First Lady Blog
How to help Central Texas flood victims
With the ongoing severe weather and flooding currently impacting parts of Texas, especially Central Texas, I want to urge everyone in affected areas to stay vigilant and always remember to take seriously any warnings or instructions from your local officials. The Governor’s Office and all relevant state agencies are actively monitoring the situation and deploying needed resources to respond to the current disasters. Additionally, I know there are many Texans wondering how they can help those here in Central Texas affected by the recent rain and flooding.
Honoring the 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winners
One of my favorite events was once again held at the Texas Governor’s Mansion last night – the annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards! It was a beautiful, festive night and I was so pleased to meet all of this year’s winners and hear more about the amazing things they have done, and continue to do, to help their fellow Texans. We also heard from Alan Graham, founder of Mobile Loaves and Fishes – and also a former GVA winner – about the importance of finding ways to help others.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
During Hispanic Heritage Month, here in Texas we celebrate the many contributions to the Lone Star State that Hispanics have made. For hundreds of years, Texas has been deeply and uniquely influenced by individuals of Hispanic descent. And today, Hispanics continue to play a prominent role in Texas by forging new frontiers on multiple fronts, from education, to business, and the arts.
The State Fair of Texas
The great State Fair of Texas is underway and with it comes plenty of excitement! Since 1886, Dallas has hosted the State Fair. Today, approximately 3 million people visit the fairgrounds over the course of the month that it is open. Everything is bigger in Texas and the Fair is no exception! There’s something for everyone – from Big Tex, the 55 foot, 95 gallon hat-wearing cowboy that welcomes you to the fair, to pig races, free live music, and the Texas-OU Red River Rivalry football game, to name just a few.
Texanthropy Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage Month and the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce
During Hispanic Heritage Month, here in Texas we celebrate the many contributions to the Lone Star State that Hispanics have made, but in particular I want to emphasize the indelible impact that Hispanics have had on our state’s economy. Texas is among the top state for Hispanic-owned businesses and for the jobs they create. In fact, Texas leads the nation for jobs created by Hispanic women business owners. At the same time, Texas cities are among the most welcoming in the nation for Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Family Day - Making Everyday Special
I am pleased to once again join forces with First Spouse all across the United States and Family Day to celebrate the simple, everyday things parents do to connect with their kids. Founded in 2001 by Center on Addiction, Family Day works with organizations across the country to educate parents about how everyday activities create strong, healthy relationships that can prevent future substance use.
DPS is Reminding Texans To Be Aware of Schoolchildren, School Zones, and School Buses
As the new school year begins, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) cautions Texans to slow down in school zones, and to be aware of children walking to and from school or waiting for buses. The start of the school year generates an increase in overall traffic in many areas. Drivers should take extra precautions and always follow traffic laws regarding school zones. Drivers should be especially alert and careful around school buses – which make frequent stops.
Helping Texans Rebuild One Year After Harvey
Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting with several folks in the Houston area who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey, but have rebuilt through the help of their fellow Texans and the Rebuild Texas Fund. I joined Susan Dell of the Rebuild Texas Fund and Michael & Susan Dell Foundation on this tour of communities damaged by Hurricane Harvey as the storm’s one year anniversary approaches.