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Governor Abbott Highlights Growing Support For School Choice At Texas Policy Summit
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
Governor Abbott today celebrated the growing support for school choice for all Texas families during the opening keynote address at the Texas Public Policy Foundation's (TPPF) annual Texas Policy Summit in Austin.“Because of the hard work of everyone in this room, we are on the brink of giving Texas parents what they have been asking for: school choice," said Governor Abbott. “A resounding number of Texans support educational freedom for every Texas family because they know that no child should be trapped in a failing school just because of their zip code. This next...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Wang To Family Practice Residency Advisory Committee
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Zoey Wang to the Family Practice Residency Advisory Committee for a term set to expire on August 29, 2026. Wang, who is currently an investment banking associate at Goldman Sachs in Houston, brings a strong background in finance and business administration to the advisory committee.According to reports, Wang received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. With her educational background and...
Cornyn, Sinema, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Improve Schools’ Access to Mental Health Grants
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
On March 21, 2024, a group of U.S. Senators, including John Cornyn, Kyrsten Sinema, Thom Tillis, Jon Tester, and Maggie Hassan, introduced the Creating Access and Resources in Education (CARE) for Student Mental Health Act. This bill aims to enhance schools' ability to access federal mental health grants funded in part by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.Sen. Cornyn expressed the urgent need for improved mental health resources in schools, stating, “Far too many young people struggle with their mental health, and far too many schools lack the resources to recognize...
Sen. Cruz Condemns CCP’s Tightening Influence Over Hong Kong
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has strongly criticized the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) increasing control over Hong Kong. Sen. Cruz expressed deep concern following the passage of a new law, Article 23, by the Hong Kong legislature that expands the CCP's erosion of the region's freedom and autonomy.In a statement, Sen. Cruz stated, “The Chinese Communist Party is determined to coerce officials in Hong Kong to pass legislation that mirrors restrictions on freedoms across China. This law includes a...
Cornyn on Democrats Browbeating Israel: ‘Never Seen Anything Like This’
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
March 21, 2024WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) condemned the Democrat Majority Leader and President Biden for refusing to respect Israel’s sovereignty and undermining support for Israel’s fight against Hamas."Following Hamas’ brutal attack against Israel on October 7, some five months ago, Republicans and Democrats came together, along with the President of the United States, and declared our support for Israel," expressed Senator Cornyn.Describing a shift in bipartisan support, Cornyn stated, "This once rock-solid support on a...
Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Assert Judiciary Should Leave Legislating to Congress
By Midland Times | Mar 21, 2024
U.S. Senator John Cornyn and several Republican colleagues have penned a letter to Judge Robert Conrad, Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, emphasizing that the Judicial Conference should refrain from involving itself in the legislative process. In the letter, Cornyn, along with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and 17 other Senate Republicans, expressed their concerns over the Judicial Conference's recommendation regarding the random assignment of cases involving nationwide injunctions. The lawmakers asserted that such actions would encroach upon...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Missy Medary as Presiding Judge of Fifth Administrative Judicial Region
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Missy Medary as the presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region, as reported on March 19, 2024. Medary, who hails from Corpus Christi, has held this position since 2015, as stated by Governor Abbott, "Governor Abbott has reappointed Missy Medary as the presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region for a term set to expire four years from the date of qualification."In addition to her role as the presiding judge, Medary also serves as the judge of the 347th District Court. She brings a wealth of experience...
Governor Abbott Announces Appointments To Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has revealed the initial members of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee (TSIC EC) during an event held at the University of Texas Dallas (UT Dallas). The committee's primary goal is to oversee the operations of the Consortium and collaborate with industry stakeholders to solidify Texas' standing as a national frontrunner in advanced semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing.In his address, Governor Abbott emphasized Texas' historical significance in the semiconductor realm, stating, "Texas is the birthplace of the...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Estevez As Presiding Judge Of Ninth Administrative Judicial Region
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Ana Estevez as the presiding judge of the Ninth Administrative Judicial Region for a term set to expire four years from the date of qualification.Estevez, who hails from Amarillo, is currently the judge of the 251st Judicial District Court of Potter and Randall counties. She has been serving as the presiding judge of the Ninth Administrative Judicial Region since 2020.Estevez's dedication to the legal field is evident through her involvement in various committees and associations. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Texas...
Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen U.S. Competitiveness in Space
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
March 20, 2024Legislation Would Streamline Commercial Space LaunchesWASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Krysten Sinema (I-AZ) yesterday introduced their Licensing Aerospace Units to New Commercial Heights (LAUNCH) Act, which would streamline the application process for commercial space launches and the licensing of private remote sensing space systems or satellites.“The United States cannot afford to lose its competitive edge in space, but foreign adversaries like Russia and...
Senator John Cornyn Discusses Infrastructure Projects with Port of Corpus Christi Leadership
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met with leadership of the Port of Corpus Christi today to discuss ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at facilitating increased trade and exports, maintaining energy security, addressing Texas’ water needs, and widening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.During the meeting, those in attendance included the Port Commission’s Chairman, David Engel, the Port’s CEO, Kent Britton, and others. Senator Cornyn, a Republican from Texas and a member of the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees, emphasized the importance...
Cornyn, Coons, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect State and Local Judges
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Chris Coons, Jerry Moran, Jeanne Shaheen, and Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced the Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act. The bill aims to establish a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center to provide support and protection for state and local judges and court personnel.Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of protecting judges, stating, “Any threat or attack against judges, their families, or court personnel is unacceptable, and more must be done to ensure they can do their jobs safely and live their lives...
Sens. Cruz and Kaine Introduce STOP TRANQ Act
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Tim Kaine have introduced the STOP TRANQ Act to address the escalating threat posed by the drug xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," in the United States. The bipartisan bill aims to enhance efforts in combating the dangerous impact of tranq on American communities.The STOP TRANQ Act would mandate the State Department to include reporting on xylazine in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. This move is crucial as xylazine, a powerful sedative often mixed with fentanyl, has led to over 3,000 overdose...
Sens. Cruz, Hirono Lead Bipartisan Effort to Maintain Access to the Federal Courts
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and Mazie Hirono have joined forces to introduce the bipartisan Federal Judiciary Stabilization Act, aimed at transitioning ten temporary federal judgeships to permanent status. This move is intended to ensure continued access to the federal court system for millions of Americans nationwide.Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “This bipartisan legislation will prevent the loss of judgeships that the American taxpayer has come to rely on, and will stabilize the structure of the federal judiciary. This will strengthen the...
Cornyn Urges House to Renew Lend-Lease Authority for Ukraine
By Midland Times | Mar 20, 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke on the floor about the House of Representatives considering legislation to support Ukraine's fight against Russia, emphasizing the importance of renewing the lend-lease authority. Senator Cornyn highlighted the need for bipartisan support for Ukraine and addressed concerns over the cost of assistance.“The House is working on ideas that include a number of policies that were not part of the Senate’s legislation. One of them is called the REPO Act – REPO for Ukrainians Act – which would repurpose seized Russian...
Governor Abbott Renews Drought Disaster Declaration In March 2024
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
Austin, Texas - In response to ongoing exceptional drought conditions, Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the drought disaster declaration for multiple counties in Texas. The proclamation, issued on March 17, 2024, underscores the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.Governor Abbott's proclamation highlighted the continuation of drought conditions in several counties, excluding a few specific ones. The declaration extends to counties including Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, and many others. The Governor emphasized the importance of utilizing...
Greg Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration in March 2024
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration In March 2024Texas Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the border security disaster declaration in the state, citing the ongoing and imminent threat posed by individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. The proclamation, originally issued on May 31, 2021, has been renewed to address the surge of individuals crossing the border, affecting numerous Texas counties and state agencies.Governor Abbott stated, "WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on May 31, 2021..."...
Governor Abbott Appoints Six To Onestar National Service Commission
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed and reappointed six individuals to the OneStar National Service Commission, as announced on March 18, 2024. The commission plays a crucial role in promoting volunteerism in Texas and overseeing the administration of AmeriCorps programs within the state.Jie Li, a partner at Reflexion Capitol, has been appointed to the commission. Li's impressive background includes being a member of various associations such as the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels Association and the Cornell Free Speech Alliance. She holds a bachelor's degree from...
Governor Abbott Appoints McCleskey As Independent Ombudsman For Texas Juvenile Justice Department
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert “Sean” McCleskey as the Independent Ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The Office of the Independent Ombudsman is a state agency established for the purpose of investigating, evaluating, and securing the rights of the children committed to TJJD.According to a press release by the Office of the Texas Governor, McCleskey, a resident of San Antonio, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is the former chief criminal investigator for the Bexar County...
Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Close Financial Loophole in GI Bill Repayments
By Midland Times | Mar 19, 2024
March 19, 2024WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) have introduced a bill aimed at addressing a financial loophole affecting active-duty service members' GI Bill repayments.The legislation seeks to fix an inadvertent gap that arose during the transition from the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) to the Post 9-11 Forever GI Bill. This gap has prevented thousands of service members from receiving the repayments they are owed for their contributions to the MGIB.Sen. Cornyn emphasized the importance of...