Governor Abbott declares State of Disaster following violent protests

Governor Abbott declares State of Disaster following violent protests

(May 31, 2020) Governor Greg Abbott today declared a State of Disaster for all Texas counties in the midst of violent protests that endanger public safety and threaten property loss and damage. Under this declaration, the Governor has the ability to designate federal agents to serve as Texas Peace Officers.”Every Texan and every American has […]

Governor Abbott deploys Texas Task Force 2 to North Texas following tornado touchdown

Governor Abbott deploys Texas Task Force 2 to North Texas following tornado touchdown

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott last night deployed resources, including Texas Task Force 2 (TTF2), to the North Texas area following severe weather and a tornado touchdown that has caused damage in Montague County. Earlier in the day, Governor Abbott placed resources on standby in preparation for a potential severe weather incident. In addition to […]

Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, Speaker Bonnen direct state agencies to reduce budgets by five percent

Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, Speaker Bonnen direct state agencies to reduce budgets by five percent

(MAY 20, 2020) Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen today sent a letter directing state agencies and institutions of higher education to each submit a plan identifying savings that will reduce respective general and general revenue related appropriations by five percent for the 2020-2021 biennium. In the letter, the […]

Governor Abbott urges local governments against increasing property taxes for Texans

Governor Abbott urges local governments against increasing property taxes for Texans

(MAY 20, 2020) Governor Greg Abbott yesterday responded to a letter from members of the Texas Democratic Congressional Delegation regarding tax burdens on Texans. In his letter, the Governor voices his support of lessening the tax burden on Texans but clarifies that local governments—not the State of Texas—set the property tax rates. The Governor disagreed […]

Governor Abbott, HHSC announce $3 Million for family and domestic violence prevention services

Governor Abbott, HHSC announce $3 Million for family and domestic violence prevention services

  AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received more than $3 million in federal funding to provide shelter and services to survivors of family and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal funding will support the 78 HHSC-funded local family violence centers that provide […]

Governor Abbott, TDEM announce extension of federally-supported community-based testing sites in Texas

Governor Abbott, TDEM announce extension of federally-supported community-based testing sites in Texas

(May 14, 2020) Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced that the federal government has extended seven community-based testing sites in Texas through June 30, 2020. These federally-supported, state-managed, and locally-executed sites include El Paso (1), Dallas (2), Houston (2), and Harris County (2). “Our federal partners play a crucial […]

Governor Abbott, Texas National Guard launch disinfection mission for nursing facilities

Governor Abbott, Texas National Guard launch disinfection mission for nursing facilities

(May 14, 2020) Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas National Guard has activated Facilities Disinfection Teams to support Texans in nursing homes and to help limit the spread of COVID-19. These Facilities Disinfection Teams, formed in coordination with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), provide a major boost to protecting Texans and limiting the […]

Governor Abbott temporarily allows for appearance before Notary Public via videoconference for real-estate instruments

Governor Abbott temporarily allows for appearance before Notary Public via videoconference for real-estate instruments

(APRIL 29, 2020) Governor Greg Abbott has suspended a statute concerning appearance before a notary public to acknowledge real-estate instruments such as mortgages. This suspension temporarily allows for appearance before a notary public via videoconference when executing such documents, avoiding the need for in-person contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conditions that will apply whenever this […]

Governor Abbott appeals FEMA denial of major disaster declaration for North Texas tornadoes

Governor Abbott appeals FEMA denial of major disaster declaration for North Texas tornadoes

(AUSTIN, TX – April 28, 2020) Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the State of Texas has appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial of Texas’ Major Disaster Declaration request for Public Assistance for Dallas and Erath Counties following severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes during the period of October 20-21, 2019. The Governor […]

Governor Abbott prepares state resources as severe weather threatens parts of Texas

Governor Abbott prepares state resources as severe weather threatens parts of Texas

(AUSTIN, TX – April 28, 2020) Governor Greg Abbott has placed numerous resources on standby across the state in anticipation of severe weather expected to impact parts of Central, North, and East Texas on Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has rostered Texas Highway Patrol, Texas A&M Forest Service Saw […]