Columns

Attorney General Paxton successfully secured $1.167 billion for Texas out of the $26 billion opioid agreement with the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors – Cardinal, McKesson, and Amerisource-Bergen. This is the fifth statewide opioid settlement that Attorney General Paxton has finalized for Texas. With the addition of this distributor settlement, General Paxton has secured for Texas over $1.89 billion to date from the makers and distributors of opioids.

Feb. 28: The Riter C. Hulsey Public Library and The Center are hosting a free income tax preparation event each Monday (excluding March 14) from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Hulsey Public Library’s Community Room located at 301 N. Rockwall Ave. The events are limited capacity, and conducted on a first come, first serve basis. Additional questions about the events can be directed to 972-551-6663.

Win, win, and win. People love a winner but how about the losers? Society puts down a loser. Many people view the losing team in a game a loser. People will blame players, coaches and even fans for a loss. Regardless of how many games the team has won this year or obstacles they overcame, the fact is only one team won the super bowl.

Texas is booming, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is delivering on its commitment to ensure people and goods can move safely and efficiently in a rapidly growing state. During our November Texas Transportation Commission meeting, I announced that TxDOT has a historic and record $30 billion of roads and bridges under construction in Texas.

Feb. 14: The Kaufman County Homeless Coalition will be hosting a lunch, learn and share event from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the B&PW Building located at 200 Elm Drive in Terrell. The meeting is open to everyone, and will include a discussion on homelessness and housing insecurity in the community. Lunch will be provided by Eddie Deen and Hickory Roots BBQ. Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP with Bethany Thomas via text at 214-554-5813 or email at info@kaufmancountyhomelesscoalition. org.

Education in America is at risk. Quality teachers are at the forefront of a quality educational system and teachers are leaving the profession by the boatload. Teachers’ pay, COVID 19 protocols and lack of community support are driving the stress levels up higher than many teachers can take.

Home is all about having a space to make your own. As humans, we all need a space where we are comfortable enough in our own skin to relax. And, believe it or not, our feline friends have similar needs.