuente de fortaleza, aunque otros dijeron que habrá conversaciones difíciles sobre raza, cultura e identidad”, dice el reporte.
Otro tema de interés en los tres estados es el cambio climático, pero, mientras en Colorado combatir el cambio climático es una prioridad, no lo es ni en Nebraska ni en Ohio.
By Ruben R. Perez, Ernie’s son, and Ernie’s grandchildren, Matthew R. Perez, Esq. and Adriana Perez, Esq. Ernesto “Ernie” Perez, Sr. was born April 22, 1927 in Pandora, Texas. At the age of one, his family moved to Seguin, Texas where he has remained since. Seguin is where he met and married the love of his life, Susie, and where they raised 4 children. He was married to Susie for 73 years before her passing in 2016. Many of Ernie’s family still reside in Seguin, including numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
As WW II raged, at 18, Ernie was drafted into the Army Air Corps (now known as the Air Force). During his time in the Army Air Corps, he was stationed at various bases in Texas. His last duty station was Randolph Air Force Base (RAFB), and in 1948 he was honorably discharged. The story of Ernie “The Barber” began in 1949 when he attended Louie’s Barbershop School on the GI Bill in San Antonio, Texas.
With a natural talent for cutting hair, Ernie was allowed to take clients in the school’s annex before graduation. He charged 20 cents for a haircut and could keep 5% of his earnings. After graduating, Ernie began his master barber work in Seguin. He would charge 75 cents for a haircut and 50 cents for a straight razor shave. Remembering how often he would need a haircut in the service, Ernie decided to venture to Universal City, Texas. In Universal City, he developed a loyal roster of clients, many of whom still see Ernie today. Having established himself as a talented barber at various shops in Universal City, Ernie decided to open his own shop in 1969. Ernie’s Barbershop, at 415 E. Aviation Blvd., Universal City, Texas opened for business and has remained open for 51 years.
On any given day, you would find Ernie cutting hair and talking fishing Tuesday-Saturday, 8 am-5 pm. There was a 28-year period (1955-1983) that Ernie would drive the 22 miles back home to Seguin, and continued cutting hair at his home barbershop well into the evening. From 1954-1955, on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, he would volunteer giving haircuts to boys at Boysville (a place for boys who came from broken homes and abusive situation who were provided a safe caring home) located in San Antonio, Texas.
Ernie has been a Master Barber for 70 years. He has given haircuts to many individuals from all walks of life and from all over the world, including members of the military, professional athletes, children getting their first haircuts, and his own family. Ernie has not only enjoyed providing his customers with haircuts and a precise straight razor shave, but exchanging stories of his favorite hobby: fishing. Ernie considers his customers not just customers, but his dearest friends.
After 70 years of being a barber, Ernie has decided to unplug the clippers and put away the scissors. His passion for barbering is something to be held and is evident by the length of time he dedicated to his craft. After all the years of Ernie’s haircuts, shaves, and fishing stories, Ernie will now devote his time to fishing. His friends, customers and family all wish him a Happy Retirement.
How long have you been in public service, and what do you like most about your duties as a public service?
I have been in public service as a prosecutor at the local, state and federal levels for about 40 years, since I was licensed in November 1980. I have served as an Assistant City of Houston Attorney, a Harris County Assistant District attorney and an Assistant United States Attorney. Currently, I serve as the Bureau Chief of Special Crimes under elected Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.
As a public servant, my duty is to protect and uphold the Constitution, ensuring that justice is served. I am very proud to be a voice for those who are often voiceless. It is an honor to ensure that regardless of status, every person in our country, is protected under our laws.
Where does Harris County rank compare to other metropolitan areas in the United States in human trafficking?
In my opinion, Harris County has been erroneously labeled as the Human Trafficking Hub of the United States. Harris County has been very proactive in prosecuting human trafficking cases. The Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, which I co-founded in 2004, combines local, state and federal law enforcement partners with non-governmental agencies to prosecute human traffickers and to rescue and restore victims. Human Trafficking is a global problem. Because we have been very aggressive and successful in prosecuting human traffickers, Houston is perceived to be the Hub of Human Trafficking. I like to think we are the Hub of Human Trafficking Prosecutions, not the Hub of Human Trafficking.
What’s the hardest part about getting a conviction in a human trafficking case? Are victims sometimes reluctant to testify?
One of the hardest parts of prosecution is the actual reporting of the trafficking and the crimes perpetrated against the victims because of the trauma human trafficking victims suffer. Many victims come from impoverished countries, or are lured into the United States under the false pretense of a better life. Once they arrive, they are manipulated into prostitution or hard labor against their will. Victims are constantly threatened with violence to themselves or loved ones. Because of this, many victims become reluctant to report their traffickers and pursue legal action. Often times, victims are unaware they have the right to report their traffickers and the crimes perpetrated against them. If there is no reporting, there is no prosecution.
What happens to an undocumented victim of human trafficking?
For undocumented victims of human trafficking, there are some immigration benefits to those who qualify. To qualify, a person must be a victim of human trafficking and willing to assist in the prosecution of the human trafficker. Benefits include T-Visas, U-Visas and continued presence. A T-Visa is specifically designated for undocumented victims of trafficking. The U- visa is designated for victims of other crimes which includes human trafficking. These visas can grant the applicant victim legal status, work authorization and a pathway to citizenship. The purpose of these visas is not only to provide legal status, but to encourage reporting so that human trafficking criminals can be prosecuted and victims can seek justice.
What are the youngest and oldest victims of sex trafficking have you seen?
Human Trafficking is nondiscriminatory. I have seen ages range from thirteen to the late fifties. The trafficker does not care about the age so long as the victim makes money for the trafficker. I have always said that a human being is more valuable than a kilo of cocaine because once a kilogram of cocaine is consumed, it is gone. On the contrary, a human being, either a male or a female can be recycled again and again, perpetually making more money for the trafficker.
If a person thinks he or she has witnessed sex trafficking, what should that person do?
Any potential witness should call 1-888-373-7888. This is a national hotline to report human trafficking. It is important to note, the hotline is anonymous so no one should fear retaliation for reporting what could be human trafficking.
However, if the person believes the victim is in immediate danger, he or she should call 911.
If a person reading this interview is the victim of human trafficking, what should that person do?
If anyone reading this believes he or she is a victim of human trafficking, please call the hotline (1-888-373-7888) or contact any law enforcement agency. Again, 911 should always be called if there is any indication, however slight, of immediate danger.
What steps should the government take to reduce human trafficking?
First, we should be making victims aware of the rights and protections they have under the laws of our government. Many steps are being taken and continue to be taken to reduce human trafficking. Congress enacted the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) as a protection for victims. It is the most comprehensive federal law enacted to protect victims, both foreign and domestic, of sex trafficking and to prosecute their traffickers. Texas enacted its first Human Trafficking statute in 2003.
I strongly believe, to combat and reduce human trafficking, public perceptions will have to change. Until society can overcome the misconception that human trafficking does not happen in their neighborhoods and the victims of trafficking want to be prostitutes, the battle will continue. The efforts of the justice system, non-governmental organizations, and non-profit organizations to research and document the problem, prosecute human traffickers, rescue and restore victims and educate the community will be steps to reduce human trafficking.
About Ruben R. Perez
Ruben R. Perez is a native of Seguin, Texas and moved to Houston, Texas to pursue his legal career. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1974 from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
He studied International Law at the London School of Economics, in London, England in 1978. He received his law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1980.
Ruben has served Harris County and the Southern District of Texas as a prosecutor for almost 40 years. In 1980 he began his career in Houston as an Assistant City Attorney. In 1981 he made his way to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. He spent 11 years serving as an Assistant District Attorney and was promoted to Chief Prosecutor during his tenure. He prosecuted numerous felonies and death penalty cases. He then became an Assistant United States Attorney in 1992. During his 25 years as a federal prosecutor, his case docket ranged from narcotics, money laundering, public corruption, hate crimes, civil rights and human trafficking. In 2017, he returned to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office under elected Harris District Attorney Kim Ogg where he serves as Bureau Chief of Special Crimes.
As a federal prosecutor, Mr. Perez successfully investigated and prosecuted several high profile human trafficking cases. The following are a few examples of his human trafficking prosecutions. He was the lead prosecutor in the largest human trafficking case ever prosecuted in the continental United States. Over one-hundred victims of human trafficking were rescued and eight defendants were prosecuted. All eight defendants were sentenced to prison sentences. He was also the lead prosecutor in a precedent setting human trafficking case where ten defendants were sentenced to prison and their assets forfeited with the goal of liquidating the forfeited assets to help the victims. He was responsible for the successful prosecution of fourteen defendants (U.S. v. Hortencia Arguello-Medeles aka “Tencha”, et al) who operated a sex trafficking ring. All were convicted and sentenced to prison and fifteen properties with a value of $2.5 million were forfeited with the goal of using these monies to help the victims. The lead defendant was sentenced to life imprisonment. There is one remaining fugitive. There is a $50,000 reward for his capture. This case and the remaining fugitive were featured in “The Hunt” with John Walsh on CNN. He was responsible for the successful prosecution of an international sex trafficking ring. This prosecution involved six defendants. He prosecuted five defendants in 2005. The lead defendant was a fugitive. He was arrested in March 2010 in Mexico. He was extradited to the United States in June 2014 in a precedent setting cooperation of Mexican and American authorities. He was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment.
Since returning to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as Bureau Chief of the Special Crimes Bureau, he has led numerous investigations and prosecutions cases which have resulted in making our communities safer. When Mr. Perez is not crushing crime, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 42 years and their two children, both of whom are lawyers.
AWARDS • 2019 Joe Campos Torres Justice Award – Mexican American Bar Association • 2004, 2010, and 2013-Director’s Award-Executive Office for United States Attorneys – Department of Justice • 2012 Texas State University Distinguished Alumni Award • Numerous commendations from the FBI, IRS, Homeland Security, Bureau of Prisons and DEA • Tejano Music Hall of Fame Inductee
INSTRUCTING ENDEAVORS • Frequent lecturer on Civil Rights/Narcotics/Human Trafficking and Criminal Justice matters • Human Trafficking International Seminars – Paraguay, Chile, Mexico, Republic of Kyrgyzstan
PUBLICATIONS • “Challenges in Federal Sex Trafficking Prosecution” www.thehoustonlawyer.com
Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, a Democrat, wants to boost the homestead exemption for senior citizens and disabled homeowners so that they will pay less in property taxes. He believes older taxpayers and veterans deserve a break in light of the coronavirus and rising property values. The homestead exemption has not been adjusted since 2008.
Currently, those who are disabled, and those who are senior citizens (65 or older) have a property tax exemption of $160,000. Garcia want to increase that exemption to $229,000. The exemption would be on top of the standard homestead exemption of 20 percent that’s available to all homeowners. So, the homestead exemption for seniors and the disabled would be a total of $286,000.
Qualified homeowners also would pay no property taxes to the flood control district or hospital district. School taxes would remain the same.
Garcia’s proposal is a reversal from his previous stand on property taxes. Last year he supported a one-time property tax hike of 8 percent.
Garcia’s proposal is supported by fellow commissioner Rodney Ellis who is also a Democrat.
“Everyone has been hit hard economically by COVID-19 and I’d like to commend Commissioner Garcia looking into this as a potential relief opportunity for elderly, disabled, and veteran homeowners,” Ellis reportedly said in a statement to the Houston Chronicle.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle, a Republican, told the Chronicle that he welcomed Garcia’s “newfound concern” for Harris County taxpayers.
“After all, it was only seven months ago that he proposed raising county taxes by the maximum amount possible without voter approval and then berated Commissioner Radack and me when we were able to force a tax rate cut instead.”
Precinct 3’s Steve Radack, a Republican, called the proposal a “gimmick,” noting that others may have to pay more in taxes in order to keep revenues neutral.
County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a Democrat, reportedly said she had no opinion on Garcia’s plan because she had not yet reviewed it.
County Commissioners plan to take up the proposal at Tuesday’s meeting.
La superestrella multi-platino Prince Royce acaba de lanzar el video de “Besos Mojados”, canción que se desprende de su más reciente producción discográfica, el álbum doble Alter Ego.
La artística y minimalista producción es parte de un cuerpo de trabajo filmado por el reconocido director Carlos Pérez que incluye videoclips para la mayoría de las canciones del álbum. Cada video, captura el estado de ánimo y la estética única de la canción. Como regalo especial para los fanáticos, Royce continuará lanzando los videos de las canciones de Alter Ego cada dos semanas, según las van escogiendo sus fans a través de sus redes sociales.
Alter Ego debutó en febrero en el #1 en los listados de Billboard, “Top Latin Albums”, “Latin Album Sales” y “Tropical Albums”. Además, ALTER EGO ya ha sido certificado Doble Platino por la Asociación de Industria Discográfica de Estados Unidos por sus altas ventas en los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. Alter Ego tuvo la semana debut más exitosa para un álbum latino desde abril 2019 y este ha sido el único álbum debut #1 en el listado Tropical Albums este año.
El más reciente sencillo del álbum “Carita de Inocente” ha estado en el puesto #1 del listado Tropical Airplay de Billboard por siete semanas consecutivas sumándose a las otras canciones del doble álbum que han llegado al tope de los listados: “Morir Solo” también llegó al #1 en el listado Tropical Airplay de Billboard, su éxito 6x Platino “El Clavo” fue #1 en Latin Airplay y su sencillo 2x Platino “Adicto” feat. Marc Anthony se mantuvo en la posición #1 de Tropical Airplay por siete semanas consecutivas.
Además, su colaboración con Manuel Turizo, “Cúrame”, ha sido certificada 2x Platino, llegó al #5 en el listado Global de YouTube y permaneció en el Top 5 del Global Viral chart de YouTube durante siete semanas, alcanzando la posición #3.
Alter Ego es el único álbum doble inédito lanzado por un artista latino en más de una década.
Alter Ego encapsula dos años de trabajo creativo y expresión musical que culmina en un fantástico laberinto de romance en sus diferentes formas de expresión. El álbum está compuesto por “Génesis” y “Enigma”. En “Génesis” Royce amplía el sonido y las influencias que dieron inicio a su carrera, esta vez con conceptos y letras más maduras, y a la vez experimenta con elementos más tradicionales que cambian las canciones con interesantes colaboraciones. En “Enigma”, Royce se sumerge en distintos mundos musicales con los cuales experimenta, se arriesga y evoluciona creando música más artística, innovadora y sin censura. El resultado es una obra maestra que representa lo mejor de esos dos mundos – una aventura musical resumida en un poderoso doble álbum (en español con algo de inglés) destinado a convertirse en un clásico. Todas las canciones del álbum vendrán acompañadas de un componente visual que se irán lanzando en el canal de YouTube del artista.
Prince Royce es finalista de los Premios Billboard 2020 en la categoría Artista Tropical del Año.
La balada del momento, “ADMV” ya tiene una nueva versión, “ADMV” Versión Urbana, la cual el ídolo global de la música latina, MALUMA, lanza hoy junto a su videoclip que fue grabado en Grecia justo antes de tener que posponer su gira 11:11 World Tour a causa de la pandemia global del COVID-19.
El plan inicial para el video de “ADMV” fue grabarlo en su totalidad en Grecia con el director Nuno Gomez pero al tener que salir de Europa a causa de la pandemia, tan sólo tenían una porción del video grabado, su actuación de la canción, Al llegar a Miami, se grabó un video totalmente distinto para la versión original, y respondiendo a los pedidos de los fans que se quedaron con las ganas de ver al ídolo cantando la canción en Atenas, Grecia, se decidió utilizar ese pietaje para el videoclip de la versión urbana de la balada, también dirigido por Nuno Gomez.
Para escuchar “ADMV” Versión Urbana haga clic AQUÍ y para ver el nuevo videoclip presione AQUÍ.
El nombre de la emotiva canción es la abreviatura de “Amor De Mi Vida” y la misma, nace en el corazón del artista.
“Es una canción que es muy especial para mí, esto es algo que me sale desde el corazón, me recuerda el motivo por el cual comencé mi carrera y me pone a pensar mucho sobre qué va a pasar en el futuro – si nos vamos a tomar el tiempo de amar al otro, abrazar al otro – Hoy la entrego para que la puedan dedicar a todos los seres que amamos antes de que se nos vayan”,expresó Maluma.
Fue escrita en Jamaica en el mes de enero durante un viaje en dónde Maluma estuvo explorando sonidos. Los autores son Maluma junto a Edgar Barrera, Vicente Barco y Miky La Sensa; fue producida por Edgar Barrera y Maluma.
Parte de la letra dice. . .“Cuando nos falle la memoria y sólo queden las fotografías, que se me olvide todo menos que tú eres mía, cuando los años nos pesen y las piernas no caminen, los ojos se nos cierren y la piel ya no se estire, cuando lo único que pese, sea lo que hicimos en vida, y aunque nada de esto pase, eres el amor de mi vida.”
Maluma recientemente se convirtió en el primer y único artista masculino latino en alcanzar 50 millones de seguidores en Instagram.
###Acerca de MALUMA: Con tan sólo veintiséis años de edad, Juan Luis Londoño Arias, mejor conocido por su nombre artístico Maluma (compuesto por las primeras letras de los nombres de su madre, su padre y su hermana) se ha convertido en uno de los artistas de mayor impacto en la música urbana y el ídolo juvenil de la música latina a nivel global. Ganador del Latin Grammy 2018 al Album Pop Vocal Contemporáneo (por F.A.M.E.) Maluma es uno de los cantantes más populares con fans activos en las redes sociales y el líder entre cantantes masculinos latinos con más de 50.8 millones de seguidores en Instagram. De hecho él es el primer y único artista latino masculino que ha sobrepasado los 50 millones de seguidores. Esta cifra se le suma a más de 23 millones de fans en Facebook, 6 millones en Twitter y 23 millones de suscriptores en su canal de YouTube.
En el 2017 presentó 105 conciertos en América Latina, Estados Unidos, Europa e Israel, vendiendo más de 1 millón de tickets en su MALUMA WORLD TOUR 2017 y convirtiéndose en el artista latino que vendió la mayor cantidad de tickets de conciertos en el 2017. En el 2018 y el 2019 rompió records con llenos totales en todos sus conciertos en Estados Unidos y Europa con su F.A.M.E. World Tour y 11:11 World Tour llenando a capacidad el Madison Square Garden (Nueva York), American Airlines Arena (Miami) y dos The Forums (Los Angeles) entre otros. En el 2019, agotó las entradas en el estadio más grande de Israel, el Yarkon Park en Tel Aviv con más de 60.000 espectadores; hizo historia en el 18º Festival Anual Mawazine en Rabat, Marruecos, estableciendo un récord de asistencia de todos los tiempos como protagonista del concierto frente a 200.000 person; y se presentó por primera vez en Riyadh, Arabia Saudita ante 25.000 personas.Desde firmar con Sony Music Latin en el 2015, Maluma ha lanzado tres álbumes que han debutado en el #1 del listado Latin Albums de Billboard: Pretty Boy Dirty Boy (2015), F.A.M.E.(2018)y 11:11 (2019). Maluma es el artista más joven en obtener simultáneamente #1 y #2 en el listado ”Latin Airplay” de Billboard (“Sin Contrato” y “Chantaje”) y solamente el sexto en logarlo. Hasta la fecha, Maluma tiene quince éxitos #1 en el listado Latin Airplay de Billboard.
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan yesterday asked an appeals court for an order clarifying that the County can proceed with vote by mail applications for the July 14th primary runoff.
Travis County State District Court Judge Tim Sulak issued an order April 17 allowing citizens to request a vote by mail ballot based on “disability,” one of the allowable reasons to request a mail ballot, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. His order also prevents the state from “taking actions” to prevent county elections officials from accepting and counting mail-in ballots from those voters.
Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the ruling claimed this prevents it from being enforced. County Attorney Ryan disagrees and asks the court to issue an order stating the trial court’s order stands pending appeal and that such mail ballot applications can be accepted.
“The order from Judge Sulak was very clear in stating that counties can proceed with accepting mail ballot requests,” County Attorney Ryan said. “Unfortunately, the Attorney General’s press statements and refusal in accepting the trial court’s preliminary injunction have injected additional uncertainty into the process.”
Ryan’s brief reports preparations for the July 14th runoff are underway now and that vote by mail applications have increased, with a number of persons filing applications for the runoff who did not vote by mail in the primary. In addition, the County has received a larger number of applications stating “disability” as the reason for the mail ballot.
The County Attorney points out that polling by Prof. Robert M. Stein of Rice University shows that two-thirds of those he recently surveyed say they are very or somewhat likely to vote by mail if they can, regardless of age, race, gender or party affiliation. Other polling shows some voters may not vote at all without access to mail-in voting because of the pandemic.
“What concerns me about the polling is that nine percent of Texans surveyed stated if they cannot vote by mail and are only eligible to vote in person in the July 14 run-off, they do not plan to vote at all,” said County Attorney Ryan. “While Attorney General Paxton as a political actor may wish to suppress the vote and keep those citizens who are unwilling to risk their lives and health from voting, such a goal is unconstitutional.”
The Harris County Attorney asks the Appeals Court to immediately issue a temporary order clarifying that the trial court judge’s order which entitles any citizen without immunity to coronavirus to vote by mail remains in effect for the duration of the appeal and that those mail ballot applications that specify “disability” will be valid and counted in the runoff.
“The safety of Harris County voters and election workers depends on it,” said County Attorney Ryan.
The Houston Health Department and its agency partners will set up new sites offering free COVID-19 tests for the week of May 26, 2020.
Texas Division of Emergency Management The Texas Division of Emergency Management and the department will open two drive-thru test sites:Kingwood Park Community Center, 4102 Rustic Woods Drive, Kingwood, May 26 – 27Sagemont Church Annex, 11600 Hughes Road, May 28 – 30.TDEM sites require appointments, available by calling 512-883-2400 or visiting txcovidtest.org. The sites will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until each reaches its daily capacity of 250 tests.
United Memorial Medical Center United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) will open a new drive-thru and walk-up test site at the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, 6402 Market Street. UMMC will continue to offer drive-thru testing at its site at Houston Community College-Southeast, 6815 Rustic.
Each site will open May 26-29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until reaching its daily capacity of 250 tests. The sites don’t require people to have symptoms or appointments.
People needing information about UMMC test sites can call 1-866-333-COVID or visit ummcscreening.com.
Kroger Health Kroger Health and the health department will operate a free drive-thru test site at the Collier Regional Library, 6200 Pinemont Drive, May 26-30.
The site requires appointments by visiting krogerhealth.com/covidtesting. It will open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until reaching its daily capacity of 175 tests.
Houston Health Department The department will continue to operate two free drive-thru COVID-19 community-based testing sites open to anyone, regardless of symptoms. Each site has capacity for 500 tests per day and opens daily until capacity is reached.
People can call the department’s COVID-19 Call Center at 832-393-4220 between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to receive an access code and directions to the nearest site.
New days of operation for the sites beginning Tuesday, May 26, are Monday through Saturday. The sites will close on Sundays beginning May 31.
Federally Qualified Health Centers The health department is providing test kits, lab access and equipment to four local Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) so they can expand their COVID-19 testing capacity. The centers and phone numbers people can call to set up testing appointments are:Spring Branch Community Health Center, 713-462-6565El Centro de Corazon, 713-660-1880Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, 713-426-0027 andLone Star Circle of Care at the University of Houston,346-348-1200.FQHC patients pay what they can afford, based on income and family size, and are not denied services due to inability to pay or lack of insurance.
The department and its agency partners may shift locations and schedules of test sites to better meet community needs. Houstonians should visit HoustonEmergency.org/covid19 for current Houston test sites and information about stopping the spread of the virus.
