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Luttrell Introduces Legislation to Improve the Veterans Affairs Board of Appeals

WASHINGTON – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), alongside Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), introduced the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024 during the DAMA legislative hearing. Luttrell emphasized the need for improved decision-making on veterans' claims by stating, "Over the course of several hearings, I’ve heard time and again about the Veterans Affairs Board of Appeals failing to ensure quality decision making on veterans’ claims."Chairman Bost echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency for fair decisions on...


Government

Congresswoman De La Cruz Urges Mexico to Fulfill Water Deliveries in Meeting with Secretary Blinken

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, alongside Senators and Congressmen from Texas, raised concerns with Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding Mexico's failure to comply with its water treaty obligations with the United States. De La Cruz emphasized the importance of Mexico fulfilling its annual water deliveries, stating, "For too long, Mexico has failed to abide by its commitment."The recent meeting between De La Cruz and Blinken came after the passing of H.Res. 683, which supports diplomatic efforts to ensure Mexico's adherence to the 1944 water treaty. The...


Government

New METRO Board Members Approved by Houston Mayor John Whitmire

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO Houston) Board of Directors has welcomed its newest members appointed by Mayor John Whitmire and approved by vote during a Houston City Council meeting. The Board of Directors, which serves as the governing body of METRO, aims to deliver a public transportation system that provides safe, clean, reliable, and accessible mobility options throughout the Houston region.Mayor Whitmire's appointments have led to a historic moment with a significant number of women serving on the board at one time. This includes the...


Government

Rep. Troy E. Nehls Leads Coastal Members in Introducing the Bipartisan Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A bipartisan effort led by Congressman Troy E. Nehls aims to address the challenges faced by the nation's domestic shrimpers with the introduction of the Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2024. The bill, co-sponsored by several coastal members, seeks to tackle the issue of foreign shrimp dumping that is impacting the U.S. shrimping industry.Congressman Nehls highlighted the plight of domestic shrimpers, stating, “Shrimpers in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, along the Gulf Coast, and Atlantic Coast are faced with similar difficult decisions of whether to...


Government

Governor Abbott Announces Kilgore Hosts Music Friendly Texas Community Workshop

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas Music Office (TMO) and the City of Kilgore, Kilgore Main Street, and Visit Kilgore will be co-hosting a Music Friendly Texas Community workshop on Tuesday, April 16. In a statement, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of music to Texas, stating, "Music is key to the Texas brand and to our local economies."Chip Adams, TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist, will be present at the workshop to explain the Music Friendly Texas Community designation and its benefits. Governor Abbott expressed gratitude towards...


Government

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Helps Secure $500,000 Grant for McAllen Transit-Oriented Development

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has successfully secured a $500,000 grant for the Metro McAllen North-South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Master Plan. The grant, awarded through the Federal Transit Administration's FY23 Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning, aims to foster sustainable growth and enhance connectivity within the McAllen community.The grant, awarded to the City of McAllen, will support the planning of TOD initiatives around two key transit stations connected by four local bus routes, including a...


Government

Rep. Troy E. Nehls Introduces Resolution Condemning Mexican President’s Comments on “60 Minutes”

In a recent development, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) has introduced a House Resolution condemning Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's comments on “60 Minutes” on March 24, 2024. The resolution not only condemns President López Obrador's remarks as diplomatic blackmail but also calls on the Mexican government to take action to limit illegal immigration.Speaking on the matter, Congressman Nehls expressed his strong disapproval, stating, “The comments made by Mexico’s President are reprehensible and equate to diplomatic blackmail.” He further emphasized...


Government

Governor Abbott Mobilizes State Emergency Response Resources Amid Severe Weather Threat

Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize state emergency response resources ahead of a storm system expected to move across the state beginning Monday afternoon. The Governor also directed TDEM to increase the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) in anticipation of severe weather impacts."Texas is ready to respond with all available resources needed to assist local communities as severe weather, including severe thunderstorms and large hail, begins to impact the...


Government

Luttrell Leads Letter Addressing Concerns Over the Safety of Unaccompanied Migrant Children

Congressman Morgan Luttrell has taken a stand regarding the safety and wellbeing of unaccompanied migrant children in the United States. In a letter addressed to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Office of Refugee Resettlement Director Robin Dunn Marcos, Congressman Luttrell expressed serious concerns over the Office of Refugee Settlement’s (ORR) failure to ensure the safety of these vulnerable children.According to Congressman Luttrell, the ORR's current methods have led to the exploitation and trafficking of unaccompanied migrant...


Government

Texas Deploys More Than 100 Miles Of Razor Wire To Secure Border

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas continues to lead efforts in securing the state's border with Mexico. Under Operation Lone Star, a multi-agency initiative, over 506,500 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 41,200 criminal arrests have been made. Governor Abbott highlighted the success of the Texas National Guard in installing over 100 miles of razor wire along the border, stating, "I have to applaud our National Guard for stepping up and laying down that more than 100 miles of razor wire." He emphasized Texas as the sole state taking significant action against...


Government

Governor Abbott Announces Over $1.2 Million In Career Training Grants To North Central Texas Schools

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the awarding of over $1.2 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to four schools in North Central Texas by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grants aim to support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by providing equipment for over 1,500 students to be trained for high-demand occupations such as architectural and engineering managers, registered nurses, medical assistants, and welders.Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in the future of Texas through equipping students with the necessary...


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints Four To Board Of Pilot Commissioners For Galveston County Ports

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jason Keeling and reappointed Arden “Trey” Hill, III to the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Galveston County Ports for terms set to expire on February 1, 2028. Additionally, the Governor has appointed Elizabeth Cross and reappointed Terrilyn Tarlton-Shannon for terms set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over the piloting of vessels on navigable streams wholly or partially located in the board’s jurisdiction.Jason Keeling, an entrepreneur and real estate broker, is a committee member of the Galveston...


Government

Governor Abbott Reappoints Three To Specialty Courts Advisory Council

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Jarvis Anderson, Elizabeth Rainey, and Angela Tucker to the Specialty Courts Advisory Council for terms set to expire on February 1, 2029. The Council evaluates applications for grant funding for specialty courts from the Governor’s Office and makes funding recommendations to the criminal justice division regarding best practices.Jarvis Anderson, the chief adult probation officer of Bexar County, expressed his dedication to the council, stating, "I am honored to continue serving on the Specialty Courts Advisory Council and contributing...


Government

Luttrell, Correa Introduce Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA) have introduced the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing border security operations through the integration of new and advanced technologies.In a statement, Congressman Luttrell emphasized the importance of staying ahead of evolving threats, stating, "As cartels and foreign adversary operations become more sophisticated amidst the ongoing border crisis, the United States must deploy the latest and most advanced technologies available to our...


Government

Governor Abbott Celebrates Groundbreaking Of Advanced Manufacturing Training Center In Brownsville

Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated the groundbreaking of Texas A&M University’s South Texas Workforce Development Project advanced manufacturing training facility near the Port of Brownsville and lauded the state’s efforts to bring high-quality training programs to hardworking Texans.“This new state-of-the-art facility here at the Port of Brownsville will train Texans to lead the workforce of tomorrow,” said Governor Abbott. “Students here will be prepared for in-demand jobs and receive hands-on instruction on real-world projects that are often encountered by workers...


Government

Texas Economy Again Expands Faster Than Nation

Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas’ continuing economic expansion as new data recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the Texas economy again growing faster than the nation as a whole. In the fourth quarter of 2023, real gross domestic product (GDP) for Texas grew at an annual rate of 5.0%, well ahead of the U.S. for the sixth quarter in a row."Texas is again outpacing the nation in economic expansion and job growth thanks to the best business climate and the strongest workforce in America," said Governor Abbott."Across every region of this...


Government

Governor Abbott Reappoints Jay Riskind to Texas Public Finance Authority

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Jay Riskind to the Texas Public Finance Authority for a term set to expire on February 1, 2029. Riskind, hailing from Austin, is the president of The Riskind Group and the managing partner and co-chair of Fractal Holdings.Riskind's involvement extends beyond his professional roles. He serves as the chair of The Riskind Foundation and is a board member of The Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University (GW). He also has a history of contributing to various committees and foundations, including his past...


Government

'Texas offers hardworking Texans the freedom to aspire': Abbott praises continuous economic growth

Recently released data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates that the Texas economy is currently the fastest-growing in the U.S. This development, announced on April 2, was met with a positive response from Gov. Greg Abbott, as per a press release issued by the Office of the Texas Governor.


Government

'Texas stands with survivors of sexual assault': Abbott proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

On April 1, Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged the commencement of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in Texas. The Office of the Texas Governor released a statement affirming the state's commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault.


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas County And District Retirement System Board Of Trustees

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ronald “Ronnie” Keister and reappointed Susan Fletcher and Mary Louise Nicholson to the Texas County and District Retirement System Board of Trustees for terms set to expire on December 31, 2029. The Board exists to provide Texas County and district employees with retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.Ronald “Ronnie” Keister, the Lubbock County tax assessor/collector, has been serving in this role since 2009. Keister, a member and former president of the Tax Assessor Collector Association of Texas, is also actively involved in...