The Texas Legislature has sent a comprehensive package of health care bills to the Governor for approval. Gathering near unanimous support, these legislative measures take an ambitious stride towards creating more competitive health care markets to tackle the increasing issue of health care affordability across the state. “Rising hospital and health care prices continue to…
And down the stretch they come… with lawmakers entering the final weekend, we focus on the session’s one indispensable bill, the budget. The Budget House Bill 1 — the general appropriations bill — authorizes the state’s expenditures for the 2024-25 fiscal biennium and is the only constitutionally-mandated legislation that lawmakers must pass. By the numbers,…
Texas lawmakers this session are taking important steps to help guide the development of the hydrogen industry, which holds promise as a less emissions-intensive energy source for use as fuel or for industrial and agricultural purposes. Hydrogen is already a proven source as a stored energy carrier, as fuel for transportation, and as a feedstock…
With the legislative session now in its final days, here’s an update on the progress of the session’s signature legislation on broadband internet expansion — House Bill 9 and House Joint Resolution 125, both authored by Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston. Both chambers have given approval…
With the legislative session entering its final days, we focus this week on the pathways to success that could be opened for the state’s frontline workers. Teachers Texas teachers are a lifeline for our youngest Texans. Supporting the largest teacher workforce in the country remains a priority for the Legislature. Lawmakers are working to improve…
Legislation aimed at putting Texas in the best position possible to draw down the maximum in federal dollars available for expanding broadband access across the state is now headed to the Governor’s desk. SB 1238 by Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and sponsored on the House side by Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, received final approval this…