Tag Archive for 'state'

Texas State Library and Archives Commission Launches Statewide Effort to Improve Internet Access in Texas Public Libraries

Published on February 4, 2012 in Warren Buffett Gallery. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

San Antonio, TX (Vocus) October 9, 2009

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission assembled nearly 200 public library leaders, community supporters, broadband providers, and local and state leaders for the Texas Opportunity Online Broadband Summit, on Thursday, October 8, 2009, in San Antonio, to discuss how to improve and sustain high quality Internet access in the Texas public libraries. The Texas Opportunity Online Broadband Summit provides an opportunity to understand the value of community partnerships and the possibilities of technology as well as in-depth discussion about possible connectivity solutions and next steps necessary to reach improved connectivity speed.

Currently, more than 200 Texas public library systems lack Internet connections fast enough to meet the most basic needs of patrons, and many more report speeds that are inadequate to meet the true demand of their community. Ironically, some of these public libraries offer the only technology lifeline to their communities.

This is the first of two Texas summits that is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of its pilot Opportunity Online broadband grant program. Texas, along with six other states, has been invited to participate. The grant program supports public libraries as they seek to improve their broadband connectivity and calls for a broadband sustainability strategy, to be developed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, to ensure that public libraries continue to improve and maintain adequate connectivity for patrons.

The summit included a comprehensive analysis of Texas current broadband climate and the future of technology access in Texas public libraries. Stephen Abram, a library futurist, spoke about future library services and applications driven by technology that will influence how Americans use computers and the Internet, and why reliable, sustainable broadband connections in libraries will be essential to ensure library patrons can use these programs to improve their lives.

Keynote speaker Graham Richard, former mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana and partner of public libraries, highlighted the importance of public and private partnerships on the local and state level to prioritize funding for improved connectivity in public libraries.

Peggy Rudd, Texas State Library and Archives Commissions director and librarian, led the summit and represented the agency.

Every day we are reminded of the value of Texas public libraries, Rudd said. Todays public libraries provide traditional services, but a growing number of patrons depend on library Internet access to apply for jobs, further their education, run businesses or stay connected with families and friends. This summit and grant program will help better meet these increasing personal and community needs by improving library connection speeds.

Building on dialogue and ideas generated at the summit, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is currently working with an advisory groupincluding Commissioner Todd Staples of the Texas Department of Agriculture, former Governor Mark White, Texas State Library and Archives Commission Chairman Sandra J. Pickett – to develop a strategy to increase and sustain broadband connections in all Texas public libraries. Texas State Library and Archives Commission will now work with libraries across the state to support their Internet connectivity upgrade and create a long-term state sustainability strategy.

The summit highlights the vital role libraries play in connecting communities to information and knowledge through technology, said Jill Nishi, deputy director of U.S. Libraries at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. What is needed now is long-term collaboration among government, business, communities, and library leaders to ensure that public libraries can continue to provide the high-speed Internet access their patrons need to improve their lives and thrive.

Connected Nation worked closely with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to support the event development and execution. For more information about the Texas Opportunity Online Summit, please visit http://www.opportunityonline.org/snapshots/texas/ or contact us at 1-866-882-3081 or tx1summit (at) opportunityonline.org.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation:

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all peopleespecially those with the fewest resourceshave access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. More information is available at http://www.gatesfoundation.org.

About the Texas State Library and Archives Commission:

The mission of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is to preserve the record of government for public scrutiny, to secure and make accessible historically significant records and other valuable resources, to meet the reading needs of Texans with disabilities, to build and sustain statewide partnerships to improve library programs and services, and to enhance the capacity for achievement of individuals and institutions with whom we work. Since 1909, TSLAC has carried out a commitment of making information work for all Texans by providing history and genealogical services, federal and state government documents, electronic research, and library services. TSLAC is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. For more information, go to http://www.tsl.state.tx.us or email pio (at) tsl.state.tx.us.

About Connected Nation:

Connected Nation is a national nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that expands access to and use of broadband Internet and the related technologies that are enabled when individuals and communities have the opportunity and desire to connect. Connected Nation effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and related technologies by developing coalitions of influencers and enablers for improving technology availability and use. Connected Nation works with consumers, community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered around a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. Connected Nation is also working with technology leaders to implement Every Citizen OnlineSM, a public-private partnership program to enable computer ownership and broadband use in low-income and unconnected homes. For more information about Connected Nation, visit http://www.connectednation.org.

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Warren Buffett sings I’ve Been Working On The Railroad for Chinese state television

Published on January 29, 2012 in Warren Buffett Articles. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Warren Buffett sings I’ve Been Working On The Railroad while strumming a ukelele for Chinese state television (CCTV) as part of their New Year Gala. Clip from CNBC’s Squawk On The Street. Please Note: The content of this video is the copyright of its respective owners and does not belong to me. This has been uploaded for entertainment purposes only.

Texas State Library and Archives Commission Hosts Second Summit to Improve Internet Access in Texas Public Libraries

Published on January 27, 2012 in Warren Buffett Gallery. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , .


San Antonio, TX (Vocus) November 20, 2009

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission assembled more than 270 public library leaders, community supporters, broadband providers, and local and state leaders for Texas second Opportunity Online Broadband Summit on November 18 -19, 2009, in San Antonio, to discuss how to improve and sustain high speed Internet access in the Texas public libraries.

Summit participants had the opportunity to build upon the work from the previous summit to further ensure that all Texas public libraries have a meaningful broadband connection. The Texas Opportunity Online Broadband Summit provides an opportunity to understand the value of community partnerships and the possibilities of technology as well as in-depth discussion about possible connectivity solutions and next steps necessary to reach improved connectivity speed.

Currently, more than 200 Texas public library systems lack Internet connections fast enough to meet the most basic needs of patrons, and many more report speeds that are inadequate to meet the true demand of their community. Ironically, some of these public libraries offer the only technology lifeline to their communities.

Both Texas summits were sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of its pilot Opportunity Online broadband grant program. Texas, along with six other states, was invited to participate. The grant program supports public libraries as they seek to improve their broadband connectivity and calls for a broadband sustainability strategy, to be developed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, to ensure that public libraries continue to improve and maintain adequate connectivity for patrons

The summit included a comprehensive analysis of Texas current broadband climate and the future of technology access in Texas public libraries. Stephen Abram, a library futurist, spoke about future library services and applications driven by technology that will influence how Americans use computers and the Internet, and why reliable, sustainable broadband connections in libraries will be essential to ensure library patrons can use these programs to improve their lives.

Keynote speaker Graham Richard, former mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana and partner of public libraries, highlighted the importance of public and private partnerships on the local and state level to prioritize funding for improved connectivity in public libraries.

Peggy Rudd, Texas State Library and Archives Commissions director and state librarian, led the summit and represented the agency.

Every day we are reminded of the value of Texas public libraries, Rudd said. Todays public libraries continue to provide traditional services, but a growing number of patrons depend on library Internet access to apply for jobs, further their education, run businesses or stay connected with families and friends. This summit and grant program will help meet these increasing personal and community needs better by improving library connection speeds.

Building on dialogue and ideas generated at the summit, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is currently working with an advisory group including Commissioner Todd Staples of the Texas Department of Agriculture, former Governor Mark White, and Texas State Library and Archives Commission Chairman Sandra J. Pickett to develop a strategy to increase and sustain broadband connections in all Texas public libraries. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission will now work with libraries across the state to support their Internet connectivity upgrade and create a long-term state sustainability strategy.

The summit highlights the vital role libraries play in connecting communities to information and knowledge through technology, said Jill Nishi, deputy director of U.S. Libraries at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. What is needed now is long-term collaboration among government, business, communities, and library leaders to ensure that public libraries can continue to provide the high-speed Internet access their patrons need to improve their lives and thrive.

Connected Nation worked closely with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to support the event development and execution. For more information about the Texas Opportunity Online Summit, please contact 1-866-882-3081 or tx2summit@opportunityonline.org.

Photo Information:

OO1: Margarita Dominguez of the Hill County Telephone Coop leads a table discussion on sustainable broadband and the role of emerging technology. She is joined by (L to R) Merla Watson, Library Director, Dickens County Spur Public Library; and Joyce Howze, Spur Main Street Program.

OO2: Peggy Rudd, Director and Librarian of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission opens a panel discussion moderated by Jim Nelson former Kentucky State Librarian and Commissioner of the Department for Libraries and Archives, KDLA. Panelists (L to R) include Jim Nelson; Dr. Phil Turner; Anne Barker, Director of Nacogdoches Public Library; and Karen Vargas, MLS, National Network of Librarians of Medicine, South Central Region.

OO3: Former Texas Governor Mark White speaks with Peggy Rudd, Director and Librarian of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and other Opportunity Online summit attendees.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people especially those with the fewest resources have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. More information is available at http://www.gatesfoundation.org.

About the Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The mission of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission is to preserve the record of government for public scrutiny, to secure and make accessible historically significant records and other valuable resources, to meet the reading needs of Texans with disabilities, to build and sustain statewide partnerships to improve library programs and services, and to enhance the capacity for achievement of individuals and institutions with whom we work. Since 1909, TSLAC has carried out a commitment of making information work for all Texans by providing history and genealogical services, federal and state government documents, electronic research, and library services. TSLAC is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. For more information, go to http://www.tsl.state.tx.us or e-mail pio@tsl.state.tx.us.

About Connected Nation

Connected Nation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that expands access to and use of broadband Internet and the related technologies that are enabled when individuals and communities have the opportunity and desire to connect. Connected Nation effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and related technologies by developing coalitions of influencers and enablers for improving technology availability and use. Connected Nation works with consumers, community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered around a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. Connected Nation is also working with technology leaders to implement Every Citizen OnlineSM, a public-private partnership program to enable computer own

Obama's State of the Union address: Full text

Published on January 27, 2012 in Warren Buffett Word Clouds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Obama's State of the Union address: Full text
As the word cloud indicates, President Obama's hour-long speech of nearly 7000 words covered a broad array of topics on his agenda, centered on what America and Americans need to return to prosperity and a spirit of cooperation.
Read more on CBS News

7 Quotes From Buffett To Make You A Better Value Investor
Last week I read an article by fellow SA writer Tim McAleenan which highlighted several quotes from the great Warren Buffett to make you a better long-term investor. I found this article to be both entertaining, useful, and I believe it was an …
Read more on Seeking Alpha

Which Words Will Live On?
Named for the investor Warren Buffett, who advocates the approach. Also called the Buffett rule. CLOUD MUSIC Personal digital music collections stored on remote servers so that they may be accessed by all of a person's digital devices.
Read more on New York Times

State of Florida – is There Any Way to Avoid a Financial Collapse?

Published on March 18, 2011 in Warren Buffett in the News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

The State of Florida’s financial situation has never been more serious than it is today.

With a projected budget deficit of .3 billion, the State of Florida is one of eight states where a deficit of over billion is expected. The budget shortfall is being blamed on everything from lower collections on documentary stamp taxes from a slumping real estate market to reduced sales taxes on the sale of automobiles. Dramatic reductions in tourism, consumer spending, and corporate income have all led to lower sales and corporate taxes. And in particular, for the first time in decades there are fewer newcomers entering the state.

Florida property taxes are still extremely high. Voters have seen little relief from Amendment 1 passed earlier this year. While taxable home values have come down due to the collapse of the Florida real estate market, this has been more than offset by higher tax rates and an increase in taxes that are not based on the value of the home. The net result is that Floridians still face staggering Florida Property tax bills – even in a depressed real estate market.

Florida homeowners insurance is still expensive and hard to find. Legislation passed in 2007 put much of the risk of a major Florida hurricane on the backs of Florida taxpayers. The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund offered cheap reinsurance to insurance companies in exchange for taking on billion in additional risk. Now the Cat fund says that it doesn’t have the borrowing capacity to meet its obligations – estimating a possible shortfall of up to billion.

The State of Florida was so concerned about the inability of the Cat fund to raise money to cover a major hurricane earlier this year that it paid Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Company 4 million. In return, Buffett’s company guaranteed that the state would be able to raise billion in bond debt if a major hurricane produced enough damage to trigger the Cat fund.

The situation at the state run insurance company in Florida – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation isn’t much better. Citizens Property Insurance has some of the highest risk homes in Florida and doesn’t collect enough in premiums for the risk that it takes. It has 3 billion of property exposure on its books with a billion surplus on hand to pay claims.

Policyholders of Citizens face two issues. First there is the risk that Citizens can’t meet its primary claim obligations for lower level storms because of its own trouble raising cash in the bond market. Second, once losses reach a certain level, Citizens will look to the Cat fund for reimbursement after a series of major Florida storms – a fund that just might not have the cash needed by Citizens.

While all of these developments in Florida are serious, there is really nothing new about a government that doesn’t live within its means and takes on obligations that it doesn’t have the cash on hand to meet.

What is new and should send shockwaves across Florida is the fact that the state cannot borrow in today’s bond markets the way it has been able to in the past. In effect, the State of Florida has maxed out its credit card.

Why is it so hard for states like Florida to borrow in the current bond markets?

Issuing bonds used to be easy for state and local governments. The process was straight forward, and very few people paid any attention to it. That’s changed since the failure of the subprime mortgage market.

Despite a very low bond default rate, it is very difficult to attract bond investors these days. Companies that used to insure new bond issues have had their ratings downgraded. That’s made the bond market less liquid and less attractive to investors. And it makes states like Florida have to offer higher payments for interest and principal in order to sell out a bond issue.

With severe revenue shortages and a frozen bond market all Floridians should be demanding that the state keep tightening its belt. That process is already underway. But you should also expect strong resistance to spending cuts from those who believe that there is no such thing as too much government.

These groups will demand that Florida lawmakers increase taxes rather than making additional cuts in spending. Don’t underestimate where this could lead. Many items that are currently exempt from Florida sales tax could suddenly be taxable in this crisis environment. Expanding the sales tax could lead to new taxes on everything from Internet sales to various types of consulting services. All of which would dramatically increase our own cost of living and make it that much harder for Florida to emerge from this recession.

And never underestimate the chance that Florida lawmakers will deal the final death blow to the state – instituting a state income tax.

It is up to all of us to make sure that never happens!

If there is one lesson that all governments need to learn during the current financial crisis it is this – there is nothing wrong with the “pay as you go” system. It will always stand the test of time no matter how shaky the bond markets are.

Michael Letcher is licensed Certified Public Accountant and a former executive with Bank of America and W.R. Grace. Florida residents use his on line database to find alternatives to Citizens Property Insurance for their home insurance in Florida. Subscribe to his free monthly newsletter and get the truth about Citizens Property Insurance by visiting => http://www.homeinsurancebuyers.org


Article from articlesbase.com

State gives tax incentive to BNSF

Published on May 21, 2010 in Warren Buffett in the News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

State gives tax incentive to BNSF
EDGERTON — An often-delayed and controversial freight hub proposed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad got a boost from the state Legislature, which passed a tax incentive provision to speed up construction of the project. read more

Read more on The Topeka Capital-Journal

State of Florida – is There Any Way to Avoid a Financial Collapse?

Published on May 11, 2010 in Warren Buffett Articles. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

The State of Florida’s financial situation has never been more serious than it is today.

With a projected budget deficit of $2.3 billion, the State of Florida is one of eight states where a deficit of over $1 billion is expected. The budget shortfall is being blamed on everything from lower collections on documentary stamp taxes from a slumping real estate market to reduced sales taxes on the sale of automobiles. Dramatic reductions in tourism, consumer spending, and corporate income have all led to lower sales and corporate taxes. And in particular, for the first time in decades there are fewer newcomers entering the state.

Florida property taxes are still extremely high. Voters have seen little relief from Amendment 1 passed earlier this year. While taxable home values have come down due to the collapse of the Florida real estate market, this has been more than offset by higher tax rates and an increase in taxes that are not based on the value of the home. The net result is that Floridians still face staggering Florida Property tax bills – even in a depressed real estate market.

Florida homeowners insurance is still expensive and hard to find. Legislation passed in 2007 put much of the risk of a major Florida hurricane on the backs of Florida taxpayers. The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund offered cheap reinsurance to insurance companies in exchange for taking on $12 billion in additional risk. Now the Cat fund says that it doesn’t have the borrowing capacity to meet its obligations – estimating a possible shortfall of up to $15 billion.

The State of Florida was so concerned about the inability of the Cat fund to raise money to cover a major hurricane earlier this year that it paid Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Company $224 million. In return, Buffett’s company guaranteed that the state would be able to raise $4 billion in bond debt if a major hurricane produced enough damage to trigger the Cat fund.

The situation at the state run insurance company in Florida – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation isn’t much better. Citizens Property Insurance has some of the highest risk homes in Florida and doesn’t collect enough in premiums for the risk that it takes. It has $433 billion of property exposure on its books with a $4 billion surplus on hand to pay claims.

Policyholders of Citizens face two issues. First there is the risk that Citizens can’t meet its primary claim obligations for lower level storms because of its own trouble raising cash in the bond market. Second, once losses reach a certain level, Citizens will look to the Cat fund for reimbursement after a series of major Florida storms – a fund that just might not have the cash needed by Citizens.

While all of these developments in Florida are serious, there is really nothing new about a government that doesn’t live within its means and takes on obligations that it doesn’t have the cash on hand to meet.

What is new and should send shockwaves across Florida is the fact that the state cannot borrow in today’s bond markets the way it has been able to in the past. In effect, the State of Florida has maxed out its credit card.

Why is it so hard for states like Florida to borrow in the current bond markets?

Issuing bonds used to be easy for state and local governments. The process was straight forward, and very few people paid any attention to it. That’s changed since the failure of the subprime mortgage market.

Despite a very low bond default rate, it is very difficult to attract bond investors these days. Companies that used to insure new bond issues have had their ratings downgraded. That’s made the bond market less liquid and less attractive to investors. And it makes states like Florida have to offer higher payments for interest and principal in order to sell out a bond issue.

With severe revenue shortages and a frozen bond market all Floridians should be demanding that the state keep tightening its belt. That process is already underway. But you should also expect strong resistance to spending cuts from those who believe that there is no such thing as too much government.

These groups will demand that Florida lawmakers increase taxes rather than making additional cuts in spending. Don’t underestimate where this could lead. Many items that are currently exempt from Florida sales tax could suddenly be taxable in this crisis environment. Expanding the sales tax could lead to new taxes on everything from Internet sales to various types of consulting services. All of which would dramatically increase our own cost of living and make it that much harder for Florida to emerge from this recession.

And never underestimate the chance that Florida lawmakers will deal the final death blow to the state – instituting a state income tax.

It is up to all of us to make sure that never happens!

If there is one lesson that all governments need to learn during the current financial crisis it is this – there is nothing wrong with the “pay as you go” system. It will always stand the test of time no matter how shaky the bond markets are.

Michael Letcher is licensed Certified Public Accountant and a former executive with Bank of America and W.R. Grace. Florida residents use his on line database to find alternatives to Citizens Property Insurance for their home insurance in Florida. Subscribe to his free monthly newsletter and get the truth about Citizens Property Insurance by visiting => http://www.homeinsurancebuyers.org

Feds would rescue a state, Buffett says

Published on May 7, 2010 in Warren Buffett in the News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Feds would rescue a state, Buffett says
Warren Buffett said the U.S. would probably feel compelled to rescue a state facing default after the government committed $700 billion to bail out financial firms and automakers.

Read more on Tacoma News Tribune