News from October 2023
Public Utility Commission of Texas approves new area code for Houston area
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 27, 2023
Due to the rapidly increasing population of the Houston area, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has approved a new phone area code to be used when the current ones run out. The PUCT is responsible for the management of all electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunication throughout Texas. They enforce laws to ensure compliance and smooth operation of these systems.
Texas Water Development Board now hiring for multiple positions
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 27, 2023
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is currently hiring for multiple job positions, according to their recent job search post. The board is responsible for improving and maintaining safe and abundant water sources in Texas. Their mission is to ensure a secure water future for the state. The TWDB collects and shares water-related information with the public, helps plan for water scarcity and flood situations, and develops programs to meet various water needs across the state.
Texas Workforce Commission recognizes employers who prioritize disability inclusion
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 27, 2023
The Texas Workforce Commission's specialty We Hire Ability Program honors employers who put importance on hiring people with disabilities. The program recognizes Texas employers for their commitment to disability inclusion. The Workforce Commission thanks and honors employers who prioritize disability hiring.
Texas Railroad Commissioners set over $2 million of fines on various operator's penalties.
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 26, 2023
The Texas Railroad Commission has recently set a total of over $2 million worth of fines on several businesses that failed to stay up to Commission standards and also failed to show up to official Commission hearings. According to a statement from the Commission, "$2,425,495.50 in fines involving 597 enforcement dockets" were assessed.
Senator Drew Springer assists Chhaupadi in handing out free period supplies
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 26, 2023
Senator Drew Springer, a Texas Senator, recently joined forces with the nonprofit organization Chhaupadi Inc. to distribute free period supplies outside a Walmart store. The initiative aimed to combat period poverty and raise awareness about the importance of feminine hygiene.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Oyster Season opens Nov. 1
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 25, 2023
As part of maintaining a balanced ecosystem, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has announced that Oyster Season will begin on November 1st. The season will run until April 30th, 2024, with regulations in place to ensure the sustainability of oyster reefs and their surrounding habitats.
Port of Galveston to receive $1million grant to cut emissions
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 25, 2023
The Texas Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Texas A&M University of Galveston Campus, has been awarded a $1 million grant to reduce emissions from cargo shipping operations at the Port of Galveston. The grant was given by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to support efforts in minimizing operating emissions and improving air quality.
Texas State Parks receive Texas Travel Alliance's Heritage Award
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 25, 2023
At the annual Texas Travel Summit on Oct. 17th, the Texas State Parks, part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, received the 2023 Heritage Award from the Texas Travel Alliance, as reported by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Heritage Award is given to businesses and organizations that have made a lasting impact on the Texas travel industry.
Texas Division of Emergency Management sends recovery personnel to assist after Hawaii wildfire
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 25, 2023
The Texas Division of Emergency Management has sent additional disaster recovery personnel to assist communities in Maui County, Hawaii, in recovering from a devastating wildfire that occurred in August. The announcement was made by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, stating that they have deployed additional resources to aid in the recovery efforts.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality offering grants for alternative fuel vehicles
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 25, 2023
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has announced that they are now accepting applications for Grants for Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Conversion Systems. The grants are available for individuals, organizations, or legal entities residing in Texas who are purchasing new vehicles or conversion systems that are powered by alternative fuel sources. The application period will run until March 22, 2024.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board encourages public to sign up for Higher EDge Conference
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 25, 2023
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is reminding the public to reserve their spots for the upcoming Higher EDge Conference. The conference, which aims to promote and advocate for higher education in Texas, features a lineup of keynote speakers and captivating programming.
Texas Commission of the Arts announces deadline for Young Masters Program
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 25, 2023
The Texas Commission on the Arts has announced that the deadline to apply for the Texas Young Masters Program is November 1st. The program, designed to support the creativity and projects of students, offers a grant of $5,000 for up to two years to help further their art education.
Representative Jarvis Johnson enters race for Senate District 15 to continue building a better Texas
By Press Release | Oct 25, 2023
State Representative Jarvis Johnson of House District 139 announced his bid to serve the constituents of Texas Senate District 15 as the Texas Legislature continues to play games with the lives of children and seniors. and everyday Houstonians.
"Zip Code Crisis": ACE Scholarships advocates for school choice to empower low-income families to provide the best education for their children
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2023
Established in 2000, ACE Scholarships aims to empower lower-income parents by enabling them to choose the most suitable K-12 schools for their children. Frustrated with the limitations of the public school system and unsuccessful attempts at legislative reform, the founders sought to bridge the educational gap for economically disadvantaged students.
Senator Cesar Blanco: 'happy to join in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Borderplex Alliance'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 21, 2023
On Oct. 20th, Senator César Blanco shared that he and his staff were proud to be celebrating the success that the Borderplex Alliance has made in increasing jobs and capital investments in their ten years of service. Senator Blanco expressed his happiness in participating in the work of the Borderplex Alliance and sharing in their successes as they celebrate their 10th anniversary.
Senator Huffman given the Texas Broadband Champion Award
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 21, 2023
On Oct. 17, Senator Joan Huffman announced that she has been awarded the Broadband Champion Award by Connect the Future Texas. The award was given to Senator Huffman in recognition of her work in allocating $1.5 billion towards improving broadband expansion and Texas 9-1-1 infrastructure.
Senator Brian Birdwell: 'Congrats to the Carruth family of Comanche Co & the Hastings family of Bosque Co'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 21, 2023
On Oct. 20th, Senator Brian Birdwell congratulated the award winners from the 2023 Family Land Heritage Celebration hosted by Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. The winners have demonstrated a long history of agricultural involvement throughout Texas.
Senator Flores' human trafficking bill advances out of the Senate
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 21, 2023
Senator Pete Flores celebrated the approval of SB4, which would give higher punishments to human traffickers if passed by the House.
School Choice Advances, Senator Bettencourt applauds the work of the Senate
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 20, 2023
Senator Paul Bettencourt congratulated Senator Brandon Creighton on finally getting school choice SB1 approved by the Senate and moved on to the House. In a statement, Bettencourt praised SB1, calling it "by far the best universal school choice bill that we’ve passed out of the Senate."
Senator Tan Parker: 'Let's honor folks like Blake Pyron driving Texas' prosperity!'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 20, 2023
Senator Tan Parker brings awareness to the work of Blake Pyron who has done work to help entrepreneurs who have disabilities be able to grow their businesses and their experience. "Let's honor folks like Blake Pyron driving Texas' prosperity!" Senator Parker stated.
