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Governor Abbott appoints Lee P. Mann to LNVA Board of Directors
By Houston Daily | May 15, 2024
Governor Abbott has appointed Lee P. Mann to the Lower Neches Valley Authority (LNVA) Board of Directors, a term set to expire on July 28, 2027. The LNVA is tasked with conserving, controlling, and utilizing the waters of the Neches River and its tributaries, including storm and flood waters.
Governor Abbott makes key appointments to Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs
By Houston Daily | May 15, 2024
Governor Abbott has reappointed Major General Juan G. Ayala and Adriana Cruz, while also appointing Joe Esparza and Michael Poku, M.D., to the Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs. These appointments are for terms set to expire on February 1, 2027. In addition, Stewart McGregor has been appointed by the Governor for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The Governor named Esparza as chair and Cruz will continue as vice chair. The Council's mandate is to advise the Office of the Governor on issues resulting from changes in demographics in the state.
Houston Mayor honors late Rev. William A. Lawson with moment of silence
By Houston Daily | May 14, 2024
Mayor John Whitmire of Houston called for a moment of silence on May 14, 2024, to honor the life and legacy of the late Reverend William A. Lawson, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. The Mayor addressed Houstonians from City Hall, expressing his admiration for Rev. Lawson's significant contributions to civil rights and social justice.
Congressman Hunt's Recruit and Retain Act passes House of Representatives
By Houston Daily | May 14, 2024
In recognition of National Police Week, the United States House of Representatives has passed Congressman Wesley Hunt's legislation, known as The Recruit and Retain Act. This bipartisan bill, co-led in the House by Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD), is now set to be sent to the President for approval.
Mayor Whitmire unveils proposed FY '25 City of Houston budget
By Houston Daily | May 14, 2024
On May 14, 2024, Mayor John Whitmire unveiled his proposed FY '25 City of Houston budget. Notably, the budget does not include any new taxes or fees. During a news conference attended by city council members and city department directors, Mayor Whitmire underscored that his proposal seeks to address years of financial deficits inherited by his administration through operational efficiencies.
De La Cruz introduces act addressing agricultural losses in Texas
By Houston Daily | May 10, 2024
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has introduced the Texas Agricultural Producers Assistance Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This pivotal legislation aims to address the substantial economic losses endured by Texas agricultural producers as a result of Mexico's non-compliance with water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico.
Rep. Nehls introduces Spend It At Home Act for taxpayer preference
By Houston Daily | May 9, 2024
Yesterday, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) introduced the Spend It At Home Act in Washington, D.C. This act would allow taxpayers to indicate whether their federal income taxes should be used for domestic or international purposes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would then make that data available at the end of the calendar year.
Crenshaw Announces Congressional Art Competition Winners
By Houston Daily | May 8, 2024
Congressman Dan Crenshaw revealed the winners of the Congressional Art Competition for Texas District 02. The winning artwork will be displayed in the Capitol for a year. The competition received 53 submissions from students of seven high schools in Texas, including Conroe ISD, The John Cooper School, New Caney ISD, Humble ISD, and Huffman ISD. The announcement took place at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring, Texas. Crenshaw congratulated all participants and expressed pride in the district's talented students. The Grand Champion, Andrea Shi from The Woodlands...
Houston First Board welcomes new members: A step towards diversity and expertise
By Houston Daily | May 8, 2024
Mayor John Whitmire and Houston City Council members have nominated and approved several new appointees for the Houston First Board of Directors. Since its inception in 2011, Houston First has played a pivotal role in developing the city's destination brand strategy, promoting Houston globally, boosting tourism and convention business, operating various facilities, producing community events, and collaborating with commercial and industry partners. The newly appointed board members are expected to contribute their unique perspectives and experiences to further these initiatives.
Chairman Nehls Statement from Hearing on PHMSA’s Reauthorization Needs
By Houston Daily | May 7, 2024
Washington, D.C. – Opening remarks, as prepared, of Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) from today’s hearing, entitled “Ensuring Safety and Reliability: Examining the Reauthorization Needs of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration”:
Governor Abbott Appoints Angelica Rosales to Governor’s Commission For Women
By Houston Daily | May 6, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Angelica Rosales to the Governor's Commission for Women for a term set to expire on December 31, 2025. According to Governor Abbott, "Governor Abbott has charged the Commission with developing a strategy and implementation plan to help make Texas the number one state for women-owned businesses and address human trafficking."In addition, the Commission, "together with First Lady Cecilia Abbott, proudly supports the foster and adoption outreach programs of the Heart Gallery."Angelica Rosales, the appointee, hails from El Paso and works...
Texas’ Stiff Resistance Shifts Illegal Crossings To Other Border States
By Houston Daily | May 6, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are making significant strides in securing the border and cracking down on illegal activities. Since the inception of Operation Lone Star, over 509,000 illegal immigrants have been apprehended, with more than 42,300 criminal arrests and 37,500 felony charges. In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized a staggering amount of the deadly drug.Governor Abbott recently pointed out the shift of illegal border crossings from Texas to other states like California. He highlighted...
McCaul, Turner Bill Combats Border Crisis to Strengthen National Security
By Houston Daily | May 6, 2024
House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) have introduced the Border Security and Enforcement Block Grant Act of 2024. The legislation aims to combat the border crisis and strengthen national security by providing federal grant funding for states to establish physical barriers along the southern border.
Mayor Whitmire Assesses Weather Conditions and Community Concerns in Kingwood
By Houston Daily | May 4, 2024
On May 4, 2024, Mayor John Whitmire of Houston, accompanied by Police Chief Troy Finner, conducted an aerial tour of Kingwood to assess the impact of rising water on specific neighborhoods in the area. The tour, provided by the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit, aimed to provide the mayor with a comprehensive view of the damage and the needs of the residents."Houston residents benefit when all levels of government work together," emphasized Mayor Whitmire during the assessment. "Together, we will get through these challenges. Let’s go to work!"The mayor...
Governor Abbott Announces SBA Assistance For East Texas Storms, Flooding
By Houston Daily | May 2, 2024
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...
Governor Abbott Increases Readiness Level Of State Operations Center Ahead Of Severe Weather, River Flooding Threats
By Houston Daily | May 2, 2024
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...
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...