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Week of Oct. 19-25, 2015

Revenue estimate reflects slowdown in energy sector

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Oct. 14 announced the release of his office’s Certification Revenue Estimate.

The “CRE” is an update to the Biennial Revenue Estimate, a document that gives state lawmakers a good idea of how much revenue will be available for general-purpose spending in 2016-2017, the next two-year state budget period. 

The CRE, Hegar said, reflects “any new laws from the session that could affect state revenue, as well as the most current fiscal and economic data.” The 140-day legislative session concluded four and half months ago, on June 1.

The new CRE shows a 2.3 percent decline in the estimate of revenues available for general-purpose spending from $113 billion to a revised figure of $110.4 billion. The figure primarily reflects our most current estimates of oil and natural gas prices and continuing weakness in Texas’ energy sector, Hegar said, adding that his office anticipates “no trouble in absorbing this reduction in available revenue.”

Early voting period begins

Early voting for the Nov. 3 Election began Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Friday, Oct.  30. To cast a ballot in person, voters must present an approved form of photo identification.

The state’s chief elections officer, Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, pointed out that age 65 and older and people with disabilities are automatically qualified to vote by mail and the last day to request a ballot by mail is Friday, Oct. 23.  

Voter ID may be obtained

The Texas Department of Public Safety on Oct. 13 posted a reminder that for individuals in need of proper identification required to vote, Texas driver license offices are the place to get an Election Identification Certificate.

To help more people get a certificate, the DPS is deploying mobile stations to various locations across Texas and alternate approved locations will be issuing certificates in select counties. Additionally, select driver license offices will be open on Saturday, Oct. 24, to issue EICs only.

More information on voting in Texas is posted at votetexas.gov.

It’s School Bus Safety Week

The Texas Department of Public Safety recently reminded drivers that it is illegal to pass any school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal, either flashing red lights or a stop sign.

The reminder came in advance of National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19-23.

“DPS urges drivers to make the safety of our children a priority whenever they travel near school buses and DPS will not tolerate those who break the law and put our children at risk. Remember, children are particularly vulnerable when entering or exiting a school bus,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.

Education chief resigns

Texas Education Commissioner Michael L. Williams on Oct. 15 resigned effective Jan. 1 from his post as the head of the Texas Education Agency. Williams was appointed by then-governor Rick Perry on Sept. 1, 2012.

The Midland native’s history as a public servant includes service as a member of the Texas Railroad Commission, as U.S. Department of Education assistant secretary of education for civil rights, as U.S. Department of the Treasury deputy assistant secretary for law enforcement, as a federal prosecutor and as an assistant district attorney.

Jobs number grows again

The Texas Workforce Commission on Oct. 16 announced Texas added jobs in September for the seventh month of job growth in 2015.

The state agency reported 26,600 nonfarm seasonally adjusted jobs were added last month after a decrease of 3,400 jobs in August. Since September 2014, state payrolls have increased by some 224,800 positions.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.2 percent in September from 4.1 percent in August. Meanwhile, the current national unemployment rate stands at 5.1 percent, as calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Governor declares disaster

Gov. Gregg Abbott signed a proclamation on Oct. 15, declaring a state of disaster in Bastrop County.

“As severe wildfires continue to impact Bastrop County, I strongly urge Texans in that area to take all possible precautions to ensure their safety. By declaring a state of disaster in Bastrop County, the State of Texas is activating resources to help affected communities as efficiently and as effectively as possible,” Abbott said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant request, meaning that Texas will be eligible for 75 percent reimbursement from the federal government for costs associated with fighting the fire, Abbott added.