Latest News
Texas sees rise in property taxes; opportunities for reform in upcoming legislative session
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 16, 2025
The Texas Comptroller's latest Biennial Property Tax Report reveals a $650 million increase in property taxes for 2023, despite previous promises of relief.
Texas Legislature begins; Senator Birdwell commits to serving District 22
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 16, 2025
The 89th Texas Legislature commenced on January 14, 2025, marking the beginning of another legislative session for State Senator Brian Birdwell, who represents Senate District 22.
Governor Abbott appoints new commanding general for Texas State Guard
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 16, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Major General Roger O. Sheridan as the Commanding General of the Texas State Guard.
Texas property tax revenue increases by $5.4 billion, fueling taxpayer frustration
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 16, 2025
Texas taxpayers are expressing frustration as property tax revenue for local governments and school districts increased by $5.4 billion in 2024, a 6.6% rise from 2023, according to data from Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar.
Texas Comptroller projects $194B in revenue for the state in 2026-27
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 15, 2025
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has released the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE), projecting $194.6 billion in revenue for general-purpose spending during the 2026-27 biennium.
Texas physicians urge lawmakers to address social media safety for children
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 15, 2025
The Texas Medical Association (TMA) and the Texas Pediatric Society have addressed a committee of the Texas Legislature, emphasizing the need for policies that ensure safe technology use among young people and limit data mining of minors'...
Texas Restaurant Foundation receives $10K donation from Buchanan's Whisky
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 14, 2025
The Texas Restaurant Foundation (TRF) has received a $10,000 donation from Buchanan’s Whisky through the 200% Futuro Fund.
TXTA Foundation pledges $50K to support national trucking awareness campaign
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 14, 2025
The TXTA Foundation has pledged $50,000 to the American Trucking Associations' "Nothing Without Trucking" campaign.
Abbott renews wildfire disaster proclamation amid persistent fire threats
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 14, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott has renewed a wildfire disaster proclamation for numerous counties in Texas, initially issued on October 14, 2024.
More than 100 taxing entities in Texas increased property taxes by more than 3.5% in 2024
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 10, 2025
Data compiled by the Texas Comptroller indicates that in 2024, at least 179 taxing entities in Texas increased property taxes by more than 3.5%.
Weekend Interview: Tony Bennett on the Future of Texas Manufacturing
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 10, 2025
Tony Bennett, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM), has been the voice of the state's manufacturing sector for over a decade.
Texas oil & gas industry reports record tax contributions for fiscal year 2024
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 10, 2025
The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) has released its 2024 Annual Energy & Economic Impact Report, revealing significant contributions from the oil and natural gas industry to the state's economy.
Governor Abbott appoints six members to Trinity River Authority Board
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 10, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of Jeff Bradley and Casey Yeary Callas to the Trinity River Authority Board of Directors.
Public Utility Commission of Texas to Open Applications for the Texas Energy Fund Completion Bonus Grant Program
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 9, 2025
Austin, Texas – Starting Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) will begin accepting applications for the Texas Energy Fund (TEF) Completion Bonus Grant Program.
Giddings earns Tourism Friendly Texas certification from Travel Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 9, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott has extended his congratulations to the City of Giddings for being recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center hosts training event with Bass University
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 7, 2025
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens is set to host a two-day training event with Bass University, a partner of the Toyota ShareLunker program.
Texas DPS highlights January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 7, 2025
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to stay alert and educate themselves about human trafficking throughout January, which has been designated as Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Texas announces fifth annual Week of Prayer against human trafficking
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 7, 2025
First Lady Cecilia Abbott has announced the fifth annual Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking, organized by the Governor's Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) initiative.
OPINION: A COMPASSIONATE AND SENSIBLE CANNABIS POLICY FOR TEXAS
By Sid Miller | Jan 7, 2025
Just down the street from the Austin headquarters of the Texas Department of Agriculture is a trailer selling consumable cannabis products; the sole purpose of these products is to inebriate.
Texas Historical Commission's Real Places Conference returns with new options in April 2025
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 7, 2025
Registration has commenced for Real Places 2025, the Texas Historical Commission's (THC) historic preservation and heritage tourism conference.
