FROM THE GOVERNOR

Abbott signs largest generational water investment in Texas history

LUBBOCK – Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7 into law to deliver the largest generational investment in Texas’ water infrastructure during a bill signing ceremony at SIMFLO.

“Water is a critical need for all Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “In my State of the State Address, I called on the Texas legislature to make the largest investment in water in Texas history. This law written by Chairman Perry and Chairman Harris does just that, providing a $20 billion generational investment for both new water supply and for the repairing of existing infrastructure. With this law, we will secure Texas water future for generations to come.”

The Governor was joined by Speaker Dustin Burrows, Chairman Charles Perry, Chairman Cody Harris, Representative Greg Bonnen, Representative Carl Tepper, SIMFLO CEO Troy Pickering, and other state and local officials and business leaders.

“This session, lawmakers knew we had to be proactive in delivering a significant investment to help Texas meet its current and future water needs,” said Speaker Burrows. “This legislation will not only help secure Texans’ access to water, it will support continued economic growth and job creation across our state. I want to thank Chairman Harris for leading these efforts in the House, as well as Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Senator Perry for the thoughtful collaboration that allowed us to deliver to Governor Abbott and Texas voters a long-term strategy for a more secure water future.”

“Senate Bill 7 is a generational investment in securing Texas’ water future,” said Chairman Perry. “This legislation ensures our children and grandchildren have access to the water supply needed to keep our communities strong and our economy thriving. I’m grateful for the steadfast leadership of Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Burrows, and Chairman Harris in making this historic initiative a reality.”

“The perpetuation of Texas’ economic miracle depends on the reliability of our water infrastructure,” said Chairman Harris. “This includes expanding our water supply portfolio and fixing our aging, water and wastewater systems. Texas is growing fast, and our water supply isn’t keeping up. Senate Bill 7 and HJR 7 are Texas-sized investments that puts us on a path to strengthen the state’s water system and, in turn, create jobs, support population growth and attract new investments to water infrastructure and new water sources for generations to come.”

Speaking to a crowd of over 150 water industry workers and supporters, Governor Abbott touted the Texas-sized water investment and how it will help address the needs of Texans and communities in every corner of the state. The Governor noted that the laws he signed today will take monumental steps to repair outdated water infrastructure and tap into new water sources. Additionally, Governor Abbott highlighted Texans’ daily water needs and how the steps taken today will ensure Texas remains the best state to live, work, and raise a family. Senate Bill 7 (Perry/ Harris) assigns the Texas Water Development Board with the responsibility to coordinate water supply conveyance, expands the uses of the New Water Supply for Texas Fund, and dedicates funding in House Joint Resolution 7 to finance water supply and infrastructure projects. House Joint Resolution 7 (Harris/Perry) is a constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion ($1 billion annually) of the state’s sales and use taxes to the Texas Water Fund and allows the allocation and use of the revenue.

In his 2025 State of the State Address, Abbott declared a Texas-size investment in water infrastructure an emergency item this legislative session.

Abbott announces John Paul Mitchell Systems headquarters in Dallas County AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced that John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) will expand their corporate headquarters from California to Dallas County, Texas, and establish a new global product distribution center. JPMS is one of the world’s leading professional hair care brands, distributing its products under familiar brands like Paul Mitchell, Tea Tree, and Neuro to over 30 countries. This project will create 80 new jobs and more than $12 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $654,000 has been extended to JPMS. In addition, the company has been offered an $8,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.

“Texas is the headquarters of headquarters,” said Governor Abbott. “This $12 million investment by John Paul Mitchell Systems to expand their corporate headquarters to Texas and establish a new global product distribution center in Wilmer will create 80 new good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans. With our skilled and growing workforce, leading position in U.S. and global markets, and the strongest pro-growth economic policies in America, we will continue to attract more headquarters and create more jobs across our great state.”

“I’m honored that John Paul Mitchell Systems was selected as a grant recipient through the Texas Enterprise Fund, enabling us to establish a major facility in Texas to serve U.S. and global markets,” said John Paul Mitchell Systems co-founder John Paul DeJoria. “I’ve resided in Austin for 25 years and have the privilege of being deeply involved with the community — I know this initiative plays a key role in encouraging businesses like ours to invest in the local economy. We’re grateful to Governor Abbott and the State of Texas for their warm welcome and support and look forward to contributing to the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth that make Texas such a special place to do business.”

“The city of Wilmer, southern Dallas County, and Senate District 23 are excited to welcome the corporate headquarters of John Paul Mitchell Systems,” said Senator Royce West. “The expansion of this global company will bring jobs to the area as well as contribute to the economic success of Dallas County and our state. I am grateful that our state has incentives like the Texas Enterprise Fund that we can utilize to attract business to cities, like Wilmer. This is yet another corporate headquarters expanding to the DFW metroplex, and I am excited to see this type of business activity in southern Dallas County. I look forward to watching JPMS’s continued growth and its positive impact on the district.”

“I’m thrilled that we were able to secure the expansion of this headquarters to House District 109,” said Representative Aicha Davis. “Our district is bustling with opportunity, and we have a talented workforce here ready to fill these new high-paying jobs. We welcome JPMS to Wilmer, and I thank the Governor and Speaker of the House for their support and collaboration in securing these grants and jobs.”

“The city of Wilmer is proud to welcome John Paul Mitchell Systems to our growing business community,” said Mayor Sheila Petta. “This investment brings not only new jobs and economic development but also increased visibility to Wilmer as a destination for major industry. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for our residents and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local economy and future growth.”

“Welcoming John Paul Mitchell Systems to the city of Wilmer is a testament to our city’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and business- friendly environment,” said City of Wilmer Economic Development Director Rona Stringfellow. “We are committed to supporting JPMS’s growth and success, and we look forward to the positive impact this expansion will have on our community.”

TEF is a performancebased grant that may be awarded to a business relocation or expansion project for which one Texas site is in competition with outof- state locations to create new, good-paying jobs in the community and attract significant new capital investment to the state.

Abbott appoints eight to Crime Victims’ Institute Advisory Council Governor Greg Abbott appointed Representative John Smithee and Alexis Nungaray and reappointed Senator Joan Huffman, Lee Ann Breading, Libby Hamilton, Emmitt Jackson, Jr., Brandi Reed, and Erleigh Wiley to the Crime Victims’ Institute Advisory Council to terms set to expire on January 31, 2027. The Council is charged with conducting an indepth analysis of the impact of crime on victims, close relatives of deceased victims, guardians of victims, and society. Representative John Smithee of Amarillo represents Texas House District 86 and is chair of the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. He is an attorney. Smithee received a Bachelor of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University (TTU) School of Law.

Alexis Nungaray of Houston is a student at Lone Star College. She is an angel mom and crime victims’ advocate. Nungaray is also a member of Texas Crime Victims United. Senator Joan Huffman of Houston serves as the State Senator for District 17 and is currently Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and a member of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice. She previously served as Chief Felony Prosecutor, Special Crimes Gang Prosecutor, and Legal Counsel to the Organized Crime Narcotics Task Force for the Harris County District Attorney’s office. Prior to her election to the Texas Senate, she was twice elected Judge to the 183rd Criminal District Court in Harris County. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Child Advocates. Huffman received a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.

Lee Ann Breading of Denton is the District Judge of the 462nd Judicial District Court. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Criminal Law Advisory Commission, and Judicial Administration Exam Commission of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS). She is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the TBLS and past president of the Denton County Bar Association and served on the Texas Center for Judiciary Board for a 3-year term. Breading received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Libby Hamilton of San Antonio is the program director of post-conviction victim services for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. She is a committee member of the Association of Paroling Authorities International Texas Victim Services Association, Texas District & County Attorneys Association, Victim Impact Statement Revision Committee, and Victim Services Coalition. She volunteers with Project Beloved. Hamilton received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from St. Edwards University. Emmitt Jackson, Jr. of Argyle is Chief of Police for the Argyle Police Department. Previously, he was employed with the Dallas Police Department for 15 years until he resigned as a lieutenant to serve as Chief of Police for the City of Keene. Jackson is a board member of Denton County Friends of the Family. He is a member of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Jackson received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar University. Brandi Reed of Amarillo is the CEO of Family Support Services of Amarillo. She received a Bachelor of Arts from WTAMU and has advanced training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, human trafficking response, and victim advocacy.

Erleigh Wiley of Mabank is the Criminal District Attorney of Kaufman County. She is an executive board member of the Texas District & County Attorneys Association, member of the Kaufman County Juvenile Board, and a former member of the State Bar of Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Committee. She volunteers as a partner agency member with the Children’s Advocacy Center for Kaufman County, and as a board member with the Kaufman County Children’s Shelter and previously with the Texas Health Resources in Kaufman. Wiley received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from TTU and a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law.