State Capitol Highlights

State opts out of federal refugee resettlement program

Texas has acted on its threat to withdraw from the federal refugee resettlement program, Gov. Greg Abbott said on Sept. 30.

Texas had demanded enhanced FBI screening of individuals “from terrorist-based nations” and expressed resistance to the federal government’s request that the Lone Star State increase by 25 percent the number of refugees to be resettled.  An estimated 7,000 refugees have taken up residence in Texas in the past year.

The federal government did not respond to a Sept. 21 letter from the state refugee coordinator with the Texas Department of Human Services. The letter gave notice that the state would no longer participate in the program if the state’s concerns were not addressed. 

Despite state-level termination of participation in the program, private entities and local governmental bodies in Texas may continue to receive federal assistance to aid in the continued resettling of refugees.

New monument at Capitol

Work crews installed the main elements of the new Texas African American Historical Monument on the south grounds of the state Capitol on Sept. 27.

An official unveiling of the panoramic monument created by sculptor Ed Dwight will take place later this year. The monument was approved by the State Preservation Board, which has authority over the Capitol grounds.

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