Archive for August, 2008

Getting a Consumer Protection Grant

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008


The US government offers many forms of consumer protection grants. You can visit their website at grants.gov and go through the various types that they offer and apply. Selecting the one you want or need should be a relatively easy task using the website. You will, however, need to offer something unique, an idea that has not been used before, to increase your chances of receiving this kind of grant.

There are some things you can do and say to brainstorm for new ideas. You can attend workshops, ask others about an idea they may have, research information, and attend workshops related to what you want to accomplish. Many times, local governments offer different workshops related to grant proposals. The workshops are given by people experienced in grant writing. You can find these workshops in your local paper or government website.

The first thing you should do is ask around. Check with your local officials to see if your idea has been done before. You could end up wasting a lot of time if your proposal is refused because it has already been done. Research is the key, do your initial research and it will eventually save you much time.

You also need to research information about your proposal. You need to look for as much information related to your project as possible. Look for weak spots and loopholes that could cause a rejection of your idea. Look for every form you will need to fill out as well as upholding any standards that will need to be kept. If you feel you cannot uphold the standards, you will waste your time trying to pursue it further.

Another good idea in your quest for getting the best possible response on your grant proposal is attending workshops. Workshops can offer a wealth of information regarding your idea or project. You will not only get ideas on how to actually write a grant, from people who know what they are talking about, but you will also meet people who could help you. You can find support from these people, they are often in the same situation as you. Getting support form people at the workshops can also lead to getting support from important community leaders and agencies.

Although consumer protection proposals are difficult to get and make, considering all the legal complications and issues, the support of people you meet at workshops and the contacts you make will prove to be an invaluable asset. You need a team of those who are experienced in grant writing and the legal matters associated with it.

Lastly you need to consider where the funds are coming from. You need to seek out people who can provide financial support for your projects while you are awaiting grant funding. Funding for consumer protection grants cannot be provided by a single entity, it takes several sources. For additional information about consumer grants, you can visit the government website grants.gov.

By: David Pierce

About the Author:
David Pierce is owner of Easy Grant Money A website aimed at educating those interested in obtaining grants.



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Discrimination and Texas Law

Monday, August 4th, 2008


There are two forms of illegal discrimination under Texas employment law. One is a refusal to hire or promote a person because of certain protected characteristics. The other is wrongful termination, or firing an employee because of those same characteristics. In Texas, it is illegal to discriminate against someone because of his or her sex, race, age, religion, national origin or any disability he or she may have. Although this state’s law does not specifically list sexual orientation as an illegal reason to fire or refuse to hire someone, it is illegal for employers to inquire about an applicant’s sexual orientation or family life.

Some characteristics are not protected. For example, it is legal for an employer to refuse to hire anyone with a criminal record, and to fire a current employee if he or she turns out to have such a record. But because merely being accused of a crime does not make a person guilty, it is illegal for an employer to ask about any arrests or accusations during a job interview. Employers may only inquire about convictions. Employers are also allowed to ask about an applicant’s legal status as it relates to work, and about any accommodations the employee may need. If the employee cannot perform the job he or she is applying for without reasonable accommodations, it is not considered discrimination if he or she is turned down for the job.

In Texas, employees are assumed to be “at will.” This means that, under typical circumstances, employees can leave a job at any time for any reason. Conversely, employers can let an employee go at any time for any reason that does not fall under illegal discrimination.

The law recognizes only two exceptions to at will employment. They are both related to the contract an employee and his or her new employer may sign. The contract may specify that the employment will last a set amount of time, or that the employee can only be let go under certain specific circumstances. If such a contract is signed, then the employer is obligated to keep the employee until the time is up or the employee violates the contract, and the employee is obligated to continue working at that job until the contract expires. Texas law requires that the wording of this contract be very specific. It is not enough for employers to outline job requirements, then fire employees who do not meet these requirements. The contract must explicitly state that an employee’s job will be terminated under specific conditions, then describe those conditions.

By: Joseph Devine

About the Author:
If you would like more information about Texas employment laws and illegal discrimination, contact Austin employment lawyers Melton & Kumler

Joseph Devine



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