UPDATE: Bills addressing the rising cost of home insurance

February 6, 2025

Don’t get excited.

Bills addressing the rising cost of home insurance have been filed by our elected officials representing the Bay Area. Unfortunately the bills do not address the rising cost of home insurance. Here is a summary and contact info for our elected officials:

House Bill 2067 HB2067 is filed by our State Representative Dennis Paul. It will require an insurance company to provide to the policyholder a written statement on the reasons for nonrenewable or cancellation of a policy. This bill does NOT require the companies to report this information to the Texas Department of Insurance. Megan Kimble of The Houston Chronicle wrote an article about this cancellation data not being recorded by TDI. The bill will NOT reduce premiums or deductibles. I just don’t see the value of this bill.

Senate Bill 1006. SB1006 is filed by our State Senator Mayes Middleton a “companion bill”. It is the same as HB2067 and is filed to expedite its passing.

House Bill 2067. HB2067 is a bill filed by Representative Oliverson establishing a grant program to “fortify” homes against windstorm damage. This is promising but unlike the Alabama program created 15 years ago does not guarantee a reduction in premiums if a homeowners fortifies their home.

Contact our elected officials about these bills Please send a quick email and call our State Representative Dennis Paul and State Senator Mayes Middleton via their staff Greg.Bentch@house.texas.gov (512) 463-0734) and Matt.patterson@senate.texas.gov (512) 463-0111) respectfully.

Ask for a response. Ask how these bills will reduce your premiums, make deductibles reasonable without the loss of coverage or rights.

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Posted by johncoby

League City Attorney clears League City Attorney

February 4, 2025

You can’t make this stuff up.

After an article from I45Now on the handling of a public information request (PIR) concerning a domestic dispute at the home of City Council Member Justin Hicks, Mayor Long demanded a full report on the PIR process. On Monday that 5 page report was released and it didn’t disappoint in raising more questions. In short the Attorney says her office did no wrong giving Hicks special assistance in a personal matter.

You have to hand it to TJ Aulds of I45Now for breaking the story last week. In his latest article he catches Mayor Long in an interesting moment:

Contacted soon after the report was issued, Long - who said he reviewed the report on Sunday - said after he read the report, he was “satisfied” with how the city attorney’s office handled the request for records.

That was until Aulds notified him; the timeline shows Hicks twice contacted the city attorney’s office and received an advance copy of the city’s request, even before it was submitted to the attorney general or i45NOW.

Oops. The article continues:

‘It’s certainly unusual treatment,” Long said when asked if it was proper that Hicks was communicating with the city attorney and provided information ahead of all others, even though the domestic disturbance call to his house was not connected to his duties as a city official.

I get the feeling this is not over.

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Posted by johncoby

Pasadena shooting. Are our schools safe?

February 2, 2025

No.

If you are concerned about the safety of your kids at school you might want to do a drive by and look at the glaring holes in security. For instance notice the drop off line, the recess area, the track, football practice area, and the parking lot used for band practice. They are wide open. Also notice the gym especially after hours. Yesterday there was a shooting at a band event in a gym. Even with police posted at the door anyone could (and someone did) walk in with a concealed weapon.

This isn’t the fault of the school district. There isn’t enough money to erect brick walls, barbed wire, or bullet proof school buses in public or private schools. There isn’t enough money to post police at every event and metal detectors at every door. After the Santa Fe shooting the Lt Governor claimed he was going to do just that, put metal detectors at over 8000 public schools. (He didn’t.) I think the questions at that time are applicable today:

Beside the $126M initial price tag [for metal detectors], this isn’t a solution to the problem. How will metal detectors protect the Band kids as they practice in the parking lot? Or the football players on the field? Or those gathering in front of the school waiting for it to open?

And even if we could make every campus look like a prison how will that protect your kids at church, Walmart, parades, concerts, clubs, or any public event? It won’t. Look to our elected officials to put more money into school safety this legislation session and to make a big deal about it to look like they are doing something.

Don’t fall for it. Again. We have a problem with the wrong people having easy access to fire arms.

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Posted by johncoby

The Hypocrisy. The Hypocrisy. Hicks Facebook plant.

February 1, 2025

It was a line I have always remembered from Apocalypse Now by Marlon Brandon. You can watch it here.

But, back to Justin. Facebook can be a bitch. Back in 2022 Hicks was meddling in the CCISD elections. His buddy, Scott Bowen, candidate for CCISD, Misty Dawson, had lost the election by a very slim margin unlike Scott Bowen’s other candidate, Stephanie Parizo. She lost by 25 points, not votes, points. Bowen really needed Dawson to win to swing the Board and make him the President.

Dawson brought a suit against her opponent, not CCISD. So Justin posted the following on Facebook claiming that CCISD providing legal assistance to the winner was illegal, a violation of Texas Penal Code Chapter 39.02. What is Texas Penal Code Chapter 39.02? Glad you asked:

The Board consulted with the legal community and was unanimous in supporting funding. That vote including an AYE from Bowen leaving Hicks with egg on his Facebook. Fast forward to this week’s chaos. Hicks seems to have intent to obtain a benefit from city resources, specifically the City Attorney, for his own personal domestic dispute.

So using Hick’s own words “What I need you to do: Email the entire board and tell them to NOT use taxpayer funds to defend a personal civil suit (felony).”

Damn Facebook.

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Posted by johncoby

City Attorney’s Role in Hicks’ Domestic Dispute

January 29, 2025

Justin Hicks decided not to attend the City Council meeting at 6:00PM but he did go to the workshop at 5:00PM. In public comments an individual called for a full investigation and another called for his resignation and for good reason, for his personal welfare. He has a point. He asked Hicks to resign and focus on his personal problems while not being distracted by the duties of City Council. He said that eventually everything is going to come out. I agree. The embarrassment to him, his family, and to those who are protecting him will be fodder for the local media. You can watch the public comments here starting at 4:14.

Just a quick reminder of his relationship with the current City Attorney, Michelle Villarreal. I45Now reported that Hicks requested the City Attorney to intervene in releasing the police report concerning his domestic dispute at his home. The City Attorney did his bidding and has requested the Texas Attorney General to block the release of the police reports.

Let’s go back to the December 2023 article by the Houston Chronicle concerning Hicks and the previous City Attorney. Hicks and Mayor Long were hell bent on removing the City Attorney but didn’t have the votes until Councilman Bowen resigned. Then it was brought up to a vote and he was removed. Michelle Villarreal was placed as the acting attorney. She is now the permanent City Attorney.

Maybe Michelle is returning the favor to Hicks for getting her appointed. If that is true then that is even worse than her helping him hide his personal problems. It’s hard to believe her comments on I45Now. Take a few moments to read it. Her claims just don’t make sense:

“Her concern is that to ignore Hicks claims of privacy invasion and the release of information could expose the city legally should the AG determine items not be made public.”

She acknowledged that Hicks called her requesting help. She is an attorney representing the city and council in their official capacity. Her response for help from Hicks should have been “CM Hicks, this is a private matter and I have no authority to intervene in this matter.” Period. If Hicks was concerned about privacy invasion he should have done what everyone else does, call a private attorney.

Or consider representing himself Pro Se.

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Posted by johncoby

Who is running for CCISD Trustee and why?

January 28, 2025

It’s a good question that deserves an answer.

So far two incumbents, Jessica Cejka and Scott Bowen have filed for reelection to the CCISD School Board. Jessica has served one term. Bowen is running for his 3rd term.

Scott Bowen has recruited Seabrook Council Member Joe Machol to run against Jessica. Machol has not filed as of today but is expected to and has been seen hanging around at last night’s Board Meeting. One of the questions I have asked him, is why? Why run against a very well qualified and excellent sitting Trustee like Jessica Cejka? He originally wanted to share his “conservative values” with me in an email:

 “I have picked up my packet to run for office against Jessica. Let’s talk so you can get my conservative platform.“

I don’t get it. If Machol was a true “conservative” he would challenge Scott Bowen. Scott’s idea of a conservative aligns more with being an extreme right wing political hack hell bent on injecting his perverted ideas of conservatism into the classroom. I could write a full post on why Bowen should be challenged. (and I will soon) Machol would do the district a great service if he ran against Bowen.

Like most of the Trustees Jessica has performed the job without fanfare, disruption, or bringing her partisan political views into the Board. She has an excellent background in education. She has served her district very well. She has engaged her constituents. She has also volunteered to return to the classroom to teach math. She is a successful realtor and brings valuable experience to the Board. Her heart is in the right place. She isn’t perfect, but then again no one is, but she is great for the district, parents, teachers, and students. And that is all that matters.

So Mr. Machol why are you running against Jessica? It’s a question that needs to be answered.

Comments anyone?

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Posted by johncoby

League City’s Corporal Chaos caught in a chaotic situation

January 28, 2025

It really is hard to feel sorry for Corporal Chaos, League City Council Member Justin Hicks.

Hicks recently was reelected to City Council despite his lack of fiscal responsibility, his bankruptcy filing, his book ban, his meddling in CCISD elections, his violations of campaign finance laws, his racist email to the City Police Chief, his spat with the young republics of Galveston County and more. League City voters had a choice and they chose to overlook Hick’s short comings. Yesterday’s article by I45Now might change that. According to I45Now:

“In the overnight hours of Jan. 4, League City police were called to a house in the 2100 block of Cherry Hills Drive. The initial call was about a domestic disturbance. The house belongs to League City Council Member Justin Hicks, public records confirm.”

It gets worse. According to the article the League City Police (LCP) was called again the next day “so someone – presumably Hicks – could retrieve some personal items”. And it gets worse. Hicks contacted the City Attorney in an attempt to block the public release of the police reports. The City Attorney, who according to the website, represents the city and the Council in their official capacity, has requested an opinion from the Texas Attorney General on whether the police records can be blocked. Needless to say this raises some pretty serious questions. Remember last year City Council fired the City Attorney and appointed Michelle Villarreal.

A domestic dispute at home is not in anyone’s official capacity according to the City Attorney’s mission statement. She has absolutely no authority to use the city resources in a personal issue. So why did the City Attorney request a review from the AG? Who asked her to do this? What staff members in the City were involved? According to Hicks this was nothing but a “petty argument” yet the police were called. Twice. If this was nothing but a “petty argument” why would Hicks request a review from the Texas AG through the City Attorney?

The City Manager John Baumgartner and Mayor Nick Long have no idea of the situation or why the City Attorney got involved in a personal domestic dispute of a citizen of League City. None of this makes sense. Read the article by TJ Aulds. It is disturbing especially the end.

I expect a lot of public records requests coming from various news organizations concerning Corporal Chaos. I also expect the City Attorney and Hicks to be investigated. Both should save the city the embarrassment and money and resign.

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Posted by johncoby

CliffNotes: State Affairs interim report on home insurance

January 27, 2025

I’ll save you the trouble of reading 4 pages.

The Texas House State Affairs Committee was charged to “Examine the impact of current economic challenges on the escalating costs of insurance premiums“. They held a hearing with invited testimony only. Many consumers, especially in this area, contacted the committee. I don’t think it helped. Here is a summary. The full report can be read here starting on page 70.

  • Only invited testimony was allowed including a lobbyist from the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions representing the top 6 insurers in the state.
  • In 2003 Texas adopted a “file and use” system allowing insurance companies to raise rates without prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
  • TDI has the rights to disapprove the rate increases but has rarely used this right
  • Climate change is being blamed for high insurance rates disguise as “Frequency of storms” and “Intensity of storms”
  • 60-70% of all premiums are used to pay out claims.
  • AARP testified concerning the hardship being placed on the elderly on fixed incomes
  • Oncor stated their insurance went from $10 Million to $60 Million in just a few years. This is passed on to consumers
  • Insurance companies are complaining about “reinsurance” which I believe is insurance for insurance companies.
  • Texas is NOT addressing non-renewals. They are not collecting this data. 5 of the 6 companies in the TCAIS will not cover the Bay Area
  • 4 Companies, including Progressive, have left the state
  • Legislators are concerned about the lack of transparency in rate increases

Recommendations:
This is disturbing. The outrageous cost of roofing after an event such as hail or a storm was not mentioned. There is evidence of price gouging concerning construction cost. They need to address it.

The recommendations included “Promote Risk Mitigation Programs:” such as the Fortify program Alabama adopted 15 years ago. A water downed bill has been filed on this issue.

They recommend providing tax funded backup to insurance companies to keep them in Texas. That doesnt make sense especially when they also recommend phasing out the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) and the Texas Fair Plan to allow the industry to provide these services. (They do NOT want to provide these services)

They also recommend educating homeowners and placing a surcharge on all insurance companies to pay out disaster claims.

As I said about the Senate report. This was underwhelming.

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Posted by johncoby

Hearing set for the Welfare for the Wealthy Voucher bill

January 27, 2025

Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), the Voucher Bill, sponsored by our own State Senator Mayes Middleton will be heard in the Education K-16 committee on Tuesday Jan 28 at 11:00. All 9 sponsors of the bill are on the committee so they will take testimony then vote the bill out of committee. This is common with the Republic Party in charge. The hearing on the open carry bill last all day and into the early hours of the next day. Hundreds testified against it include law enforcement. After the last person testified the Chair called for a vote and it passed.

The Texas Tribune has a great write up on the bill. So here are some highlights of the bill:

  • Will provide up to $10,000 a year per student to families who send their kids to a private school
  • Even if someone pays $0 in school taxes (renters) they will receive $10,000 more than what they contribute to public education
  • Anyone can apply for the funding
  • The bill will prioritize those who are already enrolled in a private school
  • The bill will prioritize low income families, those making under $160,000/year
  • Those who are truly low income will not be able to afford a private school even with the $10,000 handout
  • private schools do not have to follow federal and state laws regarding special education that public schools must abide by
  • The bill does not require participants to take the same state standardized tests issued to public school students annually
  • $1 billion of your tax dollars has been set aside for this voucher scam

So buckle up, pull out your wallet, and prepare to donate to the wealthy. If you want you can call Senator Middleton to voice. your opinion about the Welfare for the Wealthy bill at (512) 463-0111.

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Posted by johncoby

After Elon Musk’s Nazi salute NASA to stop all SpaceX funding

January 26, 2025

#FAFO

Throwing the Nazi salute to trump supporters has consequences. This should have happened a long time ago because of the multiple RUDs (Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly), or as NASA engineers call it, “explosions” to his vehicles. Eventually you have to stop blowing up vehicles and learn how to stop blowing up vehicles. But I digress.

According to a NASA Press Release:
“NASA has always been an organization dedicated to hiring the best and brightest of Americans to lead the country, safely, into space. We are a diverse organization and have never tolerated racism, sexism, or antisemitism in our workforce. Elon Musk’s Nazi salute is not only repulsive it violates every policy at NASA concerning the treatment of our employees. Because of this NASA will cease to fund SpaceX activities.”

Throwing the Nazi salute is a show of support of trump, facism, of Hitler’s attack on Jews, gays, non christians, and other minorities. The attacks of the Hitler regime were a display of the worst of humanity. Those who throw the Nazi sign do so with intent. They do it with purpose. The NASA Press Release continues:
“We will not tolerate this behavior. Either Elon Musk disassociates himself from SpaceX or we will immediately cease all funding for future flights and/or experiments. This is not negotiable.”

UPDATE: NASA has issued an update on this situation after trump appointed an interim NASA Administrator:

“After further review we have decided to rescind our threat of pulling funding. Without DEI we will be forced to hire unqualified white people which does not include Jews. So this is no longer an issue. Heil, mein Führer!”

Welcome to Satire Sunday.

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Posted by johncoby

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