SD 11 SREC: E-Newletter from State Representative Dennis Paul

THE SPACE INDUSTRY BOOMS

Orion touts recent achievements for the future of space exploration

Recently, President Donald J. Trump signed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Transition Authorization Act of 2017, the first comprehensive NASA authorization passed by Congress in more than six years. The bill demonstrates strong bipartisan support for the Nation's space program and helps ensure that NASA remains at the forefront of exploration and discovery.

Members of the Orion team participated in Space Day
Texas on March 7 in Austin, Texas. Space Day is NASA's
biannual visit with the legislators at the Texas State
Capitol to showcase current programs and milestones
at NASA's Johnson Space Center, thank the legislators
for support of the Texas Aerospace Scholars and
Technology Outreach Program and present the economic
benefits of having a NASA center in their backyard.
The event included educational and interactive exhibits,
astronaut appearances and legislative proclamations
that highlighted achievements in human exploration
throughout the Lone Star State.

Click here to read more from the Orion's newsletter.

GOV. ABBOTT ANNOUNCES ACTION TO COMBAT VIOLENT CRIME AND GANG-RELATED ACTIVITY IN HARRIS COUNTY

Recently, Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference in Houston where he announced a new operation to crack down on the alarming rise and brutality of gang-related violent crime in Houston and Harris County. During the press conference, the Governor expressed concern about the double-digit growth in the violent crime rate in Houston and in Harris County and laid out his plan to take action in collaboration with the FBI and other local law enforcement agencies.

Click here to read more.

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY IN CLEAR LAKE

Houston City Council Member Dave Martin is pleased to announce that National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Houston Police Department's Clear Lake Substation, 2855 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77058.

The national event, sponsored by the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, aims to provide safe and convenient disposal of prescription drugs while also educating the public on the potential for the abuse of prescription medications. Sites will be available throughout the City of Houston for residents to drop off unused or expired drugs for safe disposal by law enforcement personnel.

Click here to learn more.

GOV. ABBOTT ATTENDS GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP STATE OF THE STATE LUNCHEON

Governor Greg Abbott attended and delivered remarks at the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) State of the State luncheon. During his speech Governor Abbott touted Houston's economic success and recent growth. The governor noted that in 2016 Houston experienced unprecedented growth, gaining more than 125,000 new residents, the second most of any metro area in the United States. The Houston metro area is also expected to add nearly 30,000 new jobs in 2017, and the port of Houston remains the number one exporting port in the country.

Click here to read more.

Capitol Visitor Information

My staff and I welcome everyone to visit our office as well as the historic Capitol building. If you are planning a trip to the Capitol be sure to stop by our office, Room E2.814. Here are some helpful tips for your visit:

- Texas Capitol Visitor Center

- Texas State Preservation Board

- The Bullock Texas State History Museum

For Austin scheduling inquiries during legislative session, contact: kathy.haigler@house.texas.gov