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Houston City Council Passes Tax Exemption for Child-Care Facilities

Houston City Council has recently passed an amendment to provide a tax exemption for qualifying child-care facilities effective from the 2024 tax year. This decision comes after the successful passing of Proposition 2 in November 2023, which granted cities and counties the authority to offer property tax exemptions for child-care facilities. The new amendment, known as Section 44-30, enables eligible child-care facilities to claim either a partial or complete exemption from their property taxes.Child-care providers seeking to benefit from this tax exemption must meet...


Government

Governor Abbott Renews Drought Disaster Declaration In March 2024

Austin, Texas - In response to ongoing exceptional drought conditions, Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the drought disaster declaration for multiple counties in Texas. The proclamation, issued on March 17, 2024, underscores the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.Governor Abbott's proclamation highlighted the continuation of drought conditions in several counties, excluding a few specific ones. The declaration extends to counties including Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, and many others. The Governor emphasized the importance of utilizing...


Government

Greg Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration in March 2024

Governor Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration In March 2024Texas Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the border security disaster declaration in the state, citing the ongoing and imminent threat posed by individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. The proclamation, originally issued on May 31, 2021, has been renewed to address the surge of individuals crossing the border, affecting numerous Texas counties and state agencies.Governor Abbott stated, "WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on May 31, 2021..."...


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints Six To Onestar National Service Commission

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed and reappointed six individuals to the OneStar National Service Commission, as announced on March 18, 2024. The commission plays a crucial role in promoting volunteerism in Texas and overseeing the administration of AmeriCorps programs within the state.Jie Li, a partner at Reflexion Capitol, has been appointed to the commission. Li's impressive background includes being a member of various associations such as the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels Association and the Cornell Free Speech Alliance. She holds a bachelor's degree from...


Government

Governor Abbott Appoints McCleskey As Independent Ombudsman For Texas Juvenile Justice Department

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert “Sean” McCleskey as the Independent Ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The Office of the Independent Ombudsman is a state agency established for the purpose of investigating, evaluating, and securing the rights of the children committed to TJJD.According to a press release by the Office of the Texas Governor, McCleskey, a resident of San Antonio, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is the former chief criminal investigator for the Bexar County...


Government

Crenshaw, Spanberger, Dean, Hunt Lead Bipartisan Effort to Target Online Sales of Illicit Drugs Laced with Fentanyl

U.S. Representatives Dan Crenshaw, Abigail Spanberger, Madeleine Dean, and Wesley Hunt have joined forces to introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at combating the online sale of counterfeit pills and illicit drugs laced with fentanyl. The bill, known as the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act, seeks to address the growing concern of fentanyl-related deaths and the proliferation of these dangerous substances on the internet.Crenshaw emphasized the importance of understanding the current landscape of online fentanyl sales, stating, “We can’t offer solutions to combat...


Government

Houston Man Sentenced to Prison for Committing Bigamy a Second Time

A Houston man, Orlando Coleman, has been sentenced to three years in prison for committing bigamy just two months after being put on probation for the same offense. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the sentencing, stating, "At the heart of this repeat offender’s schemes was a plan to defraud women and take advantage of them for financial gain."Coleman, who portrayed himself as a bishop traveling to churches across the country, was found to have married at least 10 women in different states. Assistant District Attorney Vanessa Goussen, who prosecuted...


Government

Rep. Wesley Hunt & Senator Graham Push Back on Democrats’ Plan for a Federal Election Takeover

U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt and Senator Lindsey Graham have spoken out against the Democrats' plan for a federal election takeover. During a testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Representative Hunt emphasized the importance of preserving voter identification and maintaining secure, state-run elections. He stated, “Having a government-issued I.D. isn’t racist, it’s American.”Senator Graham also criticized the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act, a piece of legislation that aims to remove voter identification and citizenship verification requirements,...


Government

Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation Adopts New Start and Finish at Discovery Green

Mayor John Whitmire expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation, stating, “Tour de Houston is important to our community, and I am excited we are hosting the event this year in partnership with Houston First."Apache CEO John J. Christmann IV highlighted the significance of the event, saying, “Apache is honored to partner with the City of Houston to support this annual tradition."The 17th annual ride, scheduled for Sunday, April 7th, will feature a new start and finish at Discovery Green and the new Avenida Plaza. Mayor...


Government

Governor Abbott Strengthens Texas’ Economic Partnership With The United Kingdom

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas recently concluded a successful economic development mission to the United Kingdom aimed at bolstering the economic partnership between Texas and the UK. The trip, organized by the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office and the Texas Economic Development Corporation, focused on enhancing trade relations and attracting new business investments to Texas.During the visit, Governor Abbott expressed his enthusiasm for the economic opportunities available in Texas, stating, "Texas is a state of infinite economic opportunities." He...


Government

Texas Transports Over 105,000 Migrants To Sanctuary Cities

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas National Guard, continues to make significant strides in securing the border and combating criminal activity. Since the commencement of Operation Lone Star, a joint initiative, there have been more than 504,900 illegal immigrant apprehensions and over 40,600 criminal arrests, with over 36,300 felony charges. Additionally, Texas law enforcement has seized a staggering 469 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this mission.As part of the operation, Texas has...


Government

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Disabled Veterans Housing Needs

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has introduced the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the inconsistent treatment of disabled veterans seeking housing assistance. The bill seeks to rectify the unjust disqualification of veterans receiving disability income through the Department of Veterans Affairs from certain HUD programs. This issue has been highlighted during Financial Services Committee hearings.In a statement, Congresswoman De La Cruz emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "Our disabled veterans have...


Government

Governor Abbott Celebrates Bond Between UK, Texas During Margaret Thatcher Centre Lecture In London

Governor Greg Abbott recently highlighted the strong bond between the United Kingdom and Texas during a lecture at The Margaret Thatcher Centre in London. The Governor's speech was part of his economic development trip to the UK, where he emphasized the shared values of freedom, democracy, and hard work between the two regions."President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher both shared a love for freedom and opportunity," Governor Abbott stated during his speech. He emphasized the importance of upholding these principles and working together to protect the...


Government

Financial Terms of Historic Houston Firefighter Agreement Announced

Mayor John Whitmire expressed his satisfaction with the historic $650 million settlement reached with the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, stating, "I told the voters I would honor their decision to put public safety first and treat our brave paramedics and firefighters in the fair and equitable manner they deserve. I am proud to deliver on that promise."HPFFA President Patrick M. "Marty" Lancton also praised the agreement, calling it unprecedented, saying, "This agreement is like none other we have ever seen, or perhaps will ever see and the best for the...


Government

Luttrell Votes to Protect Americans from CCP Influence

WASHINGTON – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) today voted in support of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. This bipartisan legislation, which passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce by a vote of 50-0, aims to protect Americans and prevent foreign adversaries, such as China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through online applications. The bill does not outright ban TikTok but requires that TikTok separate itself from control by the Chinese Communist...


Government

Crenshaw Backs House Bill to Protect Americans’ Data from Communist China and other Rogue Nations

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversaries Act, a bill aimed at safeguarding Americans' data from foreign adversaries such as China. Congressman Dan Crenshaw, who voted in favor of the bill, emphasized the importance of protecting American citizens from potential threats posed by online applications like TikTok."Data is power, and the Chinese are using TikTok to collect information from millions of Americans to use as cultural and psychological warfare against us," said Congressman Crenshaw. "We must...


Government

Houston Man Sentenced to 77 Years for 2019 Murder

A Houston man has been sentenced to 77 years in prison for the 2019 murder of 30-year-old Marcus Ealy. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed her condolences, stating, “We mourn with the family for the loss of this young man who was gunned down in the prime of his life.” Ogg emphasized the shocking nature of the crime, which took place in broad daylight, saying, “We sought justice for the victim and the family, and now this defendant will spend decades, and maybe his whole life, in prison.”Cory Cornell Parker, 32, was convicted of murder by a Harris County jury...


Government

Mayor Whitmire Announces Members of Independent Review Committee

In an effort to ensure transparency and prioritize the victims of reported crimes, Mayor John Whitmire of Houston has appointed a group of individuals to form the Independent Review Committee. The committee's main focus will be to assess the Houston Police Department's handling and resolution of suspended incident reports dating back to 2016.Mayor Whitmire emphasized the diverse expertise of the committee members, stating, "The Independent Review Committee members represent a cross-section of the experience, credibility, and representation of individuals across the City...


Government

Governor Abbott Signs Statement Of Mutual Cooperation With The United Kingdom

Governor Greg Abbott and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch have signed a Statement of Mutual Cooperation (SMC) to strengthen the economic partnership between Texas and the United Kingdom. The signing ceremony took place at 10 Downing Street in London.Governor Abbott expressed the importance of the partnership, stating, "Strengthening the bond between Texas and the United Kingdom is crucial for our shared economies to prosper. By signing this Statement of Mutual Cooperation today, we will further promote economic growth on both sides of...


Government

Governor Abbott Announces SBA Assistance For Panhandle Wildfires

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved disaster declarations for Texas communities impacted by wildfires in the Panhandle region. The affected Texas counties include Armstrong, Carson, Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, and Wheeler.Governor Abbott expressed, "These disaster declarations will help Texans in communities affected by the Smokehouse Creek and Windy Deuce wildfires receive critical financial assistance they need as they continue to...