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Governor Abbott Announces Killeen Music Friendly Texas Community Workshop

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....


Government

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

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...


Government

Governor Abbott Announces New Crystal Window And Door Systems Manufacturing Facility in Mansfield

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...


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints Boatright To Texas Racing Commission

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...


Government

Mayor Whitmire Names New Department of Neighborhoods Director

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...


Government

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Secures $1 Million Grant for Removal of Dilapidated Otilla Dam in San Antonio River

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...


Government

HHS Secretary Becerra Admits to Not Following the Science

In a recent Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Rep. Dan Crenshaw criticized U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra for the agency's reliance on questionable research rather than hard science in determining gender transitioning policies for minors. Rep. Crenshaw lambasted the Biden Administration for pushing what he referred to as pseudoscience under the guise of healthcare.During the hearing, Rep. Crenshaw highlighted concerns about the practices of affirming children's gender ideations and subjecting them to puberty blockers and...


Government

McCaul, Gonzales, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Provide Canine Therapy Support for CBP Personnel

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) introduced the PEARL Act, a bill aimed at providing therapy dogs to address the mental health challenges faced by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel.“Our border patrol agents at the southern border witness countless human tragedies during every shift they take — from medical emergencies to human trafficking,” said Rep. McCaul. “It’s no wonder they’re experiencing a severe mental health crisis, as several agents told me on my recent trip to McAllen. I am proud to...


Government

Luttrell Leads Letter Regarding Implementation for Psychedelic Therapies

WASHINGTON – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) have taken the initiative to advocate for the implementation of psychedelic MDMA therapy for veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should it be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).“The effects of emerging therapies for our veterans have been groundbreaking, and I’m proud to be a leader on pushing forward this innovative tool into the proverbial toolbox, especially while moving away from opioids,” said Congressman Luttrell.In a joint effort, Congressman...


Government

Governor Abbott Named To 2024 TIME100 List Of Most Influential People In The World

Governor Greg Abbott has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME in their 2024 TIME100 list. Expressing gratitude for the acknowledgment, Governor Abbott stated, "We have worked tirelessly to ensure Texas remains a beacon of freedom and opportunity for the entire world, and it is an honor to be recognized for all we have accomplished by being named as one of the most influential people in the world by TIME100." He highlighted Texas' achievements, including building the eighth-largest economy globally and leading a significant border...


Government

Class of 2028 Military Service Academy Classes Seated, Including Four Students from TX-15

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) proudly announced the seating of the Service Academy Class of 2028, which includes four students from her district.“I am proud to announce four students from South Texas will attend our nation’s military service academies,” De La Cruz said. “In an all-volunteer military, it takes bravery, determination, and a true love of country to sign up for service. The young men and women seated from TX-15 have what it takes to succeed academically and in uniform. I am proud to call them constituents and look forward to their service and success...


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints Blum, Mendelsohn To Texas Holocaust, Genocide, And Antisemitism Advisory Commission

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Adam Blum and Cara Mendelsohn to the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2027. Blum, the founder and managing partner of Old Hickory Partners from Austin, and Mendelsohn, the district 12 city council member for the City of Dallas, will bring their expertise and dedication to this important commission.Adam Blum, a prominent figure in Austin, has a strong background in business and leadership. He is involved in various boards affiliated with The University of Texas at...


Government

Governor Abbott Meets With Samsung Executives To Discuss Billions Invested In Texas

Governor Greg Abbott yesterday met with Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. ("Samsung") President and CEO Kye Hyun Kyung and other executives at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin to celebrate Samsung’s continued partnership with Texas and investment of more than $40 billion in the state. This investment is expected to support the expansion of cutting-edge facilities in Central Texas, including expanding their initial $17 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility, and adding a second chip-manufacturing fab, an advanced packaging facility, and a research and development...


Government

Governor Abbott Renews Drought Disaster Declaration In April 2024

Governor Greg Abbott has renewed a drought disaster declaration in Texas, citing ongoing exceptional drought conditions in multiple counties. The declaration, originally issued in July 2022 and renewed several times since then, has now been extended to include various counties across the state.In a statement, Governor Abbott declared, "I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, Calhoun, Cameron, and several other counties." The Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed the...


Government

McCaul Criticizes Senate for Dismissing Articles of Impeachment Against Mayorkas

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) expressed his discontent with the Senate's decision to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. McCaul, who was a House impeachment manager in Mayorkas' trial, and chairman emeritus of the House Homeland Security Committee, voiced his concerns regarding the Senate Democrats' vote."Under Secretary Mayorkas’ watch, approximately 9 million people have illegally crossed the border — including more than 300 people on the terror watch list — and...


Government

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Introduces Legislation for Selena Commemorative Coin

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz introduced legislation Tuesday, April 16th, to honor the legacy of Selena Quintanilla. In a speech on the House floor, De La Cruz expressed, "It is with great honor and profound respect that I introduced this legislation on what would have been Selena’s 53rd birthday." The legislation aims to celebrate Selena's musical achievements and enduring influence as a trailblazer for Hispanic artists.Through the legislation, a commemorative coin produced by the U.S. Mint will celebrate Selena's extraordinary life and career. The Queen of Tejano...


Government

City of Houston Partners with Apache Corporation to Plant 2,500 Trees for Earth Day HTX 2024

The City of Houston is celebrating Earth Day 2024 with a large-scale tree planting event, thanks to a partnership with Apache Corporation. According to the Mayor's Office, "Apache supports the City’s sustainability efforts through charitable donations for events such as the 2024 Tour de Houston bike ride, and this historic, first-ever, City of Houston Earth Day mass tree-planting event."City officials, Apache employees, and community volunteers will gather at Watonga Park on Monday, April 22, 2024, to plant 2,500 trees to commemorate Earth Day. Mayor John Whitmire and...


Government

Chairman Nehls Statement from Hearing on the Commuter Rail Industry

Washington, D.C. - Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) delivered opening remarks at a hearing on the commuter rail industry, emphasizing the importance of developing safe, efficient, and cost-effective commuter rail services that meet public demands.Nehls highlighted the significance of investments and innovation in rail infrastructure to enhance the American transportation system while ensuring a balance between Federal policies, consumer demand, and taxpayer dollars.Discussing the impact of technology on commuter rail,...


Government

McCaul Delivers Mayorkas Impeachment Articles to the Senate

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), a House impeachment manager in the trial of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and chairman emeritus of the House Homeland Security Committee, joined his fellow impeachment managers in transmitting and presenting the two articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas to the United States Senate."Secretary Mayorkas took an oath to protect the country from enemies both foreign and domestic," said Rep. McCaul. "For the past three years, he has repeatedly violated that oath,...


Government

McCaul Joins Event Announcing Proposed $6.4 Billion CHIPS Grant for Samsung in Texas

Taylor, Texas – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — author of the CHIPS for America Act — joined Samsung executives and federal, state, and local officials for an event to celebrate the announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce and Samsung Electronics have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms to provide up to $6.4 billion in direct funding through the CHIPS for America Act. The funds would expand Samsung’s semiconductor manufacturing operations in Taylor, Texas."I authored and introduced the CHIPS for America Act to reshore and...