Mitrah Avini, Policy Advisor

Mitrah Avini, Policy Advisor

Mitrah Avini, Policy Advisor

Posts

Texas space industry

All Texans will benefit from a growing space industry

March 2, 2023

Texas has a rich history in space exploration and discovery. From Space Race-era NASA facilities, such as the Johnson Space Center in Houston, to more modern endeavors such as SpaceX’s research and development facility outside of Waco and its launch facility in Boca Chica, the Lone Star State has led in this industry for nearly…

Johnson Space Center

Space Commission is vital to TX aerospace ambitions

February 17, 2023
Texas 2036 Policy Analyst Mitrah Avini applauded lawmakers in testimony Thursday before the Senate Finance Committee for their inclusion of $350 million in their base budgets for the establishment of the Texas Space Commission. “Texas has long been regarded as a leader in space exploration, being home to [National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s] Johnson Space...

Texas receives $363M in federal grants to increase access to high-speed internet

January 27, 2023

Today, Texas Comptroller Hegar announced that the state was awarded $363.8 million in federal funds from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund for broadband expansion projects in the state.  The money will be used to fund a competitive grant application program — Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas, or BOOT — whose aim is to bring high-speed…

New TX broadband map ID’s funding opportunities

January 23, 2023

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced the release of the new interactive Texas Broadband Development Map, which illustrates the state of digital connectivity in the state and identifies areas eligible for funding.  Texas’ map will be used to determine the allocation of more than $500 million in federal money from the Capital Projects Fund for broadband…

The need for broadband access: Strategic Framework

November 30, 2022

This is part of our blog series for Texas 2036’s Strategic Framework, which provides in-depth, cross-cutting data to inform key decisions about the most significant issues facing the state. Digital connectivity often can be the difference between access to economic opportunities and essential services or the lack thereof. Our Strategic Framework Goal No. 14 not…

Image of Space Shuttle Endeavour model displayed in Johnson Space Center in city of Houston, Texas..

Texas’ next giant leap in space

September 23, 2022
As Texas celebrates the 60th anniversary of NASA’s Johnson Space Center this year, we are reminded of the historic role the state played in pioneering our nation’s space exploration. On the heels of this milestone, the Texas House Appropriations Committee discussed the future of the Texas space economy during its hearing earlier this month.  Estimated...
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