Things to know this week:
- Monday, Governor Perry announced the creation of the Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. The task force is responsible for developing a comprehensive, long-term plan to cover all stages of preparedness and response to outbreaks of infectious disease, such as Ebola. Dr. Brett P. Giroir, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, has been named director of the task force comprised of Health and Human Services Commissioner Dr. Kyle Janek, Department of State Health Services Commissioner Dr. David Lakey, public health experts, epidemiologists, and leadership from other state agencies that would be involved in a response to a pandemic event.
- Staff for the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission has completed its review of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and has released its recommendations. In its report, the Sunset Commission recommends further consolidation of the state’s health agencies from five to one. Currently, HHSC oversees four other health agencies—Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).
- The annual Red River Showdown, Shootout, Rivalry, whatever you want to dub it … between the University of Texas Longhorns and University of Oklahoma Sooners takes place Saturday, October 11 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. This is the 109th time that Burnt Orange will tangle with Crimson Red. Horns Up!
- 12 days remain until early voting begins in Texas. Make sure you have the proper photo I.D. ready to vote. Check this list for acceptable forms of photo I.D.
Only in Austin…
While many Austinites will make the trek north on I-35 to take part in Texas-OU festivities, some will stick around town for the second weekend of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Inspired by the show, Austin City Limits, the inaugural ACL Music Festival took place 12 years ago. With each year, the lineup has grown as well as the crowds. An estimated 75,000 people attend the festival each day.
