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By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. Related Articles Business | Buying a house in 2025: your how-to guide Business | For some FSA dollars, it’s use it or lose it at year’s end Business | A million taxpayers will soon receive up to $1,400 from the IRS. Who are they and why now? Business | Corporate Transparency Act injunction lifted Business | Are religious people more generous than non-religious people? What new study finds “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .mega ace88 。

Ben Davies was set to return for Sunday’s visit of Wolves, but has been ruled out after a setback in training. Ange Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham are looking into why so many players have suffered injury setbacks this season. Ben Davies is the latest to fall into that category, with the Welsh international initially primed to return for Sunday’s visit of Wolves but no longer available. Davies suffered a setback in training this week, which means Spurs could be without a fit centre-back after Radu Dragusin was forced off in the latter stages of Thursday’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest with an ankle issue. Postecoglou is already without first-choice central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven after both failed to make it through their comeback fixture against Chelsea on December 7. “Yeah, that’s been our major problem this year. Guys who are coming back from injury rather than us losing players as such,” Postecoglou said. “We’re looking at those things and why they’re happening. It’s certainly happened too often this year where guys have come back and they’re the ones who are missing. “I think just about all of them, apart from Vic (Guglielmo Vicario), are recurrences of an injury. “Even with Romero, it was a different injury but it’s still a guy coming back, so it’s something we’re looking at.” There could be good news on the horizon with attackers Mikey Moore and Richarlison expected to return to training next week. Richarlison suffered his own setback in November when his short-lived return after a calf issue was cut short when he injured the same area against Aston Villa. Moore, meanwhile, has been sidelined by a virus for the best part of two months but the 17-year-old could provide a much-needed spark in the new year when Newcastle visit on January 4. Postecoglou said: “Him and Richy are in the final phases. Next week they can start training. We’ve got a bit of a gap before the Newcastle game. “The plan is Mikey and Richy come back into first-team training next week.” Anticipated returns for Moore and Richarlison will fail to help Postecoglou against Wolves, with makeshift centre-back Archie Gray potentially set to partner up with fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma if Dragusin cannot recover. Pressed on the issue of fixture scheduling, with Spurs definitely missing eight players for Sunday’s fixture, Postecoglou said: “It is challenging. “All clubs are going to have to get their heads around it and authorities are going to have to get their heads around it. “One of two things need to happen: either you somehow change the fixture schedule, which doesn’t seem feasible, or you allow clubs bigger squads. Then you have other issues with that, as well. “The attrition rate you’re seeing and it’s not just us. We’re going through a particularly badly moment. Newcastle went through it last year and it affected them pretty badly. They were obviously in the Champions League as well and probably didn’t have the squad to cope with it. “It hits certain clubs at different times and is probably becoming more prevalent, and for all of us it’s a challenge as to how we navigate this process to keep our players healthy. “It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mental thing. For us it’s been constant since August and we’re not even halfway through the year. And they’re not going to get a break now, so these things we’re constantly assessing.”None

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The holiday season is upon us. For me, it seems like yesterday that Thanksgiving was mere hours away, leaving some of us stressing out on what to cook, wondering for how many, and praying for a peaceful Thanksgiving table without any rancorous political discussions ruining the mood for what would otherwise be a fun day of feasting and football. Growing up, Thanksgiving was a time that everyone in my family got together. This included my mom, dad, and sister along with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. It was a fun time. The turkey was almost always as dry as the desert, except for the time that the heating element burned out in the big white turkey cooker. The timer, however, continued to work, so when the buzzer went off the turkey had to be ready, right? This time the turkey was not dry, in fact it was raw. Everyone got a big laugh, except for my sister who was responsible for cooking the bird. She was mortified and probably scarred for life. Cranberry sauce came out of a can. Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions came out of a can. Sweet potatoes came out of a can but at least the marshmallows came out of a bag. The potatoes were often lumpy and full of melted margarine. For some unknown reason my mom preferred the taste of margarine to butter. Do not, for a minute, think that these snarky, foodie criticisms detracted from the day. Thanksgiving was wonderful in the Patillo household. It was filled with love and laughter and the food was always good if not great by today’s standards. What memories. As the years have passed, my mom, dad, and sister, have gained their angel wings. As have my aunt, uncle, and cousin. My grandparents are also waiting at the pearly gates for my arrival to complete the circle. I am the last living member of my family that celebrated Thanksgiving in my childhood. Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! While listing the foods that were present at our Thanksgiving table, you may have noticed that there was no mention of dressing. My mother’s dressing was my favorite. Thanksgiving would not be complete for me without making her dressing. It is a very simple cornbread dressing, with sage croutons, celery, onions, and plenty of chicken stock. It is by no means fancy. I have had many more “chefy” versions with exotic ingredients, but no other recipe vividly revives my childhood memories as my mother’s dressing. As I count down the many things for which I am grateful, her dressing is near the top of the heap. In the fall of 1621, about 90 members of the Wampanoag tribe joined around 52 Pilgrims to celebrate the settlers’ first successful harvest. Without the success of that harvest, the Pilgrims’ chance of surviving the winter would have been very slim. Historians believe that the feast included lobster, shellfish and cod. Members of the tribe contributed deer, waterfowl, and carrier pigeons. Flint corn was made into a porridge. There were no mashed potatoes. White potatoes had not been brought up from South America. There was no sweet potato casserole. Sweet potatoes had not been brought up from the Caribbean. There would be no cranberry sauce. There was no processed sugar and cranberries at this time were used primarily to dye cloth. The Pilgrims did not wear black coats over white shirts, pointy hats, and square toed shoes. The natives wore substantially more than loin cloths. It was fall in New England, after all. The pilgrims and the natives did not sit down at a table and eat off plates. Food was laid out on any flat surface and people ate when they got hungry. The feast lasted for a full three days. Thanksgiving has come a long way. There are so many things that I am grateful for, but none more than the memories I have with my family. Shortly, I will make my mom’s dressing. This year, I intend to document the recipe so that my sons can have a hint of what I love so much. I will share the recipe with you also, at the end of this column.“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent, un-American threats to their lives and those who live with them,” Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks “ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting'”, adding: “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire transition team are grateful for their swift action.” Swatting entails generating an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretences. The FBI said in a statement that it is “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners”. It added: “We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.” Among those targeted was Elise Stefanik, Mr Trump’s choice to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations. Her office said that she, her husband, and their three-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. “New York state, county law enforcement, and US Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism,” her office said in a statement. “We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7.” In Florida, meanwhile, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said in an advisory posted on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area around 9am this morning”. While a family member resides at the address, they said “former congressman Gaetz is not a resident”, adding: “The mailbox however was cleared and no devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results.” Mr Gaetz was Mr Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration amid allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Mr Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by unusual violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The US Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Mr Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a fence while Mr Trump was playing golf.

NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global blood market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.60 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.94% during the forecast period. Rising number of hospitals and blood banks is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising awareness about blood donation. However, low availability of blood storage/transfusion facilities in rural areas poses a challenge. Key market players include Abbott Laboratories, AXO Science, BAG Health Care GmbH, Becton Dickinson and Co., Bio Rad Laboratories Inc., Cardinal Health Inc., CSL Ltd., Danaher Corp., DIAGAST SAS, F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., Grifols SA, Haemonetics Corp., Medtronic Plc, Merck KGaA, Mesa Laboratories Inc., Nipro Corp., QuidelOrtho Corp., Rapid Labs Ltd., Terumo Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and Werfenlife SA. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The global Blood Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for body fluids like red blood cells, plasma, and other components for treating chronic medical conditions such as leukemia, cancer, and anemia. The market encompasses donated whole blood, plasma, and various blood screening and typing products. Trends include advanced blood tests for trauma injuries, surgical procedures, and emergencies in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. The geriatric population, with chronic kidney diseases, liver diseases, and metabolic disorders, fuels the market's expansion. Blood screening instruments, source plasma collection, and blood typing systems are major shareholders. Healthcare expenditure on medical procedures, organ transplants, cardiac surgeries, and patient care drives market growth. Blood collection devices, such as specialized needles, syringes, and collection tubes, employ advanced technology and design features to minimize contamination and mishandling. Skilled laboratory professionals ensure accurate blood typing and screening, while healthcare services cater to chronic diseases and trauma cases. Blood transfusion therapy using whole blood and consumables, along with blood transfusion instruments, are essential components of patient care during medical interventions. The global blood market is witnessing a significant trend as awareness about blood donation increases. Misconceptions regarding donating blood have been addressed, making more individuals open to the process. Government organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions conduct blood camps to educate the public. Developed countries, including the US, UK, Canada , and Germany , collect a substantial amount of blood from these camps. This heightened awareness and educational initiatives have led to increased donations and a stronger blood supply system. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The Blood Market faces several challenges in providing adequate blood and its components for various medical procedures and emergencies. Key challenges include the collection and screening of body fluids like blood and plasma from donors with chronic medical conditions such as Leukemia, Cancer, and HIV. The geriatric population and those with chronic kidney diseases, liver diseases, and metabolic disorders require specialized attention due to unique blood typing and screening needs. Blood loss from trauma injuries and surgical procedures necessitates a steady blood supply. Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers rely on blood banks for donated whole blood, plasma, and advanced blood tests. The use of blood typing products, blood screening instruments, and blood typing systems is crucial to ensure accurate blood matching and prevent contamination or mishandling. Healthcare expenditure on medical treatments and interventions for blood-related disorders like Anemia, Bleeding, and organ transplants continues to rise. Blood collection devices, such as specialized needles, syringes, and collection tubes, must adhere to advanced technology and design features for efficient and safe procedures. Skilled laboratory professionals are essential for blood screening, testing, and blood transfusion therapy using blood transfusion instruments. The market for blood components, including Red blood cells, White blood cells, Platelets, and Plasma, is significant due to the high demand for surgeries, emergencies, and medical procedures. The challenges in the Blood Market call for continuous innovation and improvement in blood collection, screening, and transfusion processes to ensure patient care and health. The scarcity of blood storage and transfusion facilities in rural regions poses a significant challenge in the global blood market. Due to lower disposable incomes, these areas exhibit a minimal demand for healthcare services. The healthcare ecosystem in less developed regions is underdeveloped, limiting access to advanced medical treatments such as surgeries, blood transfusions, and advanced diagnostics. Consequently, the adoption of these treatments is low, resulting in reduced blood storage requirements in rural areas. This situation hinders the growth of the blood market in these regions. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This blood market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Whole blood collection and processing 1.2 Blood screening products 1.3 Blood typing products 1.4 Source plasma collection 2.1 Hospitals 2.2 Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) 2.3 Others 3.1 North America 3.2 Asia 3.3 Europe 3.4 Rest of World (ROW) 1.1 Whole blood collection and processing- The global blood market's whole blood collection and processing segment are projected to expand due to the increasing demand for whole blood. Factors such as trauma, surgical procedures, and diseases contribute to this demand. Whole blood, which is the blood flowing through veins, is commonly used for transfusions and patients with severe blood loss. Trauma is a leading cause of death, claiming over 5 million lives and requiring medical care for 1 billion people yearly. Blood is collected in blood bags, which are essential for storing and processing whole blood and its components. These bags are made from high-quality, biocompatible PVC and additives for safe and efficient blood collection, separation, storage, and transport. Standardized manufacturing methods ensure free flow during blood separation and prevent breakages or twists. Additionally, these bags extend red blood cell storage and lower packed red blood cell viscosity for easy transfusion, maximizing plasma harvesting. The advantages of blood collection bags are driving their demand, fueling the growth of the whole blood collection and processing segment in the global blood market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Blood Market: A Complex and Essential Industry The Blood Market is a global network that facilitates the collection, testing, processing, storage, and distribution of vital body fluids, primarily focusing on red blood cells, organs, and other blood components. This market caters to various medical needs, including chronic medical conditions, traumatic injuries, surgeries, emergencies, and patient care. Body fluids, including blood, play a crucial role in maintaining life. Red blood cells, for instance, carry oxygen to different parts of the body, while leukemia and cancer cells can threaten this function. Trauma injuries and medical procedures can lead to blood loss, necessitating transfusions. Blood components, such as platelets and plasma, are essential for surgeries and patient care. Blood transfusion therapy is a common treatment for anemia, leukemia, and other blood-related disorders. The Blood Market also provides consumables and instruments for blood transfusions. Skilled laboratory professionals ensure the safety and quality of the blood and its components, making the Blood Market an indispensable part of modern healthcare. The industry continues to evolve, addressing the increasing demand for blood and blood-related products while ensuring the highest standards of patient care. Market Research Overview Blood Market: A Thriving Industry Dedicated to Saving Lives The global blood market is a critical and dynamic sector, focusing on the collection, testing, processing, and distribution of essential body fluids, including red blood cells, plasma, and other components. This market caters to various medical needs, such as chronic medical conditions, trauma injuries, surgical procedures, and emergencies. Organs and body fluids, particularly blood, play a pivotal role in maintaining patient health and supporting medical treatments and interventions. Chronic medical conditions like leukemia, cancer, and chronic kidney diseases, as well as acute conditions like trauma and casualties, require timely access to blood and its components. The market encompasses various players, from hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to blood banks and specialized laboratories. Blood collection devices, such as blood typing products, blood screening instruments, and advanced technology, ensure the safety and efficiency of the blood collection process. Blood typing systems, blood typing reagents, and blood screening systems and reagents are crucial for identifying the correct blood type and detecting potential diseases or contaminants. The geriatric population, with its unique healthcare needs, represents a significant market segment. Major shareholders in the blood market include hospitals, hospitals and clinics, and blood banks. The market's growth is driven by increasing healthcare expenditure, the rising prevalence of chronic conditions and comorbidities, and the increasing demand for advanced blood tests and transfusion therapy. Blood components, such as red blood cells, plasma, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma derivatives, are essential for various medical procedures, including organ transplants, cardiac surgeries, and emergency treatments. The market's success relies on the availability of a reliable blood supply, skilled laboratory professionals, and advanced blood transfusion instruments. In conclusion, the blood market is a vital and ever-evolving industry, dedicated to ensuring the availability and safety of essential body fluids for patient care and medical interventions. The market's continued growth is driven by the increasing demand for blood and its components, advances in technology, and the changing healthcare landscape. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product Whole Blood Collection And Processing Blood Screening Products Blood Typing Products Source Plasma Collection End-user Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) Others Geography North America Asia Europe Rest Of World (ROW) 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

Faruqi & Faruqi Reminds PACS Group Investors of the Pending Class Action Lawsuit with a Lead Plaintiff Deadline of January 13, 2025 – PACSSaudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry’s rise

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AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it(The Center Square) – More than $225 million in grants have been allocated to assist and expand law enforcement and prosecutorial jobs in rural areas of Texas. Recognizing the need to increase salaries and recruit and retain law enforcement staff in rural areas where resources are limited and can’t compete with larger cities, in 2023, the state legislature passed SB 22, the Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was an advocate for the bill, which received bipartisan support. The law appropriated $330 million for the program in the 2024-2025 biennium. In fiscal 2024, which ended Aug. 31, the Texas Comptroller’s Office awarded $125.7 million to 502 grant recipients. In fiscal 2025, it awarded $98.4 million to 396 grant recipients. “Many rural law enforcement and prosecutor offices have lacked the resources they need to attract and retain personnel or to buy much-needed safety equipment, and this program bridges that gap. I'm humbled that the Legislature placed this responsibility with my agency,” Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “These men and women form the backbone of rural communities across the great state of Texas, and it is critical that we ensure they have what they need to keep Texans safe and secure." Earlier this year, Hegar visited several recipients of the grant program through his Good for Texas Tour series to highlight how they used the funds. Grant money helped increase minimum salaries for constables and sheriffs; increase deputy, jailer and corrections officer salaries; hire new deputies and corrections officers; fill open positions; and purchase equipment. In county attorney offices, grant money helped supplement the salaries of assistant district attorneys or hire additional ones, hire legal assistants, investigators, victim assistant coordinators and others. Brooks County Sheriff Benny Martinez, who advocated for the legislation, told The Center Square, “The Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program has been critical to sheriffs in disadvantaged rural counties with budgetary shortfalls. I’ve been a recipient of the grant program and greatly appreciate the support of the legislature for approving Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s pledge to increase law enforcement funding.” Goliad County Sheriff Roy Boyd agrees, saying it’s the first time in his 30-plus year career “that the legislature has done something like this for law enforcement. It’s a huge benefit because it enabled us to provide much-needed pay raises for the deputies and the jailers.” Boyd founded and leads an Operation Lone Star Task Force with sheriffs and law enforcement officials from nearly 50 agencies in dozens of counties, The Center Square has exclusively reported. He explained that historically, commissioner’s courts have underfunded sheriff’s offices because they argued state law enforcement agencies were patrolling rural areas but that hasn’t been the case for a range of reasons, leaving the sheriff’s offices underfunded and underpaid. SB 22 provided a “much-needed boost especially during hard economic times that we’ve been facing,” he said. When Patrick and state lawmakers learned “how little deputies were being paid or that they were relying on food stamps, they were shocked,” Boyd said. Boyd’s first partner, when he began his career, “was on food stamps. It was the only way to feed his family. A program like this helps them out,” he told The Center Square. “To put the pay raise into perspective,” he said, when he was first elected sheriff and came into office in 2021, “deputies were making $35,000 a year. Now starting pay is $51,400.” Before the legislature acted, in some poor, rural counties, some sheriff salaries were $20,000 a year. “Recruiting skilled law enforcement deputies in rural counties has always been a challenge. The impact of a grant like this that helps us better compensate and retain talented lawmen cannot be overstated,” Kinney County spokesman Matt Benacci told The Center Square. Despite the best efforts of the legislature, not all sheriffs and their deputies are receiving the money intended for them through the law because county judges or commissioners have control over the funding process and won’t approve the grant for political reasons, they told The Center Square. Several sheriffs spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation from their county judge or commissioners. If county officials don’t accept the grant, sheriffs and their deputies won’t receive salary increases and aren’t able to hire additional deputies or other staff and jobs remain vacant. In one rural county, the judge and commissioners didn’t want to pay the sheriff a full salary because he came out of retirement to take the job, one sheriff in a rural county said. The reasoning was that he didn’t need it because he was collecting retirement from his previous law enforcement job. In one border county, the county judge wouldn’t release funds for a sheriff’s office that was participating in Operation Lone Star. In another, the commissioners didn’t want the sheriff to make the minimum $75,000 under the law because it was more than they made and rejected the grant money. The sheriffs argue one way for the legislature to improve the program is to allow the sheriffs to apply directly for the grant and receive the funding directly. Criteria for the grant program can be found here . Those serving in jurisdictions with populations of 300,000 or less, whose fiscal years begins Jan. 1, have until Jan. 31, 2025, to apply.