The meeting opened with a few remarks from Jerry  Peruchini from the Harris County Latino Outreach Committee.  They are starting early to contact the many Latinos in Harris County.  They are looking for volunteers to block walk and to make phone calls.

 Joyce introduced our speaker, Ericka Barber from the Texas Veterans Committee.  She described the work she does assisting vets with information on education, employment, and the filing of claims.  She mentioned the Hazelwood Act, which assists vets financially in attending state schools.  Several members praised the VA Hospital System.  Also the transition system which prepares Vets who are re-entering the private sector.

Several people were mentioned as possible speakers for the near future, including Al Green, Mike Laster, and Milton Winebrenner.  Immigration is a possible subject for a forum in January.

Our next meeting will be June 19 at  IHOP.  Members will be called this time, due to the change in our meeting place.

Joe Mumbach discussed the possibility of a new form of taxation through the Sharpstown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone that would apply to residences.  He will look into it further.  Our group would be against such a proposal.

Bert Anson announced a training session to be held at Pappas on June 12 for Democratic activists and precinct chairs.  All our welcome.

Respectfully submitted,

Sylvie Adams for Mary Haper