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Governor Abbott Launches Texas Space Commission
By Houston Daily | Mar 27, 2024
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:...
Guadalupe, Jim Wells, Karnes, Live Oak, and Wilson Counties Receive Federal Disaster Area Designations, De La Cruz Announces
By Houston Daily | Mar 26, 2024
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz received notification that several counties in Texas have been declared federal natural disaster areas due to the recent drought. Guadalupe, Karnes, Live Oak, and Wilson Counties were designated as primary disaster areas, while Jim Wells County was labeled as a contiguous disaster area. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack officially declared the disaster on Tuesday, March 25th, 2024. In total, 91 counties in Texas were encompassed in the disaster declaration.The disaster declaration resulting from the drought opens up opportunities for...
City Hall Update for March 18-22, 2024
By Houston Daily | Mar 26, 2024
Mayor Whitmire welcomed President Joe Biden to Houston, stating, "It was an honor to welcome President Biden to Houston, a city full of great people and endless opportunities. My administration is committed to ongoing collaboration with the federal government to ensure Houston's prosperity thrives."Regarding the historic $650 million agreement reached between the City of Houston and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, Mayor Whitmire emphasized, "A world-class city like Houston deserves a well-funded fire department to attract and retain talented...
Mayor Whitmire Appoints Veteran Leader as New Economic Development Officer
By Houston Daily | Mar 26, 2024
Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell as the City of Houston's Chief Economic Development Officer. Tillotson-Bell, who has been working as the Deputy Director of the Mayor's Office of Economic Development for the past 17 years, will take over from Andy Icken, who recently retired. In her new role, Tillotson-Bell will be responsible for overseeing the administration and relationship management of various economic development initiatives in Houston, including Tax Increment Investment Zones (TIRZs), Industrial Development Agreements, Management...
Houston Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison for Murder Outside Gulf Freeway Club
By Houston Daily | Mar 26, 2024
A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for the murder of 29-year-old Erik Villeda in the parking lot of a club in south Houston in 2022. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed gratitude towards the jury for recognizing the severity of the crime. Ogg stated, “We are thankful to the jury who recognized that this defendant went to extraordinary lengths to find and then gun down an unarmed man in broad daylight. Justice mandates that this killer spend decades behind bars for taking the life of a young father and husband who...
Texas Leads Nation With Jobs Surge In February
By Houston Daily | Mar 25, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Mar 25, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Mar 25, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Mar 25, 2024
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...
Documented Gang Member Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for 2020 Murder
By Houston Daily | Mar 25, 2024
A member of the 52 Hoover Crips gang, Robert E. Chenier, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of 37-year-old Shaun Lewis in 2020. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed her thoughts on the case, stating, “When a gang member shoots up a house, brutally murders a man and is so confident he will get away with murder that he brags about it, we see exactly how pervasive gun violence is in our community. We mourn for the victim’s family and thank the jury for ending this gang member’s reign of terror.”Chenier and Lewis were acquainted with each...
Over 100 Texas Sheriffs Back Operation Lone Star
By Houston Daily | Mar 24, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Mar 24, 2024
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...
McCaul Votes to Restore American Energy Dominance
By Houston Daily | Mar 22, 2024
WASHINGTON – During House Republicans’ “Energy Week” this week, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) voted to pass six bills to unleash American energy.Rep. McCaul expressed his concerns about President Biden's energy policies, stating, "Since his first day in office, President Biden has faithfully carried out extreme Democrats’ attacks on American energy, which he then tried to mitigate by dangerously draining our strategic petroleum reserve — a critical national security resource."He further emphasized, "American energy is the cleanest energy in the world. By...
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz: Vote for Spending Bill Supports Border Patrol, Border Security
By Houston Daily | Mar 22, 2024
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has voted for the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, citing support for border security measures. The legislation, aimed at averting a government shutdown, includes provisions to enhance border security by increasing funding for various aspects.The bill increases funds to focus on actual border security measures rather than processing more migrants into the country. It also includes provisions to increase ICE detention beds and provide funding for Border Patrol agents and technology improvements. Speaking about her...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Three To Texas Medical Board District Three Review Committee
By Houston Daily | Mar 22, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Mar 22, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Mar 22, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Mar 22, 2024
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...
Luttrell Introduces Legislation to Support Veterans
By Houston Daily | Mar 22, 2024
Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA), has put forth a new bill aimed at assisting veterans. The legislation, known as the Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2024, is designed to enhance the support provided to veterans with service-connected disabilities and the survivors of certain veterans.In a statement, Congressman Luttrell emphasized the importance of aiding those who have served the nation, stating, "We have an obligation to support the veterans who...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Bruce Oakley to Board of Pilot Commissioners
By Houston Daily | Mar 21, 2024
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...