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Governor Abbott Champions Texas Energy At NAPE Summit In Houston

Governor Greg Abbott spoke at the 2024 NAPE Summit in Houston, where he championed Texas' energy industry and discussed ways to defend it from federal government overreach. The Governor was joined by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt during a fireside chat moderated by Jacki Deason.During the chat, Governor Abbott emphasized Texas' role in supplying the world with energy, stating, "Ever since Spindletop blew, Texas has been supplying the world with the energy they need to fuel their cars, power their homes, and produce the products we all rely upon." He also highlighted Texas...


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints Gonzales To The Texas Commission On Environmental Quality

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Catarina Gonzales to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a term set to expire August 31, 2029. TCEQ protects the state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development."With a wealth of experience in environmental work and leadership roles, Catarina Gonzales is the right choice to lead TCEQ as the agency’s newest commissioner," said Governor Abbott.Catarina Gonzales of Austin is a budget and policy advisor for the Office of the Governor, a position she has held since 2018. She...


Government

McCaul Appointed to Manage Mayorkas Impeachment Trial

WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has been chosen by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to be a manager for the Senate impeachment trial of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. McCaul, who serves as chairman emeritus and senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to stand up for the Constitution and the safety of the American people.In a statement, Rep. McCaul highlighted Secretary Mayorkas' alleged failure to enforce the nation's laws and protect the country from both...


Government

McCaul, 150 House Republicans Demand Biden End His De Facto Ban on American LNG Exports

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and 150 other Republicans have sent a letter to President Biden criticizing his de facto ban on American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Led by Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), the lawmakers argue that this decision not only jeopardizes the stability and affordability of natural gas domestically but also hurts the American economy, undercuts allies, and strengthens adversaries.In the letter, the lawmakers express their concern about the announcement that the Department of Energy (DOE) will...


Government

Family of late Galveston mayor releases final funeral details

The family of the late former Galveston mayor, Roger "Bo" Quiroga, has shared details regarding his memorial and interment. Quiroga, who presided over Galveston at the onset of the 21st Century, passed away after a struggle with colon cancer at the age of 70 on January 14.


Government

Galveston mourns ex-mayor Quiroga, 70

Roger "Bo" Quiroga, a former mayor of Galveston, located approximately 50 miles southeast of Houston, has passed away. Quiroga, who led Galveston during the early years of the 21st century, died at the age of 70 on January 14.


Government

Abbott as new year approaches: May God continue to bless Texas in 2024 and beyond

As the year 2024 draws near, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas looks back on what he deems a fruitful and triumphant year for the Lone Star State. The outgoing year commenced with Abbott, a member of the Republican party, being inaugurated for a third term after defeating Democratic contender Beto O’Rourke in the November 2022 election.


Government

Hidalgo reminds pet owners to remember fur children this New Year's Eve

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has issued advice to New Year's celebrants who are pet owners, urging them to take into account the well-being of their animals during the festivities ushering in 2024. The county judge's office released a graphic detailing tips on how to ensure animal safety on New Year's Eve.


Government

Abbott reaches $700 million settlement with Google

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a $700 million settlement with Google over alleged anticompetitive practices. The agreement, which is supported by Paxton's counterparts in other states and territories, stipulates that Google must pay $630 million in restitution, excluding costs and fees, to individuals who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were adversely affected by these practices.


Government

Governor: 'I want to wish all of you a very merry Christmas and happy holidays'

Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott of Texas have extended their Christmas greetings to the residents of the Lone Star State. The message was conveyed through a short video clip recorded at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, marking Abbott's ninth consecutive holiday season as governor.


Government

Abbott grants clemency to Harris County man

A man from Harris County is among three Texans who have been pardoned by Governor Greg Abbott, following recommendations from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Abbott, a member of the Republican party, granted clemency to Jerry Lynn Smith, aged 64, for a theft committed in 1990. Smith had been sentenced to pay a $500 fine.


Government

November employment data a continuation of state's excellence in annual jobs growth

Governor Greg Abbott recently praised the state's November employment data, describing it as a continuation of Texas' exceptional annual job growth. The Office of the Governor of Texas reports that the state maintains its position as the leader in job growth, with the previous month marking three new historic highs for job creation.


Government

MOCA seeks artist qualifications for Houston municipal employee memorial

The city of Houston has revealed plans for a public memorial to honor municipal employees who lost their lives in the line of duty. The initiative, managed by the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) in partnership with Houston Public Works, is inviting artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for designing, fabricating, and installing the memorial. The artist selection process will be overseen by the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA), with a budget of $165,000 set aside for the project.


Government

New fleet acquisition for Houston city services

The city of Houston has recently shared updates on the progress made by Mayor Sylvester Turner's administration in improving public services through the replacement of aging fleet vehicles. This initiative has notably benefited city departments such as the Houston Fire Department, Houston Public Works, Houston Solid Waste, and the Houston Police Department, all of which have experienced positive impacts from their respective fleet upgrades.


Government

Cornyn, senators introduce legislation to improve veterans' access to mental healthcare

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), in collaboration with a bipartisan group of senators, has introduced the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act. This proposed legislation aims to guarantee veterans' access to high-quality mental health care. Joining Cornyn in this initiative are fellow Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Democrats U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).


Government

Tetra Tech presents Francisco Sanchez Public Service Award to city of Houston

The city of Houston has announced that Tetra Tech, a leading provider of consulting and engineering services, has honored Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston city council with the annual Francisco Sanchez Public Service Award. This accolade recognizes their efforts in managing the city's recovery following Hurricane Harvey.


Government

Cornyn on bill to reform current live event ticketing system: 'The current ticketing system is riddled with problems and doesn’t serve the needs of fans, teams, artists, or venues'

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have spearheaded a bipartisan initiative to reform the current live event ticketing system. The lawmakers introduced the Fans First Act, legislation aimed at addressing issues related to ticket purchasing and price transparency for fans. According to Cornyn's office, the existing ticketing system is beleaguered by bots, unauthorized resellers, and large conglomerates.


Government

CenterPoint Energy grants Mayor Sylvester Turner $1 million for low-income energy assistance

The city of Houston has announced a $1 million allocation by CenterPoint Energy for energy bill assistance. This contribution, made in the name of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, is intended to benefit low-income residents across the Greater Houston area. The aid is available to those living within CenterPoint Energy’s service areas who are struggling with their energy bills.


Government

Abbott on continuous Texas economic momentum: 'Together, we continue to build a bigger, bolder Texas of tomorrow'

Governor Greg Abbott has praised the latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which indicates that the Texas economy has grown faster than the entire U.S. economy for the fourth consecutive quarter. The Office of the Texas Governor reported that in the second quarter of 2023, Texas' real gross domestic product (GDP) — representing the value of all final goods and services produced — grew at an annual rate of 4.9%, compared to a 2.1% growth rate in the rest of the country.


Government

Abbott mourns passing of retired Supreme Court Justice O'Connor

Governor Greg Abbott joins the country in mourning the loss of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was 93 at the time of her passing. O’Connor served as a beacon for women across the nation as she was the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court in 1981.