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82-541: In 2009, the school district was rated " academically acceptable " by the Texas Education Agency . The Texas Education Agency's college readiness performance data shows that only 3.1% (5 out of 152 students) of the graduates of the class of 2010 of the La Marque school district met TEA's average performance criterion on SAT or ACT college admission tests. In 2010, after some state budget cuts occurred,

164-601: A heart attack ; his mother went to work in a real estate office. Abbott graduated from Duncanville High School , where he was on the track team, in the National Honor Society and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed". In 1981, Abbott earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Texas at Austin , where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and

246-445: 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

328-609: 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

410-494: A conservative agenda, including measures against abortion such as the Texas Heartbeat Act , lenient gun laws, opposition to illegal immigration , support for law enforcement funding, and election reform. In response to the power crisis following a February 2021 winter storm , Abbott called for reforms to Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and signed a bill requiring power plant weatherization . During

492-500: A cost of at least $ 300,000.00 to fight the decision by the TEA to close the district. On December 2, 2015, TEA Commissioner Williams announced that Texas City ISD would absorb LMISD effective July 1, 2016; LMISD successfully met its academic standards but failed to meet its financial ones. LMISD and TCISD students continued to attend their respective neighborhood schools for the 2016-2017 school year. LMISD schools remained open since there

574-511: 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

656-480: 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

738-579: 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

820-400: A fourth term in 2026, which would make him the longest-serving governor in state history with 16 years of service by January 21, 2031, surpassing former governor Rick Perry's 14 years. On March 1, 2024, Abbott announced his candidacy for reelection to a fourth term. Abbott was sworn in as governor of Texas on January 20, 2015, succeeding Rick Perry . He is the first governor of Texas and

902-573: A large campaign funding advantage over his opponents, but was outraised by O'Rourke, who raised $ 81.6 million to Abbott's $ 78.5 million. Abbott defeated O'Rourke, 54% to 43%, becoming the fifth Texas governor to serve three terms, after Allan Shivers , Price Daniel , John Connally and Rick Perry . He won 68% of Anglos, 18% of African Americans, and 42% of Latinos. According to the Austin American Statesman , advisers close to Abbott have said he has not ruled out running for

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984-401: 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

1066-528: A licensing agreement when they bought CDs and played them on their computers; in the lawsuit, brought under the Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act of 2005 and other laws, Abbott alleged that even if consumers rejected that agreement, spyware was secretly installed on their computers, posing security risks for music buyers and deceiving Texas purchasers. Sony settled the Texas lawsuit, as well as

1148-549: 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

1230-612: A move would enable citizens "to keep more of what you earn and use some of that extra money to buy more ammo". In February 2014, Abbott argued against a lawsuit brought by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) to allow more people access to concealed carry of firearms , as he felt this would disrupt public safety. Abbott backed legislation in Texas to limit "punitive damages stemming from noneconomic losses" and "noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases" at $ 750,000 and $ 250,000, respectively. While

1312-442: A new gun-control bill. After the law passed, Abbott's political campaign placed Internet ads to users with Albany and Manhattan ZIP codes suggesting that New York gun owners should move to Texas. One ad read, "Is Gov. Cuomo looking to take your guns?", and the other read, "Wanted: Law abiding New York gun owners looking for lower taxes and greater opportunity." The ads linked to a letter on Facebook in which Abbott wrote that such

1394-680: 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

1476-635: A session since 2007. Abbott appointed multiple judges to various judgeships, including several GOP-affiliated judges who had recently lost local judicial elections. After the regular 2021 session, The New York Times called Abbott and Patrick "the driving force behind one of the hardest right turns in recent state history". Other sources said Abbott and other state officials advanced strongly conservative policies. By his 2022 reelection campaign, Abbott more prominently emphasized " culture war " issues. He had been compared to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in promoting conservative policies. According to

1558-619: A similar suit brought by California's attorney general, for $ 1.5 million. In March 2005, Abbott delivered oral argument before the United States Supreme Court on behalf of Texas, defending a Ten Commandments monument on grounds of the Texas State Capitol . Thousands of similar monuments were donated to cities and towns across the nation by the Fraternal Order of Eagles , who were inspired by

1640-681: A temporary injunction order on September 25, 2015, barring THHSC from implementing therapy rate cuts. During Donald Trump's first presidency , Abbott ardently supported Trump. The Trump administration appointed several former Abbott appointees to federal courts, which some media outlets attributed to Abbott's influence on the administration. In 2021, Trump endorsed Abbott for reelection, choosing him over several Republican primary rivals who also positioned themselves as pro-Trump. Abbott's book Broken But Unbowed (2016) recounted Abbott's personal story and views on politics. In October 2016, explosive packages were mailed to Abbott, President Obama, and

1722-535: 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 ,

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1804-447: A unit in the attorney general's office to pursue voter-fraud prosecutions, using a $ 1.4 million federal grant; the unit prosecuted a few dozen cases, resulting "in small fines and little or no jail time". The office found no large-scale fraud that could change the outcome of any election. In late 2005, Abbott sued Sony BMG . Texas was the first state in the nation to bring legal action against Sony BMG for illegal spyware . The suit

1886-428: A wheelchair, "I want to thank you [...] for demonstrating that it's not necessary to stand at the lectern in order to do a fine job." As attorney general, Abbott opposed gun control legislation. In 2013, he criticized legislation enacted by New York State strengthening its gun regulation laws by expanding an assault weapons ban and creating a high-capacity magazine ban ; he also said he would sue if Congress enacted

1968-648: 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

2050-601: Is also the first filed under the state's spyware law of 2005. It alleges the company surreptitiously installed the spyware on millions of compact music discs (CDs) that consumers inserted into their computers when they played the CDs, which can compromise the systems. On December 21, 2005, Abbott added new allegations to his lawsuit against Sony-BMG. He said the MediaMax copy protection technology violated Texas's spyware and deceptive trade practices laws. Sony-BMG offered consumers

2132-466: Is divided in the monitoring and technical assistance division and the school readiness division. Greg Abbott Gregory Wayne Abbott (born November 13, 1957) is an American politician, attorney, and jurist serving as the 48th governor of Texas since 2015. A member of the Republican Party , he served as the 50th attorney general of Texas from 2002 to 2015 and as a justice of

2214-813: 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

2296-544: Is not enough space at existing TCISD schools, and out of consideration of stability of the education of LMISD students. The athletic programs were not yet consolidated. All LMISD staff needed to reapply for their jobs for the 2016-2017 school year if they wished to keep them. Students from PreKindergarten to the 8th grade in the district required school uniforms or "standardized dress". The school required PreK-8 students to wear golf shirts colored navy, gold, or white and navy trousers. The Texas Education Agency specifies that

2378-541: Is said to have a tentative plan in place to absorb the failed district, which includes keeping the campuses of LMISD open but under new administration. A conservator has been assigned by the TEA Commissioner to oversee the district and advise the school board for the remainder of the 15-16 school year. On November 30, 2015, in a special meeting, the LMISD Board of trustees voted to hire a Houston Law firm at

2460-433: 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

2542-699: The Houston Chronicle alleged improper ties and oversight between many of Abbott's largest donors and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, of which he was a director. In July 2013, shortly after Governor Rick Perry announced that he would not seek a fourth full term, Abbott announced his candidacy for governor of Texas in the 2014 election . In the first six months of 2011, he raised more money for his campaign than any other previous Texas politician, reaching $ 1.6 million. The next-highest fundraiser among state officeholders

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2624-440: 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

2706-485: The COVID-19 pandemic in Texas , Abbott opposed implementing face mask and vaccine mandates , while blocking local governments, businesses, and other organizations from implementing their own. He has also made a priority of fighting illegal immigration , starting Operation Lone Star in 2021. After Washington Governor Jay Inslee retires on January 15, 2025, Abbott is expected to become the longest-serving governor in

2788-634: The Cecil B. DeMille film The Ten Commandments (1956) in following years. In his deposition, Abbott said, "The Ten Commandments are a historically recognized system of law." The Supreme Court held in a 5–4 decision that the Texas display did not violate the First Amendment 's Establishment Clause and was constitutional. After Abbott's oral arguments in Van Orden v. Perry, Justice John Paul Stevens commented upon Abbott's performance while in

2870-962: The Dallas Morning News , the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and the Tyler Morning Telegraph . He and Dan Patrick , the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, were endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund and given an "A" rating. Abbott defeated Davis by over 20 percentage points in the November general election. In January 2017, Abbott was reportedly raising funds for a 2018 reelection bid as governor; as of December 2016 , he had $ 34.4 million on hand for his campaign, of which he had raised $ 9 million during

2952-628: The Environmental Protection Agency ; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , including challenges to the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare"); and the U.S. Department of Education , among many others. According to The Wall Street Journal , from Abbott's tenure as attorney general through his first term as governor, Texas sued the Obama administration at least 44 times, more than any other state over

3034-600: The Texas Enterprise Fund , some of whose members submitted the proper paperwork for grants. Elliot Nagin of the Union of Concerned Scientists observed that Abbott was the recipient of large support from the fossil fuels industries, such as NuStar Energy , Koch Industries , Valero Energy , ExxonMobil , Chevron , and ConocoPhillips . Abbott was endorsed by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram ,

3116-483: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission , the Texas legislature placed a rider to cut $ 150 million from its budget by ending payments and coverage for various developmental therapies for children on Medicaid . A lawsuit was filed against the state on behalf of affected families and therapy providers, claiming the cut could cause irreparable damage to the affected children's development. The litigation obtained

3198-479: The Texas Legislature 's move to cap non-economic damages for medical malpractice cases at $ 250,000, with no built-in increases for rising cost of living. In a 2013 speech to fellow Republicans, when asked what his job entails, Abbott said: "I go into the office in the morning, I sue Barack Obama, and then I go home." Abbott filed 31 lawsuits against the Obama administration, including suits against

3280-544: The Texas Supreme Court from 1996 to 2001. Abbott was the third Republican to serve as attorney general of Texas since the Reconstruction era. He was elected to that office with 57% of the vote in 2002 and reelected with 60% in 2006 and 64% in 2010, becoming the longest-serving Texas attorney general in state history, with 12 years of service. Before becoming attorney general, Abbott was a justice of

3362-487: The Texas Supreme Court to limit the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court 's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges , the 2015 case that held that the 14th Amendment requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages and made same-sex couples eligible for state and federal benefits tied to marriage, including the right to be listed on a birth certificate and the right to adopt. In the November 7, 2006, general election, Abbott

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3444-541: The Texas Supreme Court , a position to which he was appointed in 1995 by then-governor George W. Bush . Abbott won a full term in 1998 with 60% of the vote. As attorney general, he successfully advocated for the Texas State Capitol to display the Ten Commandments in the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court case Van Orden v. Perry , and unsuccessfully defended the state's ban on same-sex marriage . He

3526-548: The Texas Supreme Court ; he was then twice elected to the state's highest civil court—in 1996 (two-year term) and in 1998 (six-year term). In 1996, Abbott had no Democratic opponent but was challenged by Libertarian John B. Hawley of Dallas. Abbott defeated Hawley, 84% to 16%. In 1998, Abbott defeated Democrat David Van Os , 60% to 40%. In 2001, after resigning from the Supreme Court, Abbott returned to private practice and worked for Bracewell & Giuliani LLC . He

3608-706: The Young Republicans Club . He met his wife, Cecilia Phalen, while attending UT Austin. The two married in 1981. In 1984, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Vanderbilt University Law School . Abbott went into private practice, working for Butler and Binion, LLP between 1984 and 1992. Abbott's judicial career began in Houston , where he served as a state trial judge in the 129th District Court for three years. Then-Governor George W. Bush appointed Abbott to

3690-491: The Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. Abbott's package did not explode when he opened it because "he did not open [the package] as intended". On June 6, 2017, Abbott called for a special legislative session in order to pass several of his legislative priorities, an agenda supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Abbott vetoed 50 bills in the regular 2017 session, the most in

3772-637: The Democratic nominee, former Austin mayor and former state senator Kirk Watson , 57% to 41%. Abbott was sworn in on December 2, 2002, following Cornyn's election to the Senate. Abbott expanded the attorney general's office's law enforcement division from about 30 people to more than 100. He also created a new division, the Fugitive Unit, to track down convicted sex offenders in violation of their paroles or probations. In 2003, Abbott supported

3854-559: The District's accreditation, citing unacceptable academic ratings, as well as its poor financial situation. In April of that year the decision was put on hold. On September 23, 2015, the Texas Education Commissioner announced that the superintendent and school board would be removed and replaced by a state-appointed board of managers, but that the schools would remain open. The board of managers must either dissolve

3936-645: The United States. Abbott was born on November 13, 1957, in Wichita Falls, Texas , of English descent . His mother, Doris Lechristia Jacks Abbott, was a housewife and his father, Calvin Rodger Abbott, was a stockbroker and insurance agent . When he was six years old, they moved to Longview ; the family lived there for six years. When he was 12, Abbott's family moved to Duncanville . In his sophomore year in high school, his father died of

4018-601: 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

4100-641: 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

4182-409: 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

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4264-449: 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

4346-566: 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

4428-422: The district considered closing Inter-City Elementary School. In 2011, the district was labeled academically unacceptable. In March 2012 the district projected that it would have a $ 4.6 million deficit the following year. It considered closing Highlands Elementary School and Simms Elementary School to save $ 450,000. In 2015 the district had 2,500 students. On February 6, 2015, the Texas Education Agency revoked

4510-476: The district or return it to local control within two years. On November 12, 2015, La Marque ISD received a letter from TEA Commissioner Michael Williams advising the School Board that the district would be closed on July 1, 2016 and absorbed by another district. While it has not yet been announced who would be absorbing the district, Texas City ISD is the most likely candidate due to geographical location and

4592-515: 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

4674-400: The hospital, brought by patients who alleged that the hospital allowed Christopher Duntsch to perform neurosurgery despite knowing that he was a dangerous physician. Abbott cited the Texas legislature's cap on malpractice cases and the statute's removal of the term "gross negligence" from the definition of legal malice as reasons for defending Baylor. In the late 2000s, Abbott established

4756-583: 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

4838-486: The most decisive effect on student achievement, contributing to a large performance gap between children from economically disadvantaged families and those from middle class homes." A spokesman for Abbott's campaign pointed out that the biggest difference in spending was that Davis had proposed universal pre-K education while Abbott wanted to limit state funding to programs that meet certain standards. Davis's plan could reach $ 750 million in cost and Abbott said that her plan

4920-418: 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

5002-741: 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

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5084-473: The parents and/or guardians of students zoned to a school with uniforms may apply for a waiver to opt out of the uniform policy so their children do not have to wear the uniform; parents must specify " bona fide " reasons, such as religious reasons or philosophical objections. High school students were permitted to wear solid-colored or striped golf shirts that do not have the colors red and black. Trousers were permitted to be navy, khaki, or denim. In 2008 there

5166-446: The pursuit of sexual gratification unrelated to procreation." As attorney general, Abbott defended the state's ban on same-sex marriage from a constitutional challenge. In 2014, he argued in court that Texas should be allowed to prohibit same-sex marriage because LGBT individuals cannot procreate. He said that as "same-sex relationships do not naturally produce children, recognizing same-sex marriage does not further these goals to

5248-619: 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

5330-434: The same extent that recognizing opposite-sex marriage does." He also argued that gay people are still free to marry, saying they are "as free to marry an opposite-sex spouse as anyone else". He suggested that same-sex marriage led to a slippery slope in which "any conduct that has been traditionally prohibited can become a constitutional right simply by redefining it at a higher level of abstraction." In 2016, Abbott urged

5412-486: 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

5494-424: The same period; court challenges included carbon-emission standards, health-care reform, transgender rights, and others. The Dallas Morning News compared Abbott to Scott Pruitt , noting that both attorneys general had repeatedly sued the federal government over its environmental regulations. The Houston Chronicle noted that Abbott "led the charge against Obama-era climate regulations". Abbott has said that

5576-410: The second half of 2016. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick had been mentioned as a potential challenger, but confirmed that he would run for reelection as lieutenant governor. During the weekend of January 21, 2017, Abbott said that he intended to run for reelection. He confirmed this on March 28, 2017. Abbott formally announced his reelection campaign on July 14, 2017. This came four days before

5658-515: The settlement in his own paralysis case was a "nonmedical liability lawsuit", which remains uncapped, Abbott has faced criticism, generally from Democrats who oppose the Republican-backed lawsuit curbs, for "tilt[ing] the judicial scales toward civil defendants." As attorney general, Abbott unsuccessfully defended Texas's ban on sex toys . He said Texas had a legitimate interest in "discouraging prurient interests in autonomous sex and

5740-558: The start of a special legislative session that could split the Republican Party into factions favoring Abbott and Patrick on one hand and House speaker Joe Straus on the other. Straus represented the Moderate Republican faction, which opposes much of the social conservative agenda Abbott and Patrick pursued. In the November 6 general election, Abbott defeated Democratic nominee Lupe Valdez with about 56% of

5822-463: The state must not release Tier II Chemical Inventory Reports for security reasons, but that Texans "can ask every facility whether they have chemicals or not". Koch Industries has denied that its contributions to Abbott's campaign had anything to do with his ruling against releasing the safety information. In March 2014, Abbott filed a motion to intervene on behalf of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano in three federal lawsuits against

5904-408: 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

5986-452: 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 ,

6068-524: The third elected governor of a U.S. state to use a wheelchair, after Franklin D. Roosevelt of New York (1929–1932) and George Wallace of Alabama (1963–1967, 1971–1979; 1983–1987). Abbott held his first meeting as governor with a foreign prime minister when he met with the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny on March 15, 2015, to discuss trade and economic relations. During the 2015 legislative session, initiated by officials at

6150-568: The vote, having outraised her 18 to 1. He received 42% of the Hispanic and 16% of the African American vote. Abbott ran for a third term and faced challengers from within his own party, including former Texas Republican Party chair Allen West and Don Huffines . On March 1, he won the primary with over 66% of the vote. He was challenged by the Democratic nominee, former U.S. Representative Beto O'Rourke . Abbott began with

6232-481: Was Texas comptroller Susan Combs , with $ 611,700. Abbott won the Republican primary on March 4, 2014, with 91.5% of the vote. He faced State Senator Wendy Davis in the general election. Abbott promised to "tie outcomes to funding" for pre-K programs if elected, but said he would not require government standardized testing for 4-year-olds, as Davis accused him of suggesting. When defending his education plan, Abbott cited Charles Murray : "Family background has

6314-442: Was a "budget buster", whereas his education plan would cost no more than $ 118 million. Overall, Abbott said the reforms he envisioned would "level the playing field for all students [and] target schools which don't have access to the best resources." He called for greater access to technology in the classroom and mathematics instruction for kindergarten pupils. Abbott received $ 1.4 million in campaign contributions from recipients of

6396-477: Was also an adjunct professor at University of Texas School of Law . Abbott resigned from the Texas Supreme Court in 2001 to run for lieutenant governor of Texas . He had been campaigning for several months when the previous attorney general, John Cornyn , vacated the post to run for the U.S. Senate . Abbott then switched his campaign to the open attorney general's position in 2002. He defeated

6478-427: Was challenged by civil rights attorney David Van Os, who had been his Democratic opponent in the 1998 election for state Supreme Court. He was reelected to a second term with 60% to Van Os's 37%. Abbott ran for a third term in 2010. He defeated the Democratic nominee, attorney Barbara Ann Radnofsky , with 64% of the vote to her 34%. He was the longest-serving Texas attorney general in Texas history. In July 2013,

6560-454: Was confusion on how the district's uniform rules should be interpreted. Open at time of district closure: Closed/repurposed prior to district closure: 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 is headquartered in

6642-498: Was involved in numerous lawsuits against the Barack Obama administration , seeking to invalidate the Affordable Care Act and the administration's environmental regulations. Elected in 2014 , Abbott is the first Texas governor and third governor of a U.S. state to use a wheelchair, the others being Franklin D. Roosevelt and George Wallace . As governor, Abbott supported the first Donald Trump administration and has promoted

6724-410: 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

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