Texas Political Spotlight

Texas State Agencies Begin Transition to Bring Remote Workers Back to Offices

In response to guidance from the governor’s office, Texas state agencies are planning to transition many remote employees back to on-site work over the coming months. While remote work policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to apply under limited circumstances, most agencies are expected to have their employees return to physical offices. Agency leaders began notifying their staff of these plans, emphasizing that the shift aligns with the governor’s expectation for employees to work on-site full-time as soon as practicable, in accordance with state law. The move follows scrutiny from lawmakers during state budget hearings, where agency leaders were questioned about the efficiency and necessity of maintaining remote work policies.

According to the Legislative Budget Board’s survey of 96 state agencies, most allow a portion of their workforce to work remotely, with some agencies reporting up to 80% of their employees in fully or partially remote roles. The findings showed that flexible work arrangements improved recruitment and retention for many agencies, with some reporting increased productivity and cost savings from reduced office space. However, agency leaders are now tasked with developing plans to bring employees back to offices, with varying timelines and approaches. While some agencies with primarily on-site workforces will see minimal changes, others are expected to implement stricter return-to-office requirements by the end of March. The shift aims to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and that state agencies remain engaged and effective in serving the public.

Glenn Hegar Named Next Chancellor of Texas A&M System

Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller since 2014, has been selected as the next Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. He will oversee 11 universities and eight state agencies, succeeding Chancellor John Sharp, who will retire in June. Hegar's appointment comes amid increased scrutiny from Republican leaders over policies in higher education, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as academic freedom.

Hegar, a Republican from Katy, has a long history in Texas politics, serving as a state representative, senator, and comptroller. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University, St. Mary's University, and the University of Arkansas. Hegar will face significant challenges in leading the Texas A&M University System, as he steps into a period of transition and change. His ability to navigate the complex dynamics of academic leadership, while ensuring the continued success and growth of the system, will be crucial as he prepares to take office in the coming months.

As of now, both Christi Craddick and Don Huffines have announced their bids for the comptroller’s office.

Sylvester Turner to Lie in State at Capitol March 13-14

Former Houston mayor and U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner will lie in state at the Texas Capitol in Austin next week, following a resolution approved by the Texas House of Representatives. Turner, who passed away at age 70 from natural causes at his Washington D.C. apartment, will lie in the Texas House on March 13-14, with the public invited to pay their respects. He had attended President Donald Trump’s address to Congress the night before but left early to go to the hospital. Turner was elected to Congress in November, succeeding longtime U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who died last July from pancreatic cancer. Before serving in Congress, Turner completed two terms as Houston’s mayor after serving 14 terms in the Texas House of Representatives. Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised Turner’s dedication to public service, saying he left behind “a legacy of service to our great state.” Gov. Greg Abbott will order a special election to fill Turner's vacant congressional seat, but no dates have yet been announced

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