Gov. Perry Takes a Major Step in Securing the Integrity of the Electoral Process
Signs legislation requiring voters to present photo ID at polling places
Friday, May 27, 2011
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/16189/
Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 14, which requires voters to present photo identification at a polling place. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, House Speaker Joe Straus, Sen. Troy Fraser, Rep. Patricia Harless, and other state lawmakers for the signing ceremony.
“The right to vote is simply too important for us to take the act of voting lightly,” Gov. Perry said. “Today with the signing of this bill, we take a major step forward in securing the integrity of the ballot box and protecting the most cherished right we enjoy as citizens.”
Governor Rick Perry Implements Texas Radio Communications Interoperability Plan - for Enhanced Protection at Border Locations (2005 - 2006)
Gov. Perry Praises Progress of Statewide Radio Communications Capabilities (2007)
http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/2258/
(Excerpt)
Gov. Rick Perry today praised the progress of the state’s radio communications capabilities. At the governor’s direction, local officials have worked with the state’s 24 regional councils of government to help Texas reach a key milestone in radio communications interoperability. Perry also reiterated his support for HB 13 and Rep. David Swinford’s effort to dedicate $100 million to Texas border security efforts.
One of the key recommendations of the 9/11 Commission is to ensure that when disaster strikes, first responders are able to communicate. A network of interoperable radio systems is a vital component to a swift, coordinated disaster response strategy. Two years ago, Perry set forth an ambitious priority objective to achieve level four radio interoperability throughout Texas by January 2007.
“Radio interoperability in Texas is particularly challenging because of its size and geographic diversity,”Perry said. “As a result of local leadership, I am proud to report to you today that Texas has achieved level four radio interoperability throughout the state, and in some areas, it is as high as level six.”
Level four radio interoperability allows fire fighters, emergency medical responders, police officers, deputy sheriffs and state troopers to go anywhere in the state and have immediate radio communications with each other using their own equipment on established channels.
“The importance of achieving this goal was demonstrated last year when first responders from around the state battled devastating wildfires and floods, and for the first time, were able to communicate with one another using their own radios to coordinate their efforts,”Perry said.
Perry also reiterated his support for HB 13 by Rep. Swinford which will increase border security funding by $100 million. Texas has launched several major border security operations, beginning with Operation Linebacker in 2005, Operation Rio Grande in 2006, and most recently and still ongoing, Operation Wrangler
(End of Excerpt)
***
See the Texas Radio Communications Interoperability Plan for Region 49 HERE:
http://www.region49.org/PDF/TRCIP.pdf