Latest News
TPPF Applauds Abbott, Paxton on Efforts to Protect Women
By Lone Star Standard | May 1, 2024
The Texas Public Policy Foundation has expressed appreciation for Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's actions to safeguard female-only spaces and organizations in Texas. This commendation comes in response to the recent federal rule proposed by the Department of Education, which would mandate schools receiving federal funding to permit individuals identifying as women into areas designated for females.Governor Abbott's stance against the new rule was clear as he instructed the Texas Education Agency to disregard it, citing concerns about the...
Celebrate Lone Star Día with New Bilingual Storytime Videos from Texas Center for the Book
By Lone Star Standard | May 1, 2024
Austin, TX – The Texas Center for the Book is excited to announce the release of three new bilingual story time videos in celebration of Lone Star Día. These videos feature engaging English/Spanish picture books that are perfect for children from toddlers to second grade students, aimed at enhancing word comprehension in both languages.Carmen Lazo, Children’s Community Program Administrator at Pflugerville Public Library, guides viewers through the pages of the books in the videos. The featured books include "I’m Hungry!/¡Tengo Hambre!" by Angela Dominguez, "Let’s Be...
Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration For East Texas Flooding
By Lone Star Standard | May 1, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 29 Texas counties affected by severe storms and flooding. In a statement, Governor Abbott expressed his commitment to providing support to impacted communities, saying, "The State of Texas continues to provide support and assist communities who have been impacted by recent severe weather and flooding."The Governor highlighted the importance of the declaration in swiftly providing resources for Texans to recover from the storms and floods. He also urged residents in at-risk areas to remain vigilant and take...
OPINION: Texas’s Cold War: A Call for “Ceasefire”
By Brian Thornton | May 1, 2024
In Texas, the legal and political tension between state lawmakers and its populous, “blue” urban cities and counties is nothing new, but the intensity of this ongoing power struggle has, by any measure, increased in recent history. Undoubtedly this “Cold War” between state and local governments reached a crescendo during the 88th Regular Session with HB 2127 by State Representative Dustin Burrows. Popularly known as the “Death Star” bill, the legislation was intentionally broad in enshrining explicit language in state law limiting local governments’ historically broad statutory authority to impose regulation within their jurisdictions.
CPS Energy plans to shut down part of the Braunig Power Station
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 30, 2024
CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned provider of electric and natural gas services in Texas, has informed the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the manager of the state's electric grid, of its intention to decommission the three oldest natural gas-fired generating units at its Braunig Power Plant. The notification was issued on March 13.
DPS’ Interdiction for the Protection of Children Program Marks 15th Anniversary
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 29, 2024
AUSTIN – This month, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commemorates the 15-year anniversary of its Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program, aimed at safeguarding children. Governor Greg Abbott said of the program, "nothing is more important than protecting the most vulnerable in our state: our children."
Director of advocacy at Cicero: ‘Let’s see if we can accelerate the influx of doctors into the system’
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 29, 2024
Bryan Sunderland, director of advocacy at the Cicero Institute, said that granting two-year temporary licenses to internationally licensed doctors with five years of experience can accelerate the influx of doctors in the U.S. healthcare system. Sunderland was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Director of advocacy at Cicero: A ‘service-first approach’ is necessary in addressing homelessness
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 26, 2024
Bryan Sunderland, director of advocacy at the Cicero Institute, said that various factors cause homelessness and that there is a need for a service-first approach to address these issues and provide assistance. Sunderland was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
COMMISSIONER MILLER URGES GO TEXAN PARTNERS TO APPLY FOR MEGA GRANT PROGRAM
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 25, 2024
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is encouraging GO TEXAN partners to take advantage of the Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Program. The program is designed to provide financial support to eligible GO TEXAN partners for the marketing and promotion of certified Texas products or events.
Texas Bridges Maintain High Safety Standards and Ratings
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 25, 2024
AUSTIN - According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association report, Texas bridges are ranked as the third-best in the nation. The report credits Texas Department of Transportation with ensuring the safety and quality of the state's bridges.
Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas Municipal Retirement System Board Of Trustees
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed individuals to serve on the Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees. Tommy Gonzalez of Midland, Tricia Mirabelle of Cedar Park, and Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. of McAllen have been selected for these roles.Tommy Gonzalez, currently serving as the city manager for Midland, brings with him a wealth of experience. Gonzalez has a background in public sector excellence and holds leadership roles on several boards. He has received accolades such as the Baldrige Foundation E. David Spong Lifetime Leadership Award and has a military...
Governor Abbott Announces Killeen Music Friendly Texas Community Workshop
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Music Office (TMO), in collaboration with the City of Killeen and Visit Killeen, will be hosting a Music Friendly Texas Community workshop on Wednesday, May 1. The workshop will promote music industry development and economic growth within Texas communities.
TCEQ Approves Fines Totaling $337,238
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 25, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has taken action for violations of state environmental regulations, resulting in fines totaling $337,238. Agreed orders were issued for various categories of violations, as well as default orders, emphasizing the importance of compliance with environmental standards.
Research Digest Highlights State DOT Research Projects in April 2024
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 25, 2024
The April 2024 issue of the Research Digest has been released, offering insights into various state department of transportation research programs. According to the Research Digest, the publication provides abstracts for 16 recently cataloged reports from states like Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming.
The State of Small Business: NFIB's Economic Trends Report Reveals Significant Insights
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 25, 2024
Highlights from our interview with Jeff Burdett, Texas State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
Director of advocacy at Cicero: ‘Cicero was founded’ on the ‘idea that we need to have transparent, accountable government’
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 25, 2024
Bryan Sunderland, director of advocacy at the Cicero Institute, said that Cicero analyzes public policy and collaborates with lawmakers and policymakers to achieve transparent, accountable government and address inefficiencies in public systems. Sunderland was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Declining wind generation is not keeping up with increased demand for electricity in Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 24, 2024
The latest report on the electricity generation mix in Texas reveals a decline in wind power generation amidst an increased use of electricity across most of the state. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the grid for approximately 90% of Texas, indicates that wind generation has decreased by over 7% for the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year.
Texas Historical Records Advisory Board Invites Nominations for 2024 Archival Awards
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 24, 2024
Austin, TX - The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) has announced the opening of nominations for their 2024 archival awards. The awards aim to honor archival institutions, programs, and individuals in Texas for their contributions to the profession. Nominations are being accepted until June 20, with the recipients set to be revealed in October during Texas Archives Month.According to THRAB, the awards are divided into three categories: excellence, advocacy, and distinguished service. The Archival Award of Excellence recognizes those who have made significant...
UT Austin DEI Layoffs Disproportionately Affect Women and Black Staffers, Records Show
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 24, 2024
Senior Policy Analyst Kimberly Clarida has highlighted that "UT Austin DEI layoffs disproportionately affected women and Black staffers, records show." The layoffs at the University of Texas Austin have raised concerns as they have impacted specific demographic groups more than others. Clarida's insights shed light on the disparities that have emerged as a result of these recent workforce changes. The full details of the situation can be found in The Houston Chronicle.
Texas Home Sales Remain Steady in the First Quarter of 2024
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 24, 2024
The number of Texas homes sold in the first quarter of 2024 remained consistent with the previous year, as reported in the Texas Quarterly Housing Report by Texas REALTORS®. According to Jef Conn, chairman of Texas REALTORS®, "market conditions vary by location, and about forty percent of Texas metro areas actually saw an increase in sales compared to the first quarter last year."
