Texas County Progress
The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
“People should always be treated with dignity and respect. While we cannot ignore or forget the past, we also don’t have to let the past define us or others.” Cass County Judge Travis Ransom In April, I had the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone. I participated in a “Prison Reentry Simulation” which replicates the challenges and struggles faced by thousands of … [Read more...] about In Their Shoes
On April 6, the Senate passed S.B. 175, silencing county officials, and the House passed S.B. 30, the state supplemental budget bill, and H.B. 1, the state budget for 2023-25. House and Senate committees continue to conduct hearings, and bill postings change daily. During the writing of this article, the second week of April, there were 41 bills on the Senate Intent … [Read more...] about Legislative Update
The 88th Regular Legislative Session is gaining momentum with the end of the bill filing and emergency bill consideration period. Committees are organized and posting bills for hearing. The legislature is on a record pace for bill filing. Senate Finance and House Appropriations are completing their proposed budgets. Commissioners Court members should stay engaged throughout the … [Read more...] about Legislative Update
The 140-day Regular Session of the 88th Legislature has begun, and more than 2,500 bills have already been filed in the House and Senate. Senate Committee membership has been announced by the lieutenant governor, and House Committee appointments will be made shortly by the speaker of the House. No final actions can be taken in the first 60 days except for emergency … [Read more...] about Early Session Legislative Update
In a recent report, Texas ranked 51st among the states and the District of Columbia in access to mental health care services. This is not a new situation. Texas has consistently funded its services near the bottom of all states. The unfortunate results are easy to document. Early intervention and treatment are unavailable. Law enforcement, the courts, jails, detention centers, … [Read more...] about The High Cost of Neglected Mental Health Services
