Texas Political Spotlight: Trump Appoints Former State Lawmaker to Cabinet

Trump Appoints Former State Lawmaker to Cabinet

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Texas state lawmaker Scott Turner to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner, who served in the Texas House from 2013 to 2017 and previously worked as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, will oversee HUD and advise on housing issues if confirmed. A University of Illinois graduate and former NFL player, Turner also founded the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council and holds leadership roles in organizations focused on education and economic opportunity. Other Texans nominated for roles in Trump’s administration include John Ratcliffe for CIA director.

University of Texas System Expands Free Tuition Program

The University of Texas System is expanding its free tuition program to cover tuition and fees for undergraduate students whose families earn $100,000 or less, starting next fall. The expansion, funded by a $35 million allocation, will apply to all nine universities in the system and aims to increase access to affordable education while reducing student debt. Students must be Texas residents, enrolled full-time, and apply for financial aid to qualify. UT leaders highlighted the program’s role in lowering the percentage of graduates with debt, which dropped from 54% in 2019 to 48% in 2023.

Freeman Martin to Serve as New DPS Director

Freeman Martin has been appointed as the new executive director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), beginning December 1st. A 33-year veteran of the agency, Martin started as a highway patrol trooper in 1990 and rose through the ranks, serving as a Texas Ranger, regional commander for central Texas, and deputy director. He has led DPS responses to significant crises, including Hurricane Harvey and the Sutherland Springs mass shooting, and spearheaded initiatives such as establishing a Texas Anti-Gang Center in San Antonio. As executive director, Martin will oversee over 11,000 employees, a $2 billion budget, and statewide law enforcement operations.

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