Formation of the team follows a directive from Governor Greg Abbott AUSTIN – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are forming a joint response team to coordinate efforts in combating New World screwworm (NWS) prior to its arrival in Texas, following a directive from Governor Greg Abbott. “Texas played a critical role in eradicating this pest from the United States in the 1960s and will do so again […]
Texas News
Sen. Bettencourt Delivers “Eight Pack” of Property Tax Reform Package for Texas Taxpayers
Eight bills that ensure tax rate accuracy, modernize appraisal processes, & fiscal responsibility statewide AUSTIN, TEXAS — Texans asked for property tax relief, and Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) has successfully delivered through the authorship and Senate Sponsorship of eight bold property tax rate reform measures passed during the 89th Legislative session. The comprehensive, bi-partisan reforms are designed to reduce tax burdens by increasing fiscal transparency and accountability among local governments. They improve public access to […]
TPWD Receives 115 Oyster Buyback License Applications
AUSTIN — Of 545 available oyster licenses, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received 115 commercial oyster boat license offers in round nine of its Oyster License Buyback Program, which, if all applicants participate, would represent a reduction by 21 percent of total oyster licenses in the state. TPWD administers voluntary commercial fishing license buyback programs for inshore shrimp, crab and finfish fisheries, all of which have had a license moratorium since 2005 or earlier. […]
The Coastal Prairie Conservancy Welcomes Stephen Deiss as its New Working Lands Director
June 25, 2025 – The Coastal Prairie Conservancy is proud to announce the addition of Stephen Deiss as its new Working Lands Director. A lifelong Texan with deep roots in agriculture, natural resource conservation, and land management, Stephen brings decades of hands-on experience and leadership to this critical role. In his position as Working Lands Director, Stephen will oversee the management of conservancy owned properties with a strong focus on natural resource values, operational sustainability, and long-term […]
New laws give TBVME increased oversight of veterinary professionals and facilities and expand Texans’ access to information
AUSTIN – Two new laws – including one giving the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME) the authority to issue immediate license revocation emergency orders against licensees and facilities – go into effect on September 1. All veterinary medical facilities will be required to register with TBVME, and the board will have the authority to adopt and enforce facility standards, including safety and sanitation, handling of controlled substances and patient care. Also, thanks to $500,000 allocated by the Legislature, TBVME will be able to expand its electronic database, giving Texans greater access to research […]
Texas A&M–Victoria Officially Joins The Texas A&M University System
$25 Million in New Legislative Support Secured to Boost the University BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — It’s official: The University of Houston-Victoria soon will become Texas A&M University–Victoria, the 12th university in The Texas A&M University System. Following the end of the governor’s signing period, the A&M System today announced the historic transition — a move years in the making and backed by overwhelming legislative support. As part of this milestone, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John […]
Attorney General Ken Paxton Commemorates the End of Roe v. Wade on Sanctity of Life Day
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) observe Sanctity of Life Day to commemorate the anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade and other similar decisions, returning the legal authority to pass laws concerning abortion back to the states. That same day, the OAG closed its offices starting at noon as a memorial to the tens of […]
Senator Cruz Statement on Iran Regime Attack on American Servicemembers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued a statement after the Iranian regime targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles. Sen. Cruz said, “The Iranian regime is rogue and illegitimate, and is responsible for the murder, injury, and kidnapping of thousands of Americans. The Ayatollah had come within reach of acquiring a nuclear arsenal until our Israeli allies launched their recent and ongoing operation to end Iran’s nuclear weapons program. This weekend, President […]
Sharp Thanks Texas Legislature for Historic Investments in Education, Research, and Service
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Chancellor John Sharp today thanked Texas lawmakers for delivering significant funding increases to The Texas A&M University System during the 89th Legislative Session. Sharp said the funding will strengthen the System’s ability to serve Texas and meet the needs of its people, from higher education and health care to emergency response and workforce development. Students and their parents should be glad to know that lawmakers continued the freeze on undergraduate, in-state […]
TWC Launches New Grant to Address Workforce Readiness Gaps
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Skills for Success, a special initiative with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) designed to equip Texas workers with essential workforce readiness skills. “TWC is proud to partner with TSTC on Skills for Success, a program that directly aligns with our mission to connect Texans with rewarding careers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “We are committed to ensuring our state’s employers have access to […]