Gov. Greg Abbott signed three executive orders last week aimed at countering the Chinese government’s influence and protecting Texans of Chinese descent from “harassment and intimidation.” Abbott emphasized that these actions were also meant to address threats to state security.
“Texas will not tolerate the harassment or coercion of the more than 250,000 individuals of Chinese descent who legally call Texas home by the Chinese Communist Party or its heinous proxies,” Abbott stated.
The orders include:
- Directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to establish a hotline for victims and to “target and arrest” individuals in the state working with the Chinese Communist Party and government.
- Instructing all state agencies, colleges, and universities to fortify their systems against foreign interference, including implementing stricter background checks on employees with access to critical infrastructure and banning state agencies from doing business with companies owned by foreign adversary nations.
- Mandating the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the Public Utility Commission to create a task force to assess vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and simulate potential responses.
“China has made it clear that they can — and will — target and attack America’s critical infrastructure,” Abbott remarked.
State Plan for $3 Billion to Expand Broadband Approved
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The state has received federal approval to proceed with its plan to expand broadband access to the approximately 7 million Texans without internet access. This approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration opens access to $3.3 billion in funding from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Texas has already allocated over $1 billion in state and federal funds for broadband projects. Recently, applicants in 15 counties were awarded $580 million to connect 80,000 locations, according to the Texas Broadband Development Office. However, the accuracy of federal maps indicating internet access needs is under scrutiny.
“We want to make sure the data being provided to us by the federal government is accurate and up to date,” said Greg Conte, director of the Texas Broadband Development Office.
More Buoy Barriers Added in Rio Grande
Despite a significant drop in border crossings, Abbott has ordered an extension of the 1,000 feet of orange buoys in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass.
“We’re not letting up at all; we’re continuing our efforts,” Abbott said.
The barriers have sparked lawsuits from the federal government, which are currently tied up in an appeals court. U.S. Customs and Border Protection data for October showed 27,000 migrant encounters in the five Texas sectors of the border with Mexico, compared to 44,000 during the final months of the first Trump administration.
Newly Purchased Ranch Could Be Deportee Staging Area
A Starr County ranch, recently acquired by the state, has been offered as a staging area for potential mass deportations promised by President-elect Donald Trump. On November 14, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham sent a letter to Trump extending the offer.
Tom Homan, former director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and Trump’s pick to be “border czar,” affirmed the space would be used for targeted enforcement operations.
“We absolutely will. When we find somebody — it’s a targeted enforcement operation. When they get arrested, they’ll be detained,” Homan said.
Buckingham highlighted the ranch’s strategic location, with its flat terrain, proximity to major airports, and a nearby bridge over the river, making it suitable for the federal government’s operations.
Texas Continues to Lead the Nation in Job Growth
Texas has again topped the nation in job creation, adding nearly 275,000 nonfarm jobs from October 2023 to October 2024.
“With the best business climate in the nation and a skilled and growing workforce, Texas is where innovative entrepreneurs and businesses find the freedom and tools needed to succeed,” Abbott said.
California ranked second with 212,000 jobs, followed by New York with 133,600. The state’s unemployment rate remains steady at 4.1%, only a slight increase from October 2023.
Lawmaker Seeks Funds to Plug Wells, Cut Emissions
A West Texas legislator has introduced bills proposing millions of dollars to seal abandoned oil and gas wells using funds currently directed to schools, highways, and the state’s “rainy day fund.”
Rep. Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa, aims to reallocate funds from taxes collected from oil and gas companies. The proposal would require legislative, gubernatorial, and voter approval in the November 2025 amendment election.
Abandoned wells, also known as orphaned wells, have posed significant environmental risks, with at least eight erupting with briny water since October 2023. For instance, a well blowout in Imperial last December took more than two months and $2.5 million to clean up.
Specialty License Plate Auction Draws Big Bids
The My Plates Great Plate Auction 2024 concluded with over $71,000 spent on 50 license plates. The top sale was for the plate “ACE,” which went for $20,500.
“BOSSMAN” sold for $3,600, and plates like REAL and TEX4S each fetched $2,700. However, the most expensive Texas plate ever sold was “12THMAN,” which went for $115,000 in 2013.
