May 1, 2026 - On April 21, 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto marked a turning point in Texas history. Led by General Sam Houston, Texas forces secured a swift victory over the Mexican army. The battle resulted in the capture of General Santa Anna and ultimately paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Texas.
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. Groundwater Management Area 11 votes to propose new DFCs
Groundwater management areas (GMAs) are regional groups composed of groundwater conservation districts (GCDs) and surrounding counties that meet every five years to set long-term goals for aquifer levels, known as desired future conditions (DFCs). These DFCs guide local pumping parameters and water planning. In East Texas, GMA 11 includes Neches & Trinity Valleys GCD (Anderson, Cherokee, and Henderson Counties), Panola County GCD, Pinewoods GCD (Nacogdoches and Angelina Counties), Rusk County GCD, and surrounding counties not within a GCD.
On April 28th, the GMA 11 Board met to propose new DFCs for the region’s aquifers. The Board heard concerns about proposals that would have significantly reduced groundwater availability in Anderson, Cherokee, and Henderson Counties, with potential impacts to existing permit holders and future development. Representative Cody Harris, Representative Trent Ashby, and I submitted a joint comment outlining these concerns. Fortunately, the Board ultimately voted to propose less restrictive DFCs for the three counties at issue and directed its hydrologist to evaluate additional options before final adoption. Final DFCs are due January 5, 2027. In the coming months, local districts will publish proposed DFCs and hold public hearings, providing opportunities for public input.
2. Governor announces grants for rural healthcare
This month, Governor Greg Abbott announced several grants aimed at supporting rural healthcare across Texas. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is accepting applications for the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant, which will provide up to $25 million to improve care for uninsured individuals, rural seniors, children, and new or expectant mothers. Applications are due May 28, 2026. Additionally, $60 million in federal funding will soon be made available to rural hospital districts to address chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. These funds may be used to support community wellness centers, assist local grocery stores and food pantries, and provide chronic disease screenings. Finally, HHSC will also soon make available $99 million in federal funding to support rural hospitals in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers through scholarships, training programs, and incentives for providers. For more information, please visit https://www.hhs.texas.gov/.
3. Southeast Texas schools receive career training grants
The Texas Workforce Commission recently awarded over $1.7 million in career training grants to several Southeast Texas schools. These grants are intended to help expand career and technical education programs by funding equipment and training for students interested in fields such as nursing, welding, and information technology. Award recipients include Kountze ISD, which received over $350,000 for a welding training program; West Sabine ISD, which received over $330,000 for a registered nurse training program; and Lamar Institute of Technology, which received over $350,000 for an electrical and electronic engineering technologist training program.
4. TWDB now accepting applications for Water Supply and Infrastructure grants
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is now accepting applications for over $1 billion in funding through its Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant Program. Political subdivisions may apply for these funds to support projects that enhance water supply, improve infrastructure, and help communities meet growing demand across the state. The application window closes July 30, 2026. TWDB will also host an informational webinar on Wednesday, May 13, for communities and stakeholders interested in learning more about the program and application process. For more information, please visit https://www.twdb.texas.gov.
5. Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program applications opening soon
My office will begin accepting applications for the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) from May 15 through July 15, 2026. This program provides financial assistance of up to $30,000 per year to students seeking to complete a college degree who commit to serving in the military following graduation. Each state senator may appoint one student to receive an initial conditional scholarship award. Scholarship applicants must: submit an essay explaining why he/she believes military service is important, how he/she would fulfill the requirements of the scholarship and which university he/she would like to attend; and submit a resume, which must include his/her contact information, his/her full name, mailing and physical addresses, Social Security number, Date of Birth, phone number, and email address. Please submit up to five recommendation letters. Application packets may be submitted via email to Robert.Nichols@senate.texas.gov. For more information, please visit https://www.highered.texas.gov/.
