Thomas Gleeson

OCWP Focus Basin Meetings (cont.) - MAIP, Ports, Grove, Tulsa, Vinita, Cherokee Nation Businesses, GRDA,... We begin Round 4 regional meetings today at 1:00 in NW OK (Claremore; see below...). So today I'll talk about our FB meetings at Tulsa Ports about the exceptional growth they anticipate as SH412 transitions to I-42! The Town of Grove, Vinita, City of Tulsa, GRAND GATEWAY E D A, Cherokee Nation, ODOT, Tulsa Ports, MidAmerica Industrial Park, GRDA, and others are members of this FB group and discussing the water challenges of the future. In areas like NE OK where water is available for expansion is where the country is seeing economic opportunities and growth. This is a great thing but infrastructure and coordination takes time and investment up front, and coordination and cooperation between the places of industry and the surrounding communities. It means if we are going to do this right, do it efficiently and maximize our opportunities, we need to work together, to plan ahead, get to know one another and understand the challenges and issues that local communities are facing. We have just begun those conversations and personally, I hope they continue and perhaps bring more related interests to the conversation. Round 4 OCWP regional meetings: https://lnkd.in/eJYNbaQh

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If you had to pick one area of focus, what would you do to incentive more businesses to move to New Mexico? Workforce training, tax incentives, build infrastructure? This week I've been attending Aspen Tech Policy Hub's Writing For Policy Short Course. I'm pulling most of thoughts from the New Mexico’s Economic Path Forward 2023 report (see in comments), and am focused on supporting economic diversification through skilled workforce training in key industries like Green Energy and Aerospace. A few points that stood out to me when reading: 1️⃣ Historically, New Mexico’s economy has been dependent upon a few key industries. These industries include government, retail, and oil and gas. 2️⃣ The lack of economic diversification has resulted in inconsistent, statewide results and fewer economic opportunities for New Mexicans. 3️⃣ Economic development and diversification are dependent upon the presence of a high-quality workforce with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to meet the needs of industry. 4️⃣ Stakeholders have identified a growing disconnect between what is taught at New Mexico’s colleges and universities and what is needed by the state’s most critical industries. #EconomicDevelopment #Policy #AspenInstitute

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BG Reads | October 30, 2024 Today's BG Reads include: 🟪 Report finds slashed site plan review times, with further improvements on tap (Austin Monitor) 🟪 Joe Rogan to interview Republican VP nominee JD Vance in Austin on Wednesday (Austin American-Statesman) 🟪 Auditor examines city’s shifting funding, expectations for Cultural Arts grants (Austin Monitor) 🟪 How local rules fuel high housing costs in Texas (Texas Tribune) 🟪 Two closing arguments show the stark choice between Trump and Harris (Associated Press) ✅ Check out all of today's curated BG Reads here-> https://lnkd.in/gpdu3bzY... ✅ Subscribe to the daily BG Reads email here -> https://lnkd.in/gAXh9t9B... The Bingham Group, LLC #austintx #texas #GovernmentRelations #GovernmentAffairs #lobbying #lobbyist #NewsUpdate #atxgov

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During the Houston VA Regional Office’s recent visit to UTSA, we had a great conversation with VA Houston Regional Director Robert M. Worley II discussing critical topics impacting UTSA's military-connected students and veterans. These included: 1. UTSA and UT Health Merger: Exploring how the merger might enhance resources and streamline services for veteran students, possibly creating a more integrated support system. 2. VA Work-Study Pay: Addressing compensation challenges and potential improvements in VA work-study programs to ensure fair and timely pay for student veterans. 3. Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E): Discussing ways to maximize VR&E resources, making sure veterans at UTSA receive tailored support for academic and career success. We also got to talk to VA Chief of Social Work Victor L. about the huge positive VITAL and Toni Bravo-Price, LCSW have had as well as potential internship pipelines for The University of Texas at San Antonio social work students wanting to work with veteran populations. These discussions underscore our shared commitment to advancing resources and collaboration for the veteran community at UTSA.

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Huge news out of Texas - the Texas Department of Transportation just released an interagency taskforce report on heavy-duty vehicle charging infrastructure! I'm incredibly proud to have been part of this taskforce, and am eager to take our policy recommendations into the legislative session. Some of the biggest takeaways from the report: - Texas’ electricity costs (cheaper than any other state) and existing utility policies provide unique advantages for MHDV charging infrastructure that other states do not presently enjoy - An increased focus in state incentives, and pursuing policies such as permitting reform and make-ready infrastructure investments, can harness Texas' competitive advantanges - Texas needs dedicating funding for staff and programs that increase coordination across state agencies – especially for modeling among agencies, utilities, and fleets - Heavy-duty charging depots that could take years to get off the ground in other states could conceivably be built in months in Texas; the power is there for the first phase of build-outs, with permitting the only major hang-up - Texas should create an Electric Truck Advisory Council to provide coordination among industry, communities, and agencies for further implementation The taskforce brought together state partners including TxDOT, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ERCOT, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments; leading utilities such as Oncor Electric Delivery and CenterPoint Energy; NGOs, including Environmental Defense Fund and EPRI; and companies such as Navistar Inc and Trillium Energy Solutions to provide an overview on the federal and state MHDV charging landscape and offer recommendations. A special thanks to State Rep. Armando Walle and his Chief of Staff Cara Santucci for creating the taskforce via state budget rider and their continued support of these policies. Excited for what is next! Links to our EDF blog and the full report are in the comments, for anyone looking to dive deeper.

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My #EconDevWeek #EconDevWeekTexas shoutout goes to the entire network of sales tax funded Economic Development Corporations (EDCs) in Texas, and the organizations like Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) that advocate on their behalf. According to the FY 2023 reports on file with the Comptroller, there are 785 active EDCs with a combined $2.1 billion in capital to deploy for projects that create jobs, build infrastructure, and invest in quality-of-life amenities that make our cities and counties more attractive and competitive places for businesses and residents. Texas EDCs were funded by nearly $1.2 billion in sales tax revenue last year. If there is a better example of how to achieve "bottom-up," community-driven goals for economic development, I have yet to come across it.

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Post Election "The More You Know" - Our Firm's very own Rezzin Pullum was a featured speaker on the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc. podcast to discuss Election Petitions & all the ins and outs of the process. Check it out if you're curious or want to have the one ups/fun facts for any awkward holiday conversations you may find yourself stuck in 🤪 #electionlaw #municipallaw #educateyourself #training #citygovernment #elections #localgovernment #municipalgovernment

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𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀? Last Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott swore in the newly appointed Texas Business Court judges at a ceremony in Fort Worth. The court came online Sept. 1, and the first cases have already been filed in the Houston and Austin divisions. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://bit.ly/3XBtxTE #txlege #txcourts #txbiz #Litigation #Business #Economy #Texas #Courts

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🤝 Productive Meeting at the Texas Secretary of State's Office: Enhancing Trade and Business Connections 🇺🇸🇹🇩 We had the privilege of meeting with officials at the Texas Secretary of State's office, where we delved into the intricacies of trade missions and the essential rules and procedures that companies must follow to engage in business with Texas. This meeting was a vital step towards strengthening economic ties between Romania and Texas. We are committed to deepening the economic and trade relationships between Romania and Texas. One of the key outcomes of our meeting is the initiative to establish representative roles for business and trade between our two regions. This move is aimed at creating a more streamlined and supportive framework for mutual economic growth. The Texas Secretary of State's office showed great enthusiasm for our vision of increased collaboration. By facilitating a clearer understanding of each other’s market conditions and business cultures, we are paving the way for a fruitful partnership that promises to benefit both regions economically. Political Research Group #InternationalTrade #BusinessDevelopment #RomaniaTexas #EconomicPartnership #TradeMission #GlobalDiplomacy #RisingLeaders

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The Texas legislative session kicks off on January 14, which means businesses need to start laying the groundwork for their advocacy efforts. Getting an early start is crucial for maximizing your impact in the Capitol. By engaging government relations experts now, you can thoroughly research key issues, build strategic relationships with policymakers and develop a comprehensive advocacy plan. This upfront work pays dividends throughout the legislative process. Too often, companies wait until the last minute to ramp up their lobbying efforts. But the most successful businesses know that effective advocacy is all about planning ahead. When you start early, you gain a major advantage: - You ensure your voice is heard in key discussions and decisions both leading up to and throughout the legislative session - You establish trusted connections with the decision-makers who matter most - You identify potential roadblocks or opposition in advance  - You identify additional allies, leading to increased support, stronger coalitions, and new paths to success I'll be sharing more tips in the coming weeks on how to make the most of the Texas session. Contact me: [email protected] I www.grprpublicaffairs.com

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When we talk about the digital divide, of course we talk about children and their access to quality education materials. However, you don’t have to spend much time in rural Texas to hear them talk about traveling 5+ hours for medical appointments that could be resolved with technology in a fraction of the time. At the hospital in my town I watched the operate a 3d model of a patients heart using a secure zoom link and high speed broadband. #DigitalDivide #ThoughtLeadership #ConnectivityChangesEverything

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Pleased to offer data and analysis regarding the pernicious illegal online gambling market at today’s Louisiana Senate hearing on a panel with National Council of Legislators from Gaming States President Shawn Fluharty. Up for discussion: a provision that would ban any person or entity conducting or facilitating illegal online gambling from receiving a gaming license. A gaming license is a privilege, not a reward to bad actors who flaunt the law. A similar provision in regards to unlicensed sweepstakes gaming is included in the draft model legislation released this week by NCLGS.

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Your Vote: Secure! Now that early voting for the 2024 General Election is underway, we wanted to assure voters that Ellis County administers elections according to the highest standards required by the Texas Constitution & Election Code. In accordance with the Texas Election Code, our Elections Department routinely inspects voter rolls to ensure that only qualified Ellis County residents are registered to vote, while mail-in ballots require a pre-approved application. Additionally, in 2022 Ellis County took the initiative to voluntarily adopt a system of sequential, pre-numbered ballots – a system which later became mandatory under orders of the Texas Secretary of State in 2024. Sequentially-numbered ballots ensure that election results can be accurately audited while still preserving voter privacy. For information about voting hours & locations, or for assistance with voting, please contact the Ellis County Elections Department at 972-825-5195. #election2024

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Economic Development is a coordinated and collaborative intentional effort by state and local governments. It significantly contributes to what is known as the "Texas Miracle" of economic prosperity. Miracles by definition defy explanation. Texas governments work diligently to make Texas a better place for business and all stakeholders! #economicdevelopment #texas #tedc

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📜 Valuable Insights at Texas Public Policy Foundation with Chuck DeVore Our enriching journey through Texas continued with a significant meeting at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where we had the honor of discussing pivotal issues with Chuck DeVore. This session deepened our understanding of the intricate relationship between policy-making and constitutional rights. 🔹 Defending the Constitution: We explored the Foundation's dedicated efforts in protecting the Constitution, a cornerstone of American democracy. Their work ensures that legislative and executive actions remain in harmony with constitutional mandates, safeguarding individual freedoms and the rule of law. 🔹 Elections and Policy Impact: The conversation also covered the broad impact of US elections on policy-making, highlighting how electoral outcomes influence governmental priorities and the implementation of policies at both state and national levels. Political Research Group #TexasPublicPolicyFoundation #ChuckDeVore #GoodPolicy #ConstitutionalRights #USPolitics #LeadershipDevelopment #InternationalRelations #RisingLeaders

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2024 ASCE Texas Section Officer Election: Your Vote Matters! We are excited to announce that the 2024 ASCE Texas Section election is now open! All members in good standing, including distinguished members, fellows, members, associates, and affiliate members, are eligible to vote. This is your chance to have a say in who will lead our Section into the future. 🔹 Why Vote? Voting in the ASCE Texas Section election is as crucial as participating in local, state, and national elections. Your vote empowers you to be a part of the decision-making process, ensuring that your voice is heard in shaping the leadership and direction of our organization. It promotes transparency, inclusivity, and effective governance—core values of our strategic plan. 🔹 Get Involved! We invite all members to visit texasce.org/election to learn more about the nominees. You can also view the recording of the President Elect Forum to personally hear about the candidates. Stay tuned for email instructions on how to cast your vote and support the future leaders of the ASCE Texas Section. Let's work together to ensure our organization continues to thrive and lead in the engineering community! #ASCE #TexasSection #Election2024 #Leadership #Vote #Engineering #Community #ProfessionalGrowth

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🔖 Save this link! The @la_psc outage map includes data for any utility that reports to the Commission. It is updated every 3 hours with the data reported to us by utilities & serves as the official report to the government for assistance programs lpsc.louisiana.gov

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