Texas is about to receive potentially more than $10 billion in federal reimbursement with the passage of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill — funds specifically intended to reimburse the State of Texas for border security efforts under Operation Lone Star. We have a rare opportunity to use this money to do something meaningful for those who helped keep our communities and our state safe.

Governor Greg Abbott has called the Legislature to reconvene in Special Session on July 21. I’ve asked him to add to his call and prioritize some of this money for a much-needed cost of living adjustment (COLA) or 13th check for retired state troopers and retired DPS employees...

Read the rest in the Dallas Express.

Texas State Troopers Association expands scholarship program to recognize outstanding applicants

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(Round Rock, TX) – The Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Scholarship Program. While the organization originally planned to award ten scholarships, the overwhelming number of highly qualified applicants prompted the TSTA board to expand the program. 

This year, 25 students will each receive a $500 scholarship to support their higher education goals.

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“We were genuinely inspired by the caliber of the applications we received this year,” said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of TSTA. “These young people aren’t just excellent students—they are leaders, volunteers, and role models in their communities. We felt it was important to go beyond our original plan and reward as many deserving applicants as possible.”

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The TSTA Scholarship Program is open to students sponsored by TSTA members who are entering or currently enrolled in an accredited college. The award is funded by the membership dues and donations sent to TSTA and helps support the educational dreams of families in the DPS community.

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2025 TSTA Scholarship Recipients:

• Anna Kinslow
• Maddi Bearden
• Travis Matthews
• Addisen Campbell
• Skylar Germany
• Katelyn Jones
• Riley Vicknair
• Zachary Zalman
• Corbin Crenwelge
• Aidan Barnhill
• Grant Crook
• Tyler Bowen
• Reyanna Aguirre
• Audrey Weatherby
• Sarah Keesecker
• Lea Weller
• Christopher McCarty, Jr.
• Makynna Meeks
• Kendall Norman
• Bryce Fishbeck
• Mason Fishbeck
• Samantha Chavez
• Lainey Johnson
• Savannah Spurgeon
• Abrianna Guzman
  

TSTA congratulates each of these outstanding recipients and wishes them continued success in their academic and professional journeys.

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Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428

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Delivered via electronic mail

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Subj: Adding a 13th Check or Cost-of-Living Adjustment to the Special Session Call

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Dear Governor Abbott:

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On behalf of the Texas State Troopers Association and the many men and women who have proudly served in the Department of Public Safety, I want to begin by thanking you for your steadfast leadership and unwavering support of law enforcement across our great state. Your commitment to law and order on the border, public safety funding, fighting trafficking and crime, and equipping our officers with the tools they need has made Texas a national model.

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As the Legislature enters a special session, we respectfully urge you to add a 13th check or cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for DPS retirees to the call. These are the individuals who spent decades protecting Texans by patrolling highways, responding to disasters, and serving with integrity in every corner of the state. Many now live on fixed incomes that have not kept pace with inflation.

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A 13th check or COLA would provide real, tangible relief for those who dedicated their careers to safeguarding the public. We were excited to see the House overwhelmingly pass Rep. Cody Vasut’s 13th check bill (HB 886) by a vote of 131-9. With your help prioritizing this legislation, we are optimistic that Lt. Gov. Patrick, who has also been an outspoken supporter of law enforcement, will send it to your desk.

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Governor, you have consistently stood with law enforcement. We hope you will continue that legacy by supporting our retired troopers and adding this crucial issue to the special session agenda.

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Thank you again for your strong support of DPS and the broader law enforcement community. We are grateful for your leadership and your continued commitment to keeping Texas safe.

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Sincerely,

Rohnnie Shaw
Executive Director
Texas State Troopers Association