As the widespread use of vaccines has reduced the spread of COVID, we have experienced a dramatic increase in the addiction epidemic. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 11.3 million people in Texas are living with substance abuse disorder in their families. Approximately 100,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United … [Read more...] about The Addiction Epidemic
From the General Counsel
The Continuing Mental Health Disgrace
For many years, the State of Texas has shamefully neglected its mentally ill citizens. The state allocates $45.23 annually per citizen for mental health services, ranking 46th among the states. Without access to services, the most severely impaired are forced into the criminal justice system for the protection of themselves and others. County jails are the largest mental health … [Read more...] about The Continuing Mental Health Disgrace
A New Year With New Beginnings
As we say farewell to 2021 and its many challenges, we have an opportunity to plan for a better 2022. Some 2021 issues remain unresolved, and new ones will arise. However, the basic principles of county government service remain sound and strong and provide the guideposts for a successful year. The fundamental rule of county government service is that we govern with the … [Read more...] about A New Year With New Beginnings
2022 Legislative Issues
According to the Constitution of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, one of the purposes of the organization is to “encourage active participation in governmental affairs.” This active participation has become more vital to “foster the general welfare of county government” in recent years. The direction of the state legislature and its … [Read more...] about 2022 Legislative Issues
Primary Election Filing Period Snafu
The redistricting of congressional districts, legislative districts, and local Commissioner precincts was postponed by the delay in completion of the 2020 Census. Without the boundaries of the new districts and precincts, candidates and the county chair of each political party cannot fully determine whether a candidate resides in the district or precinct. To deal with this … [Read more...] about Primary Election Filing Period Snafu
