Texas has long been a hub for innovation and opportunity. From a robust energy sector to thriving tech ecosystems in Austin and Dallas, the Lone Star State consistently positions itself at the forefront of emerging industries, cementing its role as a leader in technology and research. This legacy continues with Governor Greg Abbott’s recent announcement of a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant awarded to Intelligent Epitaxy Technology, Inc. (IntelliEPI) for semiconductor production in Allen, Texas. The move underscores Texas’ pivotal role in advancing semiconductor research and manufacturing.
Texas ranks as the nation’s top state for semiconductor manufacturing, fostering strategic partnerships and investment in local talent and resources. With 11 Tier 1 research institutions and strong support from the Texas business community, the state is poised to advance groundbreaking research, cultivate startups, and bolster nearshoring efforts to enhance global competitiveness.
Governor Abbott highlighted the economic impact of the TSIF grant:
“I congratulate IntelliEPI on this $41 million investment in a new wafer production facility in Texas, nearly tripling their annual wafer production and contributing millions to the Texas economy. Thanks to companies like IntelliEPI, Texas will continue to lead the nation in critical semiconductor manufacturing capacity while developing the technologies of tomorrow.”
IntelliEPI, the only domestic producer of epitaxy-based compound wafers used in telecommunications, photonics, and other advanced technologies, aims to modernize Texas’ semiconductor landscape. CEO Dr. Yung-Chung Kao emphasized the grant’s importance:
“The funding will not only expand our production facilities but also solidify Texas’ position as a key hub for compound wafer manufacturing, which is essential for America’s national and economic security.”
The announcement follows the passage of the Texas CHIPS Act, which created the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC) to foster collaboration among industry leaders, academia, and policymakers, as well as the TSIF to provide financial support for semiconductor companies and research.
Governor Abbott stressed the significance of these efforts:
“Texas is the birthplace of the chip that changed the world. Significant industry investments announced in Texas over the past two years will further accelerate domestic semiconductor manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign production, and strengthen our national security.”
Recent investments from major players like Samsung further demonstrate the industry’s momentum. Samsung’s $44 billion commitment includes $6.4 billion from the U.S. Commerce Department, authorized under the federal CHIPS Act. This funding reflects its broader mission to secure resilient supply chains and promote capital-intensive investments in Texas. These efforts are projected to generate tens of thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs, boosting the state’s economy.
By advancing domestic semiconductor production, Texas is ensuring that American markets remain competitive in a sector critical to modern life. From smartphones to advanced medical devices, semiconductors power nearly every facet of daily existence. Strengthening this supply chain is essential not only for economic growth but also for national security.
With continued investments from both the federal CHIPS Act and the TSIF, Texas is securing its place as a global leader in the semiconductor industry, driving technological innovation and economic prosperity.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
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#43 - Wes Benedict: Bridging Policy and Community with Texans for Reasonable Solutions
Welcome to Episode #43 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege, sits down with Wes Benedict, Grassroots Manager at Texans for Reasonable Solutions.
Wes brings years of advocacy experience and a steady, practical approach to community engagement. The conversation explores how Texas communities can navigate political tension, build cross-partisan coalitions, and create space for meaningful dialogue in an increasingly polarized environment.
They dive into the organization’s focus on key statewide issues including housing, infrastructure, water, and the evolving relationship between local and state governments. Wes breaks down why these policies matter for both everyday Texans and the business community, and how reasonable, bipartisan solutions can move conversations forward.
The episode closes with insights on how individuals can get involved, what success looks like in grassroots policy work, and what Texans should be watching as the special session unfolds.
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Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Michael and Susan Dell’s unprecedented $6.25 billion pledge to expand federal “Trump Accounts” aims to boost long-term savings for 25 million American children. In Lubbock, Texas Tech’s new classroom restrictions on race, gender identity, and sexuality have ignited an immediate clash over academic freedom and curriculum control. And in Northeast Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek reelection opens a pivotal Republican primary.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Michael and Susan Dell’s unprecedented $6.25 billion pledge to expand federal “Trump Accounts” aims to boost long-term savings for 25 million American children. In Lubbock, Texas Tech’s new classroom restrictions on race, gender identity, and sexuality have ignited an immediate clash over academic freedom and curriculum control. And in Northeast Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek reelection opens a pivotal Republican primary.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Texas voters approved one of the largest property tax relief packages in state history on Tuesday, raising the homestead exemption to $140,000 and granting new tax breaks for seniors, people with disabilities, and small businesses. In Austin, residents rejected Proposition Q, a plan to fund public safety, homelessness programs, and city facility initiatives through a property tax hike, forcing city leaders to rework the budget and brace for service cuts. Meanwhile, Bexar County voters narrowly passed Propositions A and B, greenlighting up to $311 million in tourism-funded support for a new downtown Spurs arena and upgrades to the Freeman Coliseum grounds.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back friends,
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at 84, remembered by former President George W. Bush as a “patriot” whose intellect and conviction shaped decades of U.S. policy. In Texas, the Education Agency announced a sweeping takeover of Fort Worth ISD, the state’s second-largest intervention, citing years of academic underperformance and plans to install new local managers. And in Washington, a United Airlines flight was evacuated after a bomb threat, prompting an FBI investigation that later found no explosives, allowing operations to resume safely.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
