Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Elvira Reyna to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Board licenses and regulates marriage and family therapists in Texas.Elvira Reyna of Little Elm is a former state representative for House District 101 in Mesquite. She served in the Texas Legislature from 1993 to 2007. She was the first Hispanic Republican of either gender elected to the House and served on various committees including the Local and Consent Calendar Committee, Higher Education Committee,...
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Larry French to the TexNet Technical Advisory Committee, according to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor. French's term on the committee will expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The TexNet Technical Advisory Committee provides advice to the Bureau of Economic Geology on the use of funding, particularly with regards to the TexNet Seismic Monitoring Program and collaborative research relationships with other universities in Texas. The committee also assists in the preparation of a status report to the Governor and...
This holiday season, the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) and Austin Police Department (APD) are reminding you to drive safe and drive sober.
WASHINGTON – The Senate Democrat majority has received a failing report card for their failure to address urgent priorities, according to U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Cornyn expressed his disappointment with the lack of progress on key issues such as government funding, the National Defense Authorization Act, border security, and aid for Israel.Senator Cornyn highlighted the delay in passing appropriation bills, stating, "The Majority Leader didn't attempt to put an appropriation bill on the Senate floor until mid-September,...
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Lone Star College will receive over $1.3 million in Skills Development Fund (SDF) grants from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). These grants will be used by Lone Star College to provide customized training to more than 650 employees of AmeriTex Machine & Fabrication, McCarthy Building Companies Inc., Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital, and Tenaris in industries such as construction, energy, healthcare, and machining.Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in the workforce through skills development programs as...
On December 13, 2023, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 passed the Senate with the support of U.S. Senator John Cornyn from Texas. In a statement, Sen. Cornyn emphasized the importance of maintaining strength and deterrence in a dangerous world. He stated, "The NDAA will support our troops, strengthen our military readiness, and implement a raft of reforms to strengthen national security."The NDAA includes several provisions that were championed by Senator Cornyn. One such provision is the Sensible Classification Act, which increases...
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Anthony “T.J.” Klein and Johnny E. Trotter and reappointed Joseph Osterkamp and Wendee Payne, Ph.D. to the Texas Animal Health Commission for terms set to expire on September 6, 2029. The Commission works to protect and enhance the health of animal populations across the state.Anthony “T.J.” Klein of College Station is director of Texas Operations for MPS Egg Farms. He is first vice president of the Texas Poultry Federation and former president of the Texas Egg Council. Additionally, he is a member of the Texas Poultry Improvement...
For the 2021-22 school year, University of Texas Elementary Charter School reported an increase in enrollment numbers compared to the previous year, with 12 more students being enrolled.
In November 2023, the median sale price of a home in Williamson County rose by $6,570 from the same period in the previous year, while total sales decreased by 13.6%.
Governor Greg Abbott praised the accomplishments of Texas in higher education at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB) Higher EDge 2023 leadership conference in Austin. Joined by THECB Chairman Dr. Fred Farias, Governor Abbott commended the efforts of the attendees, stating, "Collectively, you all have put Texas on a trajectory of excellence in higher education in our great state."Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of top-notch research universities in providing a high-quality education and preparing innovative leaders for the workforce. He...
Governor Greg Abbott has made four appointments to the State Board of Dental Examiners, ensuring the continuation of effective dental regulation in Texas. The appointments include Brady Morehead, D.D.S., Sarah Lamb, Lorie Jones, and Bryan Henderson, II, D.D.S.The State Board of Dental Examiners is responsible for administering programs for the testing and licensing of dentists and dental hygienists in Texas. Additionally, the board enforces the state laws that regulate the practice of dentistry.Brady Morehead, D.D.S., is a highly experienced dentist who currently serves...
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Michael Johnson to the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Commission develops and enforces statewide fire service standards and provides education and assistance to the industry.Johnson, a resident of Texas City, is a career advisor for BakerRipley and a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Houston Association of Realtors. He has a background in education, having previously worked as a high school graphic design teacher at Cy-Fair Independent School District. Johnson...
Governor Greg Abbott has made appointments to the Texas Optometry Board, naming a new chair and appointing three members to the board. The appointments were made to oversee the licensing and regulation of optometrists in the state of Texas.Mala Sharma of Houston has been appointed to the board. She is an attorney specializing in personal injury civil litigation at Sharma & Associates, P.C. Sharma is also involved in various legal associations and has a strong commitment to community service. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston...
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the New Civil Liberties Alliance have joined with conservative media giants The Daily Wire and The Federalist, to file a civil lawsuit against the U.S. Department of State. The suit alleges that the State Department, specifically through its Global Engagement Center (GEC), is unconstitutionally meddling in the American news media landscape.
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Sharon Hulgan to the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) Board of Directors. Hulgan's term on the board will expire on June 16, 2025. The GCPD is responsible for implementing a comprehensive coastal resilience strategy for the upper Texas coast.Sharon Hulgan brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She currently serves as the lead site manufacturing director for Dow Houston Hub Operations. She has been with Dow since 1991 and has held various positions in Research & Development, EH&S Operations, Supply Chain Operations, Small...
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Cathy Bryce, Ed.D. to the University of North Texas (UNT) System Board of Regents. Bryce's term is set to expire on May 22, 2029.Cathy Bryce, Ed.D. is a retired investment banker and consultant with over 30 years of teaching and school administration experience. She previously served as superintendent for Highland Park ISD from 2001-2009 and Weatherford ISD from 1997-2001. Bryce has also worked as an adjunct professor at UNT.In addition to her professional experience, Bryce is actively involved in various educational organizations. She...
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Bobbie Mitchell and reappointed Cathy Skurow to the Commission on State Emergency Communications for terms set to expire on September 1, 2029. The Commission is responsible for administering the state 9-1-1 service program and the statewide poison control program.Bobbie Mitchell, a Denton County Commissioner, has a strong background in public service. She has previously served as the Mayor and City Council member of Lewisville. Mitchell is also actively involved in various organizations, such as the North Central Texas Council of...
Governor Greg Abbott celebrated Hanukkah with members of the Jewish community at the Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Austin last night. In front of a crowd of over 200 people, Governor Abbott commended the strength and resilience of the Jewish people and reiterated Texas' commitment to protecting Jewish communities and fighting antisemitism."Together with Jewish communities across the nation and the world, we celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah," said Governor Abbott. "We also remember the lessons of hope, peace, and perseverance that this holiday season teaches...