Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has declared October 15-21, 2023, as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in the state. The proclamation comes as a response to the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths and the need to educate Texans about the dangers of this deadly drug.Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is the single deadliest drug crisis that Texas and the nation have ever faced. It is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Even a dose as small as two milligrams, barely visible to the human eye, can be lethal.In recent years, fentanyl has...
Governor Greg Abbott paid tribute to the victims of the fentanyl crisis and recognized the efforts of advocates raising awareness about the issue at the Soles 4 Souls Fentanyl Awareness Walk in San Antonio. The event brought together Texas families, loved ones, community members, and state and local officials to shed light on the growing fentanyl problem.During the event, Governor Abbott shared a personal story and expressed his commitment to combating the crisis: "On my desk in my office at the Capitol, I have a picture of Danica Kaprosy. It reminds me of the stakes we...
Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott of Texas have called upon their fellow Texans to celebrate the historic achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans as Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close. They urged all Texans to reflect on the rich history, culture, and positive impact of Hispanic Texans in communities across the state.Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of honoring Hispanic traditions, stating, "Hispanic traditions are Texas traditions, and the Hispanic community’s experiences have helped shape the Texas legend." He acknowledged...
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, along with Senator John Cornyn and Representative Michael Cloud, has voiced their support for the City of Corpus Christi's appeal of FEMA's rejection of additional funding for the Packery Channel Restoration Project. The Packery Channel, a man-made tidal inlet that connects the Gulf of Mexico with the Corpus Christi Bay, suffered significant damage during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and requires repair to maintain its function and ecological balance.FEMA took almost four years to review and approve the original restoration plan for the Packery Channel....
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that JCB, Inc. will be constructing a new manufacturing facility in San Antonio, Texas. This expansion project is expected to bring in over $265 million in capital investment and create more than 1,500 new jobs by 2028. JCB, a leading manufacturer of construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment, will receive a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $5,684,350 and a Veteran Created Job Bonus of $42,000.In a press release, Governor Abbott emphasized the business-friendly policies and economic climate that make Texas an attractive...
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has proclaimed October 2023 as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month in the state. The proclamation comes in response to the alarming rise in fentanyl-related fatalities and the devastating impact of the drug on communities across Texas and the nation.Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just two milligrams of the drug can be lethal. Historically used under medical supervision to treat severe pain, fentanyl has now become a deadly illicit substance, with fentanyl-related deaths...
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and a group of his colleagues have issued a strong warning against potential domestic terrorist threats following the recent attacks in Israel by Hamas. In a joint statement, they expressed their condemnation of the attacks and emphasized the need to protect American communities from any similar acts of violence.The senators stated, "The Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel are despicable and depraved. As we mourn the hundreds of lives lost, including at least 27 U.S. citizens, we must also remain vigilant in our efforts to safeguard our...
Governor Greg Abbott has urged the Texas Legislature to expand education freedom and pass school choice legislation at the Texas Public Policy Foundation's Parent Empowerment Leadership Summit dinner in Austin. Speaking to a crowd of legislators, parents, educators, and advocates, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of empowering parents to make decisions about their child's education. He called for the implementation of a universal Education Savings Account program in Texas, stating, "I am committed to however long it takes, and I will not stop until we get school...
We’re excited to share another Employee Sustainability Spotlight, where we highlight the ways in which employees across the City of Austin organization are centering sustainability in their own lives. Today, we bring you Darrell Hutchinson, a Conservation Biologist with Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bipartisan coalition of federal lawmakers representing Texas border communities, led by U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz, has sent a letter to President Joe Biden expressing frustration over the delayed issuance of presidential permits for key bridge projects between the United States and Mexico. The coalition is urging President Biden to swiftly approve these crucial Texas-Mexico bridge projects that will create jobs, improve supply chain resiliency, and promote economic growth.The letter, signed by Sen. Cruz, Sen. John Cornyn,...
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have joined forces to introduce a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the online sale of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. The Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act seeks to combat the fentanyl crisis by investigating the methods used to facilitate the online sale of this dangerous drug and assessing the effectiveness of federal law enforcement and online providers in combating the issue.According to Senator Cruz, "Our nation's drug overdose crisis - fueled by fentanyl - claims upwards of...
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas met with former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss at the Texas Capitol to discuss ways to strengthen the economic partnership between Texas and the United Kingdom. This marked Truss' first visit to Texas and her first meeting with Governor Abbott.During the meeting, Governor Abbott and former Prime Minister Truss discussed their shared interests in bolstering their respective economies. They explored how the United Kingdom can learn from Texas' model of economic success, which includes low taxes, reasonable regulations, and business-friendly...
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas Music Office (TMO), the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, and Dreams Come True Travel will be co-hosting a virtual Music Friendly Texas Community workshop on Thursday, October 19th. The workshop aims to promote the development of the music industry in Chandler and provide resources for communities to attract and grow music-related jobs."Music is key to the Texas brand and to our local economies,” said Governor Abbott. "I thank the Texas Music Office for helping communities large and small develop creative partnerships and grow...
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the next 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit will be held in San Angelo on Thursday, October 19. The summit aims to provide resources and information to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs start, strengthen, and grow their businesses.In a press release, Governor Abbott expressed his gratitude to small business owners across the state, stating, "Thanks to the many small business owners across the state who contribute so much to their communities, the Texas economy and workforce continue to be the envy of the...
Governor Greg Abbott has congratulated the 21 Texas public institutions of higher education that have been honored with the 2023 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). The award, established by the Texas Legislature, recognizes universities and colleges that provide outstanding education and related services that significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military-connected students.In a statement, Governor Abbott expressed his gratitude to the institutions for their ongoing commitment to...
On October 11, 2023, U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) celebrated the signing of their Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act into law. This legislation clarifies that students may continue to have access to educational enrichment programs and activities such as archery and hunting safety education under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.Senator Cornyn expressed his relief and satisfaction with the new law, stating, "The Biden administration’s misinterpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was a shameful...
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and a group of 19 Republican colleagues have called on President Biden and the U.S. State Department to freeze the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian funds. In a letter, the senators urged the administration to rescind the waivers that allowed these funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, and to work with Qatar to freeze the accounts containing these funds.The senators expressed concern about Iran's role as the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism and its collaboration with Hamas in planning attacks on Israel....