Texas Insider

Published: 02-29-08

$750,000 in Houston-based OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc.

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced a Texas Emerging Technology (TETF) investment of $750,000 in Houston-based OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc. to further develop and commercialize its revolutionary orthodontic device, Celerect 1000. The TETF investment will be used to attract additional management talent, complete device prototyping, and launch the first human trial, which will take place in Houston.

“The Emerging Technology Fund continues to draw new talent to the state, spur the commercialization of university research, and provide visionaries the financial boost they need to launch their companies and products into the marketplace,” said Gov. Perry. “By investing in revolutionary technologies, such as OrthoAccel’s Celerect, Texas is advancing the development of products that will make a difference in people’s lives while creating jobs for Texans.”

Continue Reading.

AFP
Published: 02-29-08

Today, Williamson County served an order against the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) commanding them to refrain from lobbying using dues paid by counties. TAC has also been ordered by the court to pay attorney fees for the plaintiffs.

The lawsuit filed by Williamson County taxpayers in 2005 was decided in favor of the taxpayers in October 2007, when the judge found that TAC has been in violation of the law using association dues paid by Texas counties in their advocacy and lobby work.

Continue Reading.

Published: 02-29-08

Appoints Clifton and Gauntt as members

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry named James H. Lee of Houston as chairman of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. He also appointed Charlotte Renee Masters Clifton of Snyder and Robert P. Gauntt of Houston as members. The board members act as trustees for $135 billion of Teacher Retirement System funds, securities and other assets.

Lee is president of JHL Capital Holdings L.L.C., a private investment firm. He is founder and past president of Momentum Securities L.L.C. and is experienced in investment banking, portfolio management, and management as a general securities principal and registered investment advisor.

Continue Reading.

Published: 02-29-08

Spellings to discuss No Child Left Behind in joint hearing

Senator Florence Shapiro and Representative Geanie Morrison will host U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings to address a joint session of the Texas Senate Committee on Education and the House Higher Education Committee at 10 a.m. CST in the Senate Finance Committee Room (Room E1.036) at the State Capitol Building.

Secretary Spellings will deliver remarks and highlight how the Federal government can support and facilitate further academic gains made by Texas students under No Child Left Behind. After her remarks, Secretary Spellings will participate in a question and answer session with committee members.

Continue Reading.

Published: 02-29-08

AUSTIN – Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams today released the following statement in response to remarks made by DNC Chairman Howard Dean:

“It is incredibly offensive that Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee would use inflammatory and divisive rhetoric in an attempt to distract from the important issues that matter to voters. Dean should immediately apologize for his comments and both Senators Clinton and Obama – as they campaign in my home state of Texas – should denounce and reject the disgraceful words of their party’s national chairman.”

http://www.georgetownvoice.com/2008-02-28/news/howard-dean-talks-politics-in-icc

Continue Reading.

Ken Catalino
Published: 02-29-08

Continue Reading.

“. . . continue to insist that the way to fix America’s energy problem is to punish Americans. I’m puzzled by that logic, and so are plenty of others.”

–U.S. congressman Joe Barton

Continue Reading.

Published: 02-28-08

Sen. Hutchison: “We have lost the Father of the Modern Conservative Movement”
Pays Tribute to the late Founder of the National Review

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas’ senior senator, released a statement on the passing of noted author, publisher, and conservative commentator William F. Buckley, Jr.:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of William F. Buckley, Jr. today. For over 50 years Bill Buckley made an enormous contribution to American culture and politics. He will be remembered as the father of the modern conservative movement. Thankfully, his legacy will continue in the National Review, the recognized standard bearer that he founded over 50 years ago.”

Continue Reading.

Published: 02-28-08

AUSTIN, TX — Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson announced Wednesday that turnout for the March 4 primary election will likely reach a record number for Texas. Based on turnout in early voting, Secretary Wilson projects an overall turnout of 26% of the registered voters in Texas.

“The number of voters participating in the Texas primaries is greater than anything we have seen before,” Wilson said. “If the voting trends continue through Election Day, Texas will set a record for turnout in a primary election with 3.3 million Texans casting a ballot.”

Continue Reading.

Published: 02-28-08

PORTLAND – Republican State Representative candidate for District 32 Todd Hunter will be the special speaker at the Aransas/San Patricio Counties Lincoln Day Celebration Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Northshore Country in Portland. The event will begin at 6 p.m.

Lincoln Day celebrations are held around the country and are the primary annual celebration and fundraising event for many state and county Republican organizations. It is held annually in February or March and features well known speakers from the Republican Party.

Continue Reading.