“Vaccine requirements and exemptions have historically been determined by the legislature, and their involvement is particularly important to avoid a patchwork of vaccine mandates across Texas,” said Governor Abbott.
Source: gov.texas.gov
Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Maintaining Prohibition Of Vaccine Mandates In Texas
Governor Abbott Statement On Supreme Court Decision To Reinstate ‘Remain In Mexico’ Policy
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement after the Supreme Court reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols, also know as the “Remain in Mexico” policy:
“The Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, known as the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, is a major victory for our state, our nation, and for the safety and security of our communities. President Biden’s partisan reversal of this policy has helped fuel the record surge in illegal migrants and contributed to an environment on the border that is neither safe, orderly, nor humane. President Biden’s policies, including his brazen attempt to reverse the MPP, have benefitted the cartels and dangerous criminals at the expense of Texans. This decision will halt the Biden administration from skirting its duty to enforce federal immigration laws and will reduce the record number of migrants entering our country illegally. In the federal government’s absence, Texas has deployed Department of Public Safety troopers and members of the National Guard to work with local law enforcement to apprehend dangerous criminals and combat the smuggling of people and drugs. Texas will continue to fight back against President Biden’s disastrous open-border policies while working to secure the border and keep our communities safe.”
Source: gov.texas.gov
Governor Abbott, Texas National Guard Increasing Efforts To Secure The Border
In addition to performing a law enforcement function, the Texas National Guard is also helping with the early stages of constructing border barriers and a border wall.
Governor Abbott praised their efforts saying, “The Texas National Guard is playing an unprecedented role to secure the border because of the unprecedented refusal of the federal government to fulfill its obligations under federal law.”
Governor Abbott named border security funding as a priority for the current legislative Special Session. In a call with border sheriffs and county judges on Saturday, the Governor urged border sheriffs and county judges to make their voices heard to the House Appropriations Committee during a hearing this week on the urgent need for this additional funding to secure the border. The proposed appropriation would also fund the deployment of more National Guard to the border.
Since Governor Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in March 2021, over 4,600 arrests have been made by the Texas Department of Public Safety for charges including criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Additionally, OLS has led to the confiscation of drugs and illegal firearms — including over 700 pounds of cocaine, 127 pounds of deadly fentanyl, over 8,500 pounds of cannabis, and over 270 firearms to date. In July 2021, more than 212,000 people attempted to illegally cross Texas’ southern border — the largest number since 2000.
Source: gov.texas.gov
HHSC Announce $1.4 Billion In Summer Pandemic Food Benefits For Texas Families
Summer P-EBT, covering June through August, provides a one-time benefit of $375 per eligible child and can be used in the same way as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits to pay for groceries. The administration of summer P-EBT is a joint effort by HHSC, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Education Agency.
“Thank you to HHSC and USDA for working together to ensure Texas families can continue to put food on the table,” said Governor Abbott. “This third round of pandemic food benefits will help us continue to provide access to nutritious food for both families and their children.”
“As children across the state start going back to school, we’re thankful we can provide this added benefit so Texans can provide nutritious food for their families,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services.
In this third round of pandemic food benefits, HHSC received federal approval to provide more than $1.4 billion in benefits to approximately 3.7 million eligible children in Texas. To date, HHSC has distributed approximately $4.7 billion in P-EBT food benefits to Texas families.
Summer P-EBT is for families with children, in grades K through 12, who are certified for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and families with children born after Aug. 1, 2014, who receive SNAP food benefits.
Children in grades K through 12 who were eligible for P-EBT benefits during the 2020-21 school year are eligible for summer P-EBT benefits as long as they were still enrolled in school during the last month of the school year. This includes children who did not get a 2020-21 school year P-EBT benefit based on the virtual attendance percentage provided by their schools.
Families who previously received the 2020-21 school year P-EBT benefits will automatically receive the summer P-EBT benefits and do not need to take any action. Children born after August 1, 2014, who received SNAP food benefits at any time between June 2021 and August 2021 will automatically receive summer P-EBT benefits on their Lone Star Card. No action is required by these families.
Families that did not apply for the 2020-2021 school year P-EBT can still apply by Sept. 13. If eligible for the school year P-EBT benefit, their children will automatically receive summer P-EBT as well.
Some children who were not eligible for 2020-21 school year P-EBT benefits, but attended a Texas school during the last month of the school year, may still be eligible for summer P-EBT. Schools and districts are sharing additional information with families about NSLP eligibility, including a reminder to complete the household application for free and reduced-price meals (NSLP form) by Aug. 28, 2021. Schools will provide the child’s information to HHSC to issue summer P-EBT benefits.
Eligible families will receive summer P-EBT benefits in the fall. Visit hhs.texas.gov/pebt or call the P-EBT Call Center at 833-442-1255 to learn more.
About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need, so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency. In Texas, SNAP benefits are put onto the Lone Star Card (EBT card), which can be used just like a credit card at any store that accepts SNAP. Texas Health and Human Services administer the federal program throughout the state.
About the School Meal Programs
The federally funded School Meal Programs include the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program. The School Meal Programs serve over 5 million meals a day to Texas children in school and residential child care institutions. The School Meal Programs serve nutritious, low-cost, or free meals to students in public and non-profit private schools in Texas. Meals must meet federal nutrition guidelines. The Texas Department of Agriculture administers SBP and NSLP in Texas.
Source: gov.texas.gov
HHS anuncia nombramientos de cargos ejecutivos
La comisionada ejecutiva de la Comisión de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Texas, Cecile Erwin Young, anunció hoy a los nuevos contratados para cargos clave del equipo de liderazgo de la HHSC. Los nuevos miembros del equipo ayudarán a dirigir la supervisión reglamentada de los centros autorizados, manejarán los diez hospitales psiquiátricos del estado y los trece centros residenciales estatales, y ofrecerán dirección estratégica para el desarrollo de políticas y reglas.
Cargos de liderazgo anunciados por la comisionada ejecutiva Young:
- Stephen Pahl, comisionado ejecutivo adjunto, División de Servicios de Regulación, comenzó el 16 de agosto.
- Scott Schalchlin, comisionado ejecutivo adjunto, Sistema de Atención Médica y Especializada, comenzó el 25 de agosto.
- Libby Camp Elliott, comisionada ejecutiva adjunta, Oficina de Políticas y Reglas, comenzará el 7 de septiembre.
“Estas tres personas brindan a la agencia una enrome riqueza combinada de conocimientos y experiencia y estoy segura de que con su liderazgo comprobado continuaremos cumpliendo con nuestra misión de proteger la salud y seguridad de los texanos a quienes servimos”. dijo Young. “Le damos la bienvenida al equipo ejecutivo de HHS”.
Stephen Pahl fungió como comisionado adjunto de la División de Protección al Consumidor en el Departamento Estatal de Servicios de Salud desde 2018. En ese papel fue responsable de supervisar el proceso de acreditación de los proveedores de servicios de urgencias médicas y de los técnicos encargados de las máquinas de irradiación, y de la reglamentación de los servicios y productos de salud para el consumidor, incluyendo los fabricantes de alimentos y medicamentos. Previamente, era el director adjunto de la División de Inspección e Investigación de la Oficina del Inspector General de HHS. Comenzó su carrera en el gobierno estatal en el Departamento de Agricultura de Texas donde pasó 18 años desarrollando e implementando los programas diversos de protección a los consumidores. Recibió su licenciatura de ciencias en zootecnia de la Universidad de Texas A&M.
Scott Schalchlin fungió como comisionado adjunto de los centros residenciales estatales (SSLC) desde 2013, en el Departamento de Servicios para Adultos Mayores y Personas Discapacitadas y en la HHSC desde 2017. Schalchlin también ha fungido en varios puestos de liderazgo en servicios comunitarios para personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo y programas opcionales, los SSLC, y los programas de atención médica administrada de Medicaid. Ha trabajado en el Hospital Estatal de Rusk, el SSLC de Lubbock, el Centro para Jóvenes de Waco, así como en StarCare de Lubbock y en dos prisiones psiquiátricas operadas por el Departamento de Justicia Penal de Texas. Schalchlin tiene un título de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad Texas Tech, una maestría en Educación de Texas Tech, y una licenciatura de la Universidad Bautista de Wayland.
Libby Camp Elliott ha fungido como comisionada adjunta de la División de Asuntos Internos y Relaciones Gubernamentales en el Departamento de Seguros de Texas. Previamente fue asesora política principal del gobernador Greg Abbott. Fungió como cabecera del Consejo Estatal de Texas para la Supervisión Interestatal de Adultos Delincuentes y como comisionada de la Comisión Interestatal para la Supervisión de Adultos Delincuentes. Elliot comenzó su servicio público en el gobierno estatal de Texas en 1989, trabajando para el difunto senador Teel Bivins de Amarillo. También trabajó en las administraciones de gobernador y presidente de George W. Bush, así como de otros funcionarios electos del estado. Elliot tiene una licenciatura en Justicia Penal de la Universidad de St. Edwards.
Source: www.hhs.texas.gov
CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON FUGITIVE FRIDAY
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Texas Supreme Court Rejects Attorney General’s Attempt to Undo Victory Scored by Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee in Mask Mandate Case
Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee earned another victory for Harris County in its lawsuit challenging Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s prohibition on mask mandates. Thursday evening, the Texas Supreme Court denied Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s attempt to undo a trial court order Menefee previously secured in the case, which ruled the State cannot enforce Governor Abbott’s ban on mask mandates issued by Harris County and several school districts.
Menefee stated:
“This is an important decision. It means Harris County’s orders mandating masks for employees and students stand for now. Our lawsuit against the Governor will continue, and we’ll keep giving all we’ve got to ensure local officials and school districts can protect our students and immunocompromised. I’m hopeful today’s decision also means the Texas Supreme Court is taking a hard look at whether Governor Abbott is misusing the Disaster Act and needs to be reined in.”
About the Harris County Attorney’s Office
Christian D. Menefee was elected as County Attorney for Harris County in November 2020. The office represents the largest county in Texas in all civil legal matters, including lawsuits.
BUCHANAN’S WHISKY PRESENTA “BUCHANAN’S LA REUNIÓN”
Este verano, Buchanan’s Blended Scotch Whisky reunirá a amigos, familias y comunidades con Buchanan’s La Reunión, una experiencia de mercado emergente que celebra la vitalidad de la cultura hispana local y que retribuye a los vecindarios que más lo necesitan a través de donaciones de comidas a organizaciones de caridad locales. El evento organizado en varias ciudades reúne a empresas hispanas locales, desde floristas y artistas hasta diseñadores y chefs, para celebrar las tradiciones y el sazón que hacen que cada comunidad sea tan única.
Buchanan’s La Reunión arranco en la ciudad de Nueva York y llevó la fiesta a Brooklyn, donde los invitados disfrutaron de cócteles de whisky y bocados, compras locales y entretenimiento en vivo de el pionero Dominicano del Trap Latino, Messiah, el poderoso dúo puertorriqueño Coco and Breezy y de la puertorriqueña-panameña DJ Bembona. El evento apoyó a los vecindarios con inseguridades alimentarias en Nueva York este verano a través de Rethink Food.
Buchanan’s La Reunión se presentará en Los Ángeles el sábado 28 de agosto, continuará en Houston el sábado 18 de septiembre, y culminará en Miami el 21 de septiembre, durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y una de las semanas más importantes de la música latina. En el evento, los invitados disfrutaran:
- Bebidas + Comidas: Bocadillos locales de proveedores hispanos combinados con cócteles exclusivos de whisky de Buchanan con guarniciones personalizables que se sirven en un carrito de frutas.
- Compra Local: Un mercado seleccionado con proveedores hispanos locales que abarcan desde comida, moda, artes y artesanías, cuidado de la piel, flores y más.
- Música de Verano: Vibra con algunos de los éxitos más populares del verano con entretenimiento en vivo y sesiones de DJ a cargo de talentos locales.
- Donación a la Comunidad: Retribuye fácilmente a tu comunidad local a través de nuestros organizaciones de caridad, Rethink Food, No Us Without You, Target Hunger y Buddy System MIA.
Los detalles y actualizaciones sobre Buchanan’s La Reunión se compartirán en @BuchanansWhisky en Instagram. Un comunicado de prensa con todos los detalles sobre el evento se puede encontrar AQUÍ y las imágenes de alta resolución se pueden encontrar AQUÍ. ¡Avísame si esta noticia podría ser adecuada para algo en lo que estés trabajando! Déjame saber si te gustaría una muestra!
¡Salud!
Governor Abbott Announces Odessa Designated As Music Friendly Community
“With support from the Texas Music Office, in 2019 the Texas music industry created more than 210,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs in communities all across the Lone Star State and generated $27.3 billion in economic activity,” said Governor Abbott. “Music Friendly Communities certified by the Texas Music Office are serious about attracting and developing the local music industry to spur job creation and economic growth. I congratulate Odessa on earning the Music Friendly Community designation, and I look forward to amplifying their continuing success.”
“Music is a great economic development tool that also enriches our lives,” said Senator Kel Seliger, who represents the Odessa area in the Texas Senate. “After all, we all have songs that elicit wonderful memories when we hear them. I’m grateful to Governor Abbott for this designation that will benefit both the businesses and the lives of Odessa residents.”
“As a lifelong Odessan, I’ve had the pleasure of sitting, standing and dancing in front of some incredible live music over the years all over our town,” said Representative Brooks Landgraf. “There must be something in this West Texas air because we are blessed with some incredibly talented singers, songwriters and musicians. From our school choirs to the bands that routinely come through Dos Amigos, there is always a song to sing in Odessa.”
“We are thrilled to become the next Music Friendly certified community in Texas,” Odessa Arts Executive Director Randy Ham said. “The Texas Music Office and other Music Friendly Communities will be a great resource for professional development for our local talent, while also allowing us to import great music from around the state!”
The Odessa community will celebrate the designation on Saturday, August 21 at the Ector Theater (500 N. Texas) immediately preceding the Aaron Watson concert at 7 pm. TMO Community Relations & Outreach Specialist Chip Adams will present the Music Friendly designation.
Odessa joins more than 20 other Texas cities that have received the official Music Friendly Community designation. These cities include Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Denton, Lindale, Stephenville, Conroe, San Angelo, Nacogdoches, Abilene, McKinney, Waxahachie, Waco, Alpine, Bastrop, New Braunfels, Victoria, Lubbock, Denison, Arlington, Brenham, Dripping Springs, Round Rock, and El Paso. Cities that are currently working through the certification process include Houston, Dallas, and Vidor.
Source: gov.texas.gov