Straus: Audit reveals need for stronger oversight at state agency
AUSTIN — House Speaker Joe Straus on Jan. 31 said a new state audit raises questions about the management of the state Health and Human Services Commission and illustrates the need for legislative hearings.

Governors urge congressional leaders to pass disaster aid funding
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott and the governors of California, Puerto Rico and Florida on Jan. 24 asked U.S. House and Senate leaders to hurry up and pass supplemental disaster funding, and to send the legislation to President Trump.

Hurricane recovery efforts continue with much still to do
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 17 extended for 30 days the state disaster declaration for counties affected by Hurricane Harvey, which pounded and flooded the Gulf Coast and moved deeply inland, spreading its destructive power. 

DPS acts to prevent violent confrontations at capitol
AUSTIN — Enhanced security measures have been implemented at the state capitol complex and capitol grounds, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Jan. 11.

FEMA clears way for public assistance to churches that aid in disasters
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Jan. 3 announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s approval of their request to allow churches and religious organizations to receive the same public assistance available to other nonprofits aiding in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. 

Texas waits for Senate agreement on disaster aid funding
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Dec. 21 released a statement applauding the U.S. House of Representatives’ preliminary passage of $81 billion in disaster aid to Texas, several other states and Puerto Rico.

Officials name members to school finance commission
AUSTIN — Top state officials last week named members to the Texas Public School Finance Commission, an agency created by legislation passed last summer during a special session of the 85th Texas Legislature.
Gov. Greg Abbott named Scott Brister of Waco, a former justice of the Texas Supreme Court, as chair of the commission.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named his appointees to the commission:
- Senate Education Chairman Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood;
- Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston;

Abbott asks Rangers to investigate reports of misconduct 
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate reports of sexual misconduct and inappropriate relationships by Texas Juvenile Justice Department personnel.
On Dec. 13 Abbott sent a letter to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw requesting the investigation.

Abbott picks TCEQ to manage Clean Air settlement funds
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Dec. 4 announced his selection of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as the lead agency for Texas’ participation in the Environmental Mitigation Trust. 

Highway fund, Rainy Day fund receive hefty infusions
AUSTIN — State Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Nov. 29 announced the transfer of $1.47 billion into the State Highway Fund and the Economic Stabilization Fund, with $734 million going into each fund.