Hispanic Texans Likely Largest Demographic Group

The U.S. Census Bureau released its latest estimate, which indicates Hispanic residents in Texas make up more of the state’s population than white residents. The new population figures from the American Community Survey indicate Hispanic Texans comprise 40.2% of the state’s population last year, while non-Hispanic white Texans made up 39.4%, as reported in the Texas Tribune.

The estimates, from July 2021, are not considered official but reflect trends that demographers have been tracking for years. Hispanics accounted for nearly half of the state’s population increase of 4 million residents since 2010. Census figures indicate almost half of Texas residents under the age of 18 are Hispanic.

The survey showed that Hispanic residents are more than twice as likely as white resident to live below the poverty line. The median income for a white household last year was $81,235, compared to $54,857 for a Hispanic household.

More Than 10,000 Migrants Bused Elsewhere With Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis grabbing headlines by flying migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, Gov. GregAbbott’s office announced that is has now bused more than 10,000 migrants to what he terms “sanctuary cities” such as Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago. Last week, at Abbott’s behest, two buses of migrants from Texas were dropped off outside Vice President Kamala Harris’residence at the United States Naval Observatory in the nation’s capital. Abbott has long criticized the Biden administration’s approach to migrants seeking asylum in the United States, and Texas has boosted border security funding by $4 billion. Biden last week said the administration has a process to deal with migrants at the border.

“Republicans are playing politics with human beings, using them as props. What they’re doing is simply wrong,” he said at a gala for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, according to Politico.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Abbott’s request for disaster assistance for seven North Texas counties affected by flooding last month. As much as 10 inches of rain fell in the Dallas area in late August, causing widespread damage to businesses and homes.

Counties included in the disaster declaration are Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant. Applicants can download applications and get further information at disasterloanassistance. sba.gov.

‘Moderate’ season predicted Biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are predicting a moderate season for deer hunters, with archery season kicking off on Oct. 1.

“Overall, 2022 year is expected to be good in terms of harvest numbers and opportunities, so don’t let the chance to spend time afield with family, friends and fellow hunters pass you by,” said Alan Cain with TPWD.

The statewide drought, while now largely in remission, has adversely affected natural forage for deer in late summer, especially in the central, south, and western parts of the state, according to Cain. Wildfires caused significant habitat loss, but those areas are quickly rejuvenating, especially with the recent rains.