News from February 2024
Wendy Wendlandt Advocates for Solar Energy at California Rally
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 12, 2024
Wendy Wendlandt, the President of Environment America, took the stage at a solar energy rally in California in 2022 to advocate for the expansion of renewable energy sources. The event, which was captured on video by Sun Run, showcased Wendlandt's impassioned speech in support of solar energy.During her address, Wendlandt emphasized the importance of transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources to combat climate change. She highlighted the benefits of solar energy, stating, "Solar power is a game-changer. It is a clean and abundant source of energy that can power...
Texas state Rep. Thierry: 'Proud to be a leader in the #txlege raising awareness and passing legislation to extend healthcare coverage postpartum'
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 9, 2024
Texas State Representative Shawn Thierry has championed three bills concerning women's health, with one of these proposals, HB 465, currently under consideration in the Senate. Thierry has underscored the importance of tackling maternal mortality and morbidity, highlighting her legislative endeavors to prolong healthcare coverage postpartum.
New Report Projects Economic Growth and Contributions for Asylum Seekers and New Immigrants Across U.S.
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 9, 2024
Today, the Immigration Research Initiative (IRI) released a national report that provides state-by-state data on the projected wages, economic growth, and state and local tax contributions from asylum seekers and newly arriving immigrants in the United States. The report highlights the significant economic benefits that immigrants bring to their communities.According to the report, immigrants in the United States contribute millions of dollars in state and local taxes, and this contribution increases as their earnings grow over time. Within the first two years of their...
Texas Border Coalition Urges Congress to Take Action on Border Issues
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 9, 2024
EL PASO, Texas – The Texas Border Coalition (TBC) has expressed its concerns regarding the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act recently introduced in the U.S. Senate. While acknowledging some positive aspects of the legislation, the TBC believes that it falls short in addressing the critical issues related to migration and border management.Commissioner David Stout, Chairman of the Texas Border Coalition, emphasized the need for legislative action to address the broken immigration and asylum systems. He stated, "Dead on arrival is not...
State Housing Agency Provides Financing for 300-Unit Affordable Housing in Creedmoor
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 9, 2024
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced financing for Creedmoor Farms, a 300-unit affordable housing property in Creedmoor. The project, located at 5107 FM 1327, will provide housing affordable to local residents making at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income."The 4% Housing Tax Credit Program is an important component to increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing in Texas," said Bobby Wilkinson, TDHCA's executive director. "With this award, nearly $3.6 million, residents in and around Creedmoor will soon have more...
Biden administration reins in deadly air pollution
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 9, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step towards reducing soot pollution, one of the deadliest forms of air pollution. Soot, also known as particulate matter, is a major health concern as it can easily enter the lungs and trigger various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.The EPA's new rule, which was finalized on Wednesday, aims to lower the allowable limits for annual soot exposure by 25%. While the 24-hour limit remains unchanged, the overall reduction in soot pollution...
Texas Education Agency Appoints La Joya ISD Board of Managers and New Superintendent
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 7, 2024
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced the appointment of a new Board of Managers and a new superintendent for the La Joya Independent School District (ISD). This decision comes after an extensive selection process and intervention history.The newly appointed Board of Managers is composed of five individuals who have strong ties to the community and a deep understanding of the educational needs of the district. Among them is Celso Gomez Jr., a La Joya ISD graduate and former band director, who brings his experience in education and the automobile industry to the...
More Texans than ever before enrolled in ACA health plans in 2024, feds say
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 7, 2024
According to new federal data, more Texans have enrolled in affordable health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) than ever before. The Texas Tribune reported on the success of this accomplishment and spoke with Senior Policy Analyst Karla Martinez, who commented on the implications of this achievement.The federal government has revealed that Texans have saved an average of $560 on their annual health care premiums for ACA marketplace insurance coverage. This significant savings is attributed to federal tax dollars spent on health care subsidies and...
Barclays banned from Texas bond market
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 7, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has declared that the investment firm Barclays is no longer eligible to participate in the Texas bond market. This decision follows Barclays' refusal to respond to inquiries from the Texas attorney general's office regarding its commitment to "net zero" carbon emissions.
Advocating for Fair Funding: A Conversation with Dick Lavine of Every Texan
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 6, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR INTERVIEW WITH DICK LAVINE
Huffines Liberty Foundation research finds Texans paid more in property taxes in 2023, despite tax cut legislation
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 6, 2024
Recent research conducted by the Huffines Liberty Foundation has revealed an increase in property tax revenue in 2023, despite the enactment of tax cut legislation by the legislature the previous year. The study, led by Foundation President Don Huffines and Policy Analyst Bill Peacock, suggests further measures that lawmakers could adopt to alleviate the property tax burden on Texans.
Texas Department of Public Safety launches Violent Offender Database
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 5, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has initiated the Violent Offender Database - a centralized repository of individuals who have committed violent crimes. This database is a result of House Bill 5202, passed during the 88th regular session of the Texas Legislature.
OPINION: The Texas Grid Held . . . Barely
By Bill King | Feb 5, 2024
During the recent winter storm Heather (January 13-16), the Texas grid was able to produce enough energy to meet the demand, but just barely.
Active components of ginkgo biloba may improve early cognitive recovery after stroke
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 5, 2024
People who have experienced an ischemic stroke may have better early recovery of cognitive function if treated with intravenous injections of a combination of biologically active components of ginkgo biloba during the first two weeks after the stroke, according to a preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024. The study was conducted in China and involved adults who were treated with intravenous injections of ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine (GDLM), a combination of the active components of ginkgo biloba.The...
DPS Arrests Over 50 in Regional Human Trafficking Operations
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 5, 2024
During the month of January 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) conducted several operations in the West Texas Region to combat human trafficking. The operations aimed to target individuals involved in exploiting and victimizing trafficking victims and apprehend those suspected of being involved in human trafficking through solicitation on various websites.The success of these operations was greatly attributed to the collaboration of multiple agencies. DPS West Texas Regional Director Jose Sanchez expressed his...
Attorney General Ken Paxton sues five Texas cities over marijuana policies
By Lone Star Standard | Feb 1, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has declared his intention to file a lawsuit against five Texas cities due to their marijuana enforcement policies, which he argues are in conflict with existing state laws. The cities named in the impending lawsuit are Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton. These cities have all implemented non-prosecution policies related to marijuana.
