News from July 2024
Texas Education Agency recommends new Texas charter schools
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 4, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas – July 2, 2024 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced today that the State Board of Education (SBOE) will vote on Commissioner Mike Morath’s recommendation to grant Generation 29 charter schools.
Governor Abbott directs preparations ahead of Hurricane Beryl
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 4, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to issue an advisory notice to the 39 Texas Emergency Management Council Agencies. The directive aims to prepare for hurricane response and recovery efforts, as well as develop continuous staffing plans for the State Emergency Operations Center, in light of Hurricane Beryl's potential impact on the Texas Gulf Coast. State agencies have also been tasked with ensuring that emergency response assets are ready for deployment.
Texas counties face critical December deadline for obligating $5.6 billion in ARPA funding
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 4, 2024
Texas counties have until Dec. 31 to obligate the $5.6 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding they received, or risk forfeiting any unspent funds. Municipalities must return any unobligated funds to the U.S. Treasury by the deadline.
State Senator Hughes's data privacy law goes into effect
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 4, 2024
A data privacy law authored by Texas State Senator Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) went into effect on July 1. Hughes touted the legislation as the strongest to protect consumer data.
Representative Shaheen hopes to continue work to protect children in the 89th legislative session
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 2, 2024
Representative Matt Shaheen, a Republican member of the Texas House representing West Plano and Far North Dallas, told the Lone Star Standard that one of his priorities for the 89th legislative session is to build on his past legislative successes to protect children.
OPINION: Congressman Veasey supports printing medication information, and so should you
By Andrew Vale | Jul 1, 2024
You may not know it, but the printing industry constitutes a large portion of the US economy, especially the economy of Texas. Yes, printing.
Texas Library Foundation announces $2,000 Martha Wong Scholarship
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 1, 2024
The Texas Library and Archives Foundation has announced a new scholarship opportunity for students in Texas library/information science or school library certification programs. The Martha Wong Scholarship will award a reimbursable grant of $2,000 that may be used for tuition or required textbooks.
Texas State Board of Education approves four new charter districts
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 1, 2024
The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has expressed approval of the Texas State Board of Education's decision to authorize four new open-enrollment charter districts. The SBOE opted not to take action on four out of five schools recommended by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for a charter grant.
Texas warns against dangerous levels of mercury in imported skin creams
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 1, 2024
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recently reported a case of mercury poisoning linked to the use of a contaminated skin lightening cream. Authorities advise consumers to purchase cosmetics only in sealed containers from reputable retailers and to avoid products that appear altered. Those who suspect exposure to mercury through skin creams should contact their healthcare provider or the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.
Texas opens comment period for new air quality permit for natural gas EGUs
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 1, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is proposing a new non-rule air quality standard permit for natural gas-fired electric generating units (NG EGUs). The public can make comments and participate in a public meeting regarding this proposed permit.
Texas Catholic Voice addresses anniversary of Dobbs decision and religious freedom concerns
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 1, 2024
In this issue of the Texas Catholic Voice, Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director, reflects on the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Allmon notes the long pro-life effort and highlights Texas' Human Life Protection Act, passed in 2021, which made elective abortion illegal at any stage of pregnancy.
TASA announces regional nominees for 2024 outstanding school board
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 1, 2024
Fourteen Texas school district boards of trustees have been selected as regional nominees for the 2024 TASA School Board Awards. The nominees for the 2024 Outstanding School Board of the Year include both small and large district categories, based on student population.
