Texas Comptroller Susan Combs and Amazon.com Inc. have reached an agreement on sales tax issues. According to the agreement, Amazon plans over the next four years to create at least 2,500 jobs and make at least $200 million in capital
investments in Texas and will begin to collect and remit Texas sales tax on July 1, 2012. The agreement resolves all sales tax issues between Texas and Amazon.
Al Armendariz, EPA Administrator for Region 6, a five-state region including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, resigned this week after criticism over remarks made two years ago when he used the word “crucify” to describe his approach to enforcement. Armendariz was appointed to the post by President Obama on November 5, 2009.
Through provisions in the Affordable Care Act, the federal government awarded $61 million to improve and establish new community health centers in Texas. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the funding for 25 new or improved health centers will serve 78,479 patients across the state. Most of the services provided by community health centers involve primary care to help patients prevent more serious illnesses.
The state political party conventions will be held next month. The Texas Democratic Party announced that San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro will present the keynote address at the Party’s state convention in Houston on the evening of Friday, June 9, 2012. The night before, former Republican Presidential candidate, Senator Rick Santorum will be a featured speaker at the Texas Republican Party’s convention banquet in Ft. Worth.
Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott announced Tuesday that he will resign in July, on the fifth anniversary of Governor Rick Perry appointing him to the post.