News from April 2024
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."
Governor Abbott Appoints Boatright To Texas Racing Commission
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 24, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointment of Jason Boatright to the Texas Racing Commission for a term set to expire February 1, 2025. According to Abbott, Boatright brings a wealth of experience to the Commission as he currently serves as special counsel at Duane Morris LLP. Boatright is from Dallas.
Senator Pete Flores responds to interim charges: 'I believe that government’s first responsibility is public safety'
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 24, 2024
On April 11th, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced 57 interim charges for the upper chamber of the Texas Legislature.
Texas Governor Abbott establishes a task force to tackle the healthcare worker shortage
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 23, 2024
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to form a task force aimed at addressing the shortage of healthcare workers in the state. The lack of medical professionals, including nurses, physicians, and mental health practitioners, is a widespread issue in many states. This problem is exacerbated in Texas due to its growing population that is also living longer.
Entergy Texas opens solar facility in Polk County
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 23, 2024
Entergy Texas announced the opening of the Umbriel Solar facility, a contracted location selected through a request for proposals specifically for renewables. The Polk County location is owned and operated by Longroad Energy.
