Texas Receives Approval for SNAP Online Grocery Purchases
Press Release
AUSTIN –Texas Health and Human Services recently received federal approval to allow Texans to purchase groceries online using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot program is expected to start by May 18 statewide.
"By allowing SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online throughout the COVID-19 response, we are removing barriers to healthy and nutritious food for many families in Texas," said Governor Greg Abbott. "I am grateful to our federal partners at the USDA for approving this request. As the Lone Star State continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are exhausting all avenues to both protect the health and safety of Texans while ensuring families, including recipients of SNAP, have the ability to provide for their families during this challenging time."
“Because families, including SNAP recipients, have had to adjust to social distancing and staying home when possible, some homes have encountered challenges when finding certain grocery items,” said HHS Access and Eligibility Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. “Adding another option for Texans using SNAP to get the healthy and nutritious food their families need helps ease the minds of families and limit their exposure to COVID-19.”
With approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, HHSC is implementing a pilot program to allow online grocery purchasing for SNAP clients in Texas. Walmart and Amazon are the first retailers to join the pilot in Texas, scheduled to start by May 18.
This announcement is the latest change Gov. Abbott and HHSC has made to the SNAP program in response to COVID-19, and SNAP clients are now receiving their maximum eligible allotment and have also had renewal requirements temporarily waived.
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Crisis Over the Demands of Prisoners
Press Release
AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today applauded the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit for ordering a stay that blocks a lower court order sharply limiting state officials’ ability to respond to the rapidly developing COVID-19 pandemic in Texas prisons and across the State. The district court’s injunction imposed limits on the transfer of inmates, required unrestricted access to face masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies for each inmate, and imposed a plan for testing every single inmate for COVID-19. The Fifth Circuit also expedited arguments in this case.
“I thank the Fifth Circuit for prioritizing the needs of medical professionals and blocking the unreasonable demands the district court imposed on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). TDCJ has already diligently implemented measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and our medical professionals and those suffering from this health crisis are in desperate need of personal protective equipment, supplies and testing kits,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The district court has no authority to overrule Texas’s decisions about how to manage its scarce resources, and my office will continue to defend the prioritization of medical professionals on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19.”
Read a copy of the order here.
For information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
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$54 Million To Support Older Texans During COVID-19 Pandemic
Press Release
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will receive nearly $54 million in federal funds to support older Texans and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 response. The funding will be used to support programs and services administered by the state’s 28 Area Agencies on Aging such as home delivered meals, help with household chores, assistance with groceries, and respite care or other services for family caregivers.
"Older Texans and Texans with disabilities face a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and they need continued support during these trying times,” said Governor Abbott. “These federal funds will help provide higher risk Texans with additional support and resources to meet their everyday needs while allowing them to stay at home and stay safe. I thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for providing Texas with this crucial financial support so that we can continue to serve our fellow Texans."
"With Governor Abbott’s continued leadership, we’re committed to supporting and assisting the state’s most vulnerable population during the difficult time," said HHS Executive Commissioner Phil Wilson.
Funding will also be used to support the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which provides advocacy and complaint resolution services on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living awarded Texas nearly $54 million in funds through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic (CARES) Act recently signed into law by President Trump.
For more information on the state’s Area Agencies on Aging, visit the HHS website.
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Texas State Parks Reopen for Day-Use
Press Release
will begin reopening for day-use only on April 20 as part of a broader effort to begin reopening the state of Texas. Per Governor Abbott’s direction, new restrictions in effect include requiring visitors to wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party, and prohibiting the gathering of groups larger than five.
“As we navigate through these challenging times, it is essential that outdoor experiences and opportunities are available for Texas families. We have been diligently working with our partners in local communities across the state to help safeguard our state park visitors, volunteers and staff when they return to Texas State Parks,” said Carter Smith, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “During the temporary closure, our State Parks team has been cleaning and sanitizing park facilities, addressing routine maintenance projects, and ensuring requisite safety protocols are in place to ensure visitors have the best possible experience.”
Due to limited staffing, weather conditions and continuing construction projects, some state parks will not be open at the current time. Park visitors should check the
regularly for the latest information about the status of individual parks. The resumption of overnight camping will be announced to the public once a date has been determined.
TPWD recommends visitors continue to adhere to local, state and federal travel restrictions and other guidance for safety and social distancing before traveling. Additionally, visitors are required to pre-purchase and print day-use permits through the Texas State Parks Reservation System before traveling to a park. Day-use reservations can be made online at
or by calling 512-389-8900.
Visitors planning on coming to a state park are encouraged to bring all necessary provisions, such as hand sanitizer and face masks, with them in order to help local businesses have enough goods to properly serve their communities during this time. This will also help park staff have necessary supplies available for all guests during their stay.
Anyone traveling to a Texas State Park should continue to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) public health recommendations and adhere to strict social distancing and cleanliness standards while in public spaces. Those traveling to parks in rural areas should remember possible limits on available resources and local health care capacities.
Operational changes still in effect at parks include the suspension of all transactions at parks, equipment rentals and in-person interpretive programs. All group-use facilities, visitor and nature centers, headquarters and other enclosed spaces where people congregate will also remain closed.
Texas State Park Passes can now be purchased online through the reservation system or over the phone by calling the Texas State Park Customer Service Line at (512) 389-8900. For guidance troubleshooting issues with the reservation system or using Texas State Park Passes online, visit the
on the TPWD website.
For the latest information, please check the
.
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TAMUK Business students extend tax prep deadline.
Press Release
Students from the College of Business Administration at Texas A&M University-Kingsville have extended their income tax preparation through Friday, July 15, the new due date for federal income taxes.
They offer free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA provides free basic income tax preparation for taxpayers with incomes below $56,000.
Because of the social distancing restriction, income tax prep is all strictly drop off at both locations. The days and times remain the same with a 48-hour turnaround on all returns.
This year volunteers will be at two different locations. Monday and Tuesday, taxpayers may visit room 107 of the College of Business Administration building from 4 to 8 p.m. Free parking is available in the lot north of the building.
The second location is at the Texas Community Federal Credit Union, 605 E. Caesar Ave. in Kingsville. Volunteers will be at the credit union from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
Citizens should bring their tax information, photo identification and Social Security card.
For more information, call 361-593-3787.
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Promoting False Cures for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Press Release
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today partnered with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to warn Resurgence Medical Spa LLC that baselessly claiming that their vitamin C intravenous infusions can prevent and cure Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a direct violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and federal consumer protection law.
“As communities work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that those suffering receive the potentially life-saving treatment they need, my office is working diligently to stop deceptive claims and false cures,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I will not allow anyone or any business to take advantage of Texans during this national health crisis.”
The current disaster declaration is effective across the entire state, and under Texas consumer protection statutes, it is illegal for a person to take advantage of a disaster declaration by engaging in deceptive trade practices.
Texans who believe they have encountered deceptive trade practices should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or
. For additional information on disaster scams, please visit our
.
Read a
copy of the warning letter here
.
For information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the
Texas Department of State Health Services
.
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Texas A&M-Kingsville students are top flag football officials
Press Release
Two Texas A&M University-Kingsville recreational sports student officials represented the university at the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Championship Series. The invitation from the NIRSA, put Jaime Villarreal and Ruben Mendiola among the top 46 flag football student officials in the nation.
Villarreal, a senior, and Mendiola, a fall graduate, each officiated several games at the series including a semi-final co-rec game, according to Ian Brown, director of recreational sports at Texas A&M-Kingsville. “Their clean, crisp mechanics, rule knowledge and penalty enforcement continued to impress the evaluators at the tournament,” Brown said.
Both Villarreal and Mendiola worked as officials for rec sports for several years working multiple sports including flag football, basketball and soccer. They applied and were selected to work on-campus intramurals, but the off-campus tournaments are more competitive, Brown said.
“They applied to each tournament’s officials committee and they were selected by those committees,” he said. “In the case of nationals, they had to receive a bid from a regional flag football tournament.
“This means they were one of the top three or four officials at one of the regional tournaments and that regional committee recognized their talent and sponsored their application to the national tournament. This is truly a top honor in extramural sports,” Brown added.
“The combined effort of student officials and players from Texas A&M-Kingsville continue to put this institution on the map as a great place to develop individuals and have fun along the way,” Brown said.
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AG Paxton Asks Fifth Circuit to Once Again Uphold Governor’s Order
Press Release
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a second, immediate appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to once again enforce Governor Abbott’s Executive Order (GA 09) postponing any unnecessary medical procedures to preserve desperately needed medical supplies for the health professionals combating the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Abortion facilities continue to demand special treatment not available to any other health care provider in Texas. Under the Governor’s Executive Order, all health care facilities and professionals in Texas must cease and delay elective medical procedures to ensure that hospitals and their staff have access to urgently needed personal protective equipment and hospital beds during this unprecedented crisis. By demanding special treatment to continue to provide medical procedures deemed unnecessary during this health crisis, abortion providers are withholding desperately needed medical supplies for those combating the Coronavirus across the state.
“For years, abortion has been touted as a ‘choice’ by the same groups now attempting to claim it is an essential procedure, and they decided to press forward despite a higher court ruling entered just days ago that a district court cannot block an Executive Order that protects public health during a crisis,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My office will steadfastly defend Governor Abbott’s Order and the rule of law to ensure that hardworking medical professionals receive the supplies and personal protective gear they need to successfully combat this health crisis.”
A few abortion providers obtained yet another temporary restraining order (TRO) from a U.S. District Court in Austin to block the Executive Order as it applies to them only and certain types of medication and surgical abortions. The Executive Order remains binding on all other abortion providers in Texas who are not parties to the case and to all other abortions not specifically identified in the district court’s order. Just three days ago, the
Fifth Circuit vacated a similar TRO
by the same district court.
Read a copy of
.
Read a
.
For information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the
Texas Department of State Health Services
website.
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Nueces County Park and Beach Closures for Easter Weekend
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – In adherence with State and local “stay at home” guidelines and to maintain the safest environment for residents and visitors during the Easter weekend, Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi have acted to temporarily close the following County and City Parks, Bay and Gulf Beaches to vehicular access. The temporary closure is from Friday, April 10, 2020 through Sunday, April 12, 2020. The Parks and Beaches will reopen on Monday, April 13, 2020.
City Parks Closed
Bill Witt Park
West Guth Park
Manuel Q. Salinas Park
The Water’s Edge
Cole Park
Labonte Park
Lakeview Park
Parker Park
County Parks Closed
Hazel Bazemore Park
Lyondell Baseball Park
Hilltop Park
San Juan Park
Oscar Ortiz Park
John Sablatura Park
Barber Lane Park
Sandy Hallow Park
Lone Oak Park
Amistad Veterans Memorial Park
Bobby Ray & Opal Younts Park
Banquete Park
Lost Creek Park
83 Yard Park
Fairground Stadium
Bay Beaches Closed
McGee Beach
North Beach
Gulf Beaches Closed
City and County Gulf Beaches from Access Road 2 thru County Road 6 (Access Road 2, Beach Marker 62, Newport Pass Road, Zahn Road, Access Road 3A, Windward Parking Lot, White Cap Beach, County Road 4, County Road 5, Bob Hall Park and Pier, and County Road 6).
For more information, call (361) 826-3460 or visit www.ccparkandrec.com.
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Temporary Closure Of State Parks And Historic Sites
Press Release
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to close all state parks and historic sites as part of the state’s efforts to strengthen social distancing practices and prevent gatherings of large groups of people. Historic sites and state parks will close to the public starting at 5:00 PM this evening and will reopen at the direction of the Governor.
"Social distancing is our best tool to curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives," said Governor Abbott. "The temporary closure of our state parks and historic sites will help us achieve this goal by preventing the gathering of large groups of people. I urge all Texans to continue to stay at home except for essential services as we respond to COVID-19. By following these social distance practices, we will overcome this challenge together."
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TAMUK'S Special education master's named one of Most Affordable
Press Release
Texas A&M University Kingsville
The special education master’s online degree program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville joins the ranks of the nation’s best as it was ranked 24th by Online U in their Most Affordable category. The program, part of the teacher and bilingual education department in the College of Education and Human Performance, joins two other online programs at Texas A&M-Kingsville as Most Affordable.
Coming as the number two most affordable online program in the nation is the industrial engineering master’s degree in the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering. The online sports management program, in the kinesiology department, also in the College of Education and Human Performance, comes in at 11th in the nation as most affordable by Online U.
To be considered for these subject rankings, schools need to be regionally accredited and need to offer at least one fully online degree in the subject for the degree level of the list.
Schools with programs that require some on-campus coursework were still considered for the rankings if the amount of in-person work required was limited to two weeks or less. This allows students to retain their current employment or other personal responsibilities.
To help people make this decision, Optimal (formerly SR Education Group), published their
rankings on Guide to Online Schools for 121 programs. The rankings are based on degree-level and program-specific tuition rates and
salary data.
The methodology for the rankings incorporates a return on investment formula to show accredited programs with the best value.
Since the cost and return of a college can significantly vary by the degree, tuition rates and salary numbers are specific to degree-level and major. All tuition rates were manually researched on official school websites in order to ensure accuracy. Salary figures were reported by PayScale and reflect earnings of students 10 or more years after graduation. In order to select the best options for value in each major, Optimal researched over 78,000 online programs
About Optimal™
Optimal helps prospective students make informed, data-driven decisions to improve their collegiate experience and their post-college careers. The company provides over 85,000 in-depth student reviews and college rankings for every major based on alumni salaries and manually researched tuitions. Optimal’s tools and services provide accessible and transparent financial data regarding cost and earning potential that give students educational paths that lead them to success, without burdening them with insurmountable debt.
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Comfort Food Care Packages For Texas Youth And Families
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today announced the Comfort Food Care Package (CFCP) program to provide meals for at-risk youth and families in communities across Texas as the state responds to COVID-19. As part of the program, participating restaurants offer CFCPs for patrons to purchase on behalf of families and youth in need. Each care package contains enough food to feed a family of 5 to 6 and will be delivered to recipients’ homes. The program is a partnership between the Governor's Public Safety Office, the Texas network of Family and Youth Success Programs (formerly called Services to At-Risk Youth), Favor Delivery, and the Texas Restaurant Association.
"Thank you to the generous Texans and restaurants across the state for stepping up to provide meals to families in need," said Governor Abbott. "The Comfort Food Care Package program will provide at-risk youth and families with an additional food source, while giving Texans another way to support local restaurants and their fellow Texans experiencing hardships due to COVID-19."
"This innovative new program is a win for communities and restaurants across Texas," said Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. "By harnessing the generosity of Texans, customers can now support their communities and their favorite restaurants at the same time. I’m proud we could partner with Governor Abbott and Favor to launch this program so quickly. While we can’t predict when the impact of this crisis will end, we can find comfort in knowing that we have a new way to ensure everyone receives a meal and by doing that, we will help to keep local restaurants running."
The Comfort Food Care Package program utilizes the following steps:
Participating restaurants list CFCPs on their online ordering system for customers to purchase on behalf of at-risk families and youth in the community.
Customers add CFCPs to their orders and purchase.
Family and Youth Success Programs identify families and shelters who have the most need and work with participating restaurants and Favor to get the meals delivered.
Families interested in utilizing the CFCP program should contact their local Family and Youth Success Program for more information. Restaurants interested in participating in the program can sign up on the Texas Restaurant Association website.
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Joint Guidance for Houses of Worship in Texas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2020
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued joint guidance regarding the effect of Executive Order GA 14 on religious services conducted in congregations and houses of worship.
“All Texans must work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, and houses of worship face a particular challenge as we work to combat this pandemic,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This guidance provides clear direction for houses of worship to protect the health and safety of Texans as they continue to hold religious services, exercise their religious liberty, and serve their faith communities.”
The Executive Order GA 14 defines essential services to include “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship.” Orders given by state or local governments prohibiting people from providing or obtaining certain services must ensure that the orders do not violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, Article I of the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which protect the rights of Texans to freely exercise their religion.
Read the joint guidance document here.
For information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
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Texas COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line - FREE
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has launched a statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or other emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource offers support for all Texans and can be reached any time day or night at 833-986-1919.
The line is operated by the
Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
, and offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing mental health symptoms related to COVID-19. Counseling services are confidential and free of charge.
More information on mental health resources and your local metal health authority can be found on
.
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Governor Abbott Announces $14.1 Million In Grants To Texas Military Communities
For Immediate Distribution
| April 1, 2020 | (512) 463-1826
AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today announced a new round of grants totaling $14.1 million from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission’s (TMPC) Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program awarded to various military communities across the state. This program assists defense communities that may be positively or negatively impacted by a future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round. The grant money will be invested in infrastructure projects and other initiatives to increase the military value of military installations in Texas and protect jobs.
"The strength of our military communities in Texas is unparalleled in part because of state support like the DEAAG program,” said Governor Abbott. “Not only are the 15 major military installations and Army Futures Command in Texas critical for the defense of our nation, they also add over $101 billion to the state’s economy and support, directly and indirectly, more than 224,000 jobs in communities across this great state. Now more than ever, this support is critical. That is why I will continue to work with the Texas Legislature and TMPC to ensure that our military installations continue to add unmatched value.”
The following entities will receive FY2020-2021 DEAAG disbursements:
Abilene
– $616,389; Security Control Center expansion at Dyess Air Force Base brings additional capacity to the security center
Alamo Area Council of Governments
– $5,000,000; Project reinforces and hardens power distribution across San Antonio and Joint Base San Antonio
Corpus Christi
– $919,500; Flight line security and safety enhancements at Corpus Christi Army Depot
El Paso
– $2,050,000; Expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant, serving El Paso and Fort Bliss
Texarkana
– $516,670; Robotic Vehicle Program preparing Red River Army Depot for the Army’s new robotics mission
Tom Green County
– $5,000,000; Project Resiliency funds power infrastructure, human resiliency and communications infrastructure, benefiting San Angelo and Goodfellow Air Force Base
The TMPC is part of the Governor’s Office and advises the Governor and the Legislature on defense and military issues and ways to strengthen the position of Texas military installations in preparation for a potential BRAC and other defense-related issues. The commission is composed of 13 members serving six-year staggered terms, typically representing an installation in their community.
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Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Implementing Essential Services And Activities Protocols
|
AG Paxton Seeks Immediate Appellate Review to Enforce Governor’s Order Halting Unnecessary Medical Procedures
New editor and publisher of The Kingsville Record
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