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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/" xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"> <channel> <title><![CDATA[News]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post</link> <description></description> <dc:language>english</dc:language> <dc:creator>lauren.mccanse@gov.texas.gov</dc:creator> <dc:rights>Copyright 2015</dc:rights> <dc:date>2015-04-30T22:18:00+00:00</dc:date> <admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://expressionengine.com/" /> <item> <title><![CDATA[Commission To Rebuild Texas After Hurricane Harvey Update: Issue 18]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/commission-to-rebuild-texas-after-hurricane-harvey-update-issue-18</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/commission-to-rebuild-texas-after-hurricane-harvey-update-issue-18#When:18:06:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott gives top-line information on progress being made by the Commission to Rebuild Texas.“Hurricane Harvey was the worst of storms that brought out the very best in people. Six months after the storm’s devastation, we remain grateful for the lives saved, thankful for all who came to our aid, and focused on rebuilding Texas, even stronger than before. No force of nature is more powerful than Texans helping Texans. Together, we are <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TexasGovernor/videos/10156183360098256/" target="_blank">#TexasStrong</a>.   ─ Governor Greg Abbott Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas <ul> <li>Governor Abbott again extended the State Disaster Declaration for 60 Texas counties affected by Hurricane Harvey to ensure continuing eligibility for assistance as communities recover and rebuild.</li> <li>Governor Abbott participated in a <a href="http://cbsaustin.com/news/local/town-hall-harvey-six-months-later" target="_blank">town hall discussion</a> on the rebuilding process following Hurricane Harvey. </li> <li>Governor Abbott has requested from FEMA an extension beyond March 12 of the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, providing short-term hotel stays to displaced survivors, to secure more time for survivors to locate alternate short- and long-term housing.</li> <li>The Commission to Rebuild Texas launched a <a href="https://www.rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker/" target="_blank">Recovery Tracker</a> showing how hurricane recovery funds are being used. “As the state continues to receive federal aid and devote necessary resources to our recovery efforts, it is important that Texans know where this money is going,” said Governor Abbott. “The Recovery Tracker is a good start in achieving transparency. I thank Commissioner John Sharp and the Commission to Rebuild Texas for leading on this project, and for all their continued work helping victims in need.” The Recovery Tracker can be viewed at <a href="https://www.rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker/" target="_blank">rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker</a>.</li> <li>Governor Abbott met with President Donald Trump as well as members of his Cabinet and other federal officials in <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-meets-with-president-trump-and-federal-officials-in-washing" target="_blank">Washington, D.C.</a>, to discuss Harvey recovery and the urgent need to get relief to Texans faster.</li> <li>The Governor also met with the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss rebuilding plans to minimize the impact of future natural disasters.</li> <li>Finally, Governor Abbott met with the <a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-meets-with-members-of-the-texas-congressional-delegation" target="_blank">Texas Congressional Delegation</a> in Washington, thanking them for securing critical federal funding for the state as the rebuilding process continues. Governor Abbott also spoke of the state's extensive work in coordinating recovery efforts with FEMA and HUD. He encouraged the members to work with their communities to quickly submit important Public Assistance project requests to FEMA. The Governor assured the members that Texas will continue to work with all levels of government to help rebuild and get Texans all the resources they need to make a full recovery.</li> </ul> Individual Assistance <ul> <li>Current individual assistance numbers are now posted on <a href="https://www.rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker/" target="_blank">rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker</a>.</li> <li>FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA): Some Harvey survivors have already received an auto-dial call notifying them they are no longer eligible for the temporary program. Survivors who are ineligible will need to prepare for checkout. Guests unsure of their continued TSA eligibility and check-out date can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or VRS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY); log into their account on <a href="http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov" target="_blank">DisasterAssistance.gov</a>; visit a Disaster Recover Center; or ask the front desk clerk to look in the CLC Lodging web portal.</li> <li>FEMA’s Disaster Distress Helpline offers trained professionals who can help callers cope with anxiety or stress, and guide them to available resources. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential crisis support service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 800-985-5990, 800-846-8517 (TTY) or text TalkWithUs (Spanish-speakers text: Hablanos) to 66746.</li> </ul> Housing   <ul> <li>Current housing numbers are now posted on <a href="https://www.rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker/" target="_blank">rebuildtexas.today/recovery-tracker</a>. </li> <li><a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.texasrebuilds.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cannamarie.thompson%40gov.texas.gov%7Ceccaf49a225f41088dc208d53dc767ed%7C54cb5da6c7344242bbc25c947e85fb2c%7C0%7C0%7C636482849416951611&sdata=G9e1E%2FccbIKzd0%2BncJhd3EUPgIPAJGmWZ3jD3LQEK0M%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">TexasRebuilds.com</a> is the housing information resource for individuals and communities.</li> <li>Follow <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Ftxglo&data=02%7C01%7Cannamarie.thompson%40gov.texas.gov%7Ceccaf49a225f41088dc208d53dc767ed%7C54cb5da6c7344242bbc25c947e85fb2c%7C0%7C0%7C636482849416951611&sdata=27QUnwQRTJAr8NSw2KZZ2FSX4rAqb2y7Nkb8Fnw9TTs%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Twitter.com/TXGLO</a> for pictures of move-in days and updates on housing recovery.</li> <li>The Texas Department of Insurance’s Help After Harvey page explains <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tdi.texas.gov%2Ftakefive%2Fdisagree-with-decision.html&data=02%7C01%7Cannamarie.thompson%40gov.texas.gov%7Cedcc83445b0c43eb5b3608d55460e495%7C54cb5da6c7344242bbc25c947e85fb2c%7C0%7C0%7C636507697486970958&sdata=ywh2s5wTlmDWj44Yfg1c6Sj10IGi3svGEgw%2BXgFheeQ%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">consumer options</a> to challenge an insurer’s estimate of damages or a claims denial. TDI can help with insurance questions and complaints through the Consumer Help Line at 800-252-3439, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. to Fri.</li> <li>Flood insurance must be maintained to qualify for federal assistance in the future. NFIP policyholders with questions may call 800-621-3362, Mon. to Sat., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information, visit <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.FloodSmart.gov&data=02%7C01%7Cannamarie.thompson%40gov.texas.gov%7Cedcc83445b0c43eb5b3608d55460e495%7C54cb5da6c7344242bbc25c947e85fb2c%7C0%7C0%7C636507697486970958&sdata=P0aK8pUOnNZfFi9fnMx76REgr4aQA7Y8L4z9rQxjH64%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">www.FloodSmart.gov</a>.</li> <li>The Federal Housing Administration offers mortgage relief options to Hurricane Harvey survivors in Texas at 800-CALL-FHA.</li> </ul> Texans Helping Texans Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw last week presented <a href="http://www.dps.texas.gov/director_staff/media_and_communications/pr/2018/0227a" target="_blank">awards for bravery and generosity</a> during Hurricane Harvey rescue efforts: <ul> <li>Director’s Award: Thanks to quick action, keen instincts and skilled rescue efforts, many lives were saved during the historic disaster. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Task Force One personnel used their respective expertise to provide search and rescue, disaster reconnaissance and logistical support. Lowe Boats, a Brunswick Corporation, generously donated 12 flat-bottom boats used to conduct rescues in flood water.</li> <li>Director’s Citation: DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) activated search and rescue helicopters and, along with other DPS and state assets, quickly responded to the impacted counties. The AOD crews began hoisting isolated persons and those in need of immediate medical attention from rooftops and vehicles, and were responsible for rescuing 244 people while logging more than 275 hours of flying. At one point, more than 125 rescue helicopters from 10 different entities, including state, local and federal assets, were engaged in rescue efforts.</li> </ul> Director’s Citation: In the days leading up to Hurricane Harvey’s landfall, DPS’ Tactical Marine Unit (TMU) staff coordinated and moved state assets to safe locations. The TMU conducted search and rescue operations in the Rockport area and also conducted security patrols on the Intracoastal Waterway. TMU members also assisted in search and rescue operations. In total, the TMU worked more than 3,400 man hours, and rescued 209 people and 10 animals. In one of the incidents, a civilian boat carrying seven people swept into downed power lines, electrocuting all seven on board. The TMU responded and rescued three of the occupants (two other occupants survived, and tragically, two others died). In another incident, the TMU rescued a woman who had fallen out of her]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-03-02T18:06:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Appoints Whitman As Commissioner Of The Department Of Family And Protective Services]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-whitman-as-commissioner-of-the-department-of-famil</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-whitman-as-commissioner-of-the-department-of-famil#When:18:04:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Henry “Hank” Whitman as the Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services for a term set to expire on September 1, 2019.Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Henry “Hank” Whitman as the Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services for a term set to expire on September 1, 2019. Henry “Hank” Whitman of Floresville has served as the Commissioner since April 2016. He previously served the Texas Department of Public Safety for 22 years, spending 10 of those years as a Texas Ranger. In 2011, he was named chief of the Texas Rangers. Additionally, he served as president of Whitman Consulting, a professional service company that provides security consulting and private investigations. Whitman received a Bachelor of Science in law enforcement from Southwest Texas State University and a Master of Public Administration in criminal justice from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Additionally, he is a military veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps.]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Appointment,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-03-01T18:04:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Orders Immediate Action To Ensure Safety Of College Campuses In Texas]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-orders-immediate-action-to-ensure-safety-of-college-campuse</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-orders-immediate-action-to-ensure-safety-of-college-campuse#When:18:48:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Commissioner Raymund Paredes, calling for immediate action to address and ensure the safety of Texas' college campuses following the recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Commissioner Raymund Paredes, calling for immediate action to address and ensure the safety of Texas' college campuses following the recent tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. In the letter, Governor Abbott outlines a number of steps to be immediately taken by the THECB to help Texas colleges better respond to and prevent such tragedies. "We must act expeditiously and prudently to ensure that college campuses in Texas are safe places to study, work, and live,” Governor Abbott wrote. “These are important first steps to ensuring that junior college districts are meeting all requirements and have the best information available to help keep their campuses safe. Texas will continue to evaluate and improve our approach to ensure our students are safe." Governor Abbott's letter outlines the following steps: <ul> <li>Catalog and share all available information from TSSC on college campus safety, and distribute this information to all public junior college districts and universities.  Also, distribute this information to private and proprietary institutions of higher education.</li> <li>Ensure that all public junior college districts are in compliance with statutorily required school safety audits and multi-hazard emergency operations plans.  Specifically, ensure school safety audits have been submitted to TSSC, contain a multi-hazard emergency operations plan, and cover all school facilities, both instructional and non-instructional.</li> <li>Publish on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Website and via agency press release a list of any public junior college districts that do not satisfy the requirements of their 2015 audit referenced in point two above within 45 days of notice by THECB. </li> <li>Ensure that all public junior college districts have made satisfactory progress toward completion of their statutorily required safety and security audits, due September 15, 2018. In light of recent events, encourage early submission of these audits to TSSC.</li> <li>Work with TSSC, the Department of Public Safety, and my office to draft recommendations to the Texas Legislature on policy changes to keep students safe</li> </ul> The Governor recently <a href="/news/post/governor-abbott-orders-immediate-action-to-address-the-safety-of-texas-scho">ordered similar action </a>to address the safety of high schools in the state. <a href="/uploads/files/press/College_Campus_Saftey_22818.pdf">Read the Governor's full letter to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Raymund Paredes.</a>]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Safety & Security, Press Release,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-02-28T18:48:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Appoints Callas And Wesson To Texas Commission Of Licensing And Regulation]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-callas-and-wesson-to-texas-commission-of-licensing</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-callas-and-wesson-to-texas-commission-of-licensing#When:18:15:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ray Callas, M.D. and Gary Wesson, D.D.S. to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation for terms set to expire on February 1, 2023. Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ray Callas, M.D. and Gary Wesson, D.D.S. to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation for terms set to expire on February 1, 2023. The commission oversees the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Ray Callas, M.D. of Beaumont is a physician anesthesiologist and partner for Anesthesia Associates. He is a member of the of the Texas Medical Association Board of Trustees, president-elect for the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, and vice chairman for Texas Medical Liability Trust. Additionally, he is a member of the First Financial Bank Board of Directors, Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, and multiple hospital leadership positions. He is a former gubernatorial appointee and past chairman to the Jefferson and Orange County Board of Pilot Commissioners. Callas received a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Medicine from The University of Texas Medical Branch. Gary Wesson, D.D.S. of Bastrop is a retired orthodontist. He is a former assistant clinical professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School, Department of Developmental Dentistry, and retired dental officer at the Veterans Administration Dental Residency Program in San Antonio. He is a member of the San Antonio District Dental Society and a former member of the Texas Dental Association Financial Review Council. He is former president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer for the Nueces Valley District Dental Society and a retired member of the American Association of Orthodontists. Additionally, he is a certified lay pastor for Mission Presbytery, former elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, and a former board member for Corpus Christi Metro Ministry. Wesson received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science in orthodontics from The University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at Houston.]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Appointment,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-02-28T18:15:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Meets With Members Of The Texas Congressional Delegation]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-meets-with-members-of-the-texas-congressional-delegation</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-meets-with-members-of-the-texas-congressional-delegation#When:17:39:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Meets With Members Of The Texas Congressional DelegationGovernor Greg Abbott today met with members of the Texas Congressional Delegation in Washington D.C. to discuss Texas' ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey. A readout of the meeting can be found below. Governor Greg Abbott today thanked the Texas Congressional Delegation for their work to secure critical funding for the state and expressed his ongoing commitment to working with congressional leaders as the rebuilding process continues. Governor Abbott also spoke of the state's extensive work in coordinating recovery efforts with federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Governor also emphasized the importance of working with these agencies to accelerate the speed at which relief is getting to those in need. He also encouraged the members to work with their local governments in Texas to quickly submit important Public Assistance project requests to FEMA. Governor Abbott discussed his productive meeting with Lieutenant General Todd Semonite, the Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers yesterday, in which he discussed the need for mitigation projects that would better prevent future flooding.    The Governor concluded the meeting by assuring the members that Texas will continue to work with all levels of government to help rebuild and get Texans all the resources they need to make a full recovery.]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Hurricane Harvey, Press Release,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-02-27T17:39:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Meets With President Trump And Federal Officials In Washington D.C.]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-meets-with-president-trump-and-federal-officials-in-washing</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-meets-with-president-trump-and-federal-officials-in-washing#When:22:11:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott today met with a number of federal officials in Washington D.C including President Donald Trump and various cabinet secretaries to discuss a range of issues facing Texas and our nation. Governor Greg Abbott today met with a number of federal officials in Washington D.C including President Donald Trump and various cabinet secretaries to discuss a range of issues facing Texas and our nation. During the meetings, the Governor spoke about number of different topics such as healthcare reform, infrastructure, trade, Harvey recovery, and school safety. A readout of the meetings can be found below. Governor Abbott met with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma on healthcare reform. The Governor asked about ways to implement cost containment measures, expressing his concern about the rising cost of healthcare in Texas and across the country. That conversation was followed by a discussion with other governors on additional ideas to control costs, increase competition and allow for more innovation and flexibility in the healthcare market. The Governor later met with Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney on improving the nation’s infrastructure. During the meeting, Governors from across the country discussed President Trump’s plan to provide $1.5 trillion of investment for the country’s aging infrastructure. This plan includes fixing the broken permitting process, supporting rural America’s infrastructure, and investing in workforce development. Administration officials laid out multiple ways that the President’s proposal empowers Governors and other state and local leaders.  Governor Abbott then met with President Donald Trump and Governors from across the country on school safety. The Governor talked about what Texas has done to keep our schools safe, and emphasized the importance of taking further actions to make sure we are doing all we can to secure the safety of students and teachers.  As Hurricane Harvey recovery remains a top priority for Texas, Governor Abbott met with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Deputy Secretary Pam Patenaude. During the meeting they discussed the importance of working together to speed up the process for providing Texas with necessary Community Development Block Grant funding. He thanked Secretary Patenaude and HUD for their commitment to helping Texas families recover, while also expressing the continued urgency of helping Texans affected by Harvey receive the resources they need to continue the rebuilding process.  Governor Abbott also spoke with Administration officials regarding trade, specifically the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As negotiations on NAFTA continue, the Governor once again emphasized the economic importance to Texas of trade with Canada and Mexico and how beneficial NAFTA has been for the state's economy.  The Governor met with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the ongoing recovery in Texas following Hurricane Harvey. Both sides talked about their mutual commitment of making sure Texans continue to receive the help they need, and working together to get relief to Texans faster.  The Governor concluded the day with a meeting with Lieutenant General Todd Semonite, the Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Governor Abbott discussed the importance of constructing, and plans for building, projects in Texas to prevent future flooding. Governor Abbott has maintained that Texas’ goal is to rebuild faster and smarter following Hurricane Harvey, and these mitigation projects are essential to minimizing the impact of future natural disasters. ]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Press Release,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-02-26T22:11:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Commutes Death Sentence Of Thomas Bartlett Whitaker]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-commutes-death-sentence-of-thomas-bartlett-whitaker</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-commutes-death-sentence-of-thomas-bartlett-whitaker#When:23:21:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation commuting the death sentence of Thomas Bartlett Whitaker following a unanimous decision by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.<a href="/news/post/proclamation-commuting-death-sentence-of-thomas-bartlett-whitaker">Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation commuting the death sentence of Thomas Bartlett Whitaker</a> following a unanimous decision by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Thomas Bartlett Whitaker will now serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. Governor Abbott released the following statement: “As a former trial court judge, Texas Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General involved in prosecuting some of the most notorious criminals in Texas, I have the utmost regard for the role that juries and judges play in our legal system. The role of the Governor is not to second-guess the court process or re-evaluate the law and evidence. Instead, the Governor’s role under the Constitution is distinct from the judicial function. The Governor’s role is to consider recommendations by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and view matters through a lens broader than the facts and law applied to a single case. That is particularly important in death penalty cases. “In just over three years as Governor, I have allowed 30 executions. I have not granted a commutation of a death sentence until now, for reasons I here explain. “The murders of Mr. Whitaker’s mother and brother are reprehensible. The crime deserves severe punishment for the criminals who killed them. The recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and my action on it, ensures Mr. Whitaker will never be released from prison. “The decision of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles is supported by the totality of circumstances in this case. The person who fired the gun that killed the victims did not receive the death penalty, but Mr. Whitaker, who did not fire the gun, did get the death penalty. That factor alone may not warrant commutation for someone like Mr. Whitaker who recruited others to commit murder. Additional factors make the decision more complex. “Mr. Whitaker’s father, who survived the attempt on his life, passionately opposes the execution of his son. Mr. Whitaker’s father insists that he would be victimized again if the state put to death his last remaining immediate family member. Also, Mr. Whitaker voluntarily and forever waived any and all claims to parole in exchange for a commutation of his sentence from death to life without the possibility of parole. Moreover, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously voted for commutation. The totality of these factors warrants a commutation of Mr. Whitaker’s death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Mr. Whitaker must spend the remainder of his life behind bars as punishment for this heinous crime.” <a href="/news/post/proclamation-commuting-death-sentence-of-thomas-bartlett-whitaker">Read Governor Abbott's proclamation.</a>]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Press Release,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-02-22T23:21:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Proclamation Commuting Death Sentence Of Thomas Bartlett Whitaker]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/proclamation-commuting-death-sentence-of-thomas-bartlett-whitaker</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/proclamation-commuting-death-sentence-of-thomas-bartlett-whitaker#When:23:12:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation commuting the death sentence of Thomas Bartlett Whitaker following a unanimous decision by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME: whereas, the Board of Pardons and Paroles has unanimously recommended a commutation to a sentence less than death for Thomas Bartlett Whitaker, TDCJ #999522; and Whereas, the Board’s decision is supported by the totality of circumstances in this case so long as Thomas Bartlett Whitaker is never released from prison; and whereas, Thomas Bartlett Whitaker has, through counsel, forever waived any and all claims to parole in exchange for a commutation of his sentence from death to life without the possibility of parole; and WHEREAS, THOMAS BARTLETT WHITAKER’s agreement to forever waive any and all claims to parole constitutes an essential and indispensable element of my decision; and whereas, the Governor has authority to commute Thomas Bartlett Whitaker’s death sentence to life without the possibility of parole even without the waiver submitted in this case; and Whereas, Thomas Bartlett Whitaker recruited others, including Chris Brashear, to kill Thomas Bartlett Whitaker’s mother, father, and brother; and whereas, Brashear killed Thomas Bartlett Whitaker’s mother and brother, and attempted but failed to kill Thomas Bartlett Whitaker’s father; and whereas, Brashear, who shot and killed the deceased, was sentenced to life, but Thomas Bartlett Whitaker, who conspired to kill his parents and brother, but did not actually shoot the gun that caused the murders, was sentenced to death in Cause No. 42969 in the 400th Judicial District Court, Fort Bend County, Texas, on March 8, 2007; and Whereas, Thomas Bartlett Whitaker’s father, whom Brashear and Thomas Bartlett Whitaker attempted but failed to kill, passionately opposes the execution of his son; Now therefore, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, by virtue of the authority vested in me under the Constitution and laws of this State, and as a consequence of the circumstances stated above, and acting upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, do hereby grant unto the said: Thomas Bartlett Whitaker A commutation of sentence to imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole for the offense above set out in cause no. 42969, 400th Judicial District Court, Fort Bend County, Texas. This commutation shall have no legal force or effect, and shall be void ab initio, if Thomas Bartlett Whitaker ever withdraws his waiver of parole or if his sentence as commuted is ever challenged. I hereby direct that a copy of this proclamation be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.   GREG ABBOTT Governor <a href="/uploads/files/press/Governor_Abbott_Commutes_Sentence_Of_Thomas_Whitaker_02222018.pdf">View a PDF of the Proclamation</a>]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Proclamation,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-02-22T23:12:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Names Lake Chair And Appoints Paup To Texas Water Development Board]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-names-lake-chair-and-appoints-paup-to-texas-water-developme</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-names-lake-chair-and-appoints-paup-to-texas-water-developme#When:18:01:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Brooke Paup to the Texas Water Development Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2019. Additionally, the Governor named Peter Lake chairman of the board. Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Brooke Paup to the Texas Water Development Board for a term set to expire on February 1, 2019. Additionally, the Governor named Peter Lake chairman of the board. The Board provides leadership, planning, financial and technical assistance for the responsible development of water for the State of Texas. Brooke Paup of Austin has served as the director of legislative affairs for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for the last four years. She is formerly the deputy division chief of intergovernmental relations and former special assistant for policy and research for the Office of the Attorney General, where she worked on legislative issues, special litigation, and public finance, including the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas (SWIRFT). Brooke has 12 years of state government experience. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Symphony League, Wine and Food Foundation of Texas Auction Committee and Doss PTA. Paup received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech School of Law. Peter Lake of Tyler has served on the board since December 2015. He is the former head of business development at Lake Ronel Oil Company, and previously served as director of special projects for VantageCap Partners and as director of research at Gambit Trading, a member firm of the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange specializing in government bond futures. He is a member of the Edmund Burke Society at the University of Chicago School of Law and former co-president of the Texas Club at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Lake received a Bachelor of Arts in public policy, with a specialization in economics, from the University of Chicago and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Appointment,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-02-22T18:01:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Governor Abbott Designates Three To Texas Violent Gang Task Force]]></title> <link>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-designates-three-to-texas-violent-gang-task-force</link> <guid>https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-designates-three-to-texas-violent-gang-task-force#When:16:34:00Z</guid> <description><![CDATA[Governor Greg Abbott has designated Martin “Ringo” Deleon Jr., Faith Johnson, and Brian Martinez to the Texas Violent Gang Task Force for terms to expire at the pleasure of the Governor.Governor Greg Abbott has designated Martin “Ringo” Deleon Jr., Faith Johnson, and Brian Martinez to the Texas Violent Gang Task Force for terms to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The Task Force forms strategic partnerships among local, state, and federal criminal justice, juvenile justice, and correctional agencies to better enable those agencies to take a proactive stance towards tracking gang activity and the growth and spread of gangs statewide. Martin “Ringo” Deleon Jr. of Corpus Christi is a police officer and gang investigator for the Corpus Christi Police Department, with 30 years of law enforcement experience. He is president of the Texas Gang Investigators Association and a member of the National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association, Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, and Leadership Corpus Christi. Additionally, he volunteers with his local Boys and Girls Club. Faith Johnson of Cedar Hill is the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney and former State District Judge of the 363rd Judicial District Court. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Association, North Texas Crime Commission, and the United States Christian Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she is secretary and a board member of The Potter's House of Dallas. Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Education in community counseling from Georgia State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Brian Martinez of Houston is a Specialty Court Supervisor for the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department’s Gang and Drug Courts. Additionally, he serves as a trainer for introductory gang topics for all new and current staff at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. He is a volunteer coach with Northwest Baseball Association and I9 Sports. Martinez received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Houston-Downtown. ]]></description> <dc:subject><![CDATA[Appointment,]]></dc:subject> <dc:date>2018-02-22T16:34:00+00:00</dc:date> </item> </channel> </rss>