Aggie Football Media Day: Kent State

Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct Suspends Two Justices of the Peace

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced today that two Texas judges have been stripped of their duties. Brandon Wayne Barrera, Justice of the Peace in Kleberg County, has been suspended without pay after being charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance, a 3rd Degree Felony. Barrera was arrested in Kingsville in January after he as found with at least 1 gram of methamphetamine. Barrera took to his Facebook page in May to announce that he completed rehab saying, “I took responsibility, got the help I needed, and have remained focused on my recovery and service to Precinct 2 ever since. I’m committed to being the best leader and person I can be for our community. Thank you for your support as we move forward together.” The Commission ALSO suspended Judge Donald Joseph Clark, a Justice of the Peace in Colorado County, after he was indicted on three charges: one count of Official Oppression, a Class A Misdemeanor, and one count of False Report to Peace Office, a Class B Misdemeanor, and one count of False Report to Induce Emergency Response, a Class B Misdemeanor The indictment against Clark says he knowingly made an arrest that was unlawful, then called 9-1-1 with a false report of an emergency surrounding that arrest. Clark is suspended with pay. The Commission says the suspensions will remain in effect until charges are dismissed, the men are acquitted, or upon further order of the Commission.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott Asks Texas Health and Human Services Commission to Investigate South Texas Hospital Offering So-Called “Birth Packages”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is asking the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to investigate reports that a South Texas hospital is offering so-called “birth packages” to foreign nationals. On Tuesday, Abbott sent a letter to Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth directing her to look into reports that the Mission Regional Medical Center, a hospital facility regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), is advertising the packages in an apparent effort to profit from securing United States citizenship for their children. The hospital — located in Mission, Texas — is less than 6 miles from the Texas-Mexico border and allegedly had billboards and a website advertising the packages. “Birth tourism” refers to the practice of foreign travelers coming to the United States to give birth and secure citizenship for their children. In his letter, Abbott says he will do everything in his power “to assist federal officials to stop this fraudulent practice. Therefore, I direct HHSC to immediately and thoroughly investigate Mission Regional Medical Center for any violations of state law and contractual obligations. Any violations will immediately be referred to the Attorney General for civil enforcement and to the appropriate District or County Attorney for criminal prosecution. Additionally, HHSC shall take appropriate administrative actions against Mission Regional Medical Center, including, but not limited to, assessing sanctions and penalties. American citizenship is not for sale and Texas will not permit our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism.” Abbott also says he plans to work with the Texas Legislature next session to strengthen laws and eliminate birth tourism in Texas. ————————————————————- Attached media: Screenshot of letter from Governor Greg Abbott to Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth + Screenshot from former U.S. Congresswoman Mayra Flores Twitter/X account @MayraFlores4TX showing alleged billboard promoting birth tourism.    

Texas Governor Greg Abbott Launches Teacher-Driven Texas Classroom Commission

Texas Governor Greg Abbott today launched a new initiative today. The Texas Classroom Commission is a teacher-led initiative that puts Texas educators at the center of shaping the future of public education. It will bring together public school educators to identify and develop innovative solutions that help students succeed, improve the learning environment, and strengthen schools. By empowering those on the front lines of education, Abbott says it will ensure that Texas becomes the national leader in the education. The Commission will consist of current and retired public school classroom teachers and will begin its work in the coming weeks and deliver recommendations before the start of the 90th Legislative Session. Its focus will be on bolstering classroom instruction, supporting teachers, improving the learning environment, and ensuring Texas students are prepared to succeed. The Commission will be led by Courtney Boswell MacDonald of Kerrville. She is a former classroom teacher and the current chair of the State Board for Educator Certification. She previously worked on the Senate Education Committee and served as executive director for Texans for Education Reform, Texas Institute for Education Reform, and Texas Aspires. She is a former math teacher at Richardson ISD and Dallas ISD. MacDonald received a Bachelor of Science in fashion and communications and a secondary education certification from Texas Christian University and a Master of Public Policy in education policy from Vanderbilt University.