News

Abbott directs TEA, superintendents to prohibit vaccine mandates for students

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Texas school superintendents that the COVID-19 vaccine cannot be mandated as part of school entry requirements. Instead, Texas law overrides a recent recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that added the vaccine to immunization schedules for adults and school-aged children.

New COVID boosters providing more protection against variants

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The new bivalent booster vaccine provides better protection against newly emerged Omicron sublianeages than previous monovalent COVID vaccines, according to new research from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Researchers also found that three of the new sublineages, BA.2.75.2, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1, exhibit the greatest evasion against vaccine-elicited neutralization and may become the new dominant strains.
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Kolkhorst appointed to Legislative Budget Board

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“The Legislative Budget Board is of statewide importance because it offers a continuous review of all state spending. That’s why I am truly humbled by Lt. Gov. Patrick’s appointment. The serious work of this Board ensures the fair and prudent use of our tax dollars. It will be an honor to serve the people of Texas in this capacity.”

Campaign launched to fight fentanyl

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This month, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) answered Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s call to action for state agencies by launching a new public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of fentanyl. The multi-pronged campaign includes posting informational signage in DPS buildings, public service announcements at driver license offices statewide and publishing a webpage offering valuable resources.
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MOVING ON

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Three Austin County football teams entered the UIL football playoffs last week and all three came home with bi-district trophies to place at their respective schools. Sealy recorded a 31-14 victory over state-ranked Jasper in Navasota; Brazos spotted Lexington a 28-0 lead and then rallied for a 35-28 victory; and Bellville was finally able to defeat West Orange-Stark in the playoffs with a 27-20 victory in Splendora.