Mitrah Avini, Policy Advisor

Mitrah Avini, Policy Advisor

Mitrah Avini, Policy Advisor

Posts

space exploration voter attitudes

Americans support the space industry, and Texas is leading the way

July 20, 2023

The Pew Research Center released data today from its most recent survey on the space industry and American attitudes toward it. Among the more encouraging findings? Nearly seven of 10 Americans — 69% — believe it’s important for the United States to continue as the global leader in space exploration. The release of the Pew…

Texas BEAD funding

Texas receives $3.3 billion in federal broadband funds

June 26, 2023

Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced BEAD program funding amounts for states across the country. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD Program), authorized by the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021, provides over $42.5 billion to expand high-speed internet across the nation. Texas was one of…

Artificial intelligence featured image

The AI Advisory Council: What you need to know

June 20, 2023

State lawmakers took an important step toward ensuring proper oversight over the use of artificial intelligence by state agencies with the passage this session of House Bill 2060. Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law last week the legislation, authored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, and sponsored by Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound. Following the bill…

Texas Space Commission

Space commission appointments: What to know

June 9, 2023

Last week, we provided an overview of the final version of the Texas Space Commission bill that is currently awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature. If and when HB 3447 is signed into law, attention will turn to filling the vacancies on the newly created space commission board and consortium executive committee. Here’s what you need…

Texas space commission industry

Space Commission bill passes the Legislature

June 5, 2023

This session’s key legislation addressing commercial growth and innovation in the Texas space industry passed the Legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature. Here’s what you need to know about House Bill 3447, authored by Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston. HB 3447 creates two entities —…

Texas broadband internet

Getting to know the Broadband Infrastructure Fund

June 1, 2023

The session’s most important legislation addressing broadband internet expansion to underserved areas of the state has passed the Legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature. Here’s what you need to know about House Bill 9 and House Joint Resolution 125. HB 9 establishes the constitutionally dedicated Broadband Infrastructure Fund (BIF). An accompanying constitutional amendment authorizing…

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