Only in Austin…
The University of Texas at Austin held its virtual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on Saturday. Congratulations and best wishes to all 2020 graduates!
Texas State Agencies Ordered to Submit 5% Budget Cut Plans
Amid fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen have asked certain state agencies and higher education institutions to submit plans to reduce their budgets by 5% for the current biennium by June 15th.
Among the agencies exempted from the request, due to their importance to Texas’ response to the pandemic and the continuity of critical government functions, are the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Military Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety, as well as funding for school districts, Child Protective Services and behavioral health service programs. According to the Legislative Budget Board, the exempted agencies and programs make up a majority of the state’s general revenue funding.
New Wave of Texas Reopenings: Water Parks, Food Courts
Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott added to the services and activities allowed to resume under the second round of reopenings — food courts in shopping malls can reopen immediately with social distancing, and water parks can begin operations at 25% capacity starting Friday. Additionally, driver education programs are able to resume operations immediately.
Are you “over it” too?
It’s been a “ruff” few months, we admit, but here’s a little something that gave us a Truvy from Steel Magnolias kind of moment (“laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”). Hope you enjoy this emotional and happy drive by graduation video.