Amidst mounting public outcry, the federal government last week halted construction of border barriers through state park property in far West Texas, The Texas Tribune reported. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodeny Scott personally stopped construction until he could visit the region. Hundreds of people showed up at the annual meeting of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, gathering outside its headquarters in what resembled a tailgate party. The federal government already has sent bulldozers into Big Bend National Park Among those trying to rally people to the cause was former Republican Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson. “I have yet to encounter anybody in the Big Bend area who does not oppose a wall,” he said. While Big Bend is a national park, several state parks could be affected by attempts to build border barriers, including Big Bend State Park and Seminole Canyon State Park. TPWD chair Paul Foster addressed the concerns of those attending the annual meeting. “I think we agree with most of you and are working with the governor’s office and the federal government,” he said. “Our goal is to minimize damage to the ecosystem and the natural beauty of not only the parks, but the whole area.” Abbott proposes extending ban on H-1B visas Gov. Greg Abbott last week proposed extending a ban on H-1B visas used to hire foreign workers to all Texas public school employees, The Texas Tribune reported. A similar ban is already in place for Texas universities. The governor says he will push for legislation to ensure “exactly zero” of Texas school employers are in the state on federal visas. “We’re tired of the federal government not putting limits on who can come in under H-1Bs, and because of the federal government’s failure to control H-1B visas, Texas is having to put our foot down, and that means making some tough decisions,” Abbott said. Texas school districts employ more educators holding H-1B visas than any other state, according to an analysis from the National Education Association. Dallas ISD leads in the number of educators hired with H-1B visas at 171. The policy change would require legislation to pass during the next regular session of the Texas Legislature, which begins in January. Patrick threatens schools who retain ‘inappropriate’ books Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick threatened last week to lower ratings of schools who do not pull books marked as “inappropriate,” The Dallas Morning News reported. “We’re coming for the books,” Patrick said in a message to superintendents. “We ask that you do it on your own and remove these books.” Patrick controls the state Senate agenda and says school districts may eventually face funding cuts if those books remain in school libraries. He did not say how that would occur. Abbott last year signed a bill into law that gives school boards the authority to pull books from school libraries if parents or members of the public believe they are indecent or profane. Patrick said new penalties are necessary because school districts are not complying. Democrats have said stricter oversight over books in school libraries threatens local control and access to books.