Latest news with #STAAR
Business Journals
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Journals
What to know about the Texas Legislature's special session
The Texas Legislature's special session officially begins at noon on Monday, July 21. It features a sweeping 18-item agenda that includes flood recovery efforts, property tax cuts, the elimination of the STAAR tests, THC and much more. "There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country," Gov. Greg Abbott said when announcing the special session earlier this month. "We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future." GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events Related: Why Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed SB 3, and what's next for Houston's consumable hemp industry KHOU 11 will have complete coverage of the special session. Reporter Victor Jacobo will be in Austin starting Sunday night. Flood recovery and preparedness among top priorities In direct response to the catastrophic Hill Country floods over the Fourth of July weekend, several legislative items focus on helping communities better prepare for and recover from natural disasters: Flood warning systems: Improve early alerts and preparedness infrastructure in flood-prone areas. Emergency communications: Strengthen communication networks during major storm events. Hill Country flood relief funding: Support jurisdictions impacted by the July 2025 floods, including FEMA match funding. Natural disaster regulation reform: Streamline policies to accelerate recovery timelines. This story excerpt is courtesy of our partners at KHOU 11. Click here for KHOU's full story, including the highlights of several other issues on the agenda and how special sessions work.
Axios
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Axios
THC, STAAR testing and redistricting make Abbott's special session agenda
Abortion, THC, flood management and STAAR testing will be on a packed agenda when state lawmakers return to Austin for a special session later this month. Why it matters: If lawmakers act on all 18 items, the legislation would have far-ranging implications for Texans. The big picture: The Texas Legislature meets every other year. The governor has the option to call lawmakers back for special sessions and decide the agenda. The latest: Four of the items on Abbott's agenda relate to the recent flooding in Central Texas that killed at least 110 people, with 161 others still missing. Abbott wants lawmakers to pass legislation to improve warning and emergency communication systems in flood-prone areas throughout the state. State of politics: Abbott's other special session priorities include property tax reform, which could limit local government spending, and congressional redistricting, which could help Republicans shore up their slim House majority in next year's midterm elections. The governor has called on lawmakers to pass legislation "further protecting unborn children and their mothers" from abortion. Legislation pushed by anti-abortion advocates to limit abortion pills in Texas fell short during the regular session. Abbott also wants to eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with "effective tools to assess student progress and ensure school district accountability," per his agenda. An effort to scrap the STAAR also fell short during the regular session. Zoom in: Abbott has disagreed with his fellow Republicans on the state's approach to THC. Abbott last month vetoed a Republican-led THC ban and said he wants the state to limit the potency of hemp-derived products, restricting synthetically modified compounds and boosting enforcement. The other side: Texas Democrats say the redistricting plan would target four Democratic districts. "This session will be costly to Texas taxpayers and appears to serve Republican special interests rather than Texans," the Texas Democratic Party said in a statement. What's next: The special session starts on July 21 and can last up to 30 days.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas Gov. Abbott adds flood, redistricting to Legislature's special session agenda
After the recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country, Gov. Greg Abbott has added several items to state lawmakers' agenda during the upcoming special called session. Lawmakers are set to reconvene in Austin on July 21, after passing several sweeping public education policy changes during their regular session that ended in June; however, this time they are meeting under less opportune circumstances. "We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come," Abbott said in a news release. "There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future." As of July 9, the July 4 flash flooding has claimed the lives of at least 119 people, a toll that has steadily risen as search and rescue teams and volunteers comb through debris. According to USA TODAY, at least 27 of those deaths were children and counselors at Camp Mystic, a girls' Christian camp that sits along the river. There are still more than 170 missing people in the wake of devastating flooding along Texas' Guadalupe River and in the Concho River valley around San Angelo. However, there are other items the governor is directing lawmakers to look after that stem from vetoed bills from the regular session. Here's what's on the agenda according to the governor's proclamation: Flood warning system: Legislation to improve early warning systems and other preparedness infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas. Flood emergency communications: Legislation to strengthen emergency communications and other response infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas. Relief funding for Hill Country Floods: Legislation to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from the storms that began in early July, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance. Natural disaster preparation and recovery: Legislation to evaluate and streamline rules and regulations to speed preparedness for and recovery from natural disasters. Eliminate STAAR testing: Legislation to eliminate the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness and replace the test with effective tools to assess student progress and ensure school district accountability. Cut property taxes: Legislation reducing the property tax burden on Texans and legislation imposing spending limits on entities authorized to impose property taxes. Protect children from THC: Legislation making it a crime to provide hemp-derived products to children under 21 years of age. Regulate hemp-derived products: Legislation to comprehensively regulate hemp-derived products, including limiting potency, restricting synthetically modified compounds and establishing enforcement mechanisms, all without banning a lawful agricultural commodity. Protect unborn children: Legislation further protecting unborn children and their mothers from the harm of abortion. Ban taxpayer-funded lobbying: Legislation prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, including the use of tax dollars to hire lobbyists and payment of tax dollars to associations that lobby the Legislature. Protect human trafficking victims: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 1278 from the 89th Legislature, regular session, that protects victims of human trafficking from criminal liability for non-violent acts closely tied to their own victimization. Police personnel records: Legislation that protects law enforcement officers from public disclosure of unsubstantiated complaints in personnel files. Protect women's spaces: Legislation protecting women's privacy in sex-segregated spaces. Attorney general election powers: Legislation proposing a constitutional amendment allowing the attorney general to prosecute state election crimes. State redistricting: Legislation that provides a revised congressional redistricting plan in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice. Title theft and deed fraud: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 648 from the 89th Legislature, regular session, that provides strengthened protections against title theft and deed fraud. Water project incentives: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 1253 from the 89th Legislature, regular session, that authorizes political subdivisions to reduce impact fees for builders who include water conservation and efficiency measures. State judicial department: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 2878 from the 89th Legislature, regular session, relating to the operation and administration of the judicial department of state government. The special session of both the Texas House and Senate is set to gavel in at noon on July 21 in Austin. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Gov. Abbott adds flood, redistricting items to special session
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
H.C. Wainwright Reaffirms Buy Rating on Sangamo After Promising Gene Therapy Data
Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SGMO) ranks among the best CRISPR stocks to buy. Following the release of Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SGMO)'s top-line findings from its Phase 1/2 STAAR study, H.C. Wainwright reaffirmed its Buy rating and $10 price target on the company on June 25. \\ Adults with Fabry disease were treated with isaralgagene civaparvovec (ST-920 or isa-vec), an alpha-galactosidase A gene therapy based on an adeno-associated virus. According to H.C. Wainwright, isa-vec is possibly the best-in-class, one-time gene therapy for Fabry disease. The firm cited improvements in quality of life, stabilization of renal function, termination of enzyme replacement treatment, and long-term alpha-Gal A expression as proof of the therapy's promise. In light of these encouraging outcomes, Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SGMO) is getting ready to submit a biologics license application as early as the first quarter of 2026, which would facilitate a commercial launch in the second half of the same year. One of the leading biotechnology companies in gene editing and gene therapy, Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SGMO) leverages its proprietary zinc finger nuclease technology to develop novel therapies for cancer and genetic illnesses. While we acknowledge the potential of SGMO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Read More: and Disclosure: None.
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
STAAR Surgical Announces Appointment of Deborah Andrews as Chief Financial Officer, Forms Capital Stewardship Committee of the Board of Directors
LAKE FOREST, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--STAAR Surgical Company (NASDAQ: STAA), the global leader in phakic IOLs with the EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses (EVO ICL™) for vision correction, today announced that Deborah Andrews has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective June 25, 2025. Ms. Andrews has served as Interim CFO since March 2025, and she previously served as STAAR's CFO from 2007-2013 and 2017-2020. 'Deborah has blended seamlessly with the leadership team, and we quickly realized that her deep knowledge of STAAR and her skills, abilities, and approach made her the perfect choice to be STAAR's next CFO,' said the Company's CEO and Board member, Stephen Farrell. 'In the last few months, Deborah has already driven greater financial and operating rigor across the organization, and, as a result, we are on track to achieve our targeted $225 million annual SG&A run rate ahead of schedule. I look forward to working with Deborah, and I know she will serve the Company well as CFO.' 'I am honored to once again step into the role of CFO,' said Ms. Andrews. 'STAAR is a great company with great people and great technology. I am excited to work with Steve and the leadership team to drive sustainable growth while we continue to improve our cost structure to increase shareholder value.' Separately, STAAR announced the formation of a new committee of its Board of Directors, the Capital Stewardship Committee, which will be chaired by Board member Lilian Y. Zhou. The Board determined to establish this new committee to help guide the Company's financial strategies, including the responsible allocation, management and oversight of capital. Ms. Zhou brings extensive experience in institutional investing and investment banking to chair this new committee. 'Capital allocation is a key focus for STAAR given our growth prospects, strong cash flow generation, and opportunities to drive long-term value from our propriety Collamer ® material,' said Ms. Zhou. 'STAAR is dedicated to enhancing long-term shareholder returns, and I am excited to work with Steve and Deborah to drive STAAR's financial strategies and help build trust and credibility with investors.' In connection with the appointment of Ms. Andrews as CFO, the establishment of the Capital Stewardship Committee, and the Company's broader effort to reduce costs, the Company restructured its investor relations function. As a result, Brian Moore, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Development, will be leaving STAAR, effective June 27, 2025. About STAAR Surgical STAAR Surgical (NASDAQ: STAA) is the global leader in implantable phakic intraocular lenses, a vision correction solution that reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses. Since 1982, STAAR has been dedicated solely to ophthalmic surgery, and for 30 years, STAAR has been designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing advanced Implantable Collamer® Lenses (ICLs), using its proprietary biocompatible Collamer material. STAAR ICL's are clinically-proven to deliver safe long-term vision correction without removing corneal tissue or the eye's natural crystalline lens. Its EVO ICL™ product line provides visual freedom through a quick, minimally invasive procedure. STAAR has sold more than 3 million ICLs in over 75 countries. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, the company operates research, development, manufacturing, and packaging facilities in California and Switzerland. For more information about ICL, visit To learn more about STAAR, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements about any of the following: the ability to achieve and anticipated success of efforts to improve the Company's cost structure, reduce the annual SG&A run rate, drive sustainable growth, allocate capital, generate cash flows, drive value from Collamer, and increase shareholder value. These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: our ability to continue our growth and profitability trajectory; our reliance on independent distributors in international markets; a slowdown or disruption to the Chinese economy; global economic conditions; disruptions in our supply chain; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; international trade disputes (including involving tariffs) and substantial dependence on demand from Asia; changes in effective tax rate or tax laws; any loss of use of our principal manufacturing facility; competition; potential losses due to product liability claims; our exposure to environmental liability; data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches and/or noncompliance with data protection and privacy regulations; acquisitions of new technologies; climate changes; the willingness of surgeons and patients to adopt a new or improved product and procedure; extensive clinical trials and resources devoted to research and development; compliance with government regulations; the discretion of regulatory agencies to approve or reject existing, new or improved products, or to require additional actions before or after approval, or to take enforcement action; laws pertaining to healthcare fraud and abuse; changes in FDA or international regulations related to product approval; product recalls or failures; and other important factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2024 under the caption 'Risk Factors,' which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') and available in the 'Investor Information' section of the Company's website under the heading 'SEC Filings,' as any such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company's other filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except as may be required under applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
