Comptroller Glenn Hegar has reminded Texans that the deadline to apply for Texas Match the Promise Foundation℠ scholarship awards is Dec. 31, 2021.

“The development of broadband is key to Texas’ future as an economic powerhouse. I have complete confidence that these appointments will make recommendations that strengthen broadband access and quality in Texas,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, announcing the appointments of Sergio Contreras, Robert F. McGee and Scott R. Muri, Ed. D., to the Broadband Development Office Board of Advisors which will provide guidance for the expansion, adoption, affordability, and use of broadband services across Texas.

​​​​​​​“On average, we lose 17 veterans to suicide every day – and that’s 17 too many,” said Rep. Tony Gonzales, himself a veteran. "The VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Act works to bolster VA suicide prevention efforts and improves the way our VA system approaches mental health,” Gonzales said, introducing his bill to launch a Pilot Program within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Specifically these Congressional members – whose districts would be impacted – oppose money from the $10 billion allocated for high-speed rail funding in the recently passed House version of President Biden's "Build Back Better Act" going toward the controversial Texas Central Railroad bullet train project from Houston to Dallas.

​​​​​​​"In June I promised Texans we would step up in the Federal Government's absence and build our own Border Wall. We have wasted no time in the six months since that promise was made," said Gov. Greg Abbott during a Saturday press conference, debuting the progress on construction of that wall in South Texas' Rio Grande City — just six months after he announced Texas would build its own Border Wall.

"The Lone Star State has a long, proud legacy of Texans fighting to keep America a beacon of freedom for all. This year, my colleagues and I fulfilled our Constitutional duty to equip our Armed Forces with the resources they need to defend America’s national security interests at home and abroad, while also securing bipartisan victories for Texas military communities," said Sen. Ted Cruz.

“Our Law Enforcement Agents deserve access to the best resources available, as they put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities," said Cong. Gonzales, introducing his bill to make localities like San Antonio eligible to purchase all-terrain vehicles & equipment at a significant discount to assist in disasters like Winter Storm Uri.

The Texas labor market has surpassed its previous pre-pandemic employment high in February 2020 of 12,970,000 jobs by reaching 12,998,200 total nonagricultural jobs in November 2021.

"Should the acceptance of any federal funds hinder or needlessly constrain the state, commit the state to ongoing costs for which there is not an appropriation available, or require an agency to implement a federal policy contrary to the law or policy of this state, the agreement proposed by the federal agency should not be signed," said Gov. Greg Abbott, reminding State Agency leaders to review all federal provisions before accepting or applying for federal funding opportunities. 

"Both cities are home to integral elements of U.S. national defense and national security infrastructure,” said the Senators, urging the company to resume flights to the area due to the vital role the cities play in American National Security and Department of Defense partnerships – as well as the growing economies of the communities.

Kevin Brady (R-TX) issued the following statement after the House passage of H.R. 6256, which will ensure that goods made with forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China do not enter the United States market

Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today the Texas College Savings Plan (Plan)®, the state’s direct-sold college savings plan, is lowering fees and enhancing its investment lineup. These changes were effective Dec. 13

"A first-generation American with an accomplished career in private practice and public service, Rebeca embodies the spirit of Texas and inspires all of us to work hard and achieve our dreams," said Gov. Greg Abbott as he swore-in Supreme Court of Texas Justice Rebeca Huddle during a ceremony at the State Capitol. Huddle will replace Justice Paul Green who retired in August of 2020.

Truckers are often the target of staged collisions, which puts both civilian and truckers in serious danger. The "Highway Accident Fairness Act of 2021" is to improve the safety of truckers and civilians on U.S. highways, and protects trucking companies from the financial burdens of defending against or settling fraudulent insurance claims resulting from staged collisions. 

“I will not allow pharmaceutical companies to take advantage of Texas children. These drugs were approved for very different purposes, and can have detrimental or even irreversible side effects,” said Texas' Attorney General Ken Paxton of the few pharmaceutical companies allegedly advertising and promoting puberty (hormone) blockers for unapproved uses without disclosing the potential risks.

As of early December, 1,000s of Border Patrol Agents & Customs Officers have chosen to forego the COVID-19 vaccine for medical or religious purposes, and 100s have not yet filed for an exemption and are especially vulnerable to adverse action from the agency. If they do not get vaccinated, they could be subject to layoffs as of early January.

The “Winter Ready” site includes photos and explanations of winterization techniques oil and natural gas operators proactively use to protect their equipment during heat and cold weather. . .

Two Texas Congressmen, in a bi-partisan effort, led a group of Democrat and Republican Congressmen in sending a letter to President Biden concerning reports that his administration is considering the reinstatement of a ban on U.S. Crude Oil Exports. The push by Republican August Pfluger & Democrat Henry Cuellar comes amidst rising energy costs and inflationary pressures at the gas pump.

“Ending forced labor—and holding China accountable for these gross abuses of human rights—must be a global effort. America should lead the world in halting China’s brutality, and all democracies around the world should join us."

These are the latest in a string of actions the Texas Railroad Commission has undertaken since the end of the summer to ensure gas is flowing and available to protect Texans in case of weather emergencies this winter.