News from January 2024
TPPF Recognizes Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Month
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 8, 2024
The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has acknowledged the importance of Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a designation made by Governor Abbott. In a statement, Melissa Ford Maldonado, TPPF's Secure and Sovereign Frontier Policy Director, emphasized the gravity of the issue and the need for action.Maldonado stated, "Human trafficking is a growing threat to not only Texas but also the rest of the country and the world. Texas is at the forefront of the fight against this modern-day slavery, providing resources for survivors and promoting awareness among Texans...
Gov. Greg Abbott: 'Texas is the @bizfacilities 2023 State of the Year'
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 7, 2024
Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, announced that the state has been named the 2023 State of the Year by Business Facilities magazine. This recognition is attributed to Texas' rapid business growth and its dynamic workforce.
Gov. Greg Abbott: 'Texas will continue to step up'
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 7, 2024
Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has stated that Texas is increasing its efforts to secure the border through Operation Lone Star. Both Abbott and the national guard are committed to this cause.
Texas Public Policy Foundation campaign director: 'Opacity is the goal'
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 7, 2024
David Dunmoyer, citing the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), an organization dedicated to developing and promoting conservative public policies, has expressed enthusiasm for their new data privacy policy. The policy aims to give consumers a right to know what information is being collected about them.
State Rep. John Bryant: ‘I don’t like being in the minority, I’ve been in the majority before, and I’m pushing to get us back in the majority’
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 5, 2024
State Rep. John Bryant (D-Dallas) said that Democrats, having safe seats, have no reason to not be showing the public that they’re on their side on big issues, rather than just going along with the powers that be. If they are just going along with the powers that be, nothing will really get accomplished.
State Rep. John Bryant: ‘Our homeowners, they don’t need hundreds of dollars in tax relief, they need thousands of dollars in tax relief’
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 5, 2024
State Rep John Bryant (D-Dallas) said that Republican tax relief for homeowners would not provide enough support. Democrats have proposed a bill that would provide more relief for homeowners, and those who rent.
Texas Right To Life serves subpoenas to three organizations
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 4, 2024
Texas Right To Life (TRL) has issued subpoenas to three organizations, alleging that they are in violation of state abortion laws. The organizations under scrutiny are Jane's Due Process, the Buckle Bunnies Fund, and the Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity.
Mark P. Mills to head new national TPPF initiative on energy
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 4, 2024
Mark P. Mills, a distinguished senior fellow, has joined the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) to spearhead a national initiative focused on ensuring America's access to affordable and reliable energy. This initiative aims to support the country's economic growth and national security. With his extensive background in science and technology, Mills will build upon TPPF's success in developing statewide energy policies and expand it into a broader federal and multi-state campaign.
TPPF’s Life:Powered submits comment on PUC’s proposed interconnection allowances rule
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 4, 2024
Today, Life:Powered, a project of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), has submitted a comment to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) regarding the PUC's proposed rule on interconnection allowances for generators. The aim of this proposed rule, in accordance with H.B. 1500 passed during the 88th Legislature, is to reduce the cost burden on Texas ratepayers while ensuring the continued development of reliable generation.
Sam Houston Center to close for renovations, Jan. 22-29
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 4, 2024
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, TX, will temporarily close its doors to the public from January 22nd to January 29th, 2024. This closure is necessary as the center undergoes renovations to improve its facilities. The center is expected to reopen on Tuesday, January 30th at 8:00 a.m.
State Rep. John Bryant: Pending states' rights decisions prompted him to ‘get involved again’
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 3, 2024
State Rep. John Bryant (D-Dallas) said that the invasion of the Capitol and increasing amount of authoritarian talk encouraged him to get up off the sidelines and become involved again in politics. He was also concerned with decisions pending in the Supreme Court relating to the power of states.
Texas Railroad Commission releases its 2023 Year in Review
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 3, 2024
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has published its 2023 Year in Review, outlining the key stories and accomplishments of the commission throughout the year. The report asserts that the RRC has been successful in safeguarding Texans and the environment, while also exceeding standards established by the legislature.
TCEQ’s Take Care of Texas Art Contest promotes recycling
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 3, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has launched its annual Take Care of Texas Art Contest, now in its 10th year. This year's theme focuses on recycling, encouraging students from kindergarten to fifth grade to illustrate how they, along with their families and friends, recycle and reuse items to reduce waste.
Bishops celebrate court’s affirmation of EMTALA protection of unborn
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 3, 2024
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) is celebrating a recent decision by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the permanent injunction of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidance that would have required emergency room physicians to provide abortions. The court's decision, which came in the case of State of Texas v. Becerra, affirms that this attempt to require abortions violates both the Texas Human Life Protection Act and the principles of the Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives for Healthcare.
Analysis Finds U.S. Electric Vehicle Battery Manufacturing on Track to Meet Demand
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 3, 2024
An analysis conducted by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has revealed that the United States is well on its way to meeting the demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. According to the analysis, enough battery production capacity has already been announced to supply all the EVs expected to be sold in 2030.
Border Trade Alliance sends letter to Governor Abbott raising border congestion concerns
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 2, 2024
The Border Trade Alliance (BTA), a non-profit organization dedicated to trade, travel, and security matters, has expressed concerns about escalating congestion at ports of entry. The group has penned a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott requesting a meeting to discuss these issues.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice names Warden Adam R. Gonzales the Texas Warden of the Year.
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 2, 2024
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has named Senior Warden Adam R. Gonzales as the Warden of the Year in Texas. The award was presented to Gonzales at the 2023 Senior Warden Leadership Forum.
Mountain View Unit Renamed to Honor Former TBCJ Chairman Patrick L. O’Daniel
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 1, 2024
The Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ) has decided to rename the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville, Texas, to the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit, in honor of former TBCJ Chairman Patrick L. O’Daniel. The name change, which was unanimously approved at the December TBCJ meeting in Huntsville, is a testament to O’Daniel’s exceptional service to the state of Texas and the criminal justice system.In his address to the board, current Chairman Eric Nichols highlighted the significance of naming facilities and the power that names hold. He expressed his deep admiration for O'Daniel,...
TDCJ Skills Demonstration and Career Expo - January 10
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 1, 2024
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is hosting the Skills Demonstration and Career Expo on January 10th. This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stringfellow Unit in Rosharon, Texas. During the Skills Demonstration and Career Expo, second-chance employers and media will have the opportunity to witness the job skills that inmates have acquired during their incarceration. Live demonstrations will be conducted in various fields such as culinary arts, electrical work, welding, and truck driving. Attendees will also have the chance to tour the...
