Colleague commentary

     After reading a blog post titled, "Will Rainwater Save the Day?" I find that more people in Texas continue to try and lessen the negative impact caused by droughts. I'm intrigued to find out how much more widespread rainwater collection systems will be in the near future. I think its a great way to conserve and manage water use, and if my local government is willing to give me a tax break on equipment to harvest rainwater, then I'm willing to invest. I also think it would be a good investment because we can't predict how long droughts will last and harvesting rainwater is the best way to take advantage of when it actually does rain. Droughts are harsh and I also think it would be good to have a source of water, other than the city's, to rely upon in such harsh times. I also agree that the growing population in Austin is another reason we should invest in rainwater collection systems and would help deal with water shortages.
   I enjoyed reading this post because it reflects us as a society making efforts to adapt to extreme climates and be more self-sufficient. Harvesting rainwater for droughts is a perfect example of the growing necessity for self-sufficiency, and I believe that many more Texas households will have more eco/cost efficient rainwater collection systems within the next few decades.

Achieve Act

   U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and John Kyl (R-Arizona) proposed the Achieve Act on November 27. This bill would give legal status through a new visa system to undocumented minors who want to serve in the military or attend college. Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, such as entering the country before 14 years of age and living in the country for at least five years. Applicants who have been approved for W-1 status will receive a W-1 visa and have 6 years to earn a college degree or serve in the military for four years. There are also requirements to maintain the W-1 visa status, like reporting to the Department of Homeland Security every six months. If one completes the W-1 requirements then he/she is eligible for a W-2 work visa , which is good for four years but visa holders must continue to meet W-1 criteria. If W-2 requirements are fulfilled then the visa holder can obtain W-3 status, which is a permanent nonimmigrant visa.
      Through this bill undocumented young people may have legal status through permanent work visas but no path to citizenship. I think this is a step in the right direction for republicans, because now they are actually trying give these young people an opportunity to earn a good job and make an honest living in our society, versus trying to ask them to go back to wherever they came from. I think most of the people who are eligible will probably enlist in the military because college can get expensive, and according to this bill, these people may not acquire federal benefits (student loans,welfare, etc.), and college is much more difficult if you need a full-time job to pay for classes. I would be opposed to this bill passing through Congress unless it grants a path to citizenship.