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Government News
Governor Abbott Announces SBA Assistance For East Texas Storms, Flooding
Governor Greg Abbott disclosed today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has given the green light to his appeal for a disaster declaration in Texas regions hit by severe weather and flooding in early April. The designated Texas counties encompass Angelina, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine, and Tyler counties."For Texans who have been impacted by storms and flooding last month, this SBA disaster declaration will help them access the crucial financial assistance they need to recover and rebuild," expressed Governor Abbott. He stressed...
By Houston Daily | May 2, 2024
Governor Abbott Increases Readiness Level Of State Operations Center Ahead Of Severe Weather, River Flooding Threats
Governor Greg Abbott has taken proactive measures to address the impending severe weather and river flooding threats in Texas. In response to the forecasted challenges, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to elevate the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response).Abbott emphasized the state's preparedness, stating, "Texas stands ready to quickly deploy all available resources necessary to help communities across Texas as severe weather and flooding impacts our state." He also issued a...
By Houston Daily | May 2, 2024
Latest News
Governor Abbott Issues Severe Weather Disaster Declaration For East Texas In April 2024
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
Governor Abbott has issued a severe weather disaster declaration for East Texas in April 2024, encompassing various counties affected by severe storms and flooding. The proclamation, dated April 30, 2024, highlights the widespread and severe property damage, injury, or loss of life in multiple Texas counties.The declaration states, "TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME," signaling the official recognition of the disaster. Governor Abbott, in accordance with the Texas Government Code, declares a state of disaster in the affected counties, including Baylor, Chambers,...
Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration For East Texas Flooding
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 29 Texas counties affected by severe storms and flooding. In a statement, Governor Abbott expressed his commitment to providing support to impacted communities, saying, "The State of Texas continues to provide support and assist communities who have been impacted by recent severe weather and flooding."The Governor highlighted the importance of the declaration in swiftly providing resources for Texans to recover from the storms and floods. He also urged residents in at-risk areas to remain vigilant and take...
Reps. Troy E. Nehls and Jimmy Panetta Lead FY25 CJS Appropriations Letter
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) are leading a bipartisan effort urging robust funding for the Protecting Our Lives by Initiating COPS Expansion (POLICE) Act of 2016 within the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 CJS Appropriations bill.The POLICE Act provides essential active shooter response training for local law enforcement, first responders, emergency medical service (EMS), and firefighters. Congressman Nehls emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “With the increase in crime and over 9.2 million illegal...
Congressman Wesley Hunt's Bill - The Recruit and Retain Act reported favorably out of the House Judiciary Committee
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
On May 1, 2024, Congressman Wesley Hunt's legislation H.R. 3325 was reported favorably out of the House Judiciary Committee. The bill, known as The Recruit and Retain Act, aims to address challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in hiring and retaining officers across the nation.The bill focuses on leveraging the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to ensure its responsiveness to the latest hiring challenges. It seeks to reduce onboarding costs for new officers, alleviate administrative burdens, create opportunities to build trust with local youth, and conduct research to...
Crenshaw Takes on Biden Administration Efforts to Target Texas Medicaid and Texas Hospitals
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX02) has criticized the Biden administration's efforts to target Texas Medicaid and Texas hospitals through the Centers for Medicaid Services (CMS). During a House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Rep. Crenshaw questioned CMS Deputy Administrator Daniel Tsai about the agency's actions, which could have significant financial implications for Texas and its residents.Rep. Crenshaw highlighted the disparity in treatment between states that do not participate in the Medicaid expansion program, particularly focusing...
Rep. Troy E. Nehls Joins Rep. Greg Murphy in Reintroducing Bill to Permanently Expand Access to Telehealth Services for Medically Underserved Communities
By Houston Daily | Apr 30, 2024
Washington, D.C.— Congressman Troy E. Nehls expressed his commitment to extending telehealth services for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) by reintroducing legislation alongside Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., Congressman Michael Burgess, and Congressman Derrick Van Orden. Nehls emphasized the importance of telehealth in meeting the healthcare needs of Americans, particularly those in rural and medically underserved communities. He stated, “Telehealth has revolutionized our nation’s healthcare system to meet the American people’s...
Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Sen. Joni Ernst Call on President Biden to Suspend His Use of TikTok
By Houston Daily | Apr 29, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Republican Congressman Troy E. Nehls of Texas and Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa have jointly urged President Joe Biden to halt his use of TikTok as long as it remains under Chinese ownership. The lawmakers expressed their concerns regarding the national security risks associated with the popular social media platform.In a statement, Congressman Nehls criticized President Biden's campaign for continuing to use TikTok despite the acknowledged dangers it poses. Nehls emphasized, "By continuing to use TikTok, Joe Biden is putting politics over the safety of...
McCaul Accepting Applications for Class of 2029 Service Academy Nominations
By Houston Daily | Apr 29, 2024
U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has opened the application process for students in Texas’ 10th district who are interested in receiving a congressional nomination to a United States Service Academy. Congressman McCaul can nominate up to 10 candidates from his district annually for consideration at the United States Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval Academies."I am honored to nominate distinguished young men and women in Texas' 10th Congressional District to the United States service academies," said Rep. McCaul. "I applaud their dedication to our...
Jim Wells and Brooks Counties Added to Disaster Declaration, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Announces
By Houston Daily | Apr 26, 2024
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz announced today that Jim Wells County and Brooks County have been designated as contiguous disaster areas. This designation was made following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's declaration of several Texas counties as primary natural disaster areas due to significant agricultural losses in the 2023 Crop Year.The disaster designation for Jim Wells County and Brooks County was confirmed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack after a thorough review of loss assessment reports by the Texas State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA)....
Governor Abbott Announces Job Training Grant to Texas State Technical College
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award totaling $179,538 to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will provide customized training in healthcare, healthcare compliance, medical billing, and other high-demand occupations to 100 new and incumbent employees of Hendrick Health System.Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in the workforce, stating, “As our state and economy continue to grow, it is critical that we invest in our workforce to ensure key industries have the...
Texas Named Best State For Business For Record-Breaking 20th Year
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas again being named the Best State for Business—for a record-breaking 20 years in a row. The annual survey conducted by Chief Executive magazine of the nation's leading CEOs continues to recognize Texas as the top state for business."Texas truly is the Best State for Business and stands as a model for the nation," said Governor Abbott. "Freedom is a magnet, and Texas offers entrepreneurs and hardworking Texans the freedom to succeed."The ranking is determined by CEOs' assessments of each state's business climate, workforce, and...
Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas Municipal Retirement System Board Of Trustees
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed individuals to serve on the Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees. Tommy Gonzalez of Midland, Tricia Mirabelle of Cedar Park, and Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. of McAllen have been selected for these roles.Tommy Gonzalez, currently serving as the city manager for Midland, brings with him a wealth of experience. Gonzalez has a background in public sector excellence and holds leadership roles on several boards. He has received accolades such as the Baldrige Foundation E. David Spong Lifetime Leadership Award and has a military...
Governor Abbott Announces Killeen Music Friendly Texas Community Workshop
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has revealed that the Texas Music Office (TMO), in collaboration with the City of Killeen and Visit Killeen, will be hosting a Music Friendly Texas Community workshop on Wednesday, May 1. The workshop aims to promote music industry development and economic growth within Texas communities.Expressing the significance of music in Texas, Governor Abbott stated, "Music is key to the Texas brand and to our local economies." He extended his gratitude to the Texas Music Office for assisting communities in fostering creative partnerships and job creation....
Reps. Monica De La Cruz and Jodey Arrington Call for Immediate Action on Mexico’s Water Treaty Delinquencies in Letter to U.S. Trade Representative
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
MCALLEN, Texas — Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) have raised concerns over Mexico's failure to comply with its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, urging for immediate action to address the ongoing water treaty issues. The congresswoman emphasized the urgent need for Mexico to deliver the agreed-upon 350,000-acre feet of water per year to the United States, which has been significantly delayed, impacting the agricultural viability of South Texas.In a joint effort, De La Cruz and Arrington have formally requested a...
Governor Abbott Announces New Crystal Window And Door Systems Manufacturing Facility in Mansfield
By Houston Daily | Apr 24, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott revealed that Crystal Window and Door Systems TX, LTD. is set to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility and regional corporate headquarters in Mansfield. The project, which is expected to generate 504 new jobs and over $121 million in capital investment, has received a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $3,150,000 along with a $15,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus. Governor Abbott commended the company's decision, stating, "'Made in Texas' is a powerful global brand, and I congratulate Crystal Window and Door Systems on this significant...
Governor Abbott Appoints Boatright To Texas Racing Commission
By Houston Daily | Apr 24, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jason Boatright to the Texas Racing Commission for a term set to expire February 1, 2025. Boatright, who hails from Dallas, brings a wealth of experience to the Commission as he currently serves as special counsel at Duane Morris LLP.Boatright's impressive background includes previous appointments by Governor Abbott to various prestigious positions. He was appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to the Texas Board of Disciplinary Appeals, served as a justice on the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals, and held positions on the boards of the...
Mayor Whitmire Names New Department of Neighborhoods Director
By Houston Daily | Apr 24, 2024
Houston City Council has confirmed Herbert Sims as the new Director of the Department of Neighborhoods (DON), as appointed by Mayor John Whitmire. Sims, who has been serving as the interim director since February, brings over two decades of experience working for the city and has excelled in various leadership and management roles.Mayor Whitmire praised Sims, stating, "Mr. Sims illustrates the value of our municipal employees. He came up through the ranks and has demonstrated his ability to get things done to help improve the quality of our neighborhoods. He is one of the...
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Secures $1 Million Grant for Removal of Dilapidated Otilla Dam in San Antonio River
By Houston Daily | Apr 24, 2024
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has successfully secured a $1 million grant for the removal of the dilapidated Otilla Dam in the San Antonio River. The grant, allocated to the San Antonio River Authority, follows De La Cruz's advocacy for the grant application to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.The Otilla Dam, built in the 1920s for irrigation purposes, has long been a barrier in the San Antonio River, disrupting its natural flow and posing safety risks to the surrounding areas, including counties in De La Cruz’s 15th Congressional District. Despite being located...