Givernor Greg Abbott Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

Uvalde chosen as one of 17 host cities for Texas Governor’s Small Business Summit

admin — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 13:45:23 +0000

Press release: from the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Governor Abbott Announces 2025 Governor’s Small Business Summit Host Cities

January 22, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today congratulated 15 communities selected as 2025 Governor’s Small Business Summit host cities. Held throughout the year and in regions across the state, the Governor’s Small Business Summit aims to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business.

“Small businesses are the driving force behind the Texas economy,” said Governor Abbott. “With more than 3.3 million small businesses across Texas, employing nearly half of all working Texans, our state continues to lead the nation in small business growth and as the best state to start a business. I congratulate the 15 communities selected to host a Governor’s Small Business Summit and encourage all small business owners and entrepreneurs to attend. Together, we will continue to partner with small businesses to help them grow and thrive in our great state.”

The Governor’s Small Business Summit offers a variety of sessions bringing together local, state, and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. The Summit also provides participants with the opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant, and actionable advice on a multitude of small business topics.

Registration is now open for all 2025 Governor’s Small Business Summit locations:

March 27: Uvalde
April 24: Orange
May 15: Denison
May 29: Sugar Land
June 12: San Marcos
June 26: Bastrop
July 10: Rockport-Fulton
July 24: Waxahachie
August 7: Pharr
August 21: Big Lake
September 11: Eagle Pass
September 25: Carthage
October 9: Dalhart
October 23: Denton (Women-Focused)
November 13: Belton (Veteran-Focused)

For more information and to register, visit gov.texas.gov/events

Communities interested in hosting a future Governor’s Small Business Summit may contact the Office of Small Business Assistance.

The Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office and Office of Small Business Assistance also host Governor’s Small Business Webinars to share information about resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Texas through an online format. To view on-demand recordings of past webinars, visit: gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-webinars.

In December, Governor Abbott announced the launch of his Small Business Freedom Council to review government efficiency for Texas businesses and sent a letter to Texas state agency heads directing them to provide recommendations to cut unnecessary government regulations. For more information, visit: gov.texas.gov/business/page/governors-small-business-freedom-council

Governor’s Small Business Summit — Uvalde

When:

March 27, 2025 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

About the Event:

The Governor’s Small Business Summit — Uvalde aims to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow a business. This event offers a variety of sessions bringing together local, state and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. It’s also an opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant and actionable advice on a multitude of small business subjects.

The Governor’s Small Business Summit — Uvalde is hosted in partnership with Main Street Uvalde and the Texas Workforce Commission.

The post Uvalde chosen as one of 17 host cities for Texas Governor’s Small Business Summit appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Texas Hospitals to start asking about patients’ citizenship status beginning Friday, November 1st per Texas Governor’s Executive Order

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:10:25 +0000

10-31-24

Starting this Friday, November 1st, an Executive Order signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on August 8th, 2024 will require hospitals to ask patients about their respective citizenship status.

Uvalde Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Adam Apolinar made the announcement to the Rotary Club of Uvalde during its Thursday, October 31st Noon meeting.

Apolinar said, as always, UMH will not turn any patient away from getting treatment regardless of his/her immigration status. He continued stating that a patient can choose not to provide an answer to the question.

“According to state officials, the reason for the new law is data gathering.

In August, Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order requiring healthcare workers at inpatient or emergency care to ask patients if they are U.S. citizens. The law doesn’t specify if patients have to legally answer the question.

Abbott said he wants to collect data on the costs of caring for undocumented patients. He claims Texas absorbs a large percentage of the costs associated with medical care for those who are not lawfully in the United States,” a news report from NBCDFW.com said.

According to the new law, Texas Hospitals are required to report the data they collect back by March 2025.

“We’re a compassionate country that takes care of everyone because that’s part of Christian principles the nation was founded upon. This new law is racist. They (the Texas Governor and those

behind this new law) have ulterior motives, ” Henry Rodriguez of LULAC Concilo Zapatista 4380 said.

The post Texas Hospitals to start asking about patients’ citizenship status beginning Friday, November 1st per Texas Governor’s Executive Order appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Hebbonville mourns loss of Robert “Big Bob” Gutierrez, the owner of Frank’s Cafe who left legacy of taking a stand for Uvalde’s 21

admin — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:40:37 +0000

Article and pictures Submitted by Patricia Benavides Rangel

Hebbronville Texas has lost a wonderful man with a heart of gold. Robert “Big Bob” Gutierrez 62 local owner of the very popular Frank’s Cafe (known as Paco’s to all of South Texas) passed away on Monday August 8th, 2023.

Big Bob stood at the grounds of the Jim Hogg County Courthouse 9n Hwy 16 in Hebbronville Texas with signs saying ” Enough is Enough” and the sign listed all the names of all the Uvalde Students and Teachers who lost their lives to get the message across to Governor Greg Abbott and the legislatures.

He stood there in the heat all day long for days trying to get his message across to Abbott. Bob loved everyone he met and he will be missed by all of us that knew him.

If only our governor could have 1/2 the heart Big Bob had, our children would be safer in Texas!

The post Hebbonville mourns loss of Robert “Big Bob” Gutierrez, the owner of Frank’s Cafe who left legacy of taking a stand for Uvalde’s 21 appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

The Political Clash over the Border Crisis and the floating barricade on the Rio Grande River

admin — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 15:42:50 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Picture Credit: Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

“You might not be interested in politics, but politics may take an interest in you.” – Source unknown

” I just got back from the border. And what I know makes me know for sure we’re out of order” Song- Down on the Border by the Little River Band

Local governments and residents of the City of Uvalde as well as Uvalde County, Zavala County and Kinney County have been directly affected by the flow if undocumented migrants from the United States Mexican Border. Area landowners have seen their fences damaged or destroyed and Texas DPS, County Sheriff’s Offices and City Police Departments as well as the U.S Border Patrol regularly deal with high speed chases and human trafficking situations where migrants are found on railroad cars and stuffed in large trucks and other vehicles. Recently, The Uvalde City Council and the Uvalde County Commissioner’s Court have renewed their respective emergency declarations pertaining to the ongoing border crisis.

While these situations continue to occur, state and federal politicians have taken sides on the issue. Texas Governor Greg Abbott , Ted Cruz and other Republicans accuse the Biden Administration of not doing enough to protect the border, Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez blasts Texas Governor Abbott calling floating border barricades: “traps” and the U.S. The Department of Justice takes legal action against the State of Texas.

U.S. Sentator from Texas Ted Cruz posted this Tweet critizing the Biden Administration claiming it has failed to address the U.S Border Crisis:

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris should be ashamed of themselves for suing the state of Texas.

Texas has been forced to address the problems the Biden administration created.#BidenBorderCrisis pic.twitter.com/qyXSe9o7zE

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 25, 2023

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrec posted this Tweet blasting Texas Governor Greg Abbott over Operation Lone Star which Gutierrez claims us cruelty and rised to the level of neglegent homicide:

Texans are tired of the failure that is Operation Lone Star.

The cruelty on the border has turned into negligent homicide.

I will fight like hell for accountability. Enough is enough.
pic.twitter.com/Vuc0PfGw9N

— Senator Roland Gutierrez (@RolandForTexas) July 23, 2023

July 18th, 2013 Press Release by Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Tuesday morning, Senator Roland Gutierrez sent a letter to the Department of Justice demanding an investigation into a report from the Houston Chronicle detailing a series of immoral and inhumane punishments against migrants ordered by Governor Greg Abbott. Troopers were allegedly under orders from the governor to refuse water to migrants and push young children into the Rio Grande river.

“What is happening at our southern border is not security in any sense of the word. This is cruelty, inflicted by a governor that has failed to keep Texans safe. I am calling for a swift investigation into this matter by the U.S. Department of Justice and for the Federal authorities to shut down Abbott’s unconstitutional rogue operation,” said Senator Roland Gutierrez.

In the letter, Senator Gutierrez states:

“There are few greater sins in this world than watching children scream in agony from “traps” that were set for them by law enforcement officials. I believe that these new orders and policy changes violate federal law and our international agreements with Mexico. Likewise, I believe that those that instituted this policy will not face accountability for their actions from state officials. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has said that it will conduct an audit or an investigation into this matter. DPS cannot be trusted to investigate itself.

“In South Texas, we have seen this before. Nearly fourteen months ago, 19 children and 2 educators were left by law enforcement to fend for themselves for 77 minutes against a heavily armed and deranged gunmen. More than a year later, law enforcement officials have not faced one shred of accountability for their failure to breach the classroom at Robb Elementary. These same law enforcement officials have now initiated a policy that ensures horrendous pain and severe injury to migrants entering our country.”

You can read Senator Gutierrez’s letter to the Department of Justice here.

Photo creditL Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

On June 8th, 2023 during the 88th Legislative Session, Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a signing ceremony where he signed several bills addressing border securing into law.

According to a press release by the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, the following actions were taken and bills were signed:

“During the press conference, Governor Abbott also announced the deployment of new marine floating barriers to deter illegal crossings in hotspots along the Rio Grande River. This strategy will proactively prevent illegal crossings between ports of entry by making it more difficult to cross the Rio Grande and reach the Texas side of the southern border. The first 1,000 feet of the marine floating barrier will be deployed near Eagle Pass.

Senate Bill 423 (Paxton/Wilson, T.M.) provides Texas military forces the authority to use unmanned aircrafts as part of an operation, exercise, or mission. The bill legalizes the use of drones for search and recovery missions after natural disasters and for monitoring the Texas-Mexico border as part of Operation Lone Star.

Senate Bill 602 (Birdwell/Harless) expands the authority of U.S. Border Patrol agents who have completed a DPS training program to include arrest, search, and seizure at established border checkpoints and points of entry for felony offenses under Texas law. Current law only allows agents to detain certain individuals at these locations.

Senate Bill 1133 (Blanco/King, T.) creates a grant program to compensate agricultural landowners up to $75,000 for property damage caused by trespassers committing a border crime, such as the smuggling of persons, evading arrest, human trafficking, or a drug offense. Increased migrant traffic and law enforcement activity has left many landowners with significant financial losses and property damage.

Senate Bill 1403 (Parker/Spiller) authorizes the Governor to coordinate and execute an interstate compact for border security among interested states without congressional approval. The compact will allow participating states to share law enforcement intelligence and resources for heightened detection and deterrence of illegal border activity and will further protect personnel and property to overcome continued shortcomings of existing federal border policy.

Senate Bill 1484 (Creighton/Holland) creates a collaborative border operations training program through DPS for peace officers employed by local law enforcement agencies along the border. The bill will allow DPS to share expertise in identifying and preventing of transnational criminal activity to local authorities.

Senate Bill 1900 (Birdwell/Guillen) designates Mexican drug cartels and criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations in the State of Texas and increases penalties for the destruction of illegal drugs and the operation of stash houses. This bill also adds foreign terrorist organizations to current intelligence databases and allows local entities to seek public nuisance claims against them. Governor Abbott issued an executive order last September designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and has requested President Joe Biden take similar federal action.

On July 24th, 2023 Poltico reported the following in the article: ‘See you in court’: Abbott responds to DOJ border lawsuit warning

“The Department of Justice plans to sue Texas for deploying a floating barricade at the southern border, according to a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott obtained by POLITICO.

Abbott’s response: “I’ll see you in court, Mr. President.

In its Thursday letter, the DOJ cited the “unlawful construction of a floating barrier in the Rio Grande River” and asserted that the barrier might impede the federal government’s “official duties.”

The letter did not address any migrant-related concerns at the Texas-Mexico border, but DOJ spokesperson Xochitl Hinojosa said Friday that “the department is aware of the troubling reports, and we are working with DHS and other relevant agencies to assess the situation.”

July 24, 2023 | Austin, Texas | Press Release from the office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Governor Greg Abbott today defended Texas’ right to secure the border through the recent deployment of floating marine barriers in the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass as part of the state’s unprecedented response to America’s ongoing border crisis. In a letter to President Joe Biden, the Governor counters threats by the U.S. Department of Justice to sue the state over the barriers by pointing out that the U.S. Constitution grants Texas sovereign authority to protect its borders because the President refuses to enforce federal immigration laws.

“If you truly care about human life, you must begin enforcing federal immigration laws,” reads the letter. “By doing so, you can help me stop migrants from wagering their lives in the waters of the Rio Grande River. You can also help me save Texans, and indeed all Americans, from deadly drugs like fentanyl, cartel violence, and the horrors of human trafficking. To end the risk that migrants will be harmed crossing the border illegally, you must fully enforce the laws of the United States that prohibit illegal immigration between ports of entry. In the meantime, Texas will fully utilize its constitutional authority to deal with the crisis you have caused. Texas will see you in court, Mr. President.”

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Senator Gutierrez and Uvalde Mayor McLaughlin petition Governor Abbott to remove D.A. Busbee from Investigation Oversite

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 00:39:20 +0000

The post Senator Gutierrez and Uvalde Mayor McLaughlin petition Governor Abbott to remove D.A. Busbee from Investigation Oversite appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

Governor Abbott, OneStar Announce One-Stop Webpage For Donations To Support Uvalde Community

admin — Fri, 27 May 2022 22:20:22 +0000

May 27, 2022 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the OneStar Foundation has created a one-stop webpage for donations to support the victims’ families, teachers, and the Uvalde community during this time of healing following the shooting earlier this week. The OneStar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, will give 100% of the donations to the Robb School Memorial Fund, which was established by the First State Bank of Uvalde to ensure immediate financial support is given to those impacted by the horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School. Funds will be used to cover immediate needs, such as healthcare expenses, flights and travel for families and loved ones, and funeral expenses, as well as long-term needs to support the community’s recovery.

“As the Uvalde community grieves this terrible crime, we have seen an outpouring of support from Texans and people around the country offering to help during this heartbreaking time,” said Governor Abbott. “Donations of any amount to the OneStar Foundation webpage will go a long way in letting these grief-stricken families, teachers, and loved ones know that they are not alone as they begin the long and difficult process of piecing their lives back together. The true spirit of the Lone Star State is Texans helping Texans, and we must continue supporting those working to heal in the weeks and months ahead.”

The Robb School Memorial Fund accepts donations on a one-time or monthly basis. Visit onestarfoundation.org/uvalde for more information on donating to support the families and the Uvalde community affected by the tragedy at Robb Elementary School. All donations will be held locally through the Robb Elementary Memorial Fund at First State Bank of Uvalde.

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and US Senator Cruz come to Uvalde Press Conference

admin — Thu, 26 May 2022 00:00:22 +0000

National media and international media were both inside the Harrell Auditorium and outside the auditorium as the press conference began at 12:30 on Wednesday, May 25th. Texas Governor Greg Abbott sat Center Stage next to Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick with Texas US Senator Ted Cruz standing behind the Governor. They were flanked on both sides by State and Local officials including Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell, Texas Senator Tracy King, and Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin and officials from US Border Patrol and Texas State Police.

The security to the event was somewhat tight as press passes were checked at the entrance to the parking lot and at the Harrell Auditorium front doors.

Inside the auditorium there were over 100 reporters, many seated. There were a row of large TV Cameras set up on tripods on the floor space between the front and rear seating areas.

Following remarks given by Governor Abbott, shortly after Lt. Governor Dan Patrick was introduced and a tall figure approached the stage standing right below the assembly of dignitaries. Democratic Candidate Beto O’Rourke stood staring at Governor Abbott shouting at him.

The seated reporters stood up as O’Rourke started shouting at Governor Patrick. O’Rourke said a few words to the stunned assembly. US. Senator Ted Cruz was the first to speak saying, “Sit down! You’re out of line!”

“Let him talk! Let him talk!” a woman shouted from the audience.

Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin stood up and yelled, “Sir, You are out of line! You are out of line!”

Another voice from the audience yelled, “Go Home! Go Home!”

Law enforcement and the media converged on O’Rourke Mayor McLaughlin shouted at O’Rourke,” I can’t believe you sick son of a bitch…” the next words of McLaughlin were unclear but it sounded like he said “making this political,” O’Rourke was escorted out of the auditorium part way but started walking out on his own.

Such was a spectacle outside of the typical norm for Uvalde.

Governor Abbott spoke about the need for Mental Health Treatment and facilities and then later said the shooter was evil. A reporter followed by asking, “Was the shooter mentally ill or evil?” Abbott repeated his statement that the shooter was indeed evil but mental illness may have led him to this evil.

After the press conference ended, the press were asked to exit the auditorium.

For a good 45 minutes, dozens of reporters waited but aside from a few interviews being conducted most of the news personnel left.

One news reporter encountered had just arrived from the UK traveling a long distance to get to Uvalde but arrived too late for the press conference.

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Givernor Greg Abbott Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

Uvalde chosen as one of 17 host cities for Texas Governor’s Small Business Summit

Registration is now open for all 2025 Governor’s Small Business Summit locations: March 27: Uvalde

Governor’s Small Business Summit — Uvalde

When:

About the Event:

Texas Hospitals to start asking about patients’ citizenship status beginning Friday, November 1st per Texas Governor’s Executive Order

Hebbonville mourns loss of Robert “Big Bob” Gutierrez, the owner of Frank’s Cafe who left legacy of taking a stand for Uvalde’s 21

“He stood there in the heat all day long for days trying to get his message across to Abbott..”

The Political Clash over the Border Crisis and the floating barricade on the Rio Grande River

Texas Border counties and towns continue to deal with the harsh realities of the Federal Goverment’s Border Policy

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez Demands Department of Justice Investigate Texas Department of Public Safety for Cruelty at the Border

In June 2023 Governor Greg Abbott signs several bills creating package of laws giving the State new powers in an effort to secure the border

U.S. Justice Department takes legal action against Texas’ floating buoy barricade on the Rio Grande River

Governor Abbott Defends Texas’ Authority To Secure The Border

July 24, 2023 | Austin, Texas | Press Release from the office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Senator Gutierrez and Uvalde Mayor McLaughlin petition Governor Abbott to remove D.A. Busbee from Investigation Oversite

Senator Gutierrez and Mayor McLaughlin make written plea to Governor Abbott to remove D.A Busbee from Robb Investigation purview

Governor Abbott, OneStar Announce One-Stop Webpage For Donations To Support Uvalde Community

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and US Senator Cruz come to Uvalde Press Conference