SUMMARY: During a Texas House Appropriations Committee hearing, tensions flared as Rep. Brian Harrison questioned the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) about race-based hiring practices linked to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. TWDB Chair L’Oreal Stepney became emotional over the accusations. Democratic Rep. Nicole Collier criticized Harrison’s questioning as offensive, emphasizing the qualifications of Black professionals like Stepney. The governor praised Stepney’s leadership, while Harrison defended the exchange as professional. Expert Eric McDaniel noted a growing distrust in institutions and highlighted the importance of understanding DEI beyond racial contexts, warning against potential negative consequences of ongoing attacks on such policies.

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SUMMARY: In Llano County, Texas, residents rely heavily on their local hospital, formerly Llano Memorial Hospital, for critical care and various medical services. Due to its distance from larger hospitals, it’s essential for the community. County Judge Ron Cunningham announced plans to transition hospital management to the Llano County Hospital Authority Board to improve operations and keep funding local. They aim to secure a Rural Emergency Hospital designation, which would unlock federal funding, allowing for expanded services such as swing bed programs and lab tests. Hospital administrator Hatch Smith emphasizes the necessity of community support for the hospital’s sustainability.

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SUMMARY: Accusations of violating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) orders led to an emotional hearing involving the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Governor Abbott defended TWDB Chair Laurel Stepney amid Representative Brian Harrison’s claims of race-based hiring practices. Harrison’s aggressive questioning prompted Tearful responses from Stepney, who emphasized her commitment to safeguarding Texas’ drinking water for 31 million residents. Despite the scrutiny, she maintained that the board adheres to the Governor’s executive orders. In response, Abbott voiced his confidence in Stepney’s leadership, stating, “there is no one better” to tackle the state’s water challenges.

Texas Water Development Board Chair L’Oreal Stepney was brought to tears after accusations of race-based hiring practices.

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