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Garland
JOURNAL www.garlandjournal.com
Justice for
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John Wiley Price and Dapheny Fain
See page 4
www.garlandjournal.com
VOL XVI ISSUE 20
Johnson blasts Another unarmed black youth to be eulogized Balch Springs police officer fired passage AHCA Act passes by slim vote in Congress, Now on to Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement after the passage of the American Health Care Act: “Today’s vote for the Trumpcare bill is disgraceful and hurtful to the American people. This Republican-led bill did not afford the Congresswoman Eddie Bernice American people Johnson (D-TX) time to hear debate while lacking transparency. “We also never received an official score from the Congressional Budget Office stating how many Americans would be negatively impacted and the amount of money it will cost the nation.� Republican representatives who voted against the AHCA Andy Biggs - Arizona’s 5th District Mike Coffman - Colorado’s 6th District Barbara Comstock - Virginia’s 10th District Ryan Costello - Pennsylvania’s 6th District Charlie Dent - Pennsylvania’s 15th District Dan Donovan - New York’s 11’s District Brian Fitzpatrick - Pennsylvania’s 8th District Jaime Herrera Beutler - Washington’s 3rd District Will Hurd - Texas’s 23rd District Walter Jones - North Carolina’s 3rd District David Joyce - Ohio’s 14th District John Katko - New York’s 24th District Leonard Lance - New Jersey’s 7th District Frank LoBiondo - New Jersey’s 2nd District Thomas Massie - Kentucky’s 4th District Patrick Meehan - Pennsylvania’s 7th District Dave Reichert - Washington’s 8th District Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - Florida’s 27th District Chris Smith - New Jersey’s 4th District Michael Turner - Ohio’s 10th District
Congresswoman Johnson, among the group of all Democrats who voted against ACHA, continued, “What happened today has stripped away the basic fundamental right of health care for everyone. My office received numerous calls from constituents in the 30th district, health care professionals and health care advocates opposing this bill. Additionally there seems to still be a divide because there were a number of my Republican colleagues who opposed this bill as well. “This bill is not perfect and it is our job as elected officials to represent the bests interests of the American people. So we should not be supporting or applauding the passage of this most recent bill when it makes coverage unaffordable to those with pre-existing conditions and imposes an age tax on seniors who are the most vulnerable.� She concluded, “Unfortunately, an opportunity was wasted to really work together to address the current issues of the Affordable Care Act, but it will be up to the Senate to take up this bill. I urge my Senate colleagues to act with humility and do their due diligence to safeguard health care affordability and coverage for everyone.�
From Staff Reports Another child becomes identified by a hashtag following the murder of 15-yearold Jordan Edwards who was killed by Balch Springs police officer, Roy Brooks. Police Chief Jonathan Haber, fired the officer after an internal investigation revealed that several departmental polices had been violated. It seems Jordan, his brothers and friends were leaving an end-of-the-school-year party when Officer Brooks fired into the vehicle. According to a statement from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, chaired by State Rep. Helen Giddings, (D-Dallas), members have filed legislation this session to prevent similar incidents in the future. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson spoke to the family and community-at-large, about the shooting. “I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatal shooting of Jordan Edwards,� said Congresswoman Johnson. “I offer my thoughts and prayers to the Edwards family and to the entire community, who all have suffered a painful loss. “I have spoken with Dallas County Sheriff, Lupe Valdez and Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson regarding this incident. Both Sheriff Valdez and Judge Johnson said they have already started to conduct separate but fair, independent and thorough investigations in their own right. I will continue to receive details as their re-
Jordan Edwards
Officer Roy Oliver
arate investigations to preserve the trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.� District Attorney Faith Johnson said, The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office’s Public Integrity Unit includes a specialized group of experienced attorneys and investigators. The Civil Rights Team responds to all officer involved shootings in Dallas County to conduct an impartial and independent investigation. “As such, the Dallas County District At-
continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers as we move forward expeditiously, with a commitment to justice andtransparency.� Next Generation Action Network leader Min. Dominque Alexander said the organization’s leadership plans to meet with local and statewide leadership, including the Dallas County District Attorney, to discuss requests on how the affected parties would like to see the case unfold and move forward.
Min. Dominique Alexander DA Faith Johnson
spective investigations unfold.� Johnson concluded, “It is also imperative that we aggressively pursue these two sep-
Rev. Michael Waters
Rep. Helen Giddings
torney’s Office is investigating the death of Jordan Edwards,� she said. “We offer our sincere condolences to Jordan’s family and will
Rep. Eric Johnson
“NGAN recognizes and acknowledges the untimely death of Jordan Edwards as
See EDWARDS, page 3
Hamilton Park Community recognized The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized The Hamilton Park Community as a significant part of Texas history by awarding an Official Texas Historical Marker though the Undertold Marker Fund program. The designation honors The Hamilton Park Community as an important and educational part of local history. A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event, and officially unveil the historical marker will be Saturday May 13 at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet at 2p.m. Speakers include Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Theresa Daniel, and George Keaton Jr., Executive Director of Remembering Black
Dallas. The Hamilton Park Civic League, Dallas City Councilmember Adam McGough, and the Richardson Independent School District invites the public to share in and witness this exciting historical event. “We must remember and remind future generations of the stories and the struggles that got us to where we are,� McGough said. Hamilton Park and the people who have called it home for generations deserve this honor, this marker, and our respect. This is one small, but meaningful step, and we will never forget.� The Undertold Marker Fund Program intends “to address historical gaps, promote diversity of
GARLAND JOURNAL
ADAM McGOUGH Dallas City Council
topics, and proactively document significant underrepresented subjects or undertold stories.� In July 2016, THC Commissioners selected The Hamilton Park Community as one of 15 historical topics to receive an Official
Texas Historical Marker paid for through the Marker Application Fund Undertold Program. “The Official Texas Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures and the importance of their preservation,� said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe. “Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our State’s history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural resources,� Wolfe said. Texas has the largest marker program in the United States with approximately 15,000 markers,
See HAMILTON, page 3