Latest News
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.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn: Cartel members say ‘whatever kills the American is good with us’
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 19, 2024
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn has reported that incarcerated Mexican cartel members have conveyed to him that "whatever kills the American is good." This statement was made during the House Oversight and Accountability subcommittee meeting on April 16.
Texas Permanent School Fund fires BlackRock as investment manager
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 19, 2024
The Texas Permanent School Fund Corporation (Texas PSF) has issued a letter to BlackRock Investment Management, terminating its role as the investment manager for $8.5 billion of PSF funds that support Texas public schools. The decision is in line with a 2021 Texas law mandating state agencies to divest from investment firms that boycott energy companies under environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies.
Texas Public Policy Foundation CEO: ‘We feel like we're not getting the ROI that we want and we desire out of our city government’
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 19, 2024
Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, said it's crucial to assess government spending and services, particularly comparing the cost of services and what residents get in return. Sindelar was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Metrics and Accountability: Bryan Sunderland Explains Cicero's Approach To Public Policy
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 18, 2024
Highlights from our interview with Bryan Sunderland, director of advocacy at the Cicero Institute
TDHCA Celebrates Rehabilitation of Waco Affordable Housing Property
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 18, 2024
The Riverside Apartments in Waco have undergone a significant transformation, thanks to the support of various organizations and partners. Through the efforts of TDHCA's 4% Housing Tax Credit Program, $1.1 million in tax credits were awarded to help renovate the 152-unit property, with an estimated total value of $11 million over a 10-year term."This is a revival of pride for a community," expressed Waco Councilwoman, Andrea Barefield. "It’s the voice of residents that matter and helped restore dignity to this property and their homes."The collaborative efforts of City...
Governor Abbott Named To 2024 TIME100 List Of Most Influential People In The World
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 18, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in their 2024 TIME100 list.
Texas Public Policy Foundation CEO: ‘It's going to be really interesting’ to see the political shifts ‘over the next 10-20 years in Texas’
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 18, 2024
Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, said that Texas' political landscape is undergoing significant changes, pointing out historical party transitions of key figures and the unpredictability of political shifts. Sindelar was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Governor Abbott Meets With Samsung Executives To Discuss Billions Invested In Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 17, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott yesterday met with Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. ("Samsung") President and CEO Kye Hyun Kyung and other executives at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin to celebrate Samsung’s continued partnership with Texas and investment of more than $40 billion in the state. This investment is expected to support the expansion of cutting-edge facilities in Central Texas, including expanding their initial $17 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility, and adding a second chip-manufacturing fab, an advanced packaging facility, and a research and development...
OPINION: Do Not Mail Checks in Window Envelopes!
By Bill King | Apr 17, 2024
A couple of months ago, I wrote a check for about $200 to my pool company for the monthly maintenance. It was a computer-generated check that I mailed in a window envelope, which made it apparent that a check was enclosed. After about ten days, the check had still not cleared. I called the company and they said they had not received it. A couple of days later, the check cleared my bank twice, except the payee and the amount had been altered. Instead of being payable to my pool company for $200, the check was shown to be payable to a company and a person I had never heard of and were for a total of over $14,000.
Texas Public Policy Foundation CEO: We try to ‘ensure that the federal government is staying out of the way’
By Lone Star Standard | Apr 17, 2024
Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, said the foundation is dedicated to research-based initiatives, aiming to empower states and limit federal intervention in policymaking. Sindelar was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
