News from October 2023

Public Information Reform: A Step Toward Transparency
By Brad Swail | Oct 6, 2023
Public Information Reform: A Step Toward Transparency
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Corey DeAngelis: Texas Superintendents 'Shaking in Their Boots'; 'We're Going to Free Families from Their Tyrannical Clutches’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 6, 2023
Corey DeAngelis criticized Texas superintendents for benefiting from a monopoly on education while suggesting that their opposition to school choice is driven by a desire to protect their own interests. Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children, was responding to an analysis which found Palestine ISD Superintendent Jason Marshall earns 33 percent more than typical superintendent and is against education freedom for parents.

Texas Transportation Commission approved $200 million for Texas ports
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 5, 2023
During the 88th Legislative Session, Governor Abbott approved $200 million to be used to improve port infrastructure, making it safer and more efficient for Texas trading. The Texas Transportation Commission has now approved the historic funding for Texas ports. The funding comes from a bill passed in this year's 88th Legislative Session and signed by Governor Abbott. The $200 million is the first funding of its kind in Texas and will be used for port development and infrastructure projects through the Maritime Infrastructure Program. In addition, the Commission has also...

Texas Lottery Commission contributes over $2 billion to public education and veterans' services
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 5, 2023
With record sales this fiscal year, the Texas Lottery Commission was able to contribute over $2 billion to public education and in their new veterans' services fund.

Parks and Wildlife Department and Minority Outdoor Alliance to host Minority Outdoor Festival
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 5, 2023
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is partnering with the Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA) to host the third-annual Minority Outdoor Festival. The festival, which is open to the public, will be held on October 13-14 and will center around the theme of "uniting communities for joy and conservation."

Border Fortifications Underway in Texas Amidst Soaring Illegal Entry Attempts
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 5, 2023
In an effort to fortify the U.S.-Mexico border, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled plans to expedite the erection of barriers and roads in Starr County, Texas. This decision, rooted in the authority provided by Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, is designed to deter unauthorized entries into the United States.

Senator Brandon Creighton: 'The future of the GOP is bright'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 4, 2023
Senator Brandon Creighton spoke at the Youth Summit this week, where many young future conservative leaders gathered to listen to notable GOP speakers who play a key part in today's politics. Senator Creighton expressed his excitement about the future of the GOP, stating, "The future of the GOP is bright, and that was on full display at the Texas Youth Summit this week!" He expressed his gratitude to Christian Collins for inviting him to be part of the largest group of young conservative thought leaders in the nation.

Secretary of State Jane Nelson: 'I am proud to point to Texas as a leader in cancer research and prevention'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 4, 2023
Secretary of State, Jane Nelson, was recognized for her contributions to furthering cancer research in Texas during this year's Texas Conquer Cancer Awards ceremony, giving credit specifically to her work with the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

Commissioner Miller encourages school programs to participate in annual Farm Fresh Challenge
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 4, 2023
Sid Miller, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, has issued a challenge to all Texas schools and nutrition partners to participate in the annual Farm Fresh Program. The program, which runs throughout the month of October, aims to educate Texans about where their food comes from and promote healthier eating habits.

ERCOT concerned that Texas will not have enough dispatchable generation this winter
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 4, 2023
The manager of the Texas electric grid, ERCOT, has expressed concerns about grid reliability this winter and is actively seeking additional dispatchable generation. In a press release, ERCOT announced its search for more electricity "to be prepared and ensure all available tools are readily available if needed."

Public Utility Commissioner of Texas discusses the possible benefits of virtual power plants
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 3, 2023
The Public Utility Commission of Texas is considering the implementation of virtual power plants as a way to improve grid reliability in the state. Commissioner Will McAdams is exploring the potential benefits of virtual power plants and how they can contribute to the growth of Texas' grid reliability.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: 'Join TABC in raising awareness of this deadly drug'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 3, 2023
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is raising awareness about the deadly drug fentanyl during the month of October, which has been designated as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month. According to the commission, over 150 people die every day from overdoses of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 2023 'Higher EDge' Conference to be held December 12-13th
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 3, 2023
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has announced that registration is now open for their 2023 'Higher EDge: Leading Texas' Future' conference. The event will take place on December 12-13. The board shared their excitement about the upcoming conference, stating, "We've got some exciting programming lined up this year. Take a look and register today!"

Last week for Texas juniors and seniors to apply for the 2024 United States Youth Program
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 3, 2023
The Texas Education Agency announced that applications for high school juniors and seniors in Texas to apply for the 2024 United States Senate Youth Program will be closing at the end of this week. According to the announcement, "There's one week left" for interested students to submit their applications.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to host hearing on Lauren Concrete Inc. new Air Quality Standard Permit application
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 2, 2023
Today the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) announced that they will be hosting a public hearing on October 9th at 6pm to discuss Lauren Concrete's application for an Air Quality Standard Permit for their new concrete plant in Austin County. The TCEQ stated that Lauren Concrete Inc. has applied for a new Air Quality Standard Permit with enhanced controls to authorize the operation of a concrete batch plant in Austin County.

Texas Department of Information Resources hosting cybersecurity information sessions throughout October
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 2, 2023
In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness month, the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) will be hosting a series of events throughout October to educate the public on understanding and avoiding cybersecurity threats. The department will also be sharing cyber tips on their website to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.