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New Year, New Tech: Top 5 Upgrades You Need in 2023

By
Statepoint
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0

2023 is off to a roaring start, and according to a recent YouGov poll, 37% of Americans have set a goal to accomplish this year. Whether you made a resolution or not this year, upgrading your tech can help you be more productive. Here are several ways to refresh and update the tech in your life this year.

  1. Reset Passwords: With cyber fraud and security threats always present and ever changing, it’s a good periodic practice to set new passwords on all your accounts. From social media accounts to bank accounts, make it a habit to reset your passwords every few months to prevent fraudulent activity.
  2. Upgrade Your Smartphone: The average American is forecasted to keep their smartphone for more than two and a half years, according to Statista. However, more regular upgrades may benefit you. Upgrading your smartphone will allow you to utilize enhanced security features, better battery life, faster performance and the latest 5G network. And with T-Mobile, you can get the best of both worlds without breaking the bank: America’s largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network, and the full potential of the latest Samsung Galaxy A14 5G smartphone. Samsung’s most affordable device yet, it packs a punch with a 5000mAh battery, 15W fast charging, 13 megapixel front-facing camera and triple-lens rear camera. Check out an unboxing video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXx-S7xHo74! Also, for a limited time, new and existing T-Mobile customers can get the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G for free with 24 monthly bill credits when adding a line on a qualifying plan in stores and online at www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/samsung.
  3. Purge and Delete: If a new smartphone isn’t in the budget quite yet, there are a few ways you can refresh your phone to give it new life and improve performance. First, remove all large files taking up space. Next, clear your storage and internet browser history to speed up your phone. Apps that track your activity tend to drain your battery life. Delete apps you haven’t used in more than six months. If you’re still at full storage, try uploading items to a cloud provider or your computer and reset your smartphone.
  4. Enhance Your Network Experience: The network your phone uses may need a major upgrade, and now there’s a way to test out another wireless provider’s network before making the switch. T-Mobile’s Network Pass allows you and your family to keep your current wireless provider, compatible phone and phone number and try out T-Mobile’s network free for three months. You’ll get access to T-Mobile’s largest 5G network and the ability to compare your network performance to pick the best carrier for you. The best part, it all can be done online via an app, without having to go into a store.
  5. Revamp Your Workspace: Whether your workspace is a traditional desk from home or the office, on your feet or in a vehicle, make sure you have all the necessary tools to help you work smarter, not harder this year. Upgrade your workspace setup to be more ergonomically friendly – making sure your head and neck are straight, you have a chair with lumbar support and your computer monitor is about an arm’s length away. Invest in a Bluetooth headset and get your work apps connected to your smartphone so you can take calls and send important documents on the go.

Give your tech an upgrade and you’ll see success throughout the year.

Have a Bump on Your Foot? Don’t Ignore It

By
Statepoint
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0

Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot.

“Whether your bump or lump is pea-sized or golf ball-sized, it should not go ignored. A proper diagnosis is key to proper treatment,” says Michael Coyer, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

According to ACFAS, here’s what to know about some of the more common types of lumps found in the foot:

Ganglionic Cysts

This soft, fluid-filled sac is a non-cancerous bump that experts believe may arise from single or repetitive trauma. A ganglionic cyst can be caused by a leaking of jelly-like fluid from the “capsule” surrounding a joint or tendon and may be located on the top of the foot, near an ankle joint or even on the side of the foot. While the lump itself is often the only symptom experienced, you may feel tingling or burning if it’s touching a nerve, or a dull ache if it’s pressing against a tendon or joint. Often, ganglionic cysts cause irritation, making it difficult to wear shoes. Such cysts generally will not go away on their own and may return, even after being drained. Surgical removal by a foot and ankle surgeon can help prevent recurrence. However, if the cyst is not causing pain and doesn’t interfere with walking, your surgeon may simply monitor it over time.

Plantar Fibromas

Plantar fibromas are benign, fibrous, hard nodules found within the ligament of the foot and are especially common in the arch area on the bottom of the foot. These bumps tend to be less than an inch in diameter but can get larger over time. They can cause pain when shoes push against them or when you’re walking or standing barefoot. Steroid injections, physical therapy or orthotic devices may help relieve associated discomfort but will not make the fibroma disappear. While surgical removal is an option if pain persists following nonsurgical approaches, it’s important to know that recurrence can occur post-surgery, as can complications, such as a flattening of the arch or the development of hammertoes.

Haglund’s Deformity

Haglund’s deformity, sometimes called a “pump bump,” is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel. When it rubs against shoes — from high-heeled pumps to running shoes — the soft tissue near the Achilles tendon can become irritated. This often leads to painful bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone. While certain foot structures are more prone to Haglund’s deformity, you can treat the condition and help prevent recurrence with appropriate footwear, arch supports, orthotic devices and stretching exercises. Physical therapy, icing and NSAIDs can also reduce inflammation.

Sometimes, Dr. Coyer notes, a bump is suspected of being cancerous. In this case, your foot and ankle surgeon will perform a biopsy and if it is indeed cancer, will perform surgery to remove the mass, working in tandem with an oncologist for cancer treatment.

For more information on foot bumps or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeon’s patient education website.

“Remember, the sooner we’re able to properly evaluate your bump, the sooner you can have peace of mind and move forward with treatment,” says Dr. Coyer.

Celebrate National Dress Day with Three Looks from Downtown Lufkin

By
Rozalin Martin
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National dress day is right around the corner, so why not celebrate by finding local businesses in downtown Lufkin that sell beautiful dresses!

Uptown Fashion House

Uptown Fashion House is a freshly new business and is a perfect match for casual dresses. They have gorgeous dresses that have a very wide size range. They also sell jewelry that will perfectly match any outfit you have. At the moment, they have springy styles out in store, so come pick up beautiful dresses and jewelry for Easter at Uptown Fashion House!

Haute as Ice

If you want funky clothing, this is definitely the store for you. Haute as Ice has tons of different styles and patterns that are vibrant and fun, which is perfect for the upcoming months. The two dresses below are my favorites out of their shop, and there’s more where that came from. If your downtown, definitely check out this small boutique for a lovely dress.

Rubie and Jane

Rubie and Jane has the most gorgeous formal wear in Lufkin! They have your back at prom, homecoming, and even semi-casual events. Their dress styles are beautiful and luxurious, and going in store is such a joy!

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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Photo by Emilie Doerksen

Baseball and softball are now in full swing, and the Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner basketball teams are heading into their conference tournament seasons hoping to earn a trip to their respective national tournaments.

Following is a heads-up on upcoming events, along with a recap of the past week.

REGION XIV BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT:

Both Angelina College basketball teams earned berths in the upcoming Region XIV tournament tipping off round on Tuesday at Tyler Junior College’s Wagstaff Gymnasium.

Photo by Emilie Doerksen
Photo by Emilie Doerksen
Photo by Emilie Doerksen

The men’s opening round takes place on Tuesday, and the Roadrunners (14-15, 8-11) will enter as the 7th seed. AC’s men will face 10th-seeded Bossier Parish Community College at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, with the winner advancing to Thursday’s quarterfinals (that game also will tip off at 6 p.m.).

AC and BPCC squared off just once this season, with the ‘Runners taking a 56-53 overtime thriller at Shands Gymnasium back on Dec. 10.

Head coach J.J. Montgomery and Ra’Kim Hollis have led the ‘Runners to the tournament in each of their first two seasons as a coaching staff.

The Lady Roadrunners (16-12, 9-7) captured the 4th seed, extending head coach Byron Coleman’s tournament-appearance streak. In his 19 years as AC’s head coach, Coleman’s teams have never missed out on the conference tournament.

AC’s ladies will face No. 5 seed Panola College Wednesday at 3 p.m. The Lady ‘Runners and Fillies split their season series, with each team winning at home. AC hammered the Fillies 66-50 on February 15. The winner advances to Friday’s semifinals against the winner of the Blinn/Jacksonville game. Friday’s semifinal game will tip off at 1 p.m.

Photo by Emilie Doerksen

Here’s the link to all the tournament information, including the link to the live stream:

https://www.njcaaregion14.com/sports/NJCAA_Region_XIV_Basketball_Tournament_2023

Roadrunner Baseball:

‘Runners earned a split with Tyler Junior College on Wednesday, rallying for a 7-4 win in the opener before falling by the same 7-4 score in the nightcap.

In the early game, Heladio Moreno drove in three runs with a bases-loaded triple in the bottom of the second inning. Mason Swidersky also added an RBI triple, and Christian Letendre drove in a pair of runs. Trip Cromer added an RBI to the total. Peyton Fosher earned the mound win, striking out five in four innings; Taylor Seay threw two and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief; and closer Tyler McCuistion came on in the seventh to face one batter with the Apaches’ tying run at the plate. McCuistion struck out the one hitter he faced to earn the save.

Photo by Gary Stallard
Photo by Gary Stallard

On Saturday, the ‘Runners ran into a red-hot Panola College team in Carthage, falling 11-0 before losing on a heartbreaking walk-off in a 6-5 loss in the nightcap.

With Wednesday’s win, AC head coach Jeff Livin is just five wins away from his 800th career win.

Photo by Gary Stallard

The ‘Runners face Northeast Texas Community College in a conference doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.

AC then will host non-conference opponent Joliet College in a Saturday twin bill starting at 2 p.m.

Lady Roadrunner Softball:

The Lady ‘Runners loaded up on games this past week, playing three doubleheaders: home against Tyler Junior College on Wednesday, then a pair of road trips to Bossier Parish Community College on Friday and Trinity Valley Community College on Saturday. Impressively, the Lady Roadrunners were able to go 3-3 in that brutal stretch against conference foes (those games were not considered conference games; AC starts conference play on March 15).

In the Tyler win, Emma Kovasovic launched a deep fly ball for a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning to score Kaetlyn Dunbar with the winning run in extra innings. Haley Primrose homered and knocked in three runs, and Skyler Martin drove in another run. Mia Gilmore went the full nine innings in the pitching circle to earn the win.

Photo by Gary Stallard
Photo by Gary Stallard

In Friday’s 8-2 win at Bossier Parish CC, Hailey Fuentes doubled twice and drove in three runs, while Baker and Martin added two RBI each. Gilmore again went the distance for the win, striking out five Cavs in seven innings.

Photo by Gary Stallard

Finally, on Saturday, AC salvaged the split with a 7-6 win in the nightcap. Baker blasted a two-run homer, and Dunbar, Primrose and Lace Tangianau knocked in a run each. Pitcher Morgan Louviere picked up the circle win, striking out six Cardinals over seven innings.

The Lady ‘Runners (8-10) will get a much-needed week off this week, with the next game the home doubleheader against Alvin College on Wednesday, March 15 in the conference opener for both teams. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field.

NOTE: Currently, we are working to re-establish our live streaming channel with Presto Sports. We have been in contact with Presto’s technical crew, and we’ve been assured we’ll have our channel up and running within the next week or so. In the meantime, we’ve been able to live stream some of our home baseball and softball games on our AC Athletics YouTube channel (roadrunner_athletics). Follow us on social media for streaming and game updates. Twitter: @ACAthletics; Facebook: Angelina College Athletics.

Why You Should Consider a Hybrid for Your Next Vehicle

By
Statepoint
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0

With gas prices surging and national efforts being made to reduce carbon emissions, you may be eyeing car models that promise to reduce or even eliminate your reliance on gas. However, depending on your lifestyle, location, finances, driving habits and other factors, you may not be ready to go fully electric just yet. The good news? A hybrid is a great transitional vehicle to put you on the path to more sustainable driving now. Here’s why:

Hybrid vehicles, which combine smaller gas engines with battery-powered electric motors, make it possible for anyone to contribute to the fight against carbon emissions and reduce their gas expenses. In fact, today’s hybrids achieve 20-35% better fuel economy than conventional internal combustion engines, according to Green America. In the short term, hybrids are a cost-effective option compared with most all-electric vehicles currently on the market. While a battery electric vehicle will save you even further on fuel costs down the line, the average transaction price for one of these rides is still well above $60,000.

A hybrid is also a key alternative to electric vehicles for those who live in locations where the current electric vehicle infrastructure doesn’t yet support everyday transport, or for those who don’t own a home where they can charge a vehicle at night. With greater fuel economy than a traditional internal combustion engine, and requiring no lifestyle overhaul to operate, hybrids are one way to reduce carbon emissions today.

Given these varied benefits, and the rising number of available vehicles with a hybrid powertrain, it’s no surprise that annual hybrid sales in the United States have more than doubled since 2019.

As you shop around, be sure to look for manufacturers with hybrids available across their entire lineup, from pickups and SUVs to sedans. This will help you find a model that matches your needs. Sporting blue badges, it’s easy to spot Toyota’s hybrid options on the lot. While hybrid technology has historically cost more, prices are leveling, and budget-conscious buyers will find options under $30k, including the Corolla Hybrid and the all-new Prius. Boasting all the latest safety and multimedia features, along with sleek exterior design, you won’t have to compromise on style or performance in the quest for efficiency. To learn more about electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell electric and battery electric cars, visit toyota.com/electrified.

Whether you are experiencing pain at the pump or simply want to live more sustainably, making your next vehicle a hybrid is an effortless step you can take to save money at the gas pump and reduce your carbon footprint.

Places to Hike and Have Fun for Spring Break

By
Rachel Lauren
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0
Photo by Rachel Lauren

Spring break, for many, is one week away, but for some people it is a week earlier. With that in mind, tfcl has gathered some places to go enjoy your spring break at!

Mission Dolores State Historic Site

Mission Delores in San Augustine has a free golf disc course. They have a trail to walk, and of course, plenty of historic sites. The scenery there is also wonderful! This would be a great day-trip for the family! There’s even an RV park so you can stay for a time! Mission Delores is located in San Augustine, Texas.

Lobanillo Swales

Lobanillo Swales is a beautiful historical landmark for Sabine County. It’s private property but it’s open to public for free. It’s a great place to hike and admire the wonderful sights along the path!

Lonestar Hiking Trail

Lonestar Hiking trail is in San Jacinto County and would be a wonderful area to visit. LSHT has a couple of trails, one of which leads to their double lake. There’s plenty of parking space, and there’s also picnic tables so you can pack a lunch and have it with your family and friends!

Trail Between the Lakes

Trail Between the Lakes is located in Hemphill and it extends from Lakeview Recreation Area on Toledo Bend Reservoir to US-96 within sight of the easternmost point of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Plenty of people have said that it’s a wonderful trail to hike. Not only that, but you could also take a dip in one of the lakes after the hike!

Cassels-Boykin Mountain Bike Trail

Cassels-Boykin trail, in Zavalla, has great scenery and wildlife and has an easy trail system with nice views along the lakeside, so feel free to bring family along! There are plenty of routes to take your bike on. Along the way, there are several bailout points, including the Gilliland Cemetery Road and the old state highway at the southernmost point. 

Sabine National Forest

Located in the pineywoods of east Texas, the 160,656-acre Sabine National Forest is the easternmost of the four national forests in Texas.
The eastern part of the Sabine National Forest outlines Toledo Bend Reservoir. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the Sabine National Forest include fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking! There are also family camping areas in the Sabine National Forest designed for those wanting “elbow room” in a natural forest setting. Each designated camping unit include a multitude of wonderful facilities.
Developed picnic facilities and a swimming beach are provided at Red Hills Lake. Boles Field has picnic shelters that are available for family reunions and other day-use activities; reservations need to be made in advance for shelters.

More things to do include boating, hunting and fishing, hiking trails, and more! Go to the National Forests and Grasslands to learn more about Sabine National Forest.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

By
Rachel Lauren
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Accepting paints, automobile batteries, household cleaners, household chemicals, pesticides, flammables, other hazardous household products, white goods (old appliances, refrigerators, stoves, hot water heaters), and electronic wastes (printers, scanners, Palm accessories, power supplies, battery backups, cables, toner/ink cartridges, hard drives, CD-ROMs, speakers, VCRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, video game consoles, digital cameras, any audio or video equipment, networking equipment, tape drives, test equipment, fax machines, keyboards, voice/tape recorders, radios, Walkman products, calculators, cellular phones, and phone accessories)

Motor oil, antifreeze, and cooking oil will be accepted.

THIS COLLECTION IS FOR HOUSEHOLDS ONLY.
Large quantities from businesses, farms, or commercial operations will not be accepted.

PROHIBITED: Tires, infectious and medical wastes, biological and radioactive materials, compressed gas cylinders, ammunition, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and explosives.

NO TV’S OR COMPUTER MONITORS CAN  BE ACCEPTED AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME.

For more information:
Contact Angelina Beautiful/Clean at (936) 63CLEAN (632-5326).

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is a FREE event but donations will be appreciated. Please utilize this opportunity to keep these hazards out of our waterways and natural environment.

Riley Jenkins Shows a Market Steer Show at the Angelina County Fair

By
Cary Sims
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Hudson Senior Riley Jenkins with two steers, a heifer, and his dog Berkely. Riley will exhibit a steer and a heifer at the Angelina County Youth Fair on March 20-25.

Friday evening at the Angelina County Fair is the market steer show. Riley Jenkins, a Senior at Hudson High, is the son of Codie and Kody Jenkins. Riley’s mother grew up competing in the Angelina County Fair. His father competed in the Montgomery County Fair.

Riley will be exhibiting his last steer in the Angelina County Fair as he gets ready to graduate at the end of this school year. He says his interest in participating in the fair developed as he grew up watching his older brothers in 4-H and in the county fair. “They showed goats and cattle, and even before I was old enough to show steers, I wanted to do the project.” He continues, “After only the first few years, I saw what the county fair had to offer in terms of the life lessons I could learn, and knew that this organization was something I could benefit from and excel in.”

He said he picked the market steer project because he grew up watching his older brothers raise cattle. Riley states, “After being in the barn with cattle for a few years, I quickly realized that that was where my passion lies. I have since dug deeper into the beef industry learning more about what it takes to produce & raise a quality market steer.”

In addition to showing a steer, Riley has been competing in other areas as well. He explains, “I started showing goats in 4th grade and continued up through 8th grade. I also started to show beef heifers, and recently I started showing commercial heifers.”

Along with his livestock projects, Riley has also taken the leadership role of being an ambassador for multiple projects. The Angelina County Fair Ambassador program strives to provide high school aged fair participants the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills and become an advocate for their county fair division and agriculture.

This year Riley was recognized as an Executive Ambassador for the County Fair. This is a higher level of influence as he serves as a leader to those students who have been asked to lead! Riley notes, “I love helping other students grow into leaders just like many did for me years ago.”

His father Codie Jenkins says he wanted Riley to participate in the Fair to learn responsibility in caring for and managing something that depends on him for its own growth. Codie states several reasons, “To gain knowledge in the agricultural industry. To grow in working with, communicating with, and leading others. To work hard so that success is not built on a prize at the end, rather the path traveled so that when the task is finished, he can say ‘I did my best and I’m thankful for the opportunity.’” He concludes, “Finally, to grow in knowledge and wisdom and become a mentor to those around him.”

Sponsored by Southside Bank, the Market Steer division has 42 steers entered. After all the steers are weighed in on Wednesday evening, March 22, the superintendent will break the steers into classes based upon weight. Only 30 of the 42 entered will make the sale.

Riley says the hardest part is the end. Riley explains, “It is a week of no sleep and pure exhaustion, but all of that is very rewarding. The end of the week is the hardest part since I have to say goodbye to my animals and the friends I have made throughout the week. This marks the end of a long year that I have worked so hard for. Sadly, being a senior means that I don’t get to start over the next year so the end of the fair at this time will be the hardest yet.”

His dad says he want his son Riley to “Gain knowledge and appreciation for the contributions the agricultural industry makes to society as well as confidence based on knowledge and hard work, and leadership based on service to others.”

“This year’s goal is just like any other year,” Riley says, “I wish to be successful, but I still need to remember who I am is not determined if I win or lose in the ring, it’s what I have put into the project to get to the ring. I also hope to educate someone about something in the agriculture industry. My final goal is to lift someone up and help them to be successful in whatever they do. One big thing the county fair does is bring the youth of Angelina County together and allow them to build each other up, celebrate each other’s accomplishments and I wish to accomplish that.”

He continues, “Although being in the show ring is a huge part of my life, my favorite part of being in the county fair are the friendships that I make along the way. I met some of my lifelong friends through this fair. I also enjoy being able to help other exhibitors succeed and accomplish their goals.”

His dad’s words of advice for other parents considering getting their kids to participate in the fair are “Encourage their interest. Work together. It provides many years of growing closer to your children.” For more information about this year’s Fair, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.

‘Blanket Statements’

By
Gary Stallard
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0

Angelina College Gallery to Host Artist Brown in March Exhibition

Angelina College will host artist Kendra Brown’s “Blanket Statements” exhibition in a gallery scheduled to run from March 6 through April 11 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the AC campus.

An artist’s reception will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7 inside the ACA foyer.

Brown’s unique talents and vision will highlight the place of what would seem like a simple quilt as it exists within American life. Using various media forms – including a “combination of photography, watercolor, and screen printing techniques” – Brown in an artist’s statement said it is her “aim to illuminate quilt narrative and history in pieces that combine aspects of the original quilts with my own artwork.”

Drawing inspiration from quilts passed down through her family as heirlooms, Brown notes how “Early American families considered quilts precious, existing beyond just functional blankets” and states “Looking at the history of quilts has helped me appreciate the uniqueness of the ones within my own family.

“This historical craft displayed not only a gesture of hospitality but also the efforts of the maker.”

FULL ARTIST’S STATEMENT FROM KENDRA BROWN:

Early American families considered quilts precious, existing beyond just functional blankets. This historical craft displayed not only a gesture of hospitality but also the efforts of the maker. Families used them for anything from survival, evident through the block patterns used in the underground railroad; relationships, expressed through community friendship quilt patterns, wedding dowry quilts decorated with double wedding band patterns, or burial quilts; fundraising, such as barn or school print patterns; political movements, seen in the drunkards’ path pattern during the prohibition periods; to even purely art quilts in later years. Quilt block patterns provide evidence of why each quilt was made and allow the finished creations to preserve these moments of history through their blanket statements.

I consider these aspects as I make my work, letting them seep into the familial narratives I create. The inspiration comes from family quilts I inherited from grandparents and the nostalgic flora associated with them. Their beautiful designs drew me to them and stirred several questions: Who made them? When were they made? What makes these patterns important? This examination led me to expand my quilting knowledge and stitch together missing parts in my family’s history while reflecting it in my own ongoing art narrative. In my process of gathering information, I have discovered some to be feed sack quilts and friendship quilts, dating them roughly around the 1950s when my grandparents moved from Arkansas away from the majority of their family and previous community. I find value preserving this cultural experience in my work as I discover more about this art form and add to its story.

Looking at the history of quilts has helped me appreciate the uniqueness of the ones within my own family. Through a combination of photography, watercolor, and screen printing techniques, I aim to illuminate quilt narrative and history in pieces that combine aspects of the original quilts with my own artwork. The superposition of geometric quilt patterns reflects the layers of family history behind the quilt making process, while their banded nature is reminiscent of quilts being displayed in groups using standing racks. Using a combination of physical, nostalgic and modern mediums (screen printing, watercolor, film, digital photography), allows me to incorporate my own creative talents to those of previous generations. Additionally, the nature of these mediums incorporates their own form of layering, whether it is chemically overlaying images on film or using multiple colors inked over one another with screens, printers, and paint, essentially creating my own blanket statements.

My five cents… A weekly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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On March 2, we celebrate Texas Independence Day! On that day in 1836, a delegate from each of the 59 existing settlements in Texas signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. This document officially declared Texas’ independence from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas. The delegation met at Washington-on-the-Brazos and also organized the interim government, naming Sam Houston commander-in-chief of the republic’s military forces.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Teacher Vacancy Task Force releases recommendations

Last week, the Teacher Vacancy Task Force released recommendations to help with teacher retention and recruitment. The task force was established in March of last year by Governor Abbott to examine the challenges teacher’s face and why teachers are leaving the profession. The state is facing a severe teacher shortage and school districts are doing their best with the resources they have. The task force included teachers and school administrators from across Texas. The task force developed three key areas that need to be addressed: compensation, training and support, and working conditions. According to the task force, teacher’s need an increase in overall compensation, including benefits, and additional strategic compensation strategies. There is also a need to improve the teacher pipeline, expand training and support for teacher mentorship, and provide access to high-quality instructional materials. Lastly, the task force identified working conditions that led to a lack of value for teachers’ time and a need to ensure culture and discipline supports. To read more about the task force’s findings, go to tea.texas.gov/tvtf.

2. Senate Bill 3 filed, raises homestead exemption to $70,000

This week Senator Paul Bettencourt filed Senate Bill 3 and Senate Joint Resolution 3 which would raise that homestead exemption to $70,000. This would be a 75 percent increase in the current homestead exemption which is currently $40,000. All 31 members of the Texas Senate, including me, have signed on as co-authors to the bill and the constitutional amendment. This change would provide an additional $341 in savings on school taxes for the average homeowner each year. Senate Bill 3 is one of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s top priorities. Delivering property tax relief has never been more important as property values and inflation rise. I look forward to voting for this important legislation and working with our counterparts in the House to pass meaningful property tax relief.

3. Jobs and Education for Texans grant application now available

The Texas Workforce Commission announced the agency is now accepting applications for Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants. JET grants are given to public junior, state, and technical colleges, and Texas independent school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and the Windham School District. The funding is for career and technical education programs, including equipment, in those education entities. The education courses lead to a license, certificate, or post-secondary degree and many include dual-credit and technical education programs. The JET program also supports employers by preparing students for careers in high-demand jobs in local businesses. The program currently has $8.6 million available. Applications are now open with a deadline of March 14.

4. Senate Bill 2 raises illegal voting penalty

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted out Senate Bill 2 this week. The bill, authored by Senator Bryan Hughes, would increase the penalty for illegal voting from a misdemeanor to a second degree felony, which was the penalty prior to 2021. Illegal voting has been a felony for almost 50 years, and this bill treats it with the degree of seriousness it deserves. This bill is also a priority of the Lt. Governor this session and I look forward to working with the rest of the members of the Senate and the House on this legislation.

5. TxDOT developing record $100 billion plan for projects

The Texas Department of Transportation is proposing a record $100 billion unified transportation plan that will increase the number of projects approved over the next ten years. This is projected to be $15 billion more than the 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) and is based on revenue for the state, derived from the growth in Proposition 1 revenues. The projects would improve congestion, maintain roadways, and increase safety across the state. TxDOT currently has more than $33 billion in transportation projects under constructions throughout Texas with more than 7,000 transportation projects underway or scheduled to break ground in 2023. TxDOT will be evaluating projects for inclusion in the 2024 UTP through May

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