The newly formed "Special Legislative Committees" will develop Legislative Recommendations on: School Safety, Mental Health, Social Media, Police Training, Firearm Safety and more, noted Gov. Abbott. "We must come together as Texans to support the Uvalde Community and prevent future tragedies in this state," said Abbott while commending the Legislature's action after last week's tragedy in Uvalde.
“Under President Biden, Main Street businesses are struggling with higher prices, worker shortages, and consumers whose paychecks are shrinking more and more each month because of inflation,” said Cong. Kevin Brady. “In addition to a shrinking economy and crushing inflation, America’s small businesses have lost jobs in three out of the last four months – a big red flag that often signals recession."
The Commission’s actions are focused on extending benefits, relaxing requirements, and creating new child care services in response to the needs of the community.
"I've asked Chairman Robert Nichols to hold a hearing on June 23rd or shortly thereafter. And before creation of this committee, last week I sent a letter to Texas Education Comm. Mike Morath requesting an extension through the end of next year's Legislative Session for applying for School Safety Grants – There is still nearly $14 million in the fund that schools could still request," said Texas' Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
"The work and trainings provided by the Texas School Safety Center has reached 1,000s of schools & instructors and benefited millions of Texas school children. However, the tragedy at Robb Elementary last week requires us all to do more," said Gov. Abbott. "I am charging the TxSSC, in coordination with the TEA, to develop & implement a plan to conduct random inspections to assess Texas school districts."
According to the Texas Comptroller's data, Oil Producers in Texas paid a record amount in taxes in April 2022. Similarly, Texas' Natural Gas Producers paid the highest amount in history in May. “No one produces oil & gas – in a more environmentally responsible way – than American producers, and the lion’s share of that takes place right here in Texas,” said Texas Oil & Gas Association president Todd Staples.
"Annual revenue growth suggests modest growth in Texas' underlying economic activity,' said Comptroller Glenn Hegar, announcing that the state's Total Sales Tax Revenues for the three months ending May 2022 were 15.7% higher than a year ago. But, "spending patterns will face continued headwinds," warned Hegar... and Sales Taxes represent the largest source of funding for the State Budget.
"I encourage all victims, their families and providers to apply for this help to ease the burdens they’re carrying,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, noting there are both State & Federal dollars available to reimburse certain out-of-pocket medical expenses, counseling services, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other expenses. Over 100 applications have been received so far, and details are available here.
"As Texans mourn the tragedy that occurred in Uvalde, we must come together to provide solutions to protect all Texans. Accordingly, I hereby request that each of you convene a Special Legislative Committee to make Texas safer, and I stand ready to provide any and all support," said Gov. Greg Abbott, writing to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick & House Speaker Dade Phelan following last week’s tragic shooting at Robb Elementary.
“We want to take on this duty so Uvalde kids get good nutrition, and so Uvalde ISD staff can focus on healing from this unspeakable tragedy. We're honored to assist with establishing a partnership between school districts in San Antonio and Uvalde so food will be provided until the Uvalde School District can resume serving meals,” said Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller, announcing the coordinated effort.
"A single day of words and remembrance each year is inadequate to repay the debt of gratitude for the brave men and women who lost their lives in service to our country," said Gov. Abbott while honoring the brave Americans who have died in service to the United States. He reminded Texas of the gratitude all Americans owe to those who've sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom.
“Prices have been going up for pretty much all of our needs and wants since mid-2021, but in the past few months, the increases have been staggering,” said Texas' Comptroller Glenn Hegar, noting that Texas and the entire nation are experiencing the highest levels of inflation since the early 1980s, adding that it puts pressure on the average American consumer in tangible, but less obvious ways.
"We caution all charitable givers to be aware and informed – and we warn any would-be scammers that the Texas Attorney General will not tolerate anyone taking advantage of the goodwill and large-heartedness of our fellow Texans," warned Ken Paxton of the organizations or individuals who may try to take advantage of the tragedy in Uvalde. Here are some "Best Practices" to follow.
"Improving access to in-patient behavioral and mental healthcare, strengthening inter-agency communication and response time, and expanding rural broadband for telehealth are a few of the solutions I proposed" to President Biden, said Cong. Tony Gonzales, who represents the City of Uvalde and the largest portion of Texas-Mexico Border in the nation after the president's Memorial Weekend visit.
“In today’s marketplace, it is imperative Texans receive accurate information from automakers to ensure they can make informed decisions," said Texas' Attorney General Ken Paxton, after 40 Attorneys General and Ford concluded an investigation into the company’s alleged false advertising about the Super Duty Pickup's payload capacity & the C-Max Hybrid's fuel economy.
Like the Texians before them, today’s Texans overwhelmingly believe in free markets, private property, individual liberty and lesser government. The 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution not only protects the free speech rights of each and every American, it also protects us against government compelled speech. In other words, the government can’t force you to engage in political speech or facilitate political speech with which you don’t agree.
“By taking advantage of these Sales Tax Holidays, Texans can make upgrades that help lower their utility bills — while saving money on State & Local Sales Taxes,” said Texas' Comptroller Glenn Hegar. Created by the Texas Legislature, the holidays take place this Saturday through Monday, and the Comptroller estimates Texans will save around $14 million in taxes on the following products.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is asking the entire State of Texas to keep the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in Uvalde in your prayers – and announced that the A.G.'s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program can help victims and their families with the financial costs of counseling, medical treatment, funerals, and the loss of income not paid by other sources.
"We’re all completely sickened and heartbroken – none of us can imagine the anguish the parents in Uvalde are going through. Heidi & I are lifting up in prayer the entire Uvalde Community, and mourn the lives taken by this act of evil. We’re all completely sickened, heartbroken, and are all praying for each of them,” said Sen. Ted Cruz of the shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
Last Thursday Gov. Greg Abbott announced an ongoing and coordinated response to the wildfires burning across West & Central Texas, including the Mesquite Heat Fire in Taylor County. On Tuesday, Governor Abbott gave an update on the ongoing response after up to 200 people had been evacuated as a result of the Mesquite Heat Fire.