Pete Havel

🚨 Share information responsibly. Words, facts do matter when it comes to disaster response and recovery. Please fact-check your sources and do not 🚫 help spread misinformation that hurts individuals' and communities' recovery as well as those in the field responding. Check out this important article about the impact of misinformation on disaster response shared by FEMA Director Criswell: https://lnkd.in/eaqaYG2g

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The 89th Texas Legislative Session may still be a few months away, but the policy-making groundwork is already underway. Successful businesses know that effective advocacy requires a proactive, strategic approach - and that means getting involved early. Here are three reasons why engaging government relations experts like our team at GRPR now, before the session even begins, is so crucial: 1. Actively Engage in Policy Discussions - When you start your advocacy efforts early, you gain the opportunity to actively participate and contribute to the policy discussions. This positions you strategically to play an important role in the legislative process. Our GRPR team specializes in conducting in-depth research, analyzing proposed legislation and developing tailored strategies to ensure your priorities are heard. 2. Build Key Relationships - Cultivating trusted connections with policymakers and their staff is essential for amplifying your voice. But developing these relationships takes time - time that's best invested well before the session kicks off. GRPR's seasoned government affairs professionals have decades of experience navigating the Texas Capitol and maintaining strong, productive relationships with key decision-makers. 3. Monitor Developments in Real-Time - Keeping up with the constant churn of bills, hearings and votes requires specialized expertise. The GRPR team provides the comprehensive legislative tracking and analysis you need to respond quickly to new threats or opportunities as they arise. Early engagement is the key to legislative success and our team at GRPR is ready to be your ultimate partner. Learn more at grprpublicaffairs.com or contact me if you'd like to be introduced to GRPR’s Director of Government Affairs Adam Leggett.

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The 89th Texas Legislative Session may still be a few months away, but the policy-making groundwork is already underway. Successful businesses know that effective advocacy requires a proactive, strategic approach - and that means getting involved early. Here are three reasons why engaging government relations experts like our team at GRPR now, before the session even begins, is so crucial: 1. Actively Engage in Policy Discussions - When you start your advocacy efforts early, you gain the opportunity to actively participate and contribute to the policy discussions. This positions you strategically to play an important role in the legislative process. Our GRPR team specializes in conducting in-depth research, analyzing proposed legislation and developing tailored strategies to ensure your priorities are heard. 2. Build Key Relationships - Cultivating trusted connections with policymakers and their staff is essential for amplifying your voice. But developing these relationships takes time - time that's best invested well before the session kicks off. GRPR's seasoned government affairs professionals have decades of experience navigating the Texas Capitol and maintaining strong, productive relationships with key decision-makers. 3. Monitor Developments in Real-Time - Keeping up with the constant churn of bills, hearings and votes requires specialized expertise. The GRPR team provides the comprehensive legislative tracking and analysis you need to respond quickly to new threats or opportunities as they arise. Early engagement is the key to legislative success and our team at GRPR is ready to be your ultimate partner. Learn more at grprpublicaffairs.com or contact me if you'd like to be introduced to GRPR’s Director of Government Affairs Adam Leggett.

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Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett faces calls for resignation as state lawmakers, including Reps. Kevin West and Tom Gann, consider a writ of prohibition due to concerns about his impartiality in cases involving Oklahoma Natural Gas. Story by: Jeff Elkins #OklahomaPolitics #ToddHiett #OCC #GovernmentAccountability #EnergyRegulation #PublicUtilities #LegalNews

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🚨 Calling Texas Law Enforcement and Prosecutors! 🚨 Free 18 TCOLE/CLE Credits Opportunity: Collective Liberty is hosting two critical human trafficking investigation trainings this September, thanks to the Governor's Office of Texas and our co-hosts. These sessions are FREE for Texas LE and prosecutors. 📅 El Paso: September 16-18, co-hosted by the El Paso County Attorney's Office and TAG Unit 📅 Dallas: September 23-25, co-hosted by the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center These trainings will equip you with the tools and insights needed to build winnable, trauma-informed cases while minimizing harm to victims. Here’s what some of our past attendees have said: ⭐️ "Hands-on exercises were excellent! So much amazing material - thank you! I would definitely have my LE attend any future trainings." - Prosecutor, Indiana ⭐️ "Short of SWAT, this was the most useful training I've had in 22 years of law enforcement. Excellent job!" - Detective, Central Texas Don’t miss this chance to learn from top investigators and survivor leader partners, and to connect with peers. 🔗 See attached flyers for session content and registration details. #HumanTrafficking #LawEnforcement #Training #Texas #CLE #TCOLE #TraumaInformed #Investigations

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SBA is considering changing up the rules for mentor-protege JV agreements for small businesses. If you have (or in the process of setting up) a mentor-protégé JV, this is definitely something to jeep your eye on. Check it out below.

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During my time at Harris County, I authored a report on the Sandra Bland Act, which mandates Texas law enforcement to submit "Racial Profiling Reports" to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. These reports are supposed to provide an aggregated overview of traffic stop data, but I encountered several significant issues. Key Issues: Data Accuracy: One agency reported an implausible statistic where 97% of traffic stops resulted in the use of force. After investigating, we discovered the data was flipped (Yes/No values were reversed). Once corrected, the data seemed accurate and reasonable. Manual Data Verification: Agencies often performed manual calculations and aggregations, which led to inaccuracies. One agency took weeks to prepare the report manually, and discrepancies were discovered during verification. I met with each agency to ensure the data's accuracy and discuss the implications, considering regional demographics and boundaries. Data Limitations: The data didn’t provide enough detail to make specific determinations. I had to clarify that unmatched population percentages were not necessarily indicative of racial profiling but could result from various factors, such as jurisdictional boundaries and demographic variations. The manual process was time-consuming and could have extended the report timeline significantly. Lessons Learned: Handle Data Errors Proactively: Real-world data is often incomplete or flawed due to human error. Reviewing and verifying the data with agencies is crucial to identify and correct glaring issues. Acknowledge Data Limitations: Be transparent about what the data can and cannot tell us. During a challenging meeting with representatives from multiple agencies, I had to explain that while the data was insightful, it had limitations. Being upfront about these limitations and providing context helps manage expectations. Implement Practical Recommendations: Make practical changes to improve data accuracy and efficiency. For example, ensuring that fields are mandatory and automating data entry can reduce human error. Regularly reviewing data (e.g., quarterly) helps catch errors early and prevents delays in reporting. By addressing these issues and implementing these recommendations, we can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of data reporting, leading to better oversight and policy development. #DataQuality #LawEnforcement #RacialProfiling #SandraBlandAct #CriminalJustice #DataAccuracy #PublicSafety #DataReporting #Automation #ProcessImprovement #HarrisCounty

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New Louisiana Tax Alert! A new LDR update has been posted to our website LCPA.ORG/NEWS for hunters! As an LCPA member, we’ll keep you updated on the latest state and local news alerts. Visit the link in our bio to learn more!

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In the most predictable ruling ever, the non-compete ban has been struck down. The recent decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled that the FTC exceeded its statutory authority and found the rule to be "arbitrary and capricious." As a result, the non-compete ban, which was supposed to take effect on September 4, 2024, will not be enforced nationwide. --> Will It Come Back? As you would expect, it will likely be revisited. The FTC has 60 days to appeal the decision, and they have indicated they are seriously considering this option. If the appeal goes forward, the case could be taken up by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is generally more employer-friendly. However, if the FTC does not appeal, or if the appeal is unsuccessful, the rule will remain unenforceable. --> Current Status Nationwide The ruling means that non-compete agreements will continue to be governed by state law. Some states, like California, already have strict bans on non-competes, while others allow them under specific conditions. The FTC has stated that it will continue to address non-compete agreements on a case-by-case basis, but the nationwide ban, for now, is effectively dead. If you want to keep up to date with all HR regulations (with a little bit of snark), give me a follow. Cheerio!

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🚨 Legal Update: In continuing with the no good, very bad week at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, they recently delivered a devastating opinion in the case of Ex Parte Robbie Gail Charette. (We will be discussing this case Wed. at 10am in a special zoom CLE accessible here: https://lnkd.in/gtx9vjh5) The court ruled that a violation of law under the jurisdiction of the TEC (campaign finance & lobby law) requires exhausting administrative remedies at the TEC before a criminal prosecution can move forward against a person. This means that the TEC will now have to internally litigate every complaint that has a criminal penalty and then forward that complaint to a criminal prosecutor before a court will take jurisdiction over it. This opinion has the potential to crush the TEC under its own weight of enforcement, passed timelines and statutes of limitation, and litigation costs. Make no mistake, this is a devastating opinion for the Ethics Commission and the stakeholder community, and could allow an innumerable amount of people to get away with crimes due to administrative backlog. This is bad for our elections, bad for the TEC, and bad for democracy.

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Don't miss the webinar, Little-Known Marketing Secrets to Grow Your Business in Government Contracting, September 24 from 12 to 1pm. Visit https://lnkd.in/eP3xeRMj to register. Unlock the hidden potential of marketing strategies tailored specifically for government contracting opportunities. Join us for "Little-Known Marketing Secrets to Grow Your Business in Government Contracting: Strategic Insights," an insightful webinar designed to reveal unconventional yet powerful marketing tactics that can elevate your success in securing government contracts. Whether you're new to government contracting or seeking to enhance your current strategies, this session will provide practical insights and actionable tips to effectively market your business to government agencies. #GovernmentTheBiggestBuyerInTheWorld #OpportunityChangesEverything #LunchAndLearn #SBA #SmallBusinesses #DiverseBusinesses #InviteSomeone

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On June 10, 2024, the Ninth Circuit entered an opinion finding that the Choctaw Nation had expressly waived its sovereign immunity against arbitration, determining that the contractual provision between the Nation and Caremark, LLC to arbitrate in the District of Arizona was valid and enforceable. To learn more, read our latest #LegalAlert authored by Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier and Amanda Weaver, Ph.D. https://bit.ly/3VMJG99 #LegalAlert #TribalLaw

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Texas exercises different sick leave requirements for public and private sector workers. In the public sector, there are additional leave types: - Emergency Leave: Allows public sector employees to take paid time off for things like bereavement or family emergencies. - Military and Volunteer Service Leave: This lets public servants in the military reserves or disaster response teams take paid leave for their service. The same goes for volunteer firefighters, EMS workers, and search and rescue volunteers. - Administrative/Merit Leave: Essentially a bonus for doing an outstanding job. - Voting Absence Leave: Ensures public employees have time to participate in elections (and is usually paid). - Jury Service Leave: Allows workers to leave (usually unpaid) to perform this civic duty. - Organ, Bone Marrow, and Blood Donor Leave: Public sector workers can take paid leave for these generous acts. Understand your sick leave laws as a Texas worker or employer on Mosey's blog https://hubs.ly/Q02LYYXG0

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