Texas Tells

“I can’t believe this is America.”  “I have disappointed Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.”  A New York Times three-part series is bringing much needed attention to the dangers of forced arbitration. This month, we asked arbitration expert Paul Bland how Americans are losing their constitutional rights in the fine print of their most innocuous transactions.  

State and local officials are evaluating the legality and appropriateness of a special deal with Travis County prosecutors and Texas Mutual, the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurer. But, this is not the insurers’ first attempt to tilt Justice’s scales. This month, we talked to Texas AFL-CIO Secretary- Treasurer Rick Levy about the issues plaguing Texas’ workers’ compensation system and how workers can fight in a system seemingly stacked against them.

After a year of record rainfall and flooding for the Lone Star State, Hurricane Season 2015 will reach its peak this month. Seven storms have already rocked the Atlantic, resulting in 51 casualties and almost 400 million in property damage. This month, we spoke to Executive Director Alex Winslow and Deputy Director Ware Wendell about preparing for hurricane season and how to rebuild after a disaster.

Last week, Blue Bell announced the return of its products after a three month halt in production due to listeria contamination. While many Texans rejoiced on Twitter, not all consumers are rushing to get that familiar wooden spoon in hand. Reports over the past few months reveal that Blue Bell knew of the listeria contamination as far back as 2013 and the ice cream is now connected to 10 illnesses and 3 deaths. This month we talked to food safety attorney Bill Marler about the steps Blue Bell took leading up to the listeria outbreak and its long journey back into the public’s good graces.  

Episode Six: This month, we’re sifting through the end of the good ol’ days for Blue Bell Creameries. It all started with a Blue Bell country cookie sandwich, which tested positive for the bacteria listeria this February. Since then, the ice cream company has recalled all of its products, but not before infecting 10 customers with listeriosis and killing three. Now, FDA reports show that Blue Bell factories tested positive for the dangerous bacteria as far back as 2012 and has been making customers sick since 2010. We’ll talk to Dr. Jay Neal, a food safety professor at the University of Houston, about Blue Bell’s steps before and after the outbreak. Then, Houston Press journalist Dianna Wray spoke to us about the company’s extensive lay offs and the impact on Blue Bell’s hometown of Brenham.  

  This week on “Texas Tells” we’re going through the highs and lows of the 84th Legislative Session. We’ll speak to Texas Watch’s Executive Director Alex Winslow about the fight to preserve policyholder protections, working towards a Safe Texas, and his thoughts on the session.

Episode Four: The bill that burdens business. This month on Texas Tells, we spoke to Texas business owners about the Insurance Immunity Act or SB1628. The bill, which erodes crucial policyholder protections against low, slow, or no payment tactics by insurance companies, passed out of the Senate this week. In this month’s interview, Pampa hardware store owner Harold Price speaks out against the bill, arguing that it would shutter businesses across the state.

Episode three: How do Texans rebuild in the wake of catastrophe? After devastating storms ravage their homes, businesses, and churches, many Texans faced a second storm: dealing with their insurance company. This month, we talked to policyholders about SB1628, the insurance industry’s effort to erode the last line of defense for policyholders against low, slow, or no payments on their valid claims. Then Executive Director Alex Winslow explains how the bill could negatively impact all Texans.

Episode two: Where did all the local control go? This week we’ll talk to Harris County Environmental Attorney Rock Owens and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins about preserving the right of local authorities to police their own communities without interference from state officials. CORRECTION: In the pollution claim against International Paper and its subsidiaries, Harris County brought the suit, not the City of Houston.

Created by citizen advocacy organization Texas Watch,“Texas Tells” broadcasts the untold stories of Texas families and consumers. The monthly podcast seeks to educate and empower Texans through citizen profiles, updates on state government action, and interviews with local officials. Episode one: How has so-called tort “reform” affected our 7th amendment right to a trial by jury? Texas Watch’s Ware Wendell will talk to us about that fundamental right, faith, free enterprise, and the founding fathers.