Texas News
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will not receive his $153,750 salary during suspension
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will not receive his $153,750 salary during suspension
“Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will not receive his $153,750 salary during suspension” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
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Comptroller Glenn Hegar's office confirmed Thursday that Attorney General Ken Paxton will not be paid his $153,750 annual salary while he is on suspension.
The state's top lawyer was removed from office last week and is awaiting his impeachment trial before the Senate, which has not yet been scheduled.
Paxton was suspended from his duties Saturday when the Texas House voted to adopt 20 articles of impeachment ranging from accepting bribes to disregarding his official duties. The vote came two days after an investigative committee unveiled the charges. The committee had been meeting since March after Paxton asked the Legislature to approve the use of taxpayer money for a $3.3 million settlement for four former employees who were fired after accusing him of using his office to benefit a friend and political donor, real estate investor Nate Paul.
On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott named John Scott, former Texas secretary of state, as interim attorney general. The Texas Tribune has requested salary information for Scott. The compensation for Texas state employees can be found in the Tribune's Government Salaries Explorer, which is updated quarterly.
In a Tuesday letter to Scott, Rob Coleman, director of the comptroller's Financial Management Division, said that under the Texas Constitution, “no salary payment may occur to Attorney General Warren Kenneth Paxton while in a suspended status.”
Paxton remains suspended pending the outcome of the trial, which the Senate has said will occur by Aug. 28.
Paxton's impeachment came less than a year after the Republican attorney general won his third term last November.
“I am beyond grateful to have the support of millions of Texans who recognize that what we just witnessed is illegal, unethical, and profoundly unjust,” Paxton said in a statement on Saturday. “I look forward to a quick resolution in the Texas Senate, where I have full confidence the process will be fair and just.”
Disclosure: The Texas comptroller of public accounts and the Texas secretary of state have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
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This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/01/ken-paxton-suspension-salary/.
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Texas News
Woman arrested, 2 others accused looting Hurricane Beryl-ravaged Westchase area apartments
SUMMARY: Police in Houston have arrested 61-year-old Tamara Brown for allegedly breaking into multiple Westchase-area apartments damaged by Hurricane Beryl. Brown reportedly worked with two others, who remain at large. A man from Woodlake Oaks Apartments had to evacuate after his roof caved in and subsequently reported a burglary where thieves took electronics. Eyewitnesses found several garbage bags filled with potential stolen items outside the complex. In the Westbury neighborhood, Victoria Ma returned home to find her residence burglarized after losing power due to the hurricane. Brown was released on a $10,000 bond and ordered to stay 200 feet away from the complex.
The post Woman arrested, 2 others accused looting Hurricane Beryl-ravaged Westchase area apartments appeared first on abc13.com
Texas News
Weekend I-45 closures announced in Houston area this weekend, delays expected
SUMMARY: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced multiple I-45 closures in Houston this weekend. While Highway 59 closures are postponed, I-45 closures will remain through the weekend. Key closures include the I-45 Gulf frontage road from Broad Street to Griggs Road and several lanes and ramps at I-45 North near Beltway 8. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes. Closures are subject to weather, and updates are available on the Houston TranStar website or TxDOT’s social media. The closures will last from Friday night, July 26, through early Monday, July 29.
The post Weekend I-45 closures announced in Houston area this weekend, delays expected appeared first on abc13.com
Texas News
Austin FC impresses in Leagues Cup opener over Pumas
SUMMARY: Austin FC ended their tough MLS regular season run with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Pumas in their Leagues Cup opener. Alex Ring scored early, and despite Osman Bukari’s red card, Gyasi Zardes added another goal, making it 2-0 at halftime. Pumas narrowed the lead with a stoppage-time goal, but Sebastian Driussi extended Austin’s lead to 3-1. Pumas scored again in the 72nd minute and had a late chance to tie, but backup goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland saved a crucial penalty to secure the win. This victory gives Austin three points, with their next match against Monterrey at Q2 Stadium.
The post Austin FC impresses in Leagues Cup opener over Pumas appeared first on www.kxan.com
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