On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Texas Legislature will begin its 89th Regular Session, which will last 140 days. There will be a variety of issues that will be presented, and from these issues approximately 7,000-8,000 bills will be filed. As a county official, you need to form relationships with your representative and senator so you can express to them how you feel about matters … [Read more...] about Be Ready to Engage in the Legislative Process
From the President
Emergency Medical Services
Health care has been and still is a big issue for counties, and it is becoming an even bigger issue now. There are many counties in Texas that have little or no medical care services. Some do not even have one clinic, and there are still others that do not have a local hospital. In light of these facts, emergency medical services (EMS) is a very important issue. When I … [Read more...] about Emergency Medical Services
CJCAT Welcomes New President
Hello! I am Judge Byron Ryder from Leon County, known as the “Deerest Place in Texas.” I am very honored to serve as the new president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas. I would like to thank all of the members of our Association as well as my Commissioners and my county citizens for allowing me to serve. Public office is not a new thing to me. I … [Read more...] about CJCAT Welcomes New President
102ND Annual CJCAT Conference
Well, that time is upon us: the month of our Annual State Conference. We’ll get together one last time for learning and fellowship before the holidays and the New Year. But what else does the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference signify? For one, and especially on an even-numbered year, the State Association meeting is the culmination of our … [Read more...] about 102ND Annual CJCAT Conference
Intentional Engagement
The September issue of County Progress highlights County and District Clerks. How often do you visit yours? How often do you engage their staffs and try to really understand all the hats they wear in their offices? Their struggles and their victories? Their limitations and their needs? Of course, we know the basic duties of each office, and we are in a unique position to … [Read more...] about Intentional Engagement