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66-572: The district has two campuses - Latexo High (grades 7–12) and Latexo Elementary (prekindergarten-grade 6). In 2009, the school district was rated " academically acceptable " by the Texas Education Agency . In 2020 the district began designating Fridays as "flex days". In July 2024, the ACLU of Texas sent Latexo Independent School District a letter, alleging that the district's 2023-2024 dress and grooming code appeared to violate

132-662: A "big repudiation" to conservatives who had tried unsuccessfully to pin a liberal label on Straus in hopes of defeating him for his legislative seat and thereby removing him as the speaker. The newspaper said Straus "treats everyone fairly, and that approach should be commended instead of condemned." Archconservative Tom Craddick of Midland was elected speaker of the House in 2003. Over his tenure, he earned enemies for an autocratic style, freezing out Democrats and financing challengers to incumbents in both parties. Republicans disgruntled with Craddick's leadership attempted to remove him at

198-802: A $ 50,000 contribution from a pastor and fracking entrepreneur, Farris Wilks of Cisco in Eastland County . Earlier, Wilks and his younger brother, Dan Wilks , contributed $ 15 million to a super political action committee supporting Ted Cruz for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination . Bean and Judson criticized Straus as having been insufficient aggressive in promoting anti- sanctuary cities legislation, abortion restrictions and school vouchers . Judson also challenged Straus on property taxes in Texas, although Texas property taxes are set by municipal officials, not state officials such as Straus, and although Texas has no state income taxes . In

264-445: A 20% difference in the rate of ELL students getting special education services compared to native speakers. In Houston ISD , the state's largest school district, after the 8.5% goal was met the standard was lowered to 8%. As a result, the district cut hundreds of special education positions, postponed diagnostic evaluations to second grade, and created a list of disqualifying factors that keep students from getting services. TEA issued

330-609: A Chief of School Safety and Security within the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to coordinate efforts across various agencies and divisions, ensuring effective implementation of safety policies and best practices. This position was to report directly to the Commissioner and have a direct line to the Governor’s Office, enhancing communication and collaboration without duplicating existing work. Abbott underscored

396-531: A Republican former state representative and former member of the Texas State Board of Education , supported Judson. Straus easily won the primary, receiving 15,737 votes (60.2 percent). Judson trailed with 7,434 votes (28.5 percent), and Bean drew 2,956 (11.3 percent). Straus then ran unopposed in the November 8 general election. The San Antonio Express-News called Straus' victory a "big win" and

462-448: A Republican from Corpus Christi , pointed to Straus' even-handed approach to leadership as the reason for his success in keeping the gavel. "The Speaker is exceptional in working with members, said Hunter, an ally of the speaker. "What you've seen within the last week is he has a strong, diverse support base." In January 2015, Straus was challenged again as speaker by Representative Scott Turner , an African American from Frisco . It

528-441: A campaign email, Judson invoked blamed a 2015 murder by a Mexican illegal immigrant on Straus; the email was criticized by Susan Pamerleau , who defended Straus, said that Judson's "use of a grieving father to accuse Joe Straus of a horrific murder committed by a career criminal is deplorable and irresponsible"; and said that "No one has done more to secure the border than" Straus. Straus said that his record includes improvements in

594-511: A direct line to the Governor’s Office. He will coordinate safety efforts among multiple state agencies and school districts. Governor Abbott has also outlined significant actions to support the Uvalde community and enhance school safety statewide, including financial investments, mental health services, and legislative initiatives. The mission of the Office of School Safety and Security is to build

660-480: A documentary film about the re-election of the chairman of the Texas Board of Education Don McLeroy and the curriculum controversy, was released. In late January 2013, PBS's Independent Lens aired an abridged version the film. Texas House Speaker Joe Straus of San Antonio, Texas said that the government should "take a look" at the structure of the board and consider a nonpartisan or appointed board if

726-527: A former education board chairman who was the leader of the conservative bloc. Ratliff said in 2013 that the board is "far different" in political complexion that it was in 2010. In 2022, the GOP captured an additional seat, bringing their total to 10 of the 15-member board. Many are social conservatives, campaigning against critical race theory and gender identity lessons. [1] To serve the large number of individual school districts and charter schools in Texas, TEA

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792-426: A group of San Antonio businesspeople, who urged Straus in a letter, to continue to block passage of the bathroom bill, writing that it "diverts much needed attention from what really matters." Patrick also opposed a school finance bill supported by Straus, fearing that the costs could lead to a state income tax to meet the extra obligations. Patrick's plan called for pay hikes for educators and retirees and relief to

858-401: A letter dated June 9, 2022, to Commissioner Morath, Governor Abbott emphasized the urgent need to prevent future tragedies like the one in Uvalde by enhancing school safety measures. Despite the comprehensive school safety and mental health legislation passed in 2019 and subsequent efforts, he stated that further actions were necessary before the next school year. Abbott called for the creation of

924-549: A management board, which essentially replaces and performs the duties of the elected school board), and in extreme cases closure of a school campus or even the entire school district. The University Interscholastic League (UIL), which oversees academic and athletic interscholastic competition in Texas public schools, is a separate entity not under TEA oversight. In addition to primary and secondary education, TEA has oversight duties with respect to driver's education courses (initial permits) and defensive driving courses (used to have

990-680: A no-bid contract for $ 4.4 million to SPEDx in 2017 to analyze student records to assist with the overhaul of its special education practices. Advocates raised concerns about the lack of a competitive bidding process and the Georgia-based company's qualifications, and a former TEA special education director filed a federal complaint about TEA violating state procurement processes. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Education found that "Texas violated federal law by failing to ensure students with disabilities were properly evaluated and provided with an adequate public education." A multi-year strategic plan

1056-581: A statement, Straus called the effort to invalidate votes "patently wrong" and that "the Republican Party needs to return to a place where we win with ideas and persuasion rather than trying to intimidate and silence our fellow citizens ." Straus is Jewish. He is a lifelong member of Temple Beth El , a Reform synagogue in San Antonio, where his grandfather served as the synagogue's president. Straus rarely spoke of his faith, describing it as

1122-507: A third term as speaker from Representative David Simpson of Longview . Simpson entered the race for speaker in December 2012, after Straus' previous opponent, conservative Bryan Hughes of Mineola , withdrew from the contest after nearly six months of seeking commitments from colleagues. However, Simpson withdrew before the balloting for speaker began, and Straus was reelected without opposition on January 8, 2013. Rep. Todd Ames Hunter ,

1188-601: A thoughtful, conservative approach to governing"; Straus is chairman of the PAC, and Wallace B. Jefferson , a former chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court , is the treasurer. In 2020, Straus wrote an op-ed for the San Antonio Express-News expressing support for Medicaid expansion , writing that this would bolster the economy and businesses. During the 2020 presidential election , Straus

1254-535: A ticket dismissed and/or for lower insurance premiums). On November 7, 2007, Christine Comer resigned as the director of the science curriculum after more than nine years. Comer said that her resignation was a result of pressure from officials who claimed that she had given the appearance of criticizing the teaching of intelligent design . In 2009, the board received criticism from more than 50 scientific organizations over an attempt to weaken science standards on evolution . In October 2012, The Revisionaries ,

1320-648: Is Mike Morath. A former member of the Dallas Independent School District's board of trustees, he was appointed commissioner of education by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on December 14, 2015. The commissioner's role is to lead and manage the Texas Education Agency. The commissioner also co-ordinates efforts between state and federal agencies. TEA is overseen by a 15-member State Board of Education (SBOE) elected from single-member districts. There are no term limits . Terms are four years in length, with one two-year term each decade. Similar to

1386-479: Is a San Antonio native and a fifth-generation Texan. Straus came from a widely known Republican Party family. His mother, Jocelyn Levi Straus, was a Republican Party fundraiser and close friend of President George H. W. Bush and his wife, Barbara , during Bush's two U.S. Senate races and his bids for the White House. Jocelyn also had a prominent role in the campaigns of John Tower in the 1970s. His father

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1452-536: Is divided in the monitoring and technical assistance division and the school readiness division. Joe Straus Joseph Richard Straus III (born September 1, 1959) is an American politician who served as the speaker of the Texas House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019. A Republican , he represented District 121, which comprises northeastern Bexar County , including parts of San Antonio and several surrounding communities, from his first election to

1518-813: Is divided into 20 regions, each containing an Education Service Center (ESC, sometimes called regional service center or regional education service center). Under Chapter 8 of the Texas Education Code, ESCs perform the following tasks on behalf of TEA: The assistance applies to both districts and schools, including charter schools. Notably, the ESCs have no regulatory authority over districts or schools (TEA headquarters reserves this right to itself). ESCs are not political units, and as such have no taxing authority. They are funded by state and federal funding, as well as by contracts made with individual districts and schools. TEA rates schools and districts using

1584-621: Is headquartered in the William B. Travis State Office Building in downtown Austin . Mike Morath , formerly a member of the Dallas Independent School District 's board of trustees, was appointed commissioner of education by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on December 14, 2015, and began serving on January 4, 2016. Prior to the late 1940s, many school districts in Texas did not operate schools but spent money to send children to schools operated by other districts. In

1650-433: Is to instill a culture of constant vigilance and accountability across all Texas schools. A statutory addition from HB3 charged the agency with establishing the Office of School Safety and Security - a division consisting of individuals with substantial expertise and experience in school or law enforcement safety and security operations. The passage of this bill created Texas Education Code, Section. 37.1083 and 37.1084. In

1716-506: The Houston Chronicle found that since at least 2004, TEA denied special education services to thousands of students, prompting a federal investigation. State education officials set an arbitrary limit of 8.5% for the number of students who could receive special education services. By strictly enforcing district compliance with the benchmark, the rate of students receiving special education in Texas fell to 8.5% in 2015, far below

1782-632: The Retama Racetrack in San Antonio, which was for betting on horse racing. Straus has previously served on the Management Committee of the Bexar County Republican Party, as a precinct chairman, and on numerous campaign committees for federal, state, and local candidates. From 1989 through 1991, he served in the administration of President George H. W. Bush as deputy director of Business Liaison at

1848-591: The Texas CROWN Act , a state law which prohibits racial discrimination based on hair texture or styles, and asking the district to revise its policies for the 2024-2025 school year. Texas Education Agency accountability ratings system The Texas Education Agency ( TEA ) is the branch of the government of Texas responsible for public education in Texas in the United States. The agency

1914-463: The U.S. Department of Commerce and, earlier under President Ronald Reagan , as Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of Customs . In 1986, he was Campaign Manager in U.S. Representative Lamar S. Smith 's first race for Congress. Straus joined the House after winning a special election to replace District 121 state Representative Elizabeth Ames Jones in 2005. Straus was renominated to

1980-631: The University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Houston. With a state budget shortfall looming in 2010 and many beginning to call for higher taxes, Straus publicly called on the House to balance its budget without a tax increase, and the House followed his lead. Straus has led the effort to make the state budget more transparent. In July 2012, he called on the House Appropriations Committee to begin reducing

2046-400: The "Ten Best Legislators". And in endorsing him for re-election in 2014, the San Antonio Express-News wrote, "Under Straus' leadership, the House has produced conservative budgets and a broad conservative agenda. Straus has done an admirable job managing the House since 2009, and he provides crucial leadership on important San Antonio issues. His constituents benefit significantly by having

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2112-623: The 11 chose Straus as a compromise candidate. Straus ran without opposition as speaker on January 13, 2009, at the beginning of the 81st Texas Legislature . Straus' election was seen as a defeat for the socially conservative wing of the Republican Party of Texas . Straus was the first Jewish speaker since Texas statehood , following David S. Kaufman, who was speaker of the Congress of the Republic of Texas from 1839 to 1841. He

2178-823: The House in 2005 until his retirement in 2019. He chose not to seek re-election to the state House in 2018. During his career in the state House, Straus was a moderate, "business-friendly, country club Republican " who sometimes clashed with the party's social conservative wing. Toward the end of his five terms as speaker, Straus faced opposition from more conservative factions within the Texas Republican Party, led by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick , who regarded Straus as insufficiently conservative, and another conservative group that spent millions of dollars in attempts to defeat Straus and allied state legislators in Republican primary elections . Straus

2244-524: The Texas House in the Republican primary held on March 4, 2014. He received 9,224 votes (61.2 percent) to 5,842 (38.8 percent) for Matt Beebe, who again challenged the speaker. Two Tea Party movement candidates, Shelia Vernette Bean and former Olmos Park City Council member Jeff M. Judson, challenged Straus in the primary election on March 1, 2016. Straus raised $ 8 million for his 2016 primary contest with Bean and Judson. Judson, meanwhile, received

2310-468: The Texas House in the Republican primary held on May 29, 2012. With 10,362 votes (62.9 percent), he defeated opponent Matt Stewart Beebe (born 1973), who polled 6,108 ballots (37.1 percent). In the November 6 general election, Straus faced no Democratic opponent and defeated the Libertarian nominee, Arthur M. Thomas, IV, 50,530 (80.2 percent) to 12,444 (19.8 percent). Straus was again renominated to

2376-582: The amount of money that had collected in General Revenue-Dedicated balances – an accounting technique that legislators and governors increasingly used over 20 years to get the budget certified. In the 2013 legislative session, the Legislature reduced the amount of money sitting in those accounts by $ 1 billion. Early in the 2015 session, House leaders pledged to reduce those amounts even further. Perhaps Straus' greatest accomplishment

2442-641: The arrangement of the Texas Senate , SBOE members are divided into two groups based in part on the intervening Census: As such, every two years, about half of the SBOE is on the ballot. The board devises policies and sets academic standards for Texas public schools, and oversees the state Permanent School Fund and selects textbooks to be used in Texas schools. Since 2011, the board can still recommend textbooks, but public school districts can order their own books and materials even if their selections are not on

2508-409: The authority to oversee a district's operations (either involving an individual school or the entire district) if serious issues arise (such as poor standardized test performance, financial distress, or mismanagement). This can be in the form of requiring the district to submit corrective action plans and regular status reports, assigning monitors to oversee operations (including the authority to assign

2574-428: The bill was attacked by Jared Woodfill , the former Harris County Republican chairman and editor-in-chief of the newsletter of the group Conservative Republicans of Texas , and associated activists. They criticized Straus for not moving the bill forward, and called upon Christian right candidates to launch Republican primary election challenges against Republican state legislators who did not support it. The bill

2640-449: The capacity of the regional education service centers (ESCs) and local education agencies (LEAs) to promote the physical and psychological well-being of students and staff - recognizing that safer schools positively impact student outcomes. We align school safety and security expertise with guidance provided through technical assistance to ensure effective best practices are implemented across the state. The Office of School Safety and Security

2706-566: The collective responsibility to provide a safe environment for all students, educators, and staff. Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointment of John P. Scott as the new Chief of School Safety and Security within the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on October 3. This position was created following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde to ensure the implementation of school safety policies and best practices across Texas. Scott, who has an extensive background in security and intelligence, will report directly to Commissioner Mike Morath and have

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2772-456: The defunding of Planned Parenthood , and the state's voter identification law . Straus's San Antonio colleague, Republican Lyle Larson , in a campaign letter to the San Antonio Express-News , praised the speaker as "not flashy, nor is he politically motivated. He's just interested in getting the job done. ... [He] has led the Texas House in passing some of the most conservative and constructive legislation in Texas history ..." John Shields,

2838-455: The elected members are "not getting their job done and they're not pleasing the Legislature or the citizens, then we ought to take) a thorough look at what they are doing." In 2010, Al Jezeera stated that it was "drafting its own version of American history", including altering school textbooks to remove what it said was a "left-leaning bias" and making changes that are said to have "religious and racial overtones". A series of reports in 2016 by

2904-455: The end of the legislative session in 2007, but Craddick would not allow a vote to come to the floor. In the 2008 elections , Republicans nearly lost their majority in the Texas House. Eleven moderate Republican members of the Texas House (known as "Anybody but Craddick" or "ABCs"), who included several powerful committee chairman, formed an alliance with Democrats to field a moderate Republican challenger to Craddick. On New Year's Day in 2009,

2970-583: The late 1940s, state lawmakers passed a bill abolishing those districts, prompting a wave of mass school district consolidation. TEA is responsible for the oversight of public primary and secondary education in the state of Texas, involving over 1,000 individual school districts in the state and charter schools . It is also responsible for the safety of students. However, it does not have any jurisdiction over private or parochial schools (whether or not accredited ) nor over home schools . Although school districts are independent governmental entities, TEA has

3036-414: The local level, rather than the imposition of top-down guidelines from the state, and on August 15, 2017, Straus adjourned a special session of the Texas House early, without permitting a vote on the bill restricting transgender bathroom access, leading Patrick to attack Straus. Straus's position was supported by columnist Josh Brodesky of the San Antonio Express-News , Straus's hometown newspaper and by

3102-570: The more prosperous school districts which must send some local funds to Austin to help pay for the overall public education system. In October 2017, Straus announced that he would not seek re-election in 2018. Straus was described by the New York Times in 2009 as a centrist fiscal conservative and " country club Republican " who was telegenic and urbane from the upscale suburb of Alamo Heights. Straus has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2013, Texas Monthly named him one of

3168-418: The national average of 13%. School districts implemented a wide range of practices to reduce the number of students, including cutting services for certain children with autism and dyslexia, refusing to conduct eligibility evaluations in other languages, and refusing to accept medical records from other countries. Students who are English Language Learners (ELL) also faced a disproportionate impact resulting in

3234-741: The need to enhance and expand school safety measures in Texas following the Robb Elementary School tragedy. It highlights the efforts and trainings by the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) and outlines specific actions for school districts to improve safety and security. These actions include reviewing and updating Emergency Operations Plans, training staff, conducting safety assessments, and ensuring compliance with state laws. The letter also mandates random inspections to test security measures and calls for legislative support to secure necessary resources. The overall goal

3300-485: The public campaign to approve funding for the water plan, which 73 percent of Texas voters supported in November 2013. Straus announced his opposition to President Donald Trump 's travel ban against seven predominantly Muslim nations , saying "I am concerned about sending the incorrect message that we are at war with any religion." Joining Straus in this position was another Texas Republican, U.S. Representative Will Hurd of Texas's 23rd congressional district . Straus

3366-619: The ranking system. The Texas Education Agency is funded by the people of the State of Texas , at the direction of their elected legislature and with the consent of the Governor of Texas . The agency's budget must be approved on the legislature's biannual schedule. Revenues for the agency come from the state general fund (primarily sales taxes), the federal government, the Permanent School Fund (a sovereign wealth fund created by

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3432-533: The right, though Patrick responded by questioning Straus's status as a conservative and a Republican. In 2010, e-mails circulated among members of the Texas State Republican Executive Committee calling for Straus to be replaced by a "Christian conservative" as speaker, on the grounds that "we elected a house with Christian, conservative values. We now want a true Christian, conservative running it." Straus's opponents for

3498-590: The same four criteria. According to the TEA, the number of state schools and districts receiving the top ratings of "exemplary" and "recognized" increased from 2,213 in 2005 to 3,380 in 2006. In 2020, all schools were given a "not rated" designator due to the COVID-19 pandemic . In addition to the state ranking, districts and schools can be awarded additional commendations (referred to as Gold Performance acknowledgements) for other noteworthy accomplishments not included in

3564-475: The speaker represent their district." In October 2017, Straus announced that he would not run for re-election. The New York Times described Straus as a pragmatist. He "delivered a plea that Republicans 'appeal to our diverse population with an optimistic vision'" when he announced he would not be running again. Shortly after the 2018 midterm elections, Straus criticized Texas lieutenant governor Dan Patrick and other Republicans for adopting positions too far to

3630-525: The speakership, Ken Paxton (later the Attorney General of Texas ) and Warren Chisum, are Christians; both condemned the comments. John Cook, author of some of the e-mails, said that, "When I got involved in politics, I told people I wanted to put Christian conservatives in leadership positions" but denied allegations of antisemitism . In mid-2019, Straus established a new political action committee, Texas Forever Forward, saying it would "promote

3696-408: The state with revenues from public lands), and other sources. * Budget figure is projection; all other years are actual expenditure as reported by TEA After the Uvalde school shooting, Governor Greg Abbott instructed state school safety and education officials to conduct random assessments on access control in Texas public and charter schools. In a letter dated June 1, 2022, Gov. Abbott emphasized

3762-452: The state-approved list. So far, most districts have continued to follow the state-endorsed textbooks, but that trend is expected to change in the next two years as the districts become more cognizant of their available options. Thomas Ratliff, a moderate Republican and the son of former Lieutenant Governor Bill Ratliff of Mount Pleasant , in 2010 unseated the Bryan dentist Don McLeroy ,

3828-486: The water infrastructure, transportation, and public and higher education. Straus was endorsed by the San Antonio Express-News , which hailed him as a "decent, effective leader [who] has focused on solving major problems that face the state, such as ... transportation and water" and noted that he successfully pushed to passage "conservative issues "on many fronts", including tough abortion restrictions,

3894-568: Was a major player in the horseracing business in San Antonio. Straus' family founded the Straus-Frank Saddlery Co. in San Antonio, which became a wholesale distribution business for guns and tires. A graduate of Vanderbilt University , he has an insurance, investment, and executive benefit practice. He was former spokesman for the Retama Development Corporation, a development company that built

3960-427: Was leading the House, along with Chairman Allan Ritter, to make a historic investment in the state's water needs in 2013. The legislature approved, and then-Governor Rick Perry signed, legislation that created a revolving loan fund to pay for water supply and conservation projects around the state. The plan aimed to provide start-up money to communities that often struggled to get it for needed water projects. Straus led

4026-485: Was one of a number of Republicans to oppose a lawsuit by conservative activists seeking to invalidate 127,000 votes cast in Harris County, Texas (the state's most populous county) through drive-through sites established by local elections officials amid the COVID-19 pandemic . Straus jointed with prominent Texas Republican elections lawyer Ben Ginsberg to file an amicus brief opposing the plaintiffs' claims; in

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4092-589: Was raised again in July 2017, after Republican Governor Abbott called a special legislative session. In July 2017, the Bexar County Republican Executive Committee passed a "no confidence" resolution calling upon Straus to step down as speaker for blocking the consideration of conservative bills pending in the upcoming special session, including the lingering bathroom bill. Straus said that he supported decisions being made at

4158-488: Was reelected to a fourth two-year term as speaker six years later on January 13, 2015, in the first recorded vote for speaker in forty years. After becoming speaker, Straus appointed 18 Republicans and 16 Democrats to committee chairmanships, which reflected the 76-74 makeup of the House. Republicans continued to chair major committees including Appropriations, Calendars, Public Education and State Affairs. In January 2013, Straus faced intraparty conservative opposition for

4224-410: Was released in 2018. In a grant application to the agency, TEA stated that they will not be able to ensure adequate services for special education students until June 2020. In September 2020, in the midst of several attempts to place Houston ISD under state control, TEA investigators recommended a state-appointed conservator be selected to oversee the district. The current commissioner of education

4290-715: Was the first recorded Texas Speaker vote since 1976. Late in the campaign, the Houston Chronicle reported that Turner tried to attract the support of Democrats in order to save his campaign, but the Democrats and the overwhelming majority of Republicans stuck with Straus. Despite considerable attention from Tea Party movement groups and the media, Turner received only 19 votes to Straus' 128. As speaker, Straus put an emphasis on bipartisan cooperation, compromise, and on issues such as budget transparency, education, higher education, water and transportation. The state has invested more money in building up emerging universities, such as

4356-438: Was unanimously voted in as speaker. The last speaker to have been elected speaker for an equal amount of terms was Pete Laney of Plainview. Straus has declined to support the anti-transgender bathroom bill (SB 6), which was introduced by Republican state Senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham and endorsed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick . Straus said the measure was not a priority for him. Straus's decision not to support

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