Category Archives: State News
Texas to Allow Limited Visitation in Nursing Homes With No Active Coronavirus Cases
For the first time in nearly five months, visitors will be allowed in Texas nursing homes on a limited basis, state health officials announced Thursday evening.
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Governor Abbott Provides Update On PPE Distribution To Texas Schools
The Governor noted that the state will continue to purchase and distribute PPE to schools at no cost to the school districts.
Read moreGovernor Abbott, HHSC Extend Deadline For Pandemic Food Benefits For Families Affected By COVID-19 School Closures
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is extending the application deadline for the federal Pandemic-Electronic Benefit Transfer program (P-EBT) to August 21 to ensure eligible families have more time to apply for this one-time food benefit.
Read moreA Federal Rule Protecting Thousands of Renters From Eviction Expired Friday – Now what?
A federal eviction moratorium expired Friday, and housing attorneys are concerned about a potential surge in evictions across Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read moreGovernor Abbott, TMD Announce Texas National Guard Partnership With Active Duty, Reservists In Support Of COVID-19 Response
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Military Department (TMD) today announced Joint Task Force Texas, a newly formed partnership between the Texas National Guard and Active Duty and Reservists to strengthen COVID-19 response efforts in Texas.
Read moreGovernor Abbott, HHSC Announce Extension of Automatic SNAP Renewals During COVID-19 Pandemic
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal authority to extend certifications by six months for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients whose benefits are up for renewal in July and August.
Read moreHOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™ AWARDS DESERVING TEXAS STUDENTS WITH MORE THAN $12 MILLION IN EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials announced 644 students who received one of the organization’s educational scholarships. These scholarships are a
portion of the Rodeo’s annual educational commitment of more than $27 million and are awarded to students across the state of Texas.
Governor Abbott Announces Temporary Pause Of Additional Reopening Phases
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Read moreTrump Authorizes Feds to Arrest Monument Vandals
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday morning that he intends for the federal government to arrest and prosecute individuals who have vandalized statues or monuments on government property.
Read moreGovernor Abbott Provides Update On COVID-19 Response
The Governor discussed several steps the state is taking to mitigate the spread of the virus in recent weeks—including increasing enforcement of health and safety regulations, rapidly increasing testing in hot spots, and working with hospitals throughout the state to ensure they have the ability to treat Texans who test positive for COVID-19.
Read moreTexas Students Will Return to School Campuses This Fall, Gov. Greg Abbott Tells Lawmakers
Texas students will be returning to public schools in person this fall, Gov. Greg Abbott told state lawmakers Thursday morning.
Read moreTexas Central’s High-Speed Rail Project to Seek Stimulus Money
State Representative Ben Leman issues the following statement regarding the recent article in the Dallas Business Journal titled “Texas Central’s high-speed rail project ‘could require some stimulus money,’ CEO says”.
Read moreGovernor Abbott, HHSC Announce Extension Of Emergency SNAP Benefits During COVID-19 Pandemic
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will provide approximately $177 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read moreGovernor Abbott Announces Phase III To Open Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott allows bars, offices, factories and gyms to operate at 50% capacity, with eateries permitted to run at 75% capacity starting next week.
Read moreNew Concerns Raised Over Company Tasked With Contact Tracing
As an increasing number of lawmakers voice opposition to the recently signed $295 million deal to bring contact tracing to Texas, new concerns are being raised about the agreement and the company that was awarded the contract.
Read moreGov. Abbott Provides Update On State’s Response To Protest Violence, Calls For Unity And Peaceful Protests
The Governor called for swift justice in the case of George Floyd’s death, and discussed the ways Texas is working with local law enforcement to maintain order and uphold public safety so that peaceful protesters can continue to make their voices heard.
Read moreCmr. George P. Bush Announces Application Kick-off for Nearly $1.2 Billion in Mitigation Projects for Texas
Examples of projects include flood control and drainage improvements, infrastructure improvements, green infrastructure, public facilities, and buyouts.
Read moreTexas Supreme Court: Lack of Immunity to Coronavirus Alone Isn’t Enough for Mail-in Ballot
In the latest twist in the legal fight over voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic, the court agreed with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that the risk of contracting the virus alone does not meet the state’s qualifications for voting by mail.
Read moreContact Tracing Coming to Texas?
When technology is placed into the mix, the prospect of contact tracing begins to elicit even more opposition from Texans concerned about their privacy.
Read moreGovernor Abbott, HHSC Announce $3.6 Million To Connect Nursing Facility Residents And Families
This funding allows nursing facilities to purchase tablets, webcams, and headphones to connect residents with their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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