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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

News from April 2024

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Cornyn, Murphy, Guest, Cleaver Introduce Bill to Address Shortage of Medical Examiners

By Austin News | Apr 18, 2024

April 18, 2024WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) along with U.S. Congressmen Michael Guest (MS-03) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) have introduced the Strengthening the Medical Examiner and Coroner System Act. This bill aims to address the current shortage of medical examiners in the United States by increasing the number of board-certified forensic pathologists nationwide.Sen. Cornyn emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “The current shortage of medical examiners puts public safety and public health at risk.” He...

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Governor Abbott Appoints Blum, Mendelsohn To Texas Holocaust, Genocide, And Antisemitism Advisory Commission

By Austin News | Apr 17, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Adam Blum and Cara Mendelsohn to the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2027. Blum, the founder and managing partner of Old Hickory Partners from Austin, and Mendelsohn, the district 12 city council member for the City of Dallas, will bring their expertise and dedication to this important commission.Adam Blum, a prominent figure in Austin, has a strong background in business and leadership. He is involved in various boards affiliated with The University of Texas at...

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Governor Abbott Meets With Samsung Executives To Discuss Billions Invested In Texas

By Austin News | Apr 17, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott yesterday met with Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. ("Samsung") President and CEO Kye Hyun Kyung and other executives at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin to celebrate Samsung’s continued partnership with Texas and investment of more than $40 billion in the state. This investment is expected to support the expansion of cutting-edge facilities in Central Texas, including expanding their initial $17 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility, and adding a second chip-manufacturing fab, an advanced packaging facility, and a research and development...

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Governor Abbott Renews Drought Disaster Declaration In April 2024

By Austin News | Apr 17, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott has renewed a drought disaster declaration in Texas, citing ongoing exceptional drought conditions in multiple counties. The declaration, originally issued in July 2022 and renewed several times since then, has now been extended to include various counties across the state.In a statement, Governor Abbott declared, "I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, Calhoun, Cameron, and several other counties." The Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed the...

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Cornyn Statement on Schumer & Senate Democrats Shutting Down Mayorkas Impeachment Trial

By Austin News | Apr 17, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Majority Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats rejected the two articles of impeachment against U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas without holding a trial:“Secretary Mayorkas, as the agent of the Biden administration, is responsible for the border crisis and has willfully and systematically refused to enforce our immigration laws. He’s violated the public trust by repeatedly lying under oath to Congress and the American people, and he must be held responsible...

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Cornyn, King Introduce Bill to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of Organizations Bankrolling Terrorists

By Austin News | Apr 17, 2024

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Angus King (I-ME) have introduced legislation aimed at terminating the tax-exempt status of organizations that provide material support to terrorist groups. The bill, as highlighted by Sen. Cornyn, seeks to address the issue of terrorism by targeting its financial roots. He emphasized, "As tensions rise across the globe, terrorism must be rooted out at its source: money." Furthermore, he explained that the proposed legislation would ensure that groups supporting terrorism do not receive any tax benefits.Sen. King echoed similar...

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DPS Recognizes Heroic Actions at April PSC Meeting

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

The Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) recently held a meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin where several heroic actions were recognized by DPS Director Steven McCraw and the commissioners.Director McCraw commended the awardees, stating, “The men and women recognized here today embody the Texas Department of Public Safety motto: courtesy, service, protection. I am honored to recognize the courage and commitment of these awardees who have stepped up in service of their fellow Texans. Texas is safer—and brighter—because of them.”Among the awardees was Trooper Lyndon...

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Cornyn Backs House-Passed FISA Reforms

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) expressed his support for the House-passed legislation to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, emphasizing the importance of reforms to prevent illegal targeting of Americans. Cornyn highlighted the positive impact of Section 702 in identifying threats against U.S. troops and combating various crimes. He also stressed the need for safeguards to ensure the lawful use of surveillance authority.Speaking on the Senate floor, Cornyn stated, “Information acquired through Section 702 has helped...

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ICYMI: Sen. Cruz Calls on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to Follow the Constitution and Hold an Impeachment Trial for Alejandro Mayorkas

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has joined Senate Republican colleagues and House impeachment managers in calling for a trial in the Senate to impeach U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Sen. Cruz, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on The Constitution, emphasized the importance of following the Constitution during a press conference held in Washington, D.C.During the press conference, Sen. Cruz highlighted the severity of the situation by stating, "We’ve just witnessed history being made....

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Senator John Cornyn Meets with Trinity University President

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) engaged in discussions today with Trinity University President Vanessa Beasley regarding the university’s growth, efforts to enhance college affordability, and workforce development. The meeting aimed to address important aspects of the educational institution's progress and initiatives.During the meeting, Senator Cornyn and President Beasley exchanged thoughts on various critical topics concerning Trinity University. The dialogue encompassed strategies to foster the university's expansion, enhance accessibility to higher...

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Senator John Cornyn Meets with Amarillo Chamber of Commerce to Discuss Wildfires and Energy Resilience

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

April 16, 2024WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) engaged in a meeting today with members of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce to address the aftermath of the historic wildfires that ravaged the Panhandle earlier this year and underscore the significance of energy resilience.During the meeting, Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas and a prominent figure on the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees, discussed the pressing issues related to the devastating wildfires and the imperative need for energy resilience in the region.In a...

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Cornyn Meets with UT Austin President to Discuss Semiconductor Manufacturing

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) recently met with The University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell to discuss advancing Texas’ leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, bolstering national security, and ensuring America’s global competitiveness in emerging technologies.During the meeting, Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies to promote innovation and technological development in critical sectors. The discussion focused on strategies to strengthen Texas' position as a hub for...

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Cornyn Meets with Rice University President to Discuss Growth and Affordability

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) engaged in a meeting today with Rice University President Reggie DesRoches to delve into the university’s expansion, affordability initiatives, and workforce development. The discussion aimed to address crucial aspects of higher education and the future of the workforce.During the meeting, the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn highlighted that "This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn." This gesture emphasizes transparency and acknowledgment in sharing public...

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Governor Abbott Announces 2024 Star Of Texas Nominations

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that nominations for the 2024 Star of Texas Awards are now open. The awards honor peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and federal law enforcement who were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Nominations are due to the Office of the Governor by June 13, 2024."Each year, the Star of Texas Awards recognize the ultimate sacrifices our peace officers, firefighters, and first responders make in service to our state," said Governor Abbott. "These brave men and women answered a higher calling, putting...

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Governor Abbott Issues Severe Weather Disaster Declaration In April 2024

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has issued a severe weather disaster declaration in response to the recent severe storms and flooding that have affected several counties in the state. The declaration was officially signed on April 15, 2024, and includes the counties of Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Panola, Shelby, and Tyler.Governor Abbott stated, "I do hereby declare a state of disaster in the previously listed counties." He further authorized the use of all available resources of state government and political subdivisions to cope with the ongoing disaster....

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Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration For East Texas Flooding

By Austin News | Apr 16, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a disaster declaration for seven East Texas counties impacted by severe storms and flooding that began last week and continues to affect homes, businesses, and the agriculture industry throughout those regions. The counties in the Governor’s declaration include: Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Panola, Shelby, and Tyler counties."The State of Texas continues working around-the-clock with local officials to respond to severe storms and flooding and help all impacted Texans begin to rebuild and recover," said Governor Abbott. "I issued a...

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Cornyn Applauds $6.4B CHIPS Funding Announcement for Samsung in Texas

By Austin News | Apr 15, 2024

April 15, 2024DALLAS – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) expressed his approval following the announcement of a significant funding agreement for Samsung Electronics Co. in Texas. The U.S. Department of Commerce and Samsung have agreed to provide up to $6.4 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, a move aimed at revitalizing semiconductor manufacturing in the United States."By investing in leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing, we are helping secure this vulnerable supply chain, boosting our national security and global competitiveness, and creating...

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Sen. Cruz Applauds Major Investment in Texas Semiconductor Industry

By Austin News | Apr 15, 2024

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has expressed his support and admiration towards Samsung for securing significant federal funding for their semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Taylor and Austin, Texas. The investment, totaling up to $6.4 billion, is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs in the region.In a statement, Sen. Cruz emphasized the importance of the investment for national security goals and reducing America's reliance on foreign semiconductors. He highlighted the necessity of passing bipartisan permitting reform legislation to ensure projects like Samsung's...

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Senator Cornyn Criticizes President Biden's Response to Iran's Attack on Israel

By Austin News | Apr 15, 2024

WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) criticized President Biden's response to Iran's recent attack on Israel, emphasizing the need for Congress to support Israel. Senator Cornyn highlighted the escalating tensions in the region and the importance of standing by Israel in the face of aggression.Senator Cornyn pointed out that Iran's aggression towards Israel over the weekend was a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. He praised Israel's strong defense, attributing their survival to their robust security measures.While President...

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Analysis: Travis County effective property tax rates outpaced the national average in Q1

By Austin News | Apr 14, 2024

Property owners in Travis County paid 2.3% of the value of their homes in property taxes in the first quarter of 2024, which is more than 2 times the national average, according to the real estate analysis posted by Austin News.