State Governor Greg Abbott (tx)

State Government | Elected Statewide Officeholders

Recent News About State Governor Greg Abbott (tx)

  • Governor Abbott Criticizes President Biden's State of the Union Address

    Governor Greg Abbott of Texas recently issued a statement in response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union Address. In his statement, Governor Abbott criticized the address, calling it a "dog and pony show" aimed at convincing the American people that the Biden Administration is effectively ensuring the safety and security of the nation.Abbott highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Texas due to illegal immigration and the influx of dangerous drugs like fentanyl across the southern border. He specifically mentioned Operation Lone Star, a program he initiated to...


  • Governor Abbott Orders Flags Lowered To Half-Staff In Honor Of Fire Chief Smith In Fritch

    Governor Greg Abbott today ordered flags in the City of Fritch to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith who lost his life in the line of duty protecting his fellow Texans in the Panhandle."The First Lady and I extend prayers of comfort for the Smith family during their time of grief," said Governor Abbott. "We urge all Texans to remember and honor Chief Smith’s service as a brave and dedicated firefighter."Flags should return to full-staff within ten days.


  • Texas Wins Governor’s Cup For Record-Breaking 12th Year In A Row

    Governor Greg Abbott expressed pride as Texas clinched Site Selection magazine's Governor's Cup for a remarkable 12th consecutive year and 20th win overall. At a press conference held at the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Governor Abbott emphasized Texas's commitment to business growth and prosperity, stating, "Texas moves at the speed of business." The state's success in attracting new and expanded business facility projects was highlighted, with Texas securing the top spot by a significant margin.Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of economic development teams at...


  • Governor Abbott Provides Update On State Response To Historic Wildfires

    Governor Greg Abbott recently addressed the ongoing response to wildfires impacting Texans and communities across Texas during a press conference in Borger. The Governor expressed his commitment to supporting affected individuals, stating, "The countless Texans who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires are going through challenges that require our ongoing support and assistance as we work together to help the entire Panhandle region rebuild and return to normalcy."Abbott commended the leaders and emergency management personnel for their tireless efforts in...


  • Governor Abbott Stands Firm Against Injunction on SB 4

    Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has voiced his determination to appeal a federal judge's decision granting a preliminary injunction against Senate Bill 4. The bill, signed into law by the Governor in December 2023, has faced opposition from the Biden Administration.In a statement, Governor Abbott emphasized Texas' commitment to defending itself and the nation from what he described as "President Biden's border crisis." He asserted, "Texas will immediately appeal this decision, and we will not back down in our fight to protect our state." The Governor further highlighted the...


  • Texas Extends Postpartum Coverage For Medicaid, CHIP Recipients

    Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has made a significant announcement, revealing that the state will be extending postpartum coverage to 12 months for eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), effective March 1, 2024.Governor Abbott expressed his satisfaction with this development, stating, "By extending postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage, we will help ensure new mothers and the most vulnerable young Texans receive critical healthcare resources they need to care for their...


  • Governor Abbott Declares Wildfire Disaster in Multiple Texas Counties

    Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation declaring a state of disaster in various counties in Texas due to the elevated and critical fire weather conditions and wildfires that have been affecting the region. The Governor's declaration comes in response to the imminent threat of widespread damage, injury, or loss of life and property in several counties.In the proclamation, Governor Abbott stated, "I do hereby declare a state of disaster in Archer, Armstrong, Bailey, Baylor, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, and several other counties based on the existence of such threat."...


  • Governor Abbott Invites Texas Communities To Film Friendly Texas Forum

    Governor Greg Abbott has extended an invitation to communities across Texas to participate in the upcoming Film Friendly Texas Forum, scheduled to take place on May 16 in New Braunfels. The event, hosted by the Texas Film Commission, aims to assist communities in pursuing strategies for local job creation and economic expansion through becoming Film Friendly Texas or Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Communities."Texas is a mecca for media production, and we are seeing the positive economic impact in communities of all sizes across our great state," stated Governor...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Four To Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed four individuals to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Council in Texas. The Council's purpose is to study and monitor artificial intelligence systems developed, employed, or procured by state agencies.John Bash, an accomplished legal professional, has been appointed to the council. Bash, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, is well-versed in appellate practice and has a strong background in law. He brings a wealth of experience from his time serving in various legal capacities.Mark Stone, Ph.D., currently...


  • Governor Abbott Launches Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, And Innovation Program

    Governor Greg Abbott has announced the launch of the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, a new economic incentive initiative aimed at attracting new jobs and investments to the state. Applications for the program are now open, offering a competitive tool to drive economic growth in Texas.In a statement, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of the JETI program in fostering economic development and job creation in the state. He highlighted Texas as a leading hub for business, infrastructure, and workforce, but acknowledged the need to remain...


  • Governor Abbott Names Ladner Chair, Appoints Houston To Risk Management Board

    Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the appointment of Jeffrey Houston to the Risk Management Board, with Gerald Ladner, Sr. being named as the chair of the Board. The Board's primary responsibility is to coordinate, monitor, and direct information resources management within the state government.Jeffrey Houston, a resident of Dripping Springs, is currently serving as the senior vice president at Mondee Holdings, Inc. in Austin. A highly accomplished individual, Houston is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of Austin and has previously been...


  • Governor Abbott Reappoints Halbrooks As Presiding Officer Of North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority

    Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Gary Halbrooks as the presiding officer of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a term set to expire on February 1, 2026. Halbrooks, who has been serving in this capacity since October 2021, is the CEO and president of Venue Properties, Inc. He has been a member of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority Board since 2012.In a statement released by the Governor's office, it was highlighted that the Regional Mobility Authority plays a crucial role in financing, acquiring, designing, constructing, and maintaining...


  • Governor Abbott Launches New Digital Media Friendly Texas Program

    Governor Greg Abbott has announced the launch of the Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Community program, aimed at attracting digital media production and fostering job growth in animation, visual effects, video games, and extended reality (XR) industries across the state. In a press release, Governor Abbott expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Texas is a magnet for innovative industry leaders and creative talent, and this new program will help take our state to new heights in the innovative world of digital media.” The initiative, spearheaded by the...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Tracy Gray to 489th District Court

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Tracy Gray to the 489th Judicial District Court in Kaufman County for a term set to expire on December 31, 2024, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.Tracy Gray of Forney is Judge of the Kaufman County Court at Law, a position she was elected to in November 2018. Previously, she was a partner at Guest & Gray Law Firm and she served as an assistant district attorney for five years with the Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is the former president of the Kaufman...


  • Governor Abbott Expands Border Security Operations In Eagle Pass

    Governor Greg Abbott has announced the expansion of border security operations in Eagle Pass, Texas, with the construction of a new Forward Operating Base to house Texas National Guard soldiers responding to the border crisis initiated by President Joe Biden.During a press conference in Eagle Pass, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of enhancing border security capabilities, stating, "Texas is expanding our border security capabilities by building a new Texas Military Department base camp to increase and improve border security operations in this area."Joining...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Marialyn Barnard to 73rd District Court

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Marialyn Barnard to the 73rd Judicial District Court in Bexar County for a term set to expire on December 31, 2024, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.Marialyn Barnard of San Antonio is a consulting attorney for small businesses and probate and is the former Bexar County Commissioner for Precinct 3. Previously, she served on the Fourth Court of Appeals for 10 years.According to the press release from the Office of the Texas Governor, Barnard is a member of various legal associations, including the State Bar of...


  • Operation Lone Star Boosts Support For Deployed Texas National Guard Soldiers

    Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are working together in Operation Lone Star to secure the border and combat transnational criminal activity. According to Governor Abbott, this multi-agency effort has resulted in significant achievements, including over 500,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 39,500 criminal arrests, with over 35,600 felony charges. In the battle against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 467 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this mission.In response...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Four Members to Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kevin Koch, David Volleman, John Votava, and Coleman Locke to the Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council for terms set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. Additionally, the Governor named Kevin Koch as chair of the Council. The Council is tasked with developing a State Food System Security Plan that provides for the orderly development and management of food system security throughout the state and ensures that food is available at a reasonable cost, accounts for times of severe drought and natural disasters, and...


  • Governor Abbott Statement On Shooting In Angleton

    Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement expressing his condolences and offering support to the community of Angleton after a shooting incident at the Thermal Polymer industrial facility. The governor stated, "Texans mourn with the Angleton community following the tragic shooting at the Thermal Polymer industrial facility." He further assured that the State of Texas is providing full support to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice.The governor also acknowledged the bravery and quick response of law enforcement and first responders, saying, "We thank all the...


  • Governor Abbott Appoints Killinger To Texas Economic Development Corporation Board Of Directors

    Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Elizabeth Killinger to the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. The Corporation, which is part of a public-private partnership with the Governor's Office of Economic Development & Tourism, is responsible for promoting Texas as the best state for business.Elizabeth Killinger, a sixth-generation Texan, currently serves as the executive vice president of NRG and is the president of NRG Home and Reliant Energy. She also sits on the board of directors for Helmerich & Payne. Killinger is actively involved in the community...