State Governor Greg Abbott (tx)

State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected Statewide Officeholders

Recent News About State Governor Greg Abbott (tx)

  • Texas Economy Again Expands Faster Than Nation

    Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas’ continuing economic expansion as new data recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the Texas economy again growing faster than the nation as a whole. In the fourth quarter of 2023, real gross domestic product (GDP) for Texas grew at an annual rate of 5.0%, well ahead of the U.S. for the sixth quarter in a row."Texas is again outpacing the nation in economic expansion and job growth thanks to the best business climate and the strongest workforce in America," said Governor Abbott."Across every region of this...


  • Governor Abbott Reappoints Jay Riskind to Texas Public Finance Authority

    Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Jay Riskind to the Texas Public Finance Authority for a term set to expire on February 1, 2029. Riskind, hailing from Austin, is the president of The Riskind Group and the managing partner and co-chair of Fractal Holdings.Riskind's involvement extends beyond his professional roles. He serves as the chair of The Riskind Foundation and is a board member of The Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University (GW). He also has a history of contributing to various committees and foundations, including his past...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas County And District Retirement System Board Of Trustees

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ronald “Ronnie” Keister and reappointed Susan Fletcher and Mary Louise Nicholson to the Texas County and District Retirement System Board of Trustees for terms set to expire on December 31, 2029. The Board exists to provide Texas County and district employees with retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.Ronald “Ronnie” Keister, the Lubbock County tax assessor/collector, has been serving in this role since 2009. Keister, a member and former president of the Tax Assessor Collector Association of Texas, is also actively involved in...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Wright, Koerner To Texas Veterans Commission

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Charles “Chuck” Wright and reappointed Laura Koerner to the Texas Veterans Commission for terms set to expire on December 31, 2029. The Commission serves as the state-appointed advocate for Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation's armed forces.Charles “Chuck” Wright of Frisco is a financial planner and founder of Lone Star Wealth Strategies. According to the announcement, Wright is a board member of United Service Organizations of Dallas/Fort Worth and the One...


  • Governor Abbott Renews Wildfire Disaster Declaration In March 2024

    Governor Abbott has renewed the wildfire disaster declaration in Texas, as confirmed in a proclamation dated March 28, 2024. The Governor reiterated the ongoing threat posed by wildfires in various counties and authorized necessary actions to address the situation.In the proclamation, Governor Abbott stated, "WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on February 27, 2024..." He further emphasized that the Texas Division of Emergency Management has verified the continuation of wildfire conditions in the affected counties.The...


  • Texas Surges Soldiers, Resources To Boost Border Security In El Paso

    Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are intensifying efforts to enhance border security in El Paso. The collaborative work aims to curb illegal activities like drug and human smuggling across the Texas border.Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the DPS reported over 506,500 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 41,200 criminal arrests, with over 36,700 felony charges. In a significant move against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement seized over 471 million lethal doses of fentanyl during...


  • Governor Abbott Posthumously Presents Texas Legislative Medal Of Honor To Two Service Members

    Governor Greg Abbott posthumously presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Sergeant Major Jerry Lynn Bell and U.S. Army Master Sergeant Mike Peña during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol. The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration conferred to a service member of the Texas military forces.“Today, we honor two men who raised their hand and answered the call for our country,” said Governor Abbott. “Each of these men continued a tradition of heroism that extends back to the very dawn of this great nation. These brave service...


  • Governor Abbott Announces New Eastman Investment In Longview

    Governor Greg Abbott revealed today that Eastman will be establishing a new manufacturing facility at its current location in Longview, Texas. The expansion is expected to bring over 200 job opportunities and about $1.2 billion in capital investment. The initiative has been supported by a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $2,040,000.In a statement, Governor Abbott expressed his confidence in Texas as a thriving business environment, stating, "Texas is where businesses flourish and people prosper." He credited the state's skilled workforce, favorable business climate,...


  • Governor Abbott Launches Texas Space Commission

    Governor Greg Abbott has officially launched the Texas Space Commission and unveiled the inaugural members of the Texas Space Commission Board of Directors and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC) Executive Committee. The announcement took place at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of Texas in the space industry.Governor Abbott stated, “Texas is the launchpad for Mars, innovating the technology that will colonize humanity’s first new planet. As we look into the future of space, one thing is clear:...


  • Texas Leads Nation With Jobs Surge In February

    Governor Greg Abbott expressed his pride as he celebrated Texas as the nation's leading state in job creation. Following the release of February employment numbers, which showed a surge in job opportunities, Abbott highlighted Texas's remarkable performance in the job market."Texas continues to dominate the nation in job creation because we've built a framework that allows free enterprise to flourish and hardworking Texans to succeed," Governor Abbott stated proudly.According to the February employment data released by the Texas Workforce Commission and the U.S. Bureau...


  • Governor Abbott Named 2024 Texan Of The Year

    Governor Greg Abbott was named the 2024 Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference for his significant contributions to the state's economy. At an award reception in New Braunfels, Governor Abbott expressed his gratitude, stating, "Not only is Texas the headquarters of headquarters, but our small businesses also employ nearly half of all working Texans."Acknowledging the pivotal role of Texans in driving the state's success, Governor Abbott emphasized, "Whether you own a business, are an educator, or working in healthcare, Texans are the reason our state and...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Robert Uhl to Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program Advisory Board

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert Uhl to the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program Advisory Board for a term set to expire on June 19, 2025. Uhl, a managing associate at Sidley Austin LLP from Farmers Branch, will be contributing his expertise to the Board's mission of providing assistance in awarding grant funds for the development of new career and technical education programs.Robert Uhl's professional background as an attorney and his involvement in various legal associations make him a valuable addition to the Board. He is a member of the State Bar of...


  • Governor Abbott Directs State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Critical Wildfire Threats

    Governor Greg Abbott has taken proactive measures in response to anticipated critical wildfire conditions in the Panhandle and West Texas. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has been directed to activate state emergency response resources to address the impending threat."As wildfire threats are expected across West Texas and the Panhandle this weekend, Texas is ready to swiftly respond with emergency resources and personnel to assist local officials to keep their communities safe,” stated Governor Abbott. He also expressed gratitude towards the firefighters...


  • Over 100 Texas Sheriffs Back Operation Lone Star

    Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard have been actively involved in Operation Lone Star to enhance border security and combat illegal activities. The collaborative effort has yielded significant results, with Governor Abbott emphasizing the importance of securing the border and addressing the challenges posed by open border policies.In a recent development, Governor Abbott met with over 100 Texas sheriffs who expressed their support for Operation Lone Star at the Texas Capitol. The sheriffs signed a letter...


  • Governor Abbott Commends Texas National Guard's Border Security Efforts

    Governor Greg Abbott praised the Texas National Guard for their dedication and service to the state during the 65th annual National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) Conference in Round Rock. In his address, Governor Abbott highlighted the selflessness of the guardsmen, stating, “To serve your country, to put your life on the line for your fellow man, is to answer a higher calling.”The Governor went on to emphasize the diverse roles the Texas National Guard fulfills, from overseas deployments to responding to natural disasters and securing the state's border. Governor...


  • Governor Abbott Reappoints Three To Texas Medical Board District Three Review Committee

    Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Ogechika “Oge” Alozie, M.D., Taylor Gillig, and Gabrielle Rich, D.O. to the Texas Medical Board District Three for terms set to expire on January 15, 2030.Ogechika “Oge” Alozie, M.D., CEO of Sunset West Health in El Paso, expressed his commitment to serving on the board, showcasing his extensive experience in infectious disease care and membership in various medical associations. Alozie's background includes a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from...


  • Governor Abbott Directs State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather Across Texas

    Governor Greg Abbott has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of Texans as the state braces for severe weather. In a statement today, Governor Abbott emphasized the readiness of Texas to deploy emergency resources to assist local officials in responding to the impending storm system. "With the potential for dangerous conditions, including flash flooding and tornadoes, Texans in at-risk communities are urged to remain weather-aware and monitor all roadways to keep themselves and their loved ones safe," Governor Abbott stated.The National Weather Service has issued...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Buckley, Creighton To Education Commission Of The States

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Representative Brad Buckley, D.V.M., and Senator Brandon Creighton to the Education Commission of the States (ECS) for terms to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The ECS gathers and analyzes data concerning education needs and resources as well as encourages research in all aspects of education. The Commission was established over 50 years ago as an interstate compact on education policy.Representative Brad Buckley, D.V.M., of Salado is currently serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives and represents House...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Four To Nursing Facility Administrators Advisory Committee

    Governor Abbott has appointed Carla Smith, Amanda Burnett, Donna Stauber, Ph.D., and Audrey Ramsbacher to the Nursing Facility Administrators Advisory Committee. Carla Smith's appointment is set to expire on February 1, 2025, while Amanda Burnett, Donna Stauber, Ph.D., and Audrey Ramsbacher's terms will expire on February 1, 2029. The Committee plays a crucial role in providing recommendations for licensure sanctions and rule changes for the Nursing Facility Administrator Licensing Program within the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.Carla Smith, a...


  • Governor Abbott Reappoints Bruce Oakley to Board of Pilot Commissioners

    Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Bruce Oakley to the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Harris County Ports for a term set to expire on February 1, 2026. Oakley, a partner at Hogan Lovells US and former judge of the 234th Judicial District Court in Harris County, has an extensive background in law and public service.Oakley's impressive credentials include membership in various legal associations such as the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Bar of the Supreme Court of the U.S. His dedication to the community is evident...