Media & News

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ellen M. Bauman to the Governor’s Committee On People With Disabilities for a term set to expire on February 1, 2019. The committee works to ensure Texans with disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity and self-determination. Ellen M. Bauman […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today issued the following statement on the death of former Texas First Lady and University of Texas System Board of Regents member, Rita Clements: “Cecilia and I are truly saddened to learn of the death of Rita Clements, and we ask that all Texans join us in keeping the Clements […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jay Dyer, Christian Alvarado, and Mike Bell to the Department of Information Resources (DIR) for terms set to expire on February 1, 2019, February 1, 2021, and February 1, 2023, respectively. Additionally, the governor named Ben Gatzke presiding officer of the board. DIR coordinates, monitors, and directs information […]

AUSTIN – Governor Abbott today proclaimed January 2018 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas. In addition to issuing this proclamation, Governor Abbott encouraged all Texans to learn more about the risks and indicators of human trafficking and to do their part to help end these horrific crimes. “The State of Texas will not tolerate […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Rigo Villarreal to the Texas Facilities Commission for a term set to expire on January 31, 2023. The Commission manages state government buildings and handles the sale of surplus property, including property donated to the state by federal programs. Rigo Villarreal of Mission is the superintendent of bridges […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Mike Bell, Tac Buchanan, Sam Hurley, Ed.D., Vanessa Steinkamp, and Jim Yeonopolus to the Task Force on Academic Credit and Industry Recognition for terms set to expire on December 1, 2021. The governor additionally named Bell as presiding officer. The Task Force was created by HB 553 during […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved their request to allow churches and religious organizations to receive the same public assistance available to other nonprofits aiding in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, which was revised […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today named Andrew Oldham as General Counsel to the Governor following the appointment of Jimmy Blacklock to the Texas Supreme Court. Oldham previously served as Deputy Solicitor General in the Texas Attorney General’s office and most recently served as Deputy General Counsel in the Governor’s office. “Andy is a brilliant […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today appointed and swore in Jimmy Blacklock to the Texas Supreme Court following Justice Don Willett’s confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Blacklock has served as general counsel for Governor Abbott since 2015. “The Texas Supreme court plays a crucial role in the future of […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today released the following statement after the Texas Workforce Commission announced Texas’ unemployment rate has fallen to 3.8 percent, setting a new record for the lowest unemployment rate recorded in four decades. “Today’s announcement of our record low unemployment rate is further proof that the Texas model of low taxes […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today released the following statement regarding the proposed $81 billion disaster aid measure: “Today’s vote is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure the funds Congress provide address the critical needs Texans are enduring from the largest natural disaster in our state’s history. […]

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today visited Port Aransas and Port Arthur where he met with local officials and received updates on the ongoing recovery from Harvey. During both visits, the Governor presented local leaders with reimbursement funds to help cover the costs for debris removal in their communities. The Governor also spoke with local […]