Bail Reform: Sophie’s Story

Bail Reform: Sophie’s Story

Apr 30, 2025

Governor Abbott’s #1 priority is to keep Texans SAFE – that’s why he started this legislative session declaring bail reform one of his Emergency Items outlined in his State of the State Address. Texas must pass bail reform to put an end to

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Weekly Roundups from Texas Legislature

Weekly Roundups from Texas Legislature

Feb 24, 2025

Bail Reforms, Pay hike for teachers, Expansion of teacher incentive allotments. By Richard Lee The Senate passed a number of bills this week intended to keep dangerous criminals behind bars instead of free on bail. Since 2021, 162 new homicide cases have been

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ALERT Academy Honored with Community Hero Award

ALERT Academy Honored with Community Hero Award

Aug 28, 2024

We appreciate all the work you all do training the young men and what type of people they turn out to be. County Judge Neal Franklin Smith County Judge Neal Franklin and Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore presenting the Smith County Community Hero

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First Lady Abbott Celebrates Texas Women’s Hall Of Fame

First Lady Abbott Celebrates Texas Women’s Hall Of Fame

Nov 14, 2023

First Lady Cecilia Abbott recently delivered the keynote address celebrating the contributions and leadership of Texas women in the fields of athletics, public and community service, civic leadership, business, science, and education at the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame 2023 Induction Ceremony in

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TSTA Applauds Texas Voters For Approving Proposition 9

TSTA Applauds Texas Voters For Approving Proposition 9

Nov 8, 2023

Ovidia Molina, president of the Texas State Teachers Association, and Barbara Davis-Staley, president of TSTA-Retired, released the following joint statement: The Texas State Teachers Association; its affiliate, TSTA-Retired; and thousands of retired Texas educators give a big “Thank You!” to voters who approved

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Smith County Judge Neal Franklin Donates Parking Spot To Employees

Smith County Judge Neal Franklin Donates Parking Spot To Employees

Oct 28, 2023

On Monday, October 30, Smith County employees who park around the Annex Building in downtown Tyler will lose their parking spots during construction of the new parking garage. The Smith County Judge and Commissioners’ covered spaces will not be affected by the construction,

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Longview Native Supports Versatile Missions While Serving With U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron

Longview Native Supports Versatile Missions While Serving With U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron

Oct 20, 2023

By Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Williams, Navy Office of Community Outreach Officer 3rd Class Kellen Taylor, a native of Longview, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to a helicopter squadron operating out of Norfolk, Virginia. The skills and values needed to succeed in the

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Texas Gov., First Lady Abbott Reflect On Hispanic Heritage Month

Texas Gov., First Lady Abbott Reflect On Hispanic Heritage Month

Oct 17, 2023

AUSTIN: Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott have invited all Texans to celebrate the historic achievements of Hispanic Americans and their notable contributions to the state of Texas and the United States, as Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end. Governor

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Texas Senate Takes On School Vouchers, COVID Vacs, Border Security, Human Trafficking

Texas Senate Takes On School Vouchers, COVID Vacs, Border Security, Human Trafficking

Oct 12, 2023

Senate committees heard testimony Tuesday related to three of the four topics laid out for consideration in this session by the governor: school choice, border security, and vaccine mandates. The Senate Education Committee approved the Senate’s school choice proposal in the form of

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School Choice And Border Security Take Center Stage At Special Session

School Choice And Border Security Take Center Stage At Special Session

Oct 11, 2023

Controversial SCHOOL CHOICE and BORDER SECURITY take center stage as Texas 88th Legislature begins special session. The Texas 88th Legislature began its third special session Monday, with Governor Greg Abbott calling lawmakers back into Austin to consider the issue of legislation that will

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