https://worldleaders.website/leader-us-gov-tx.htmlThe public schedule of Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, from official sources via World Leaders Daily.enThu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-138-billion-texas-transportation-investmentus-gov-tx-2026-08-26-Governor Abbott Announces $138 Billion TWed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Announces $138 Billion Texas Transportation Investment Governor Greg Abbott today announced a new 10-year transportation plan with a total projected investment of $138 billion. The plan by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen the supply chain. “Texas’ booming economy and growing population demand a transportation system that keeps people and products moving safely and efficiently,” said Governor Abbott. “This $138 billion investment will strengthen our roadways, reduce congestion, improve safety, and support growing communities across Texas. By investing in critical infrastructure today, we are building a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.” “Working closely with our transportation partners and incorporating input from Texans, the UTP lays out a path to advance projects across the state,” said Texas Transportation Commission Acting Chair Alvin New. “These investments will improve mobility, enhance connectivity, and make our roads safer for everyone. I want to thank Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for their commitment to funding projects that will connect you with Texas.” “This 10-year plan reflects the scale and complexity of meeting Texas’ transportation needs in one of the fastest-growing states in the nation,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It is focused on practical outcomes—improving safety, preserving the system we have, and supporting reliable movement for people and goods. With continued attention to project delivery, stewardship and long-term performance, these investments help position TxDOT to meet today’s demands while planning responsibly for the future.” The Texas Transportation Commission approved the 2027 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) in August, which includes $95 billion in projected funding from existing state and federal revenue sources for projects across the state over the next 10 years. The investment is supported by an additional $43 billion in development and routine maintenance. The UTP lays out a plan for project development to enhance safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. The program also includes public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight, international trade and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity. Many of the projects in the 2027 UTP are roadway segments identified on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways list. Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects funding will increase, supporting the $90.6 billion total investment for completed, under-construction and planned non-tolled projects since 2015. The plan also supports a significant investment in safety and increases funding for rural corridors and key economic hubs. Learn more about the program in the UTP Fact Sheet . More information on comments received and the public involvement process can be found at txdot.gov .https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-thecb-to-develop-three-year-bachelors-degree-pathwaysus-gov-tx-2026-08-26-Governor Abbott Directs THECB To DevelopWed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Directs THECB To Develop Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Pathways Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to create a working group to develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways. “Every semester adds tuition, fees, housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses and delays students’ ability to begin their careers,” said Governor Abbott. "Texas students deserve the option to receive a degree in a high-demand, high-wage field in less time. I direct the Coordinating Board to develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways.” “Three-year bachelor’s programs could help motivated students enter high-demand fields a year earlier,” said Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser. “This will lower the cost of education and help satisfy workforce demands in the Texas economy.” Governor Abbott directed the working group to develop recommendations regarding: Academic standards and requirements for three-year bachelor’s degree programs; Degree programs and high-demand occupations for which accelerated degrees may be most appropriate; Student demand and employer workforce needs; Accreditation and institutional approval requirements; Statutory, regulatory, or administrative changes that may be necessary for implementation. The initiative builds on Texas’ broader efforts to strengthen education and workforce connections, improve student completion, and ensure that postsecondary credentials provide lasting value to graduates and Texas communities. THECB will convene public institutions of higher education, employers, accrediting organizations, faculty leadership, and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the working group. THECB will submit the working group’s recommendations and proposed implementation framework to the Office of the Governor by Thursday, December 31, 2026. Governor Abbott will work with the Legislature next session to codify an accelerated three-year degree pathway that keeps Texas the national leader in affordable, accessible, high-quality higher education. Read the Governor’s letter to Commissioner Dr. Wynn Rosser here .https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-bodnar-to-private-sector-advisory-councilus-gov-tx-2026-08-26-Governor Abbott Appoints Bodnar To PrivaWed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Appoints Bodnar To Private Sector Advisory Council Governor Greg Abbott appointed Jay Bodnar to the Private Sector Advisory Council for a term set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The council advises the Governor on homeland security issues that are pertinent to the private sector. Jay Bodnar of Richmond is currently on loan assignment from South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), where he serves as senior project manager of Nuclear Security and Incident Response. Prior to his assignment to NEI, he served as senior manager of Plant Protection and Emergency Services at South Texas Project. He has more than 25 years of leadership experience in nuclear security, emergency preparedness, critical infrastructure protection, and military and security operations. He served in the United States Marine Corps and received an Honorable discharge. He is chair of the NEI Light Water Reactor Sustainability Subcommittee and a former member of the Emergency Response Committee at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Bodnar received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from American Military University and completed the Executive Education Program in Radiological Emergency Preparedness at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security.https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-bridges-to-490th-judicial-district-in-brazoria-countyus-gov-tx-2026-08-26-Governor Abbott Appoints Bridges To 490tWed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Appoints Bridges To 490th Judicial District In Brazoria County Governor Greg Abbott appointed Cindy Bridges as Judge of the 490th Judicial District Court in Brazoria County, effective September 1, 2026, for a term set to expire December 31, 2028, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified. Cindy Bridges of Rosharon is a trial attorney at her private practice, Cindy Bridges Law, and is board certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is a former assistant district attorney for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, where she served as the chief prosector for Internet Crimes Against Children, former prosecutor with the Special Prosecution Unit under the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office, and former associate judge for the Splendora Municipal Court. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Brazoria County Bar Association, and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She is a former member of the Texas District & County Attorneys Association and the Montgomery County Bar Association. Additionally, she is a member of the Heights Baptist Church. Bridges received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-federal-assistance-for-ross-fire-in-north-texasus-gov-tx-2026-08-25-Governor Abbott Announces Federal AssistTue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Announces Federal Assistance For Ross Fire In North Texas Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a request from the State of Texas for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties, which has threatened homes, damaged property, impacted infrastructure, and prompted local evacuations in North Texas. “Texas will provide all necessary resources to protect Texans from the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the Trump Administration for the swift approval of this grant, which will help Texas suppress this wildfire and protect lives and property. Texans must limit any activity that can cause a spark and heed the guidance of state and local officials to prevent additional wildfires and keep themselves and their loved ones safe.” As of this morning, the Ross Fire has burned more than an estimated 50,000 acres and is 5 percent contained. The fire prompted the evacuation of approximately 630 homes overnight in the surrounding area. State and local response personnel are actively engaged in suppression, containment, and public safety operations. The approval of a Fire Management Assistance Grant makes the State of Texas eligible for 75 percent reimbursement from the federal government for eligible costs associated with wildfire suppression. These grants are available to states and local jurisdictions to support the mitigation, management, and control of fires that threaten to become major disasters. Additionally, TDEM has activated additional state wildfire response resources at the Governor’s direction to support local wildfire response efforts across the state. At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state wildfire response resources remain available to support local wildfire response operations: Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): State, local, and out-of-state firefighters and support personnel; heavy equipment such as bulldozers and motor graders; state and federally contracted firefighting aircraft including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting, super scoopers for water drops, helicopters with firefighting capability, and air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildland Fire Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles Texas National Guard: Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters with firefighting capability Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol roadways and assist stranded motorists Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, State Park Police, aircraft to support response needs Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring These resources are mobilized in addition to state resources previously deployed by the Governor to support local wildfire response efforts. TDEM and the Texas Emergency Management Council agencies continue to monitor increased wildfire conditions across the northern half of the state. With little to no rainfall for most areas of Texas and temperatures consistently in triple digits, wildfire danger persists across the state. Texans can find wildfire resources including safety tips, current fire information, and damage reporting tools in the Texas Disaster Portal online at disaster.texas.gov .https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-iem-expansion-in-bexar-countyus-gov-tx-2026-08-25-Governor Abbott Announces IEM Expansion Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Announces IEM Expansion In Bexar County Governor Greg Abbott today announced Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) is establishing an advanced manufacturing facility in San Antonio, with a capital investment of $200 million and up to 3,000 new jobs. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $3.36 million has been extended to IEM for 448 of the new jobs to be created. “Texas leads America's manufacturing resurgence,” said Governor Abbott. “This investment by IEM in San Antonio will create new, good-paying jobs and generate a significant economic impact for Bexar County. Advanced manufacturers invest and expand in Texas because of our welcoming business climate, easy access to domestic and global markets, and highly skilled and growing workforce.” IEM manufactures power distribution systems, remote power panels, switchgear, and switchboards supporting diverse industries. The facility at Brooks City Base, formerly Brooks Air Force Base in southeast San Antonio, will expand IEM’s North American manufacturing capacity by leveraging Texas’ logistical and workforce advantages. “IEM is excited to put down roots in San Antonio,” said IEM CEO Clayton Such. “The city’s skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and collaborative economic development environment made this a natural choice for our next phase of growth. This facility will strengthen our ability to deliver highly engineered, customer-specific power distribution solutions that industries, from healthcare to energy, advanced manufacturing, and more, depend on every day. The investment will also strengthen IEM's domestic supply chain and support deliveries for customers across North America.” “San Antonio continues to prove that we have the workforce, infrastructure, and talent to compete for major advanced manufacturing investments,” said Senator Roland Gutierrez. “IEM’s $200 million investment will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and strengthen our region’s manufacturing economy. I am proud to welcome IEM to San Antonio and look forward to the opportunities this investment will create for hardworking families across our community.” “Bexar County is focused on creating an environment where employers can grow, invest, and create opportunity for our residents,” said Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai. “IEM's investment reflects the type of advanced manufacturing project that aligns with our long-term economic goals, and I am proud to support the company's decision to establish operations in Bexar County. Driven by a strong partnership between the County, the State of Texas, greater:SATX, and Brooks City Base, this project will continue to create new opportunities for our residents and strengthen our economy for years to come.” “I am pleased to support this project and the meaningful economic benefits it will bring to Bexar County,” said Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert. “I appreciate the work of the State of Texas, greater:SATX, and Brooks in advancing this opportunity and helping secure a project that will create jobs and expand opportunity for residents across our community. I look forward to welcoming IEM as it launches operations in Precinct 4.” “IEM's decision to establish operations in Greater San Antonio is a transformational investment and a testament to what can be accomplished when regional partners work together to compete and win,” said greater:SATX Regional Economic Partnership President & CEO Sarah Carabias Rush. “This is the single largest job-producing investment in more than two decades for our San Antonio region, reflecting both the scale of opportunity here and the strength of our workforce, advanced manufacturing ecosystem, and collaborative approach to economic development. We are excited to welcome IEM and look forward to supporting the company's long-term growth in Greater San Antonio.” “Brooks exists to create regional prosperity and expand opportunity across Southeast San Antonio,” said Brooks President & CEO Leo Gomez. “IEM’s decision to locate at Brooks is a significant win that reaches far beyond our campus and demonstrates what is possible when strong public and private partnerships come together around a shared vision. We are proud to welcome IEM and excited about the lasting impact this will have in the lives of people in our region and the San Antonio community." View more information about IEM . TEF is a performance-based grant, administered by the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office within the Office of the Governor, that may be awarded to a business relocation or expansion project for which one Texas site is in competition with out-of-state locations to create new, good-paying jobs in the community and attract significant new capital investment to the state.https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-nielsen-to-texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-marriage-and-family-therapistsus-gov-tx-2026-08-25-Governor Abbott Appoints Nielsen To TexaTue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Appoints Nielsen To Texas State Board Of Examiners Of Marriage And Family Therapists Governor Greg Abbott appointed Misti Nielsen to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists for a term set to expire on February 1, 2029. The Board licenses and regulates marriage and family therapists in Texas. Misti Nielsen of Houston is a licensed marriage and family therapist supervisor and owner of Turn the Time Family Services, PLLC. She is a member of the Association for Mental Health Professional and Christian Counselors of Texas and a former member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Texas Association of Marriage and Family, and the Houston Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Nielsen received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Consumer Studies from Southern Nazarene University and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-thierry-to-515th-judicial-district-in-harris-countyus-gov-tx-2026-08-25-Governor Abbott Appoints Thierry To 515tTue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Appoints Thierry To 515th Judicial District In Harris County Governor Greg Abbott appointed Shawn Nicole Thierry as Judge of the 515th Judicial District Court in Harris County, effective September 1, 2026, for a term set to expire December 31, 2028, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified. Shawn Nicole Thierry of Houston serves as executive director of Policy in the Office of General Counsel at Texas Southern University. She is a former State Representative for Texas House District 146 and has nearly three decades of legal experience. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Ladies Literacy Guild, and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and a former volunteer with the Houston Food Bank. Thierry was appointed to serve on the Texas Juvenile Justice Board in 2025. She is a parishioner at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church. Thierry received a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Management from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law.https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-appoints-landrum-to-514th-judicial-district-in-harris-countyus-gov-tx-2026-08-25-Governor Abbott Appoints Landrum To 514tTue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Appoints Landrum To 514th Judicial District In Harris County Governor Greg Abbott appointed Michael Landrum as Judge of the 514th Judicial District Court in Harris County, effective September 1, 2026, for a term set to expire December 31, 2028, or until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified. Michael Landrum of Houston is a practicing attorney and arbitrator, and former judge of the 113th District Court and 164th District Court in Harris County. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas (SBOT), Houston Bar Association (HBA), Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists, Texas Association of Attorney Mediators, College of the SBOT, and The Federalist Society. Additionally, he is a continuing legal education lecturer and mock trial judge for the HBA, member of the Houston Region Business Coalition Board of Trustees, and volunteer reading tutor with Spring Branch Independent School District. Landrum received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of St. Thomas and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law.https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-recognizes-two-service-members-with-texas-legislative-medal-of-honorus-gov-tx-2026-08-24-Governor Abbott Recognizes Two Service MMon, 24 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Governor Abbott Recognizes Two Service Members With Texas Legislative Medal Of Honor Governor Greg Abbott today presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Army Sergeant Rickey Wittner and to the family of Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator First Class Nathan Gage Ingram at the Texas Capitol. The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration conferred to a service member of the Texas military forces. “Today, we honor two men who answered the call for our nation,” said Governor Abbott. “They continued a tradition of heroism that the United States of America was built on. We will never forget the sacrifices they made for our country and for their fellow service members.” The Governor was also joined at the ceremony by Senator Brent Hagenbuch, Senator Tan Parker, Representative Ben Bumgarner, Representative Cole Hefner, Representative Joanne Shofner, and Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer. Army Sergeant Rickey Wittner was awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor in recognition of his valorous actions on July 10, 1970. He demonstrated bravery in the face of grave danger, saving 12 lives. Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator First Class Nathan Gage Ingram was posthumously awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor in recognition of his extraordinary courage, heroic action, and selfless dedication to duty on January 11, 2024. Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, he voluntarily entered the water in an attempt to save the life of his teammate. Ingram gave his life to uphold the highest traditions of the United States Naval service. U.S. Army Sergeant Rickey Wittner enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1969 and underwent helicopter training at Fort Eustis, Virginia, before beginning his service in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company, 269th Aviation Battalion. In recognition of his actions on July 10, 1970, Specialist Wittner was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism; he also received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. Following the completion of his active-duty army service in 1975 at the rank of Specialist Fifth Class, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve, transferring to the Texas Army National Guard headquarters company in Marshall as a member of the 5th Battalion, 112th Armor. In 1987, he was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant. Nathan Gage Ingram, Navy Seal Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class was a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend who was lost at sea while on a night mission off the coast of Somalia. Gage enlisted in the Navy on September 25, 2019, and graduated boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois on November 22, 2019. He graduated Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training Class 346 in December 2021 and reported to his first operational tour as SEAL Team THREE. Gage's awards and decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and other personal and unit awards. Additional photos will be provided here when available.