Feb. 16
TEXAS:
Texas lawmaker moves to impeach appeals judge
A Texas lawmaker is trying to impeach a judge on the state's highest
criminal appeals court for what he calls "neglect of duty" in a death
penalty case.
Rep. Lon Burnam filed a resolution Monday seeking to start the process
against Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Sharon Keller.
Keller refused to keep the court offices open after 5 p.m. on Sept. 25,
2007, when attorneys for Michael Richard said computer problems were
delaying their efforts to file late appeals of his death sentence.
Richard was executed that night by lethal injection for the rape and
murder of a Houston-area woman.
(source: A ssociated Press)
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Texas is Number 1 Exporting State for 7th Consecutive Year
The U.S. Department of Commerce has named Texas the top exporting state in
the nation for the seventh year in a row based on 2008 export data. Texas
exports increased more than 14 % over the last year, totaling $192.14
billion, approximately $23.92 billion more than 2007.
"Maintaining our rank as the nation's top exporting state is proof
positive that Texas has sound policies in place to cushion it from the
effects of an economic downturn," said Gov. Perry. "By maintaining low
taxes and reasonable and predictable regulations, business in Texas can
continue to flourish, ensuring our ongoing position as a top exporting
state and competitor in the global marketplace."
Texas' top export recipients in 2008 were Mexico, Canada, China, the
Netherlands and Brazil which respectively imported $62.08 billion, $19.2
billion, $8.4 billion, $7.06 billion and $5.96 billion in Texas-
manufactured goods and services. Texas' top exporting industries in 2008
were chemicals, computers and electronics, machinery, petroleum and coal,
and transportation equipment which posted increased exports of 9.5 %, 5.1
%, 9.3 %, 72 % and 2.74 %, respectively.
For more information regarding 2008 export data, please visit:
http://governor.state.tx.us/ecodev/business_resources/international_business_and_recruitment/
(source: Office of the Governor, Press Release)