News from November 2023
ALEC names Senator Paul Bettencourt '2023 Legislator of the Year'
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 30, 2023
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the largest nonpartisan organization of state legislators, gave Texas Senator Paul Bettencourt (SD-7) the "2023 Legislator of the Year" for his work to pass historic property tax relief in Texas this year. This award recognizes lawmakers who demonstrate leadership and commitment to ALEC’s principles of limited government, free markets and federalism.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee the Texas Energy Fund
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 29, 2023
The Public Utility Commission of Texas, the state agency that regulates Texas utilities, announced it will administer the Texas Energy Fund, following voter approval of Proposition 7 this November. This move comes as a part of a statewide initiative to modernize and upgrade the electric generating facilities within the state.
TXDOT commuters saved $3 Billion in 2022, according to new report
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 28, 2023
The Texas Department of Transportation, (TxDOT) reported a $3 billion dollar difference from last year's finances for commuters across Texas. This significant fluctuation has been attributed to a variety of factors, including impacts of the pandemic and ongoing transportation improvement projects.
TDCJ Recipients of Actions of Valor Award Honored for Exemplary Service
By Press Release | Nov 28, 2023
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious Actions of Valor Award. These exceptional individuals have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to protecting their fellow officers and staff, while embodying the agency's core values of integrity, courage, perseverance, and commitment.
Rep. Andrew Murr becomes the seventh House Republican to not seek re-election
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 27, 2023
Representative Andrew Murr (District 53) recently announced that he will not seek re-election, saying the sacrifices he and his family have made are too great to continue in the Texas House. This move marks him as the seventh House Republican in recent times to make such a decision.
The U.S. Natural Gas Landscape: A Pragmatic Policy Approach Is Needed
By Dean Foreman | Nov 27, 2023
The United States, and Texas in particular, is quietly experiencing a continuation of a revolution in natural gas production. Despite strong consumption and record exports, domestic prices remain at around $3 per million British thermal unit (Btu). This is a remarkable productivity success story, with Texas leading the charge, accounting for over half of the nation’s growth so far in 2023.
Border Patrol Chief: ‘Laredo Sector apprehended 234 subjects in 30+ events’
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 27, 2023
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens praised agents for their work in stopping another attempt of smuggling undocumented migrants across the U.S. Border near Laredo, Texas.
RGV Chief Patrol Agent: 'A 20-year-old male from El Salvador was convicted for assaulting a McAllen Station Border Patrol Agent'
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 27, 2023
Gloria I. Chavez, chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley sector, said a El Salvadorian male was convicted of assaulting a Border Patrol agent. In a Nov. 16 tweet, she revealed that the assault took place in June. This incident is part of an ongoing issue of violence against border patrol agents.
Texas Public Safety Department said Selected members of class B-2023 were chosen for the Texas DPS
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 24, 2023
Texas DPS announced that selected members were recruited from the class B-2023 to serve the Texas Department of Public Safety. The newly formed team, commemorated by Governor Abbott for their bravery and efforts, officially began their service on November 17th.
Texas Parks And Wildlife notified hunters across Texas to report game in hunting season
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 22, 2023
The Texas Wildlife and Parks Department warns hunters to report their game during deer hunting season via various apps for research of CWD samples, on Nov 21st. This initiative is aimed at understanding and controlling the spread of chronic wasting disease among the deer population.
Texas Department Of Agriculture commissioner Sid Miller has appointed four candidates to assist the Texas food system and Planning council.
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 22, 2023
Texas Department Of Agriculture said Commissioner Miller chose four representatives for the Texas Food System and Resiliency Council, on Nov 14th. The council will be responsible for maintaining food security and agricultural resilience in the state.
Texas' DPS announced the graduation of their canine dogs from its rigorous Canine Program
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 21, 2023
Texas Public Safety Department has announced that a K-9 team, as part of the DPS of Texas, graduated from the canine training program. The said graduation represents another step forward in maintaining peace and security across the state.
Texas Farm Bureau 90th Annual Meeting set for Dec. 1-3
By Press Release | Nov 21, 2023
Farmers and ranchers from across Texas will head to Frisco to help Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) ring in its 90th anniversary during the organization’s annual meeting Dec. 1-3.
Upstream Texas Oil and Natural Gas Sector Grows by Additional 2,200 Jobs in October
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 21, 2023
Newly-released data from the Texas Workforce Commission indicates that upstream oil and natural gas employment grew by an additional 2,200 jobs in October. These new numbers extend the strength of 2023’s job growth to date, with 16,500 jobs added so far this year.
Efforts to pass school choice in Texas grind to a halt in the 4th special session
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 20, 2023
On Friday a much anticipated vote on HB1, the omnibus school funding legislation, was set on the House floor. There was a lot of speculation about what the outcome would be on the package which included Governor Greg Abbott’s top public policy priority, education savings accounts (ESAs).
New report says Texas faces an elevated risk of insufficient electricity supplies this winter
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 17, 2023
Texas and other parts of the U.S. face an elevated risk of energy emergencies in extreme conditions for the upcoming winter. In a new report, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) says that Texas is at higher risk of insufficient electricity supplies this winter than last year.
Every Texan honors four extraordinary women at 2023 Texas Legacy Awards
By Press Release | Nov 16, 2023
On Wednesday, Every Texan held its 2023 Texas Legacy Award ceremony at the iconic Austin Central Library. Every Texan honored three exceptional leaders — a first in the award’s 23-year history — for their relentless efforts to eradicate poverty and homelessness, improve the quality of education for all students, and ensure equitable health care for those who need it most. Every Texan also proudly presented the Future of Texas award to Tiara Cooper for her visionary social justice advocacy.
Cost of Texas Thanksgiving dinner up slightly
By Press Release | Nov 16, 2023
The average cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner in Texas is slightly more expensive than a year ago, according to Farm Bureau’s annual price survey.
TPPF applauds passage of major border security bills in Texas House
By Press Release | Nov 16, 2023
Today, the Texas House passed two major border security bills that are essential to reining in the border crisis, protecting Texas communities, and asserting Texas sovereignty. Senate Bill 3 has been amended and will return to the Senate. Senate Bill 4 will head to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk.
Senator Cesar Blanco voices opposition to a bill creating a criminal offense for crossing the border
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 15, 2023
Senator Cesar Blanco, recently voiced his opposition to Senate Bill 3, an effort by the Texas Legislature to make border crossings a criminal offense, saying it would be a costly and ineffective solution and that immigration is an issue for the federal government, not the State of Texas.
