Veterinarians – renew your license online by March 1, 2012 with TBVME. During the process you can also update your address. The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners regulates the practice of veterinary medicine by licensing and regulating veterinarians. The mission of the TBVME is to establish and enforce policies to ensure the best possible quality of veterinary services for the people of Texas. Their first priority is to protect the public by maintaining high standards for veterinarians who seek licensure in Texas, as well as those who are already in practice. The agency receives and investigates complaints against veterinarians and persons practicing without a license and takes action, as necessary.
Thinking about buying or selling a home? The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) was created in 1949 to ensure that real estate professionals conduct transactions properly for buyers and sellers across Texas. TREC’s mission as a state agency is to protect consumers from illegal real estate transactions; to provide for the availability of competent real estate professionals; and to encourage a robust economic climate that will enhance home ownership and property investment. TREC works in conjunction with the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board to ensure that all real estate brokers, sales persons, inspectors and appraisers meet and maintain specified levels of education. Their education, licensing and industry regulation programs ensure that real estate service providers are honest, trustworthy and competent. For suggestions on how to complete a successful real estate purchase, check out their online brochure, Home Ownership and Property Investment - A Guide for Buyers and Sellers of Real Estate in Texas.
The Skills Development Fund grant program, a statewide initiative administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, helps employers in need of specific workforce skills and workers seeking new skills. The Texas Workforce Commission works in partnership with local workforce development boards across the state, known as Workforce Solutions Offices, to connect workers with jobs and help employers train, recruit and retain skilled workers. Grants from the Skills Development Fund are awarded to local community and technical colleges who partner with employers to provide customized job training. The program has been credited with creating or upgrading thousands of jobs throughout the state. These public-private partnerships serve the needs of local communities by creating a highly skilled labor force, partnering with local community colleges and providing an economic boost through job creation and increased income for workers. The Texas Legislature has allocated $48.5 million to fund these grants in the 2012-13 biennium. More information about Skills Development Fund grants is available at: skills.texasworkforce.org
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) works to protect insurance consumers by regulating the insurance industry fairly and diligently, promoting a stable and competitive market, and providing information that makes a difference. Two recent web-based initiatives illustrate how TDI puts these goals into practice: Help Insure is a robust, consumer-friendly website that helps people shop for auto insurance and residential property insurance, view and compare sample rates and policy forms, get information about companies and agents, and learn about the types of insurance. Help Insure’s Market Connection helps consumers and businesses connect with agents and insurers by providing a list of participating agents and companies, and also by providing a means for agents to contact consumers who have requested that they do so. Texas Health Options is an online resource for finding health insurance coverage. Consumers simply select the profile that best describes their situation and the website leads them through the health insurance options that are available to them. Consumers can also find information about different types of plans and small business owners can learn about opportunities available to them through the Healthy Texas program.
The one place big enough to tell the “Story of Texas." The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in downtown Austin tells the story through three huge floors of compelling and interactive exhibits; the special effects show, The Star of Destiny, in the Texas Spirit Theater; Austin's premier IMAX® Theatre, featuring the signature film, Texas: The Big Picture; and a host of engaging events, activities, and programs for families and adults. The Museum also has a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a museum store with something for the Texan in everyone. The Museum's mission is engaging the broadest possible audience to interpret the continually unfolding Story of Texas through meaningful educational experiences.
Every issue is packed with photographs by award-winning photographers and informative articles about outdoor recreation, state parks, wildlife and conservation. We cover all the ways life is better outside -- including fishing, paddling, camping, hiking, birding and more. Order today and receive 10 beautiful issues, plus two special digital guide issues -- one in the spring on fishing and hunting in the fall. Order your subscription today and check out the special offers at www.tpwmagazine.com/specialoffers.
Known as the largest city in Texas, the City of Houston is also a progressive city that had made notable advancements to make local government more available to its residents. Using Houston’s eGovernment Center, residents can pay traffic tickets, pay water bills, apply for a job, and find out about city events online. HoustonWiFi, a city initiative launched in 2010, provides free Internet broadband service at over 150 locations in 10 neighborhoods and business centers throughout Houston, with plans to expand this service to 500 locations in 30 neighborhoods.
Make vehicle registration unforgettable! With TxDMV’s eReminder service, just enter some basic info and you’ll automatically receive an email reminder 3 weeks before your vehicle registration is due. TxDMV will send another reminder 1 week before your registration expires. Remember, in most counties you can renew your vehicle registration online.
The Texas Veterans Commission is the state appointed advocate of Texas Veterans for securing benefits earned through their service in our nation’s armed forces. The Texas Veterans Commission has several programs that serve Veterans, including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. This Fund awards grants to local charitable organizations and government agencies that provide direct services to Texas Veterans and their families. These services include counseling, housing assistance, legal services, emergency financial assistance, transportation, and more. Learn more about the Fund or make an online donation now.
Big Adventures! Big State! Explore the Lone Star state with a year’s subscription to Texas Highways Magazine, the state’s official travel magazine. Join our seasoned travel writers and photographers for a monthly page-by-page journey of the state’s best destinations, events and attractions. Big discount for Texas.gov visitors. New subscribers can join Texas Highways through a special offer to Texas.gov visitors of just $15.95 for a 1-year U.S. subscription. Go to the Texas Department of Transportation (download Adobe Reader)to get a risk-free trial issue!
The Texas Facilities Commission is responsible for planning, providing and managing facilities for more than one hundred state agencies in over 290 cities throughout Texas. The agency's current inventory totals 28.4 million square feet of state-owned and leased properties that include office, warehouse and parking facilities supporting the needs of over 62,600 state employees. In addition, TFC manages the State Surplus Program which has surplus property available for sale to the public, including surplus state vehicles.
DIR promotes a shared vision for Texas that maximizes the value of the state’s technology investment by identifying common areas of interest, using technology to advance agency missions, and preserving flexibility to innovate. DIR provides a statewide leadership role by leveraging the state’s investment in shared technology, protecting technology assets and citizen privacy, simplifying access to government services and information, and promoting the innovative use of technology across the state.
TDLR is the state's umbrella occupational regulatory agency, responsible for the regulation of 29 occupations and industries. The regulated industries are diverse, ranging from boxing to electricians, from elevators to auctioneers. The mission of TDLR is to honor the public trust, ensure the public's safety and foster a fair and efficient regulatory environment.
The Office of Court Administration provides resources and information for the efficient administration of the Judicial Branch of Texas. The OCA has been providing resources and information to the Texas judiciary on behalf of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas since 1977. They are a professional staff dedicated to the effective administration of justice, providing high quality consultative, legal, technology, funding, and support services primarily to the judiciary and other branches of government.
TCEQ has a range of responsibilities as broad as the state itself, all keyed to various aspects of environmental protection. The agency strives to protect the state's human and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. The goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.
The BON's mission is to protect and promote the welfare of Texans by ensuring that each person holding a license as a nurse in the State of Texas is competent to practice safely. The Board fulfills this mission through the regulation of the practice of nursing and the approval of nursing education programs. Acting in accordance with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, efficiency, effectiveness, and openness, the BON approaches its mission with a deep sense of purpose and responsibility and affirms that the regulation of nursing is a public and private trust.
The mission of the TSBPA is to protect the public by ensuring that people issued certificates as certified public accountants possess the necessary education, skills, and capabilities and that they perform competently in the profession of public accountancy. TSBPA administers the public accountancy statutes with the highest degree of integrity, competence, and efficiency commensurate with the professional standards of certified public accountants.
With the upcoming November statewide election, the Texas Secretary of State’s office is working to ensure voting is easy, transparent, and open. The agency provides an online resource with information about the registration and voting process. Texans may check their voter registration status online or request a voter registration application. In addition, information about what’s on the ballot, voting systems, and election procedures is also available.
HHSC enrolls eligible Texans in vital social services, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and SNAP food benefits. The agency also provides a comprehensive information and a referral network through 2-1-1 Texas.
DPS seeks to preserve order by protecting lives, rights, property, and privileges of the residents of Texans. DPS is composed of two divisions: Law Enforcement and Services. The Law Enforcement Division consists of the Texas Highway Patrol, the Texas Rangers, and criminal investigators who work in counterterrorism, drug and gang investigations. The Services Division issues driver licenses, concealed handgun licenses, private security licenses, and oversees vehicle inspections. DPS also provides emergency management services during disasters. DPS employees work together and with other state agencies to achieve a safer Texas by providing enhanced public safety services.
DSHS improves health and well-being in Texas by providing essential programs and services for public health, mental health, and substance abuse prevention and treatment. DSHS helps communities prevent and prepare for health threats, promotes recovery for persons with infectious disease and mental illness, and improves the health of Texans through education and assistance.