BBB Scam Alert: Investment Scams Cost Texas Residents

April 2, 2024 By

Within the first two months of 2024, Texas residents have reported nearly $500,000 lost to
investment scams to BBB Scam Tracker, with many reports detailing new promotional
tactics scammers are using that encourage investors to participate in the scheme. By
framing an investment opportunity with ‘New Year’ discounts on service, withdrawal, and
tax fees, some Texas residents have lost more than $100,000 and cannot recover their
funds. BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report found investment and cryptocurrency scams
are the No. 1 riskiest scam North American consumers encountered last year. 80% of people
who were targeted by this scam lost money with a median loss of $3,800.

Investment scams are not modern inventions, but many new technologies are making it
easier than ever for anyone to enter the investment scene, opening countless opportunities
for legitimate and fraudulent traders. Using the reach and engagement of social media, con
artists create highly engaging content and position themselves as an expert source of
information, capitalizing on confusing financial terms and unclear processes. Some of the
primary sources scammers use to find a potential target include:

 Canvasing social media community groups that focus on investments or
cryptocurrencies and proactively contact people who ask questions.
 Creating short-form video content that demonstrates their successes while investing,
often by showing large bundles of cash or a lavish lifestyle.
 Establishing a romantic link with a target then directing them to an investment
opportunity, leaning heavily on flattery and disguising their true intentions under the
veil of an online relationship.

Using sophisticated systems designed to appear like legitimate investment dashboards,
scammers mislead their target into believing their initial investment is creating huge
returns. Encouraged by what they can see with their own eyes, investors listen to the
recommendations of the scammer to invest more of their money into the fraudulent fund
with many liquidating financial assets, taking out personal loans, or refinancing their homes.
The assumption is they’ll easily be able to recover once they withdraw their funds.
Unfortunately, when they attempt to withdraw their money, many victims learn that the
‘trader’ is a fraud.

After attempting to withdraw, investors may be charged a series of service, withdrawal, or
tax fees before the money is released to their accounts, and the rates of these charges do
not reflect the promotional offer used when they initially signed up for the service. When the
fees are paid, the scammer disappears with the remaining investment, access to the
dashboard is disabled, and many deactivate the social media accounts they used to initiate
contact. Alternatively, the scammer takes these actions immediately after the withdrawal
request is made without charging additional fees. In some of the costliest cases, the
scammer continually charges progressively higher fees to withdraw, claiming that the total
deposit in the fund must first meet a predetermined level before it can be accessed or that
additional services must be paid.

Consumer Reports:
Houston, Texas – January 2024
“[The trader] told me I could start investing with $200 and would get up to $2,000. He
would help set up my account and manage my trades [with] a 10% company fee off my
profits. I was told to send $200 to a Cash App account, and when the trade was supposedly
over, I was charged $575 to get my profits. When I paid that, I was told I needed to pay
$350 for IRS taxes. At that point, I did not pay any more money and told the person I was
going to report them. They deleted our conversation and blocked me.”

Cedar Park, Texas – February 2024
“They had a group on WhatsApp stating that they would teach you how to trade
cryptocurrency, and you can earn money from it using paired crypto contracts by setting up
an account and downloading a specific app. You can see your money growing in the account,
but once you try to request the funds, they tell you that you must pay a 33% tax fee to
receive the funds. I reluctantly paid it and still did not receive the funds. Eventually, they
told me that there was an error and that I would need to pay $500 to fix it. I stated that
this was a scam and was immediately removed from the group.”

Fort Worth, Texas – January 2024
“Initially approached off TikTok, they claimed there was a guaranteed investment growth of
15%. After the initial investment [of $3,000], I was hit with extortion when it came time to
withdraw the funds. They said I had to pay more to ‘unlock’ my funds to be transferred. I
did this hoping I wasn’t being scammed; I was wrong. They kept every dime I sent and then
ghosted me when I asked too many questions.”

To help Texas residents steer clear of investment scams, Better Business Bureau
recommends investors follow these guidelines:

Don’t fall for high-pressure or scare tactics. If a ‘trader’ contacts you, they may try to
convince you that you will only get high returns if you immediately invest in the fund. Be
wary of anyone using this type of language if you do not have a working relationship and
are confident they are legitimate. If you’ve already provided an initial investment, they may
threaten you with legal action if you do not pay additional fees. Recognize these signs as a
hallmark of a scam and avoid interacting with anyone who relies on high-pressure or scare
tactics.

Be skeptical of guaranteed returns. No legitimate trader can tell the future, and
unforeseen fluctuations in the market can make even the most stable funds have minimized
returns. Investing comes with an inherent risk, and scammers often try to encourage people
to enter the scene by guaranteeing a specific percentage or value that will be returned on
their investment. These tactics revolve around the get-rich-quick scheme and are another
example of – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Do your research. Especially when approached by someone unsolicited via social media,
take the time to research their name, business, or group online to see if anyone else has
encountered issues with them before. Check BBB Scam Tracker for consumer reports and
check if their company is listed, or Accredited, with the organization. BBB Accredited
Businesses are required to adhere to the organization’s Standards for Trust to maintain their
status, and one of the major elements of these standards is responsiveness.
Familiarize yourself with investment terms and processes. Consumers looking to
enter the investment scene are encouraged to familiarize themselves with standard
processes, terms, and systems to give them the knowledge they need to recognize
abnormal interactions. While it is unnecessary to become a financial expert, the ability to
speak conversationally about financial terms can help investors identify impostors and find
the right person for their needs.

If you’ve been a target of an investment scam, report your experience to Better Business
Bureau at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Information provided may prevent another person from
falling for these costly schemes.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, corpus christi jobs, cybersecurity, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Hanna, Investment Property, selling a home, Todd Hunter

February 2024 Heart Health Month

February 4, 2024 By

The month of February is designated as Heart Month. This month strives to educate the
public about the importance of improving heart health. This endeavor aims to help people
identify and understand helpful adjustments that can be made to increase heart health. The term
“heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common
type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack. You can greatly
reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine. There
are several everyday things that we can do in achieving healthier lives for 2024. With this
designation, both the American Heart Association along with the US Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) have put out some great information.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.
Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is that heart disease can
often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.
Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for
people to make healthier choices. National trends show heart disease death rates are declining
more slowly than they have in the past, especially among adults ages 35 to 64. The CDC
Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Million Hearts is focused on letting
younger adults know they are not immune to heart disease, but that they can reduce their risk—at
any age—through lifestyle changes and by managing medical conditions. For more information
and statistics about heart disease visit https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm.

Here are some tips from the CDC to take control of your heart health:
 Find time to be active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
 Make healthy eating a habit. Small changes in your eating habits can make a big
difference. Try making healthier versions of your favorite recipes by looking for ways to
lower sodium and trans-fat. Additionally, try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables.

 Quit tobacco. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products affects nearly every
organ in your body, including your heart. Visit the CDC website for great tips on how to
quit. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-
smoking/index.html?s_cid=OSH_tips_D9385

 Know your numbers. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for
heart disease. Ask your health care team to check your blood pressure and blood
cholesterol levels regularly and help you take steps to control your levels.
 Stick to the “script”. Taking your medications can be tough, especially if you feel fine.
However, focusing on your medication routine is important for managing and controlling
conditions that could put your heart at risk.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is an organization that helps bring heart health
knowledge, leadership, and resources to all levels of government. Whether it is the federal, state,
or local level, the AHA identifies ways of educating the public and develops systems of care that
work to help acute conditions, which will result in helping to improve the patient’s outcomes.
Many of these systems coordinate impacted people to help them recover, while also improving
the cost-effectiveness of their care. These systems of care generally are tailored by more
localized methods that focus on certain regions of the nation and individual states. The
Association uses collected data that helps a seamless transition from each stage of care. It is with
these types of awareness and outreach that they hope will save lives. If you would like to learn
more information about healthy tips on cardiovascular health, you can visit the American Heart
Association’s website at www.heart.org .

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted
at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, Charities, corpus christi business, cybersecurity, home maintenance, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Mortgages, North Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Real Time MLS, realtors, rentals, Restaurants, selling a home, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter

National Epilepsy Awareness Month

November 2, 2023 By

The month of November is recognized as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. In
addition to this, 3.4 million Americans currently live with epilepsy. This means that epilepsy is
not rare and is actually more common than most people think. Since millions of Americans live
with epilepsy, it is important to understand the disease and how it affects people. National
Epilepsy Month is important because it is a time dedicated to learning about epilepsy and raising
awareness about the disease.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition in the brain that triggers seizures. As stated by the
Epilepsy Foundation, “doctors believe that seizures happen when a brain’s uncontrolled increase
of excess electrical activity obstructs its normal functions.” This means that a seizure causes a
short interruption to messages traveling back and forth within the brain. There are two types of
seizures. The first type of seizures are generalized seizures which affect both sides of the brain.
The other type of seizures are focal seizures which are located in just one area of the brain and
are also called partial seizures. A few symptoms of seizures are: temporary confusion, a staring
spell, stiff muscles, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of
consciousness or awareness, psychological symptoms such as fear, and anxiety or deja vu. Once
a person has had two seizures, they are diagnosed with epilepsy.
Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half the people with the condition. In the other
half, the condition may be traced to various factors, including: genetic influence, head trauma,

brain abnormalities, infections, prenatal injury, and developmental disorders such as autism.
Even though there is no distinguishable cause of epilepsy, there are a few risk factors for
someone to develop epilepsy. A few of the risk factors are: age, family history, head injuries,
stroke and other vascular diseases, dementia, brain infections, and seizures in childhood.
For more information about epilepsy, please visit the Epilepsy Foundation’s website
https://www.epilepsy.com/make-difference/public-awareness. Along with this, the CDC is a
fantastic resource to learn more about the risk factors and types of seizures associated with
epilepsy https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/index.html. Additionally, you can visit John Hopkins
Medicine to learn about the treatment options for epilepsy https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Breast Cancer, chamber of commerce, Charities, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi business, corpus christi city council, cybersecurity, Eagle Ford Shale, home maintenance, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, North Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

Breast Cancer Awareness 2023

October 3, 2023 By

Each year, the month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Spearheaded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this annual initiative serves to raise
awareness about breast cancer and offer support to those impacted by the disease. The National
Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 297,790 new cases of breast cancer in 2023. Breast
cancer is also the second most common cancer in women behind skin cancer. Furthermore, 1 in 8
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Given these statistics, I would like to use this
week’s article to share information about breast cancer risks and warning signs as well as the
important role cancer screenings and early detection play in fighting the disease.

Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells grow in the tissue of the breast. These cells
sometimes form into a tumor, which can be felt as a new lump or mass in the breast. While this
new lump, along with other unusual changes, may indicate the presence of cancerous cells,
breast cancer does not always present physical symptoms in the earliest stages of the disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, however, cancer found at an early stage – when it is
small and has not spread – is easier to treat. For this reason, screening exams, such as
mammograms, are key to finding cancers before they start to cause symptoms, known as early
detection.

Breast cancer screenings are recommended for all women beginning after the age of 40.
However, individuals with a higher risk of the disease may need to be screened earlier and more
often. There are several key factors that are used in determining a person’s risk level of
developing breast cancer, such as age, ethnicity, and family history. While some men, especially

those with a genetic history of the disease, have a risk of breast cancer, women represent 99
percent of all breast cancer cases and have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than men.
In addition to this, the American Cancer Society states lifestyle also plays an important role in
determining a person’s risk level. These factors can include weight, alcohol and tobacco use,
physical activity level and diet.

To learn more about this important awareness month, you can visit the National Breast
Cancer Foundation website here: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org . More information about
the National Cancer Institute’s research can be found here: https://www.cancer.gov .
Additionally, for information about the different symptoms and risk factors for breast cancer,
please review the American Cancer Society’s guide here: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-
cancer/about/what-is-breast-cancer.html

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Breast Cancer, home maintenance, Hurricane Relief, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

BBB Scam Alert: How to spot a credit check scam when apartment shopping

September 25, 2023 By

Planning a move this summer? According to multiple BBB Scam Tracker reports, scammers
are using a new twist on fake rental ads to trick potential renters into compromising
sensitive personal information. While credit checks are a routine process many landlords
and rental companies use to evaluate potential renters, fraudulent rental listings are being
used to direct interested tenants to a website that requires personal information to run a
credit check. Unfortunately, the website is a data-mining operation that collects and sells
the information provided to the highest bidder, placing people who use it at an increased
risk of having their identity stolen.

Most often encountered while browsing rental listings online, scammers entice victims by
advertising a rental unit or home at prices significantly lower than what is typically found in
the area. They may claim to represent an established property company or an individual
landowner searching for trustworthy tenants. The listing often includes pictures, videos,
layouts, and other specifics that renters expect to see included in a rental advertisement.
Unfortunately, most of these pictures are either fabricated or stolen from a legitimate
listing, and the supposed landowner quickly disappears after the applicant submits their
information to the credit check website.

One consumer reported to BBB Scam Tracker they “gave my name, address and Social
Security Number to obtain my credit score from this website. I was asked to take a
screenshot of my score and send it to the same address that emailed me the link.
Afterward, I was sent an email with a showing time, but the house number was not listed on
this email or the listing on Craigslist.” All additional attempts to call and email the supposed
landowner went unanswered.

To avoid credit check rental scams, Better Business Bureau recommends renters:
Be wary of lower-than-usual prices. If the rent for an apartment or home is significantly
less than the going market rate for the area, consider it a red flag. Scammers often draw
people in with claims that sound too good to be true. Spend the time to compare the price
with other similar rental properties in the area to make an informed decision.
Do some research. Search the listing online through multiple sources using the associated
phone number, email address or physical address. If you find another listing for the same
property in a different city, you’ve spotted a scam. Reverse image searches can be helpful to
determine if the photos have been stolen from another listing, as well as searching for the
landowner’s name to check if anyone else has encountered a scam when interacting with
them.

Always see the property in person. Many rental scams involve listings for properties that
don’t exist, are vacant lots, or are for sale. Be very wary if the property owner refuses to
disclose the rental property's location before you complete a credit check or pay them a
deposit. If the address provided is for a house that has a ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard, be
cautious because you might not be in contact with the actual owners.
Verify the property owner’s information. Contact a licensed real estate agent to see
who owns a property or check the county’s property appraiser website. Ask the property
owner for a copy of their ID to verify they are who they claim to be before you offer
sensitive information like your Social Security Number for a credit check.

Be cautious about credit check websites. Scammers are well-versed in making websites
appear legitimate and often create fake testimonials and reviews. Use reputable sources to
prove credit history, such as AnnualCreditReport.com or consumer reporting companies
listed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
For more information about how to avoid scams while moving and renting,
visit BBB.org/Moving.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, COVID-19 Virus, cybersecurity, North Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Padre Isles POA, property taxes, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September 4, 2023 By

The month of September is recognized as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. According
to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, ovarian cancer is rare since only 1.1% of women will
be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Yet, it is the number one cause of cancer-related death among
women. Additionally, in 2023 it is estimated that 19,710 women will be diagnosed with ovarian
cancer and of those diagnosed 13,270 women will die. Due to the mortality rate, it is important to
know about ovarian cancer so people can be educated about the risk factors along with the signs.
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is important because it is a time dedicated for
women and the public to gain knowledge about ovarian cancer. This is important because an
increase of public knowledge can lead to earlier diagnoses and hopefully lower the death rate.
Therefore, the purpose of this month is to raise awareness surrounding ovarian cancer which is
sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” This is due to the fact that the symptoms of ovarian
cancer are very similar to other diseases which means women will overlook the signs and they
will not realize they should see a doctor and get tested. As a result of this, the diagnosis for
ovarian cancer is typically confirmed at a later stage. According to the National Ovarian Cancer
Coalition, only 20 percent of ovarian cancer is diagnosed in the early stages.
Since the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to other diseases, it is critical to know
what they are in order to get an early diagnosis. A few of the common symptoms for ovarian
cancer are persistent bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and pelvic or abdominal
pain. Along with these symptoms, the strongest risk factors include increasing age and family

history. Knowing the signs and risk factors of ovarian cancer is important because an early
diagnosis can be lifesaving.
For more information about ovarian cancer, please visit the National Ovarian Cancer
Coalition’s website. https://ovarian.org/about-ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer/
Along with this, radiologyinfo.org is a wonderful resource to learn more about ovarian
cancer, how to prevent it, and how it is diagnosed. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/psa_oc
Additionally, you can visit the American Association for Cancer Research to learn about
the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer. https://www.aacr.org/patients-
caregivers/awareness-months/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Charities, corpus christi jobs, Corpus Christi Schools, COVID-19 Virus, cybersecurity, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, North Padre Island, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter, Whitecap NPI

Ultraviolet Safety Month

July 3, 2023 By

July is designated as National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. According to the
American Cancer Society, individuals with a high level of exposure to UV rays from
the sun have an increased risk of skin cancer, which is the most prevalent type of
cancer in the country. It is important to note that despite these statistics, skin cancer is
also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and can be avoided by reducing one’s
exposure to UV radiation. As such, I would like to share some important information
on the necessary precautions to take in order to safeguard against the damaging effects
of UV radiation this summer as recommended by the United State Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS).

One of the most important ways to protect oneself from overexposure to UV
radiation is to understand the risks. While the sun emits UV rays no matter the season,
exposure is greatest during the summer months, which also coincides with a time of
increased outdoor activity for most people. As one of the most popular tourism
destinations in the state, this is especially true in our area as both locals and visitors
alike spend more time outside participating in recreational activities such as fishing,
kayaking and swimming. It is also important to note that the sun’s UV rays are
strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As such, HHS recommends seeking shade when
possible, during these hours to limit exposure.

Moreover, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
strength of the sun’s UV rays can vary from day to day due to many factors such as
changes in the weather. Limiting outdoor activity during days when the UV Index
forecast is high can also help reduce one’s chance of overexposure. You can check the
UV Index forecast to understand the exposure risks in our area daily by visiting Sun
Safety – The UV Index.

In addition to understanding your risk of exposure to UV radiation, another way
to reduce instances of skin cancer is by wearing protective clothing such as long-
sleeved shirts and pants. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also stated that UV
radiation is linked to many common vision issues such as cataracts. To protect against
damage from UV radiation, both the CDC and HHS recommend wearing broad-
brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.

According to American Cancer Society, wearing sunscreen is one of the most
important precautionary measures to take in avoiding overexposure to the sun’s
harmful UV rays. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends
generously applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to cover all exposed skin, which will
help protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The FDA
also recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) at a value of at
least 15. Sunscreen should be generously applied throughout the day, especially after
swimming and sweating.

This summer, I hope you will all join me in promoting UV safety by following
the recommendations outlined above. To learn more about the ways you can prevent
overexposure to UV radiation, please visit the HHS July UV Safety Month information
visit Fun and Breezy – Summer Safety Tips. To learn more about skin cancer,
including risk factors and early detection techniques, please visit American Cancer
Society.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s
article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel
free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state
agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. My
offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments
(Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be
contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, hispanic chamber of commerce, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Hanna, Hurricane Relief, mustang island, North Padre Island Marina, Padre Island Business Association, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, port aransas, Todd Hunter

National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

June 23, 2023 By

Each year, the month of June is designated as National Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) Awareness Month. This awareness month began as a way to educate communities about
PTSD and provide support and resources to those individuals living with this condition. PTSD is
a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of a life-threatening
event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, or serious accidents. People
who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have
difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged. These symptoms can be severe and can last
long enough to significantly impair the person’s daily life. An estimated 6 percent of Americans
will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran
Affairs, around 4% of men will develop PTSD while 8% of women will develop PTSD which
means women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD.

It is important to recognize that PTSD can affect people from all walks of life and all age
groups. However, our military personnel are disproportionately affected due to their exposure to
potentially traumatic events during combat. Consequently, the US Veterans Administration (VA)
created the National Center for PTSD to advance the clinical care and social welfare of
America’s Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through
research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.

For more information on the VA’s PTSD Center, you can visit
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp.

Another great organization that provides support to our Veterans is the PTSD Foundation
of America. This non-profit organization is dedicated to mentoring combat veterans and their
families with post-traumatic stress. An important resource they provide is Camp Hope: Interim
Housing for Veterans. Camp Hope opened in 2012 and is in Houston, TX. In addition to
temporary housing, Camp Hope offers a 90+ day PTSD recovery program in which residents:
attend group lessons and support sessions with other combat veterans; conduct individual
mentoring sessions with certified combat trauma mentors; participate in off-site small group
interaction activities (fishing, hiking, local activities and events); and get involved with local
churches, businesses and volunteer organizations to assist in their personal healing and educating
the community on the invisible wounds of war. To learn more about this great program, you can
visit https://ptsdusa.org/camp-hope/

It is important to raise awareness for everyone with PTSD to know the treatment options.
We can make a difference in the lives of everyone who has experienced trauma. There is a
Veterans Crisis Line, which can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, then, press 1. For more resources
visit https://www.tvc.texas.gov/mental-health/

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted
at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, cybersecurity, Investment Property, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

National Mental Health Awareness Month

May 2, 2023 By

Each year, May is designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month. This
awareness month began to educate communities about mental health conditions and provide
support along with resources to those individuals living with mental illness. Millions across the
country are affected by mental illness each year. According to the Texas Statewide Behavioral
Health Coordinating Council, over 3.3 million adults in Texas are living with a mental illness.
Furthermore, more than half of the adults in Texas who need mental health treatment do not
receive any. Unfortunately, children are affected by mental illness as well. According to the
Texas Health & Human Services Commission, one out of four children will have a mental illness
during childhood. Therefore, breaking down the stigma attached to mental illness through
education and outreach is a key goal of National Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental illness is a
condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood. Mental health conditions
are far more common and come in many different forms. As a result of this, it is important to
look for common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents. To learn more about the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and find more
information about mental health conditions, please visit SAMHSA. For more resources please
visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. For more mental health resources in
Texas, visit Mental Health Texas.

In Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) contracts with Local Mental
Health Authorities (LMHAs) across the state to provide mental health services to communities.
The Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities delivers mental health services
to those who live in Nueces County. You can learn more by visiting https://www.ncmhid.org/.
Additionally, you can visit the Coastal Plains Community Center, which provides mental health
services in Aransas County.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted
at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, North Padre Island Marina, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter

April Brings Attention to Autism

April 1, 2023 By

April is National Autism Awareness Month. Awareness months are helpful because they
bring public attention to issues facing many of our friends and families and autism is no
different. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the medical term for
Autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is described as a group of developmental
disabilities which can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

The National Institute of Mental Health further characterizes ASD as:
 Ongoing social problems that include difficulty communicating and interacting with
others
 Repetitive behaviors as well as limited interests or activities
 Symptoms that typically are recognized during early childhood
 Symptoms that hurt the individual’s ability to function socially, at school or work, or
other areas of life

Further explanation of these characteristics can be found at
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
It is important to note that individuals diagnosed with ASD differ in their learning, thinking, and
problem-solving abilities. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide
variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. ASD occurs in all ethnic,
racial, and economic groups. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services
can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function.
There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder, but it is generally accepted
that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in
the shape and structure of the brain in children with autism compared to in neurotypical children.

Researchers do not know the exact cause of autism but are investigating a number of
theories, including the links among heredity, genetics, and medical problems.
In many families, there appears to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities, further supporting
the theory that the disorder has a genetic basis. While no one gene has been identified as causing
autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that children with autism
may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a susceptibility to autism,
but researchers have not yet identified a single “trigger” that causes autism to develop. However,
ASD can usually be diagnosed by the age of two.

There are a variety of organizations that provide helpful resources and information
regarding ASD. One organization is the Autism Society which was founded in 1965 by Bernard
Rimland, Ph. D, whose own son was diagnosed with ASD. Since its formation the Autism
Society has grown from a handful of parents to having local and state affiliate offices in nearly
all 50 states. These offices are connected through a network that enables the Autism Society to
share resources like referral services and education/awareness programs.

The Autism Society is dedicated to its role of increasing public awareness about ASD,
which includes the day to day challenges faced by individuals, families and professionals
affected by ASD. If you would like to learn more about the Autism Society you can go to
www.autism-society.org. Another organization that serves as a resource for ASD is Autism Now.
You can go to their website at www.autismnow.org to learn more.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672

Filed Under: Charities, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Packery Channel, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, Water Exchange Bridge

Unclaimed Property

March 27, 2023 By

Texas is currently holding about $7 billion in cash and other valuables waiting for their
rightful owners to claim. The Texas Comptroller estimates that one in four residents of the State
of Texas has unclaimed property. Examples of unclaimed property include dividend, payroll, or
cashier’s checks; stocks, bonds, and mutual fund accounts; utility deposits and other refunds;
insurance proceeds; mineral interest or royalty payments; dormant bank accounts; and
abandoned safe deposit box contents.

The Texas Comptroller’s office receives unclaimed property as required by law from
financial institutions, businesses, and government entities that are holding personal property
which is considered abandoned or unclaimed. The unclaimed or abandoned property is turned
over to the Comptroller’s office when the property owners’ whereabouts are unknown, and the
property has been inactive on the books of the reporting company after the necessary
abandonment period has expired. It is important to know that the Comptroller’s office acts only
as a custodian of the unclaimed property and holds the property in trust until such time as it can
be claimed. Texas does not take legal ownership of unclaimed property, so there is no time
limit for filing a claim.

Over the past several years, the Texas Comptroller has traveled around the state to bring
public attention to the billions in unclaimed property being held by the State of Texas. In fiscal
year 2022, the agency paid a record $309 million in claims. This is important because since the
unclaimed property program began, the Comptroller’s office returned more than $4 billion worth
of unclaimed property.

In order to make the process of claiming your property easier, the Comptroller’s office
has outlined a number of recent features on their website to help enable the process. The website
is regularly updated with new property that has been received by their office. To find out if you
are one of these Texas residents with unclaimed property, I strongly recommend that you check
the unclaimed property list by visiting Texas Unclaimed Property at https://claimittexas.org/ or
by calling 800-321-2274 (CASH).

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi, Hurricane Relief, Packery Channel, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter

March is National Nutrition Month

March 2, 2023 By

March is National Nutrition Month which is an annual campaign created by the Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics. I would like to discuss the importance of making informed food
choices by developing sound eating habits and through physical activity. Texas has been helpful
in promoting good nutrition for our citizens.

Since Texas has a diverse geography, this means that bountiful amounts of naturally
grown foods that are delicious and wholesome can be found throughout our state. Our farmers
grow nutritious vegetables and fruits in our well-kept Texas soils which allows for these foods to
have healthy amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that our bodies need to
function properly. Specific foods rich in these nutrients are broccoli, blueberries, spinach,
cauliflower, tomatoes, peaches, squash, onions, tree nuts (pecans, almonds, etc.), oranges,
pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and many more. To learn more about Texan-grown products visit:
http://gotexan.org/Home.aspx.

However, there is not a one-size- fits all approach to nutrition and health but there are
some major ingredients and processed foods to avoid. The most prominent food to steer clear is
added sugar. Foods with added sugar are often highly caloric and have harmful effects on our
organs. Additionally, foods with high fructose corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners have
been linked to severe health problems like obesity, cardiovascular (heart) disease and type two
diabetes. However, these sweeteners can be replaced with products such as raw honey or stevia
which are better alternatives to use in baking or iced/hot tea and coffee.

Another food group to be cautious with is artificial trans fats, also known as partially
hydrogenated oils. Trans fats have been linked with raising bad cholesterol and lowering good
cholesterol. This can lead to health risks such as high blood pressure which can cause poor blood
circulation in our bodies. The regular consumption of trans fats have also been shown to lead to
diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity.

Taking advantage of all the wonderful whole foods our state has to offer is beneficial in
many ways because making smarter nutritional choices can go a long way. To learn more about
nutrition visit: https://www.nutrition.gov/. In addition to this, you can visit the Texas Department
of Agriculture's website at https://www.texasagriculture.gov/Home.aspx. For more information
about National Nutrition Month and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, please visit:
https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Eagle Ford Shale, Harbor Bridge, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, property taxes, Todd Hunter

A Second Causeway To Padre Island ??

December 14, 2022 By

A delegation from North Padre Island will consult with TxDOT representatives in December to discuss the need for a second causeway between the island and Corpus Christi’s mainland. Although many locals have been considering it for years, the new expansion is giving the project greater momentum. District 23 State Representative Todd Hunter remarked, “The Port Aransas, Padre Island, Flour Bluff Zone, it’s one of the largest real estate areas currently.” Growth that was hardly noticeable twenty, ten, or even five years ago when Ted Mandel, a retired man, chose the island lifestyle. Mandel predicted that there would be more visitors and residents and that everyone would encounter traffic bottlenecks on weekends during the summer and spring vacation. Mandel claimed to have observed the drawbacks of having a single causeway.

Ted Mandel urged. “How many reminders do we need? One of the electricity poles on the causeway back there fell just a week ago,” someone said.
Owner of Hard Knocks Rod Lewis remarked, “It’s not just a safety problem. But if you close those specific lanes and people can’t get here, it’s a problem for businesses.
The decision to lead the charge to start construction on a second causeway was made by Mandel and Hunter.

You’re noticing more traffic, remarked Hunter. You’re beginning to notice various weather patterns that demonstrate the need for and the gravity of having evacuations, so occasionally the timing simply happens. A causeway has been considered in the past starting at Roddfield Road, going along Yorktown Boulevard through Flour Bluff, and crossing the Laguna Madre. Hunter stated, “We have a group looking at several areas. To even start addressing the issues of whether, when, how much, and who will pay for a second causeway, numerous studies, including wildlife studies, are required.

Padre Island’s Hardknocks Sports Bar & Grill will host a meeting on December 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
TxDOT representatives are anticipated to attend a second meeting at Hardknocks on December 15 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
In January’s legislative session, Hunter said he wants to be ready to speak with other state members.
Because there is a transportation need for the entire state of Texas as well as the local area, Hunter added, “We’re going to start looking at funding places statewide.”

Article Originated in Caller Times

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, cybersecurity, Harbor Bridge, Local Schools, Packery Channel, Todd Hunter, Water Exchange Bridge

National Diabetes Awareness Month

November 4, 2022 By

Every year the month of November is recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness regarding the disease since millions of Americans live with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 37.3 million Americans have diabetes. Additionally, 96 million people are categorized as pre-diabetic which is a condition where glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered diabetes. This is an important month to learn about diabetes due to the high number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes.

The objective of Diabetes Awareness Month is to increase public knowledge of diabetes. There are two types of diabetes. The first is Type 1 which accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes and is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is generally thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and an immune system disorder that affects insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are generally required to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and take insulin daily to survive. The other form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes which is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops over time and occurs when the body becomes insulin resistant, meaning it is unable to process insulin properly.

Currently, there is no cure for diabetes. However, Type 2 diabetes can be manageable and, in some instances, preventable. According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 diabetes can be managed by taking prescription medicines, following a healthy eating plan, reducing tobacco use, and exercising to ensure blood sugar levels are kept within a healthy range. Similarly, those who are pre-diabetic or who are at a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can delay or even prevent the onset of the disease by making changes towards living a healthier lifestyle.

For more information about diabetes, please visit the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org.

Additionally, you visit the Texas Department of State Health Services to learn more about treatments for diabetes https://www.dshs.texas.gov/txdiabetes/.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, realtors, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 6, 2022 By

The month of October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According
to the National Research Center on Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are
affected by domestic violence. Unfortunately, this means that this is a common problem for
many people. Additionally, it is estimated that annually 20 million people will be abused by their
partner. Therefore, millions of people are in a constant state of fear for their livelihood. As a
result of the alarmingly high statistics, it is important to be educated about domestic violence and
to be aware of the signs to protect those around you from domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a critical month for the public and survivors of
domestic violence. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness regarding domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project describes domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive
behaviors–including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic
coercion–used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or
regain power and control in the relationship.” Abusers use a wide variety of methods to scare,
terrorize, humiliate, injure, and in some instances kill their partners. Domestic violence is
incredibly dangerous since this can have lasting emotional, psychological, mental, and physical
effects on those being abused by their partners.

In addition to the horrible effects of domestic violence, anyone can be a victim regardless
of gender, race, or age. Due to this, it is important to know the signs of domestic violence. A few
of the signs that someone is being abused are someone telling their partner they never do

anything right, showing jealousy when their partner spends time with friends rather than with
them, insulting or shaming their partner in front of others, and blaming their partner for their
violent behavior. If you believe someone is being abused, reach out to them and inform them of
their options to get help.

For more information about domestic violence and resources to help those being abused,
please visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website https://ncadv.org/.
Along with this, the International Rescue Committee is a great source to learn more about the
signs of domestic abuse https://www.rescue.org. Additionally, you can visit the Domestic
Violence Awareness Project to learn more about the importance of Domestic Violence
Awareness Month https://www.dvawareness.org/about-dv. Also, The National Domestic Hotline
is 1.800.787.3244 and is available 24/7.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week's article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Charities, Harbor Bridge, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

September 2022 -Suicide Prevention Month

September 8, 2022 By

September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages 10-34. In addition to this, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. Along with this, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46 percent of all people who lose their lives through suicide had been diagnosed with a mental illness. The purpose of Suicide Prevention Month is to promote suicide prevention awareness and to spread knowledge about resources available for those who struggle with mental illness. Suicide Prevention Month is important because this month is dedicated for people to come together and discuss suicide which can be a difficult topic to speak about.

Although historically there has been a stigma surrounding the topic of suicide, it is important for people to discuss. Taking part in open conversations about suicide lessens the stigma around suicide which leads to people who are struggling to reach out and ask for help. According to Suicide Prevention Lifeline, people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts feel relief when people ask them about their mental health. Furthermore, discussing mental health can reduce suicidal thoughts.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide rates have increased 35 percent since 1999. Due to increasing suicide rates, it is important to be aware of the signs of struggling mental health since suicide is preventable. Some of the warning signs for suicide include new behaviors such as increased use of drugs or alcohol, extreme mood swings, talking about being a burden to others, and withdrawing or isolating themselves. While these signs cannot predict whether a person will attempt suicide, knowing the signs and reaching out to a person who is struggling can make a positive impact in their life.

For more information about Suicide Prevention Month, please visit Suicide Prevention Resource Center. https://www.sprc.org/

Along with this, Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a wonderful resource to learn more about suicide, the warning signs, and risk factors. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Additionally, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness to learn more about mental illness and suicide. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.  Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County.  He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672. 

Filed Under: cybersecurity, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

The Month Of June Is Alzheimer’s And Brain Awareness Month

June 8, 2022 By

This year, the month of June has been designated as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. When people think of being healthy, generally we think of our external physical health. However, officials with the Alzheimer’s Association want to remind everyone that mental health is just as important. Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month began as a way to bring attention to different brain diseases, educate communities about their effects, and provide support to those individuals and families struggling with this condition.

Brain disorders come in several forms. Dementia is the general term used to describe a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia as it accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases and is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information. This is because Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain, it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering things. However, serious memory loss, confusion, and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing.

People with memory loss or other possible signs of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. If you have noticed these symptoms with your loved ones, help is available. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great source of information and has many tools to help. You can visit their website here: https://www.alz.org/ They also have a 24-hour helpline that can be used to access reliable information and support. Their phone number is: 1-800-272-3900.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

   – State Representative Todd Hunter, District 3

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, hispanic chamber of commerce, Hurricane Relief, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, Water Exchange Bridge, windstorm insurance

Crypto Crimes on the Rise!

May 15, 2022 By

Cryptocurrency scams climbed to second riskiest in 2021, according to BBB report

Online purchase scams remain #1 riskiest

Scams related to cryptocurrency jumped from the seventh riskiest scam in 2020 to second riskiest in 2021. Although cryptocurrency scams made up only 1.9% of the scams reported to BBB Scam TrackerSM in 2021, according to the Better Business Bureau, the average reported median dollar loss reported for these scams was $1,200, much higher than the overall median dollar loss of $169 for all scam types.

Online purchase scams maintained the top spot as the riskiest; this scam type made up 37.4% of all scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker in 2021, with 74.9% reporting a monetary loss. Employment scams dropped in 2021, from second riskiest to third. The susceptibility and median dollar loss of this scam type dropped slightly, while the number of reported scams increased from 7.1% in 2020 to 7.8% in 2021.

“Scammers shift their tactics constantly and appear to have expanded their use of cryptocurrency to perpetrate fraud,” said Melissa Lanning Trumpower, executive director of the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, which produced the 2021 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. “Cryptocurrency scams were riskier in 2021 with 66% of those targeted by this scam type losing money and a reported median dollar loss of $1,200. Scammers are using social media and other means to promise investment opportunities with great returns and low risks, which is a huge red flag. We received many reports of people being targeted on a variety of social media platforms after their friends’ accounts were hacked.”

While susceptibility (the percentage of people who lose money when targeted by a scam) decreased in 2021, median dollar loss rose 47.0%. Credit cards remained the highest reported payment method with a monetary loss, followed by online payment systems. Payment made via cryptocurrency that resulted in a monetary loss more than doubled from 2020. The payment methods with the highest median dollar loss were wire transfer ($1,450), cryptocurrency ($1,200), check ($900), and prepaid card ($700).

With regard to age, online purchase scams were the riskiest for all age groups in 2021. Cryptocurrency scams were the second riskiest for ages 25–64. Employment scams were second riskiest and third riskiest across several age brackets. Interestingly, investment scams were third riskiest for ages 18–24 for the first time since BBB began publishing the risk report. The rise of cryptocurrency scams as the second riskiest overall in 2021 may play a role in the rise of investment scams for this age group.

More than 44% reported losing confidence or peace of mind because of the emotional impact of being targeted by a scam and about 35% reported losing personal information. About the same percentage of people (55.5%) reported losing time as reported losing money after being targeted by a scam.

“Time is money, and our survey results reflected this,” Trumpower explained. “We can’t ignore the fact that there are many other non-financial impacts of being targeted by a scam.”

For more highlights from the 2021 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, visit BBBMarketplaceTrust.org/RiskReport.

Filed Under: chamber of commerce, Charities, cybersecurity, home maintenance, property taxes, Todd Hunter

National Donate Life Month

April 1, 2022 By

April is National Donate Life Month. This month is dedicated to educating and encouraging Americans to register as donors of organs, tissue, marrow, and blood. Donating is a generous act that saves thousands of lives annually.

Transplanting organs and tissue is one of the greatest and most successful medical procedures in the history of medicine. Organ transplantations offer patients a chance to give back to their families, friends, and communities. Your generosity can save as many as eight lives through organ donation, bring sight to others with cornea donations, and improve yet another 75 lives or more through tissue donation.

More than 40,000 lives were saved last year due to successful transplants. Organs that can be donated include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Tissues that can be donated include arteries, bone marrow, eyes (corneas), cartilage, skin, soft tissue, veins, and heart valves and vessels. More than 106,000 men, women, and children are on the transplant waitlist currently. Furthermore, another person is added to the nation’s organ transplant waiting list every 9 minutes. To learn more information about organ donation and transplantation, please visit: https://www.organdonor.gov/.

Anyone can sign up to be a donor despite your age and medical history. In Texas, you can sign up to be a donor at https://www.donatelifetexas.org/register/. You can also sign up to be an organ donor when you apply or renew you Texas Driver’s license through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, too. Instructions to receive the Organ Donor designation on your Driver’s License can be found at https://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/organ-donor.php.

Another way to give is by donating blood. Blood donors save many lives every year. In our community, more than 120 people a day must donate blood to maintain the blood supply in the ten-county area served by the Coastal Bend Blood Center. To donate blood, you can find a location to donate blood at http://www.coastalbendbloodcenter.org. To learn more information about blood donation, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.  Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

  Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part).  He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672

Filed Under: Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Hanna, Hurricane Relief, property taxes, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

Human Trafficking Awareness 2022

January 6, 2022 By

The month of January serves as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Governor Abbott has proclaimed January 2022 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. During this month, advocates, organizations, and individuals unite to raise awareness about this very important issue. According to the Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking is “modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” Human trafficking is not the same as human smuggling, which involves the illegal transportation of a person across a border. Victims of human trafficking are of all genders, ages, races, countries, socioeconomic statuses, and so on. While human trafficking can happen to anyone, people who are already in vulnerable situations – such as people experiencing homelessness – may be more likely to be targeted.

Human trafficking is often thought to be an international issue, however, this crime exists in all fifty states within the United States. Human trafficking has become the second-largest criminal activity/industry in the US and generates billions of dollars in illegal profits annually. According to the Human Trafficking Institute, 22,326 people were identified as victims or survivors of human trafficking in 2019. In addition to this, The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that in 2019 over 11,500 human trafficking cases were reported in the U.S. Approximately 1,080 of these cases were reported from within Texas. It is crucial to continue to be proactive and increase our partnerships and collaborations with organizations or governmental entities locally and throughout our nation to stop this activity and bring awareness to this issue.

In order to prevent human trafficking, we must expand our knowledge of the issue.  Understanding what human trafficking is and how to recognize it is essential.  Some resources to review are the Polaris Project https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking and the Blue Campaign https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign. To research statistics and other facts about human trafficking in Texas, visit the Texas Human Trafficking Task Force Reports https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/initiatives/human-trafficking.

The Texas Legislature continues to work diligently to introduce legislation to combat this industry. For this reason, the current anti-human trafficking laws were reviewed and revised throughout the most recent Legislative Session to ensure the prosecution of these criminals continues and stops others from being involved in these activities. The goal is to create laws that stop, prevent, and end the human trafficking epidemic.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.  Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

 Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part).  He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, COVID-19 Virus, Eagle Ford Shale, Hurricane Relief, Padre Island Business Association, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

Hunter Delivers Legislative Wins for Coastal Bend

June 18, 2021 By

TWIA reform, suicide prevention, college funding make session successful.

Media Contact: Angie Flores at 361.695.2048

(CORPUS CHRISTI) – It will be more difficult for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) to raise insurance rates under legislation successfully pushed this year by State Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi. The protection against TWIA rate increases was one of many legislative victories that Rep. Hunter delivered for the Coastal Bend.

Rep. Hunter, who has long fought against TWIA rate increases, ensured language was included in Senate Bill 1448 requiring that two-thirds of the TWIA Board of Directors must vote to approve any rate increase, rather than a simple majority. Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1448 into law on May 26, making it effective September 1.

Coastal Bend business leaders joined Rep. Hunter at a Tuesday press conference to celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 1448.

“TWIA rates are already too high and it should not be easy for the TWIA Board to raise them further,” Rep. Hunter said. “We put together a bipartisan coalition in the Legislature to stand up to TWIA and support the coastal homeowners and businesses who must pay these high rates. These controls on TWIA rate increases will provide needed protections for property owners and our Coastal Bend economy.”

An experienced legislator who works well with members of both political parties, Rep. Hunter accomplished many of his legislative priorities throughout this year’s session, which lasted from January to May. Many of his top priorities emerged from meetings and conversations with residents of the Coastal Bend over the last several years.

For example, after a group of local students approached Rep. Hunter about an alarming increase in suicides, he formed a local task force to work on the issue. He passed House Bill 4074, which requires the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council to create a subcommittee focused on suicide prevention through the use of data and by including suicide prevention efforts in the council’s behavioral health strategic plan. Rep. Hunter also successfully authored House Bill 3821, which requires the Texas Veterans Commission and the state Health and Human Services Commission to employ and train mental health professionals as part of the state’s mental health program for Veterans.

Rep. Hunter also organized a task force several years ago to focus on prevention human trafficking, and once again, feedback from the task force helped pave the way for legislative action. For example, the risks for human trafficking and exploitation are often high at sexually oriented businesses. Rep. Hunter was the House sponsor of Senate Bill 315, a new law raisingthe age of employment in sexually oriented businesses from 18 to 21 and prohibiting sexually oriented businesses from allowing minors on site. He also authored House Bill 3521, which redefines coercion as it relates to human trafficking offenses to include the performance or provision of labor or services.

“Meetings with community stakeholders over the last several years have informed and strengthened our work to prevent suicides and human trafficking,” Rep. Hunter said. “From law enforcement to students to mental health professionals and educators, the members of our task forces have helped shape legislative solutions in a positive way.”

Rep. Hunter’s legislative work this year also reflected the concerns of key Coastal Bend industries. For example, to support the beleaguered music industry after a very difficult year, Rep. Hunter helped pass Senate Bill 855 to crack down on those who try to illegally sell music online without the consent of the artists who created it. He also helped secure funding to continue the development of oyster mariculture, which Rep. Hunter brought to Texas with legislation he passed into law in 2019.

“We delivered victories for key sectors of our local economy,” Rep. Hunter said. “Those victories will impact the whole community by creating a stronger climate for economic activity.”

Rep. Hunter also helped the effort to fund numerous Coastal Bend educational institutions and tourist attractions in the two-year state budget, including:

n $130.9 million in total funding for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
n $34.7 million in total funding for Del Mar College
n $8.9 million for the University of Texas – Marine Science Institute
n $6.65 million for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Unmanned Aircraft Systems
n $500,000 for a grant to the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center

Finally, Rep. Hunter authored two new laws to improve beach safety. House Bill 3807, the Je’Sani Smith Act, requires cities, counties, and the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to add signs and lifeguards in certain areas to improve the safety of public beaches during the summer months. House Concurrent Resolution 46 designates April as Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of the potential dangers of swimming in the ocean. The resolution calls for a public awareness campaign focused on beach safety each April.

Overall, Rep. Hunter declared the legislative session a success for residents of the Coastal Bend and pledged to continue prioritizing issues that matter to the people he represents.

“The issues that matter to the Coastal Bend are the ones that matter to me,” Rep. Hunter said. “I am proud of the legislation we passed on a range of important issues, and it would not have been possible without the input of so many people in our community.”

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About Rep. Todd Hunter
Todd Hunter is the state representative for Texas House District 32 in Nueces County. He is the Chairman of the House Redistricting Committee. He is also a member of the State Affairs Committee, which deals with significant matters of state policy, ranging from the administration of the state government to cybersecurity, and he sits on the International Relations & Economic Development Committee.

Political Ad Paid For By The Todd Hunter Campaign

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Charities, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Eagle Ford Shale, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, Todd Hunter

Representative Todd Hunter Questions Grid Operators for Accountability

February 26, 2021 By

Press Release Sent Out on Behalf of State Representative Todd Hunter February 18, 2021

todd-hunter-press-release-ercot-2

Filed Under: Todd Hunter

Padre Island Updates from Greg Smith, District 4

December 11, 2020 By

One of the important issues facing the Island is Short Term Rentals of homes.  Currently, Corpus Christi does not have an ordinance addressing STR’s as they are growing in popularity across the nation and particularly on the Island.  The Island Strategic Action Committee that advises Council has set up a subcommittee that has been meeting for recommendations and will address STR’s in their December meeting.  The PIPOA has sent out a questionnaire to homeowners for their input with a December 1 deadline.  The advice that the City Council receives from both of these organizations will have a significant impact on the City’s direction on any ordinance addressing short-term rentals.

After sixteen years it’s happening, the Water Exchange Bridge is under construction.  It has been quite a saga and one that came down to the wire.  When first proposed in 2004 the project was strictly water exchange consisting of large culverts that would not have allowed boat passage but would have had significant water movement that would greatly improve the water quality in the main canals.  As time went on plans were changed to elevating the bridge providing boat, golf cart and pedestrian access to both sides of the road.  To protect taxpayers from a “Bridge to Nowhere” it has been the City’s position that the canal should be dug first or monies escrowed.  This was reinforced by the original developer’s financial and legal issues on the adjacent property.  In 2017 the City bid the project contingent on the canal being built or sufficient funds escrowed to build it.  Twice the contract was extended to allow more time for the developers to come through on their side.  Then in 2019, the bridge was bid again with a six-month notice to proceed clause that allowed time for the canal to be built.  Part of the agreement was when the canal was substantially complete the City would issue a notice to proceed for construction.  The months kept passing by and still no activity on the Canal.  Finally, the dirt began to fly and one day before the contract was set to expire I walked the site with Peter Zanoni, the City Manager and he declared the canal digging substantially complete.  The rest is history and the bridge is on the way.

When the water exchange bridge is complete expect to see a complete change in the water quality in the main canals.  Currently, there is little to no circulation, creating oxygen-deprived, warm, stagnant water body hence the need for aerators operated by the PIPOA.  About 2/3 of the time water is coming in the Packery from the Gulf of Mexico.  The circulation pattern in the Bay causes some of the flow in from the Gulf to return through the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.  The result will be cleaner, higher oxygen levels and cooler water in the canals with the majority of water flow from the Gulf rather than the Laguna Madre.

Another issue the City is tackling is improving our air service.  With new executive leadership at the CVB and Airport the City is now actively soliciting airlines to add direct flights to destinations other than Houston and Dallas.  Management met with eleven airlines last month in Denver and was favorably received. An important part of this initiative is to change our culture from Corpus Christi being a “drive market” to promoting us also a fly destination with an emphasis on our Gulf Beaches.  This is a complete change in how we operated in the past.  With this alteration our airport is already outpacing other airports in these Covid ravaged times.  This bodes well for the future as we adjust to the pandemic.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, corpus christi business, corpus christi city council, North Padre Island, Todd Hunter, Water Exchange Bridge

Home Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

August 22, 2020 By

As one of the nation’s leading disaster relief organizations, the American Red Cross responds to thousands of disasters each year. While many might associate the organization’s outreach efforts with major catastrophic events such as hurricanes and wildfires, the American Red Cross reports that home fires represent approximately 90 percent of its disaster response efforts. In fact, home fires represent one of the biggest disaster threats to families in the United States. Fires kill more Americans each year than all-natural disasters combined, and affect people from all backgrounds and geographic locations. Given these startling statistics, the American Red Cross suggests tips, aimed at reducing deaths and injuries resulting from home fires by 25%. As such, I would like to share some simple steps you can take to protect your family and home in the event of a home fire.

The American Red Cross has created a Home Fire Campaign to help families prepare for a home fire. The American Red Cross recommends taking the following steps in protecting your home:

  • Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Purchase smoke alarms here.
  • Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
  • Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home
  • Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
  • Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire” to alert everyone that they must get out.
  • Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
  • Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire

Also, it is important to develop and practice home fire escape plans with your family. If you need help in developing your unique plan, the American Red Cross has made fire escape plan worksheets available on its website https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html.

It is important to check fire alarms every month to make certain they are working properly in the event of a fire and the batteries do not need to be replaced. When smoke alarms fail to operate correctly, it is generally due to missing, disconnected or depleted batteries. It is important to note smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years from the manufacturer’s date listed on the back of the alarm. According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes where there is no smoke alarm or no working smoke alarm, which is why this is so important.

In addition to following the American Red Cross’ tips to plan for fire safety, I would encourage you to take the time to read more information about the different ways you can protect your home from a fire. This includes keeping flammable objects a safe distance from items that get hot, such as heaters and stoves, never leaving a candle unattended, and learning about safe cooking methods. To read more about the different ways you can protect your home and family from fires, please visit the American Red Cross website https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html. The National Fire Protection Association also has information on fire, electrical and related hazards at https://www.nfpa.org/.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office.  Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

 

Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part).  He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672. 

Filed Under: chamber of commerce, Charities, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, home maintenance, Local Food, property taxes, Todd Hunter