News from April 2024
A variety of THECB programs aim to alleviate nursing shortage in Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 14, 2024
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is actively addressing the nursing shortage in Texas through a variety of programs as part of the state's strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas.According to a statement from THECB, the demand for registered and licensed vocational nurses in Texas is surpassing the current supply, with projections indicating a widening gap over the next decade.Among the programs aimed at addressing this issue is the Emergency and Trauma Care Education Partnership Program (ETEP), which supports training...
Governor Abbott Advocates For Adoption With His Family’s Story At CHOSEN Conference In Plano
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 14, 2024
Today, Governor Abbott participated in a fireside chat at the CHOSEN Conference in Plano, advocating for adoption and foster care resources in Texas. Governor Abbott reflected on his personal experience, stating, "when I think about all of the decisions I have made as Governor, Attorney General, and in other roles I've had in my life, without a doubt, the best decision I have ever made was to adopt a child."
Texas Restaurant Foundation chair: One area of high focus is ‘high school level culinary programs and hospitality’
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 12, 2024
Russell Woodward, chair of the Texas Restaurant Foundation, said that they have long-term involvement with high school culinary programs and that culinary and hospitality education is shaping the future workforce. Woodward was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Lt. Governor announces Senate interim charges; 57 topics in total
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 11, 2024
On Thursday, April 11, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick issued 57 interim charges for the Texas Senate.
Texas House creates a committee to evaluate the state and implications of AI and emerging technologies
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 10, 2024
The Texas House of Representatives has formed a new committee to investigate the advancements in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies (AI/ET). The committee, named the House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies, is will be conducting an extensive review of these technologies and their potential impacts on Texas.
DEI ban forces the University of Texas at Austin to restructure
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 10, 2024
Several months after the implementation of Senate Bill 17, which prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public colleges, the University of Texas at Austin has announced staff layoffs. The university's President, Jay Hartzell, announced a restructuring in an email, stating that it was necessary to comply with SB 17 and to reallocate resources towards teaching and research.
Highlights from the TPPF Policy Summit: Insights from CEO Greg Sindelar
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 10, 2024
Highlights from our interview with Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Texas Oil and Gas Association announces promotions of senior staff members
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 10, 2024
The Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) announced promotions of two members of senior staff, naming both Vice Presidents of Government and Regulatory Affairs.
Sam Houston Center Quarterly Book Club Meets in May
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 9, 2024
Liberty, TX - The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty (SHC) is set to host its 2024 quarterly book club meeting on Tuesday, May 28, featuring "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes. The novel tells the story of the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky, who delivered library books by packhorse during the Great Depression.The Sam Houston Center book club, which focuses on fictional works related to museums, archives, and libraries, welcomes all participants to join the discussion from 6 - 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of May, August, and November 2024 at the...
COMMISSIONER MILLER AWARDS $23 MILLION TO RURAL HOSPITALS
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 9, 2024
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture’s State Office of Rural Health (SORH) announced a substantial investment of $23,885,000 in funding for broadband infrastructure improvement grants through the Broadband Development Office at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This initiative is specifically tailored to fortify connectivity in rural Texas hospitals, enhance healthcare accessibility, and elevate the quality of life within rural communities across the state. Rural communities often face challenges in...
Texas State Representatives and candidates promise reform in the State House of Representatives
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 9, 2024
Thirteen Texas Republicans, including five Texas State Representatives and eight candidates signed a letter promising to reform the Texas State House of Representatives and ensure the next speaker of the house selected is a Republican.
More than 13,000 People Died in Alcohol-Related Crashes for Second Straight Year
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 9, 2024
A recent report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revealed a troubling trend in alcohol-related traffic fatalities. According to the report, more than 13,000 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes for the second consecutive year.MADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart expressed her concern, stating, "For the second year, we are learning that drunk driving took the lives of more than 13,000 people, a level we had not seen since 2007. We are losing children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and people we...
Governor Abbott Mobilizes State Emergency Response Resources Amid Severe Weather Threat
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 9, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize state emergency response resources ahead of a storm system expected to move across the state beginning Monday afternoon. The Governor also directed TDEM to increase the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) in anticipation of severe weather impacts."Texas is ready to respond with all available resources needed to assist local communities as severe weather, including severe thunderstorms and large hail, begins to impact the...
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at power grid investment summit: reliability issues require 'public-private partnership'
By Christin Nielsen | Apr 8, 2024
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick organized an energy summit with Blackrock CEO Larry Fink in February.
TXOGA President: 'Texas’ new production and export milestones continue to highlight the Lone Star State’s role as a global energy leader'
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 8, 2024
Todd Staples, President of Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), stated that the record high production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in Texas in 2023 has solidified the state as a "global energy leader." Staples made this assertion in a TXOGA press release dated March 26.
Building the Future of Texas Restaurants: A Conversation with Russell Woodward
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 8, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR INTERVIEW WITH RUSSELL WOODWARD, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD FOR THE TEXAS RESTAURANT FOUNDATION
Austin restaurant attorney: The Debt Service Tax is ‘the constitutional way to incur debt’
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 8, 2024
Bill Aleshire, the attorney representing Dirty Martin's and the other plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Austin's light-rail project, said the Debt Service tax is the constitutionally dedicated way to retire debt. The city's deviation from Texas norms by funding the project through a transfer of general fund revenues raises legal and constitutional concerns as well as significant questions about whether the debt payments could be stopped at any point. Aleshire was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
DPS Urges Texans, Visitors to Follow Safety Guidelines Ahead of Historic Solar Eclipse
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 7, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans and visitors to follow safety guidelines ahead of the historic total solar eclipse expected to impact dozens of communities. The eclipse, which is predicted to impact communities in 83 counties, is expected to be visible from roughly 1:30 PM to 1:50 PM on Monday, April 8.
Governor Abbott Announces Over $1.2 Million In Career Training Grants To North Central Texas Schools
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 7, 2024
On April 5, Governor Greg Abbott announced $1.2 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants for four schools in North Central Texas by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grants aim to support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by providing equipment for over 1,500 students to be trained for high-demand occupations such as architectural and engineering managers, registered nurses, medical assistants, and welders.
Texas Department of Agriculture Leads Celebrations of Inaugural Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 7, 2024
Today, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) spearheaded the celebrations of the first-ever Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day, with staff members joining Lake Travis Independent School District (ISD) students for a special lunch event. The day aimed to recognize and honor the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into daily meals while emphasizing the nutritional benefits of locally grown produce.Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller expressed his pride in the event, stating, "Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day is an opportunity to showcase the remarkable...
