State of Texas Archives: on Welfare & Poverty
David Alameel:
I started out very very poor, and I don't forget it
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is still waiting to find out whom he'll face in the November general election. In a May 27 primary runoff, Democrats will choose between Dallas dental center mogul David Alameel and
Kesha Rogers, a Lyndon LaRouche disciple whom state Democratic leaders have shunned.KUT News spoke with Alameel about why he's running for Senate: "It's because I'm very very passionate about the working family.
I myself started out very very poor, and I was working for a living at very very low pay for half of my life. And I became successful in the second half of my life. And so I don't forget how poor we were.
And how important it is to have a good job, good education, to be able to have that opportunity to achieve the American dream the way I did."
Source: The Texas Tribune on 2014 Texas Senate debate
May 8, 2014
David Alameel:
I don't see upward mobility for the middle class
Alameel [exhibited anti-Wall Street rhetoric ] in an interview slamming Democrats and Republicans for being in the grip of corporate America: "I don't see upward mobility for the middle class. Our economy used to be the envy of the world and
the American dream was alive and well, because our leaders didn't bow to Wall Street," Alameel said. "I would like to make sure that we change the direction of our government and free our government from the domination of Wall Street."
Source: Washington Post on 2014 Texas Senate race
May 27, 2014
Deirdre Gilbert:
Responsibility to serve the citizenry: "ALL" and not "SOME"
Q: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?- The value of freedom is the foundation that gives all of us the ability to live as we choose.
framework that establishes that "ALL" deserve respect. Respect for human dignity plays a crucial role in attaining a more peaceful and sustainable world. Our lives have an unimpeachable value simply because "WE" are human.
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In a democracy, the principle of accountability holds that those that have been given authority, the responsibility to serve the citizenry. That responsibility must have morally based obligations and duties to "ALL" and not "SOME."
Source: Ballotpedia Q&A survey on 2022 Texas Gubernatorial race
Sep 22, 2022
Joaquin Castro:
Job training & childcare subsidies for welfare recipients
Castro indicates support of the following principles regarding welfare.- Support increased work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients.
- Increase funding for employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
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Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
- Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to extend health and child care subsidies to the working poor.
Source: Texas 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2006
John Cornyn:
Hand-up for citizens, not merely a hand-out
Government must provide a "hand-up" for citizens, not merely a "hand-out." The best gifts government can give to citizens are the ability and skills to improve their own lives.I support the reauthorization of our nation's welfare laws.
We must continue to ensure that the neediest Americans receive assistance in caring for their families while they work to achieve independence.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2014 Texas Senate incumbents
Oct 25, 2014
Steve Stockman:
1990s: Homeless in Fort Worth's Water Gardens park
In 1994, Stockman ran for office as a political novice, with a bootstrap story that began with his time living in Fort Worth's Water Gardens park ("I called myself 'Max,'?" he told the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1995, "because I figured this was
the maximum I could go down.") He managed to unseat Jack Brooks (D-Tex.), a longtime congressman, in one of the biggest surprises of Newt Gingrich's Republican rout.
Source: Washington Post on 2014 Texas Senate race
Jan 4, 2014
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026