Vaught's Posts
August 31st, 2010
During the past several years, as more and more Texans have turned to the Internet to find information and resources, the state of Texas has made an effort to increase online access to government services.
The official website for Texas is www.Texas.gov and here you can find links for everything from renewing your driver’s license to searching for lottery results.
In this week’s article, I will look at some of the online resources that you may find most useful in your daily lives. Read More »
East Dallas Times—August 16th, 2010
During the past few weeks, we have definitely experienced a heat wave here in East Dallas, with temperatures consistently soaring over 100 degrees.
Luckily there is a “cool front” coming with highs in the 90s expected this week, but that is not much of a relief. Because long, hot summer days often bring expensive utility bills, Texas offers two programs to financially help residents with their utility bills and to help with creating energy efficient households. Read More »
East Dallas Times—August 2nd, 2010
It’s hard to believe we are only a few weeks away from the back-to-school season, especially with the Texas heat and long summer days still lingering around.
However, many public and private schools are starting classes about the middle of August, which means it is time, once again, for Texas’ sales tax-free weekend.
The 11th annual event begins Friday, Aug. 20 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 22. Read More »
East Dallas Times—July 19th, 2010
As the future of our nation rests in the hands of our children, let us take this month of July — National Make a Difference to a Child Month — and create an atmosphere that encourages each child to grow into their full potential. Each hour spent with a child helps him or her to realize that there is someone there to encourage her or his dreams.
As this summer continues, there is no better moment to spend that quality time with not only the children who may be in our household, but with others. Read More »
East Dallas Times—July 6th, 2010
Previously I discussed the Texas General Land Office, GLO, and the services it provides to Texans.
Although, the GLO may not be familiar to every Texan, it is, indeed, the oldest Texas state agency.
Similarly, another relatively unknown state agency is the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
The Texas AgriLife Extension Service is partnered with the Texas A&M system, and is a community based, educational agency. With more than 1,900 employees across the state, AgriLife Extension serves communities ranging from Dallas to the Rio Grande Valley. Read More »
East Dallas Times—June 21st, 2010
In the previous article I discussed the 1991 Texas Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act, or OSPRA, and the various roles assigned to state agencies tasked with cleanup and response. Read More »
East Dallas Times—June 7th, 2010
With heightened interested and concern over what has happened in the Gulf of Mexico with the BP oil spill, many wonder what would Texas do in such a scenario. Luckily, Texas is ahead of the game and created a contingency plan several years ago.
Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act
In an effort to complement and supplement the federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Texas Legislature created the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act, OSPRA, in 1991 during the 72nd Legislative Session to protect Texas’s coast, coastal waters, natural resources, and marine life. Read More »
May 24th, 2010
The Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, is launching its ninth annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign to ensure Texas drivers and passengers are buckled up properly according to Texas law.
TxDOT has partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the National Safety Council, and others to make sure Texans know about recent changes to state law. Read More »
East Dallas Times—May 11th, 2010
While the Legislature is not in session, there is still work to be done. House Speaker Joe Straus tasked all of the standing House committees with “interim charges,” which provide an opportunity for the committees to conduct hearings to examine issues confronting the state and ultimately make recommendations for action.
Oftentimes, the results of these hearings lead to new legislation or become key issues during the next legislative session. Read More »
East Dallas Times—April 26th, 2010
Back in January, House Speaker Joe Straus appointed me to serve on the Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness.
A couple of months ago, I wrote an article that discussed this new committee along with several others the speaker created. When the Texas Legislature is not in session, the speaker may create “select committees” for the interim, which are designed to study specific issues and report back to the Legislature prior to the next legislative session. Read More »
