First Lady Blog
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.
2018 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winners Are Announced!
Today I was thrilled to announce the 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards, administered by OneStar Foundation, honors the contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations in Texas that have made a positive impact in their communities or across the state through service and volunteering.
Texanthropy Spotlight: LifeWorks Austin
I had the opportunity this week to visit the East Austin location of LifeWorks Austin, located on Pleasant Valley Road. LifeWorks Austin is a local non-profit with a mission to serve as fearless advocates for youth and young families seeking self-sufficiency by fulfilling needs for housing, education and workforce or counseling.
Texas Tax Free Weekend
It’s that time of year again! Texas Tax Free Weekend – or the Texas Sales Tax Holiday – is this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (August 10th thru 12th). This is a great time for Texans to stock up on essentials such as school supplies, clothing, backpacks, and footwear.
Texanthropy Spotlight: HEB + School Supply Drives
There is nothing more powerful than Texans helping Texans, and one of our state’s most helpful and giving businesses is H-E-B. As summer draws to an end and Texas families begin to think about back-to-school, H-E-B is working with partners all across the state to ensure that ALL Texas schoolchildren have access to the school supplies they need to help them succeed in school.
Guest Post: DPS Warns Texans of Safety Concerns in Summer Heat
Texas has experienced a brief break in the blistering temperatures with a "cold front" the last few days, but it is still HOT, so I wanted to share the following message from the Texas Department of Public Safety which includes tips for staying safe and managing the heat: