Latest news with #Capriglione
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IonQ Stock Surges as Texas Legislature Passes Quantum Initiative It Backed
An IonQ-backed bill aimed at making Texas a quantum technology hub passed the state legislature. The legislation will have Texas set up a strategic plan to encourage quantum innovation. The news lifted shares of IonQ into positive territory for of quantum computer maker IonQ (IONQ) jumped 9% Monday after the Texas legislature passed a bill backed by the firm that would set up the state to be a major hub for quantum technology. Called the Texas Quantum Initiative, the legislation calls for the state to "develop a comprehensive strategic plan to advance quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies in Texas." Representative Giovanni Capriglione, Chair of the Texas Innovation & Technology Caucus, said that quantum technology "is no longer a distant idea; it is quickly becoming a reality, influencing national security, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, climate science, and critical infrastructure.' Capriglione added the initiative "helps Texas lead in this field by encouraging quantum innovation and fast-tracking the integration of quantum tech into the state's economy." IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi explained that the company "is excited to collaborate with Texas leaders, universities, and industry to help catalyze a new era of quantum-powered solutions." IonQ shares have spent most of the year in negative territory, but following the news they've moved slightly into the green for 2025. Shares of rivals Rigetti Computing (RGTI) and Quantum Computing (QUBT) also gained. Read the original article on Investopedia Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Texas Legislature Passes IonQ-Supported Quantum Initiative, Advancing Quantum Ecosystem Across the State
COLLEGE PARK, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, today announced its commitment to helping build a thriving quantum ecosystem in Texas, following the passage of the Texas Quantum Initiative (HB 4751) in the 89th Texas Legislature. This legislation positions Texas to become a major hub for quantum innovation. IonQ's engagement with Texas policymakers and research institutions reflects its broader vision to expand regional quantum economies across the United States. Earlier this year, IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi testified before the Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee in support of HB 4751, emphasizing the critical role of quantum computing in addressing future cybersecurity and economic challenges. 'The Texas Quantum Initiative is more than just policy. It's a platform for transformative innovation, secure infrastructure, and inclusive workforce development,' said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. 'We commend Governor Abbott, Chairman Capriglione, Senator Parker, Chairman Schwertner and the Texas legislature, for taking bold steps to secure Texas's place in the global quantum economy. IonQ is excited to collaborate with Texas leaders, universities, and industry to help catalyze a new era of quantum-powered solutions.' The Texas Quantum Initiative establishes a strategic framework to leverage the state's academic strength, technology sector, and entrepreneurial drive. It will provide guidance, investment incentives, and research opportunities that advance quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies. 'Quantum technology is no longer a distant idea; it is quickly becoming a reality, influencing national security, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, climate science, and critical infrastructure,' said Chairman Capriglione. 'The U.S. and other nations are competing to develop and implement these capabilities. The Texas Quantum Initiative helps Texas lead in this field by encouraging quantum innovation and fast-tracking the integration of quantum tech into the state's economy.' IonQ's participation in SXSW 2025 quantum events – alongside Texas lawmakers and industry peers – further underscored the company's readiness to contribute to Texas's quantum momentum. In addition to its ongoing collaboration with academic and industry partners nationwide, IonQ will look to support education and training programs in Texas. 'Quantum technologies offer unparalleled potential to protect digital infrastructure, optimize systems, and uncover solutions that were once beyond reach,' de Masi added. 'We believe Texas is poised to play a defining role in the future of this technology.' About IonQ IonQ, Inc. is a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world's largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ's current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems and represent the forefront of the company's technological roadmap as it advances toward its goal of building quantum computers with 2 million physical qubits by 2030. The company's innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek's 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes' 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, and Built In's 2025 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Washington DC and Seattle, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words 'advances,' 'aimed,' 'available,' 'believe,' 'build,' 'catalyze,' 'collaborate,' 'commitment,' 'contribute,' 'cutting-edge,' 'delivering,' 'forefront,' 'goal,' 'impactful,' 'ongoing,' 'potential,' 'will,' and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the IonQ's quantum computing capabilities and plans; IonQ's technology driving commercial quantum advantage; the future impacts of IonQ's offerings available today; and the scalability, fidelity, efficiency, viability, accessibility, effectiveness, importance, reliability, performance, speed, impact, practicality, feasibility, and commercial-readiness of IonQ's offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: IonQ's ability to implement its technical roadmap; changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; IonQ's ability to deliver, and customers' ability to generate, value from IonQ's offerings; IonQ's ability to sell effectively to government organizations and large enterprises; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts, roadmaps and other expectations, to identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers; IonQ's ability to effectively enter new markets; IonQ's ability to deliver services and products within currently anticipated timelines; IonQ's customers deciding or declining to extend contracts into new phases; changes in U.S. government spending or policy that may affect IonQ's customers; and risks associated with U.S. government sales, including availability of funding and provisions that may allow the government to unilaterally terminate or modify contracts for convenience. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the 'Risk Factors' section of IonQ's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. IonQ may or may not choose to practice or otherwise use the inventions described in the issued patents in the future.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don't deal with homeless encampments
A proposal in the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature to enhance a statewide ban on homeless encampments met a spectacular demise late Monday when the bill's sponsor effectively ended debate on the bill. After several attempts by Democrats to weaken the bill and challenge its legitimacy through other procedural tactics, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, asked for debate on the bill to end and resume on June 3, one day after the session ends. Senate Bill 241, which had already passed the state Senate, would have forced Texas cities and counties to beef up their enforcement of a statewide ban on homeless encampments. Critics had argued the legislation won't help reduce homelessness. Capriglione, who carried the proposal in the House, told The Texas Tribune he withdrew the bill to avoid a protracted procedural process that would have ultimately killed it. Capriglione, who authored the state's ban on homeless encampments, said he plans to work on similar legislation when the Texas Legislature convenes again in two years. State lawmakers have shown exasperation with visible homelessness four years after Abbott signed the state's ban on homeless encampments into law. 'Whether it's in my area, in Fort Worth, or in Dallas, or here we're in Austin, everybody knows that these camping restrictions on homeless camping restrictions have not been enforced,' Capriglione said. The number of unhoused Texans has grown in recent years as the state's housing costs have ballooned. Almost 28,000 Texans experienced homelessness last year, federal estimates show — about 8% more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 12,000 people experienced unsheltered homelessness, meaning they slept outdoors, in their cars or in other places where people aren't supposed to live. The bill from state Sen. Pete Flores, a Pleasanton Republican, would require cities and counties to allow residents to make formal complaints if they suspect a violation of the camping ban. The Texas attorney general could declare that city or county a 'violating local entity' if local officials don't resolve that complaint within 90 days. The state could then step in to clear encampments and recoup the costs from that city or county's sales taxes. House lawmakers made some tweaks to the bill Monday, requiring the attorney general's office to give cities and counties a 45-day heads-up that they're at risk of becoming a 'violating local entity.' They shot down other amendments, like a Democratic proposal to make it clear that cities and counties could resolve complaints about homeless encampments by finding ways to rehouse people camping there. Texas lawmakers enacted the statewide camping ban after Austin officials in 2019 relaxed restrictions on public encampments. The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness grew in following years, and Austin voters restored the city's camping ban through a public referendum. Shortly after, state lawmakers enacted the statewide camping ban — making sleeping outside or camping on public property a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. Austin has issued more than 1,300 citations since 2021 for violations of the camping ban and related violations, according to city data. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on homeless encampments last year. Homeless service providers and advocates have long argued that ticketing people experiencing homelessness only makes it harder for them to get back on their feet. Compelling local governments to do so, some have worried, might sap resources from strategies that focus on finding new housing for people experiencing street homelessness. They say those initiatives have helped Houston and Dallas reduce unsheltered homelessness by more than 25% since before the pandemic. Texas lawmakers also advanced legislation requiring cities to give neighbors a heads-up if it wants to convert a property to house homeless people. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
KXAN testifies on crime victim data during House open government hearing
Austin (KXAN) — On Wednesday, KXAN Senior Investigative Producer David Barer spoke to members of the Texas House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency about obtaining data while investigating the state's crime victim compensation delays. 'An important issue we found is victims were telling us they were waiting up to eight months or more to get a first payment on a claim,' Barer said of KXAN's three years of reporting on the Texas Attorney General's CVC division, noting the use of budget-related data obtained from the state agency. KXAN's analysis of that data revealed recent victim claims were being averaged with sexual assault exam reimbursements, the latter of which are actually handled directly with medical providers in just days. So the attorney general's combining of the two types of claims presented a skewed narrative that payments were happening faster than reality. 'The AG's office has now acknowledged that, and they're addressing it now through the appropriations process,' Barer explained. 'But that is one example of many that I could give you of reporting that relied on searchable-sortable records that we obtained through the Public Information Act, and I know from experience that not all government bodies provide this even when they're able to and explicitly asked to do so.' Barer shared his account with lawmakers at the encouragement of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, which advocates for greater access to public information. It was among testimony surrounding House Bill 4218, which aims to codify the ability to obtain searchable-sortable records if such a format is available. 'If government information is maintained in a searchable-sortable format, it needs to be provided in that format in a public information request,' said Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, who authored the bill. Capriglione told committee members some agencies deliberately turn searchable-sortable data — like an Excel spreadsheet — into a PDF, which 'is not as useful to a requestor who is trying to sort and analyze a large amount of information.' 'In that case what you're seeing is a government entity going above and beyond to make it difficult for the public to be able to access that information,' he said. HELD UP: KXAN uncovers backlog, turnover with Texas' Crime Victims' Compensation Division The measure falls under the topics tackled by the newly-created DOGE committee, which Capriglione also chairs. Its directive includes tackling inefficiencies in government services. Capriglione said reducing 'data in its native format also reduces the workload on government employees,' because it eliminates the need to create additional documents in separate formats. 'Clarifying this issue will save time and taxpayer money,' he added. HB 4218 was left pending in committee. Its Senate companion, SB 50 filed by Sen. Judith Zafirini, D-Laredo, awaits a hearing in that chamber's 'Business & Commerce' committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers and advocates call for accountability after insurance company hired investigators to look into patients
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Lawmakers and patient advocates are calling for accountability after a legislative hearing revealed emails indicating an insurance company's use of private investigators to gather information on customers and state lawmakers. Superior HealthPlan receives funding from the state to manage the care of sick and disabled children through programs like STAR Kids. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into Superior HealthPlan, one day after a heated public hearing at the Capitol. In the March 26 hearing, lawmakers on the House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, grilled the company's CEO over surveillance practices, they say, that crossed a line. During the hearing, committee chairman Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, revealed emails indicating Superior hired private investigators to get information on lawmakers and customers. 'Why would you go and and run a background check, hire a private investigator to follow, to dig into the records of people who are your customers?' Capriglione asked CEO Mark Sanders. 'First of all, I will say we no longer use that practice, and haven't for several years,' Sanders answered. 'At the time, we really just wanted to have information on those individuals, and really nothing beyond that of what was publicly available to us.' One day after the hearing, Centene, the parent company to Superior HealthPlan, announced that Sanders was no longer with the company. Rep. Capriglione spoke with the State of Texas host the week after the hearing. Capriglione was joined by Hannah Mehta, founder of the advocacy group Protect TX Fragile Kids. Rep. Giovanni Capriglione: 'Let's start with the fact that Superior was funded almost entirely with taxpayer dollars, right? They used those taxpayer dollars to hire private investigators to surreptitiously follow journalists, customers, and lawmakers. I was made aware of these emails, which led to the discovery of additional information about who they were following and the intent behind them. And so in our committee hearing just a week ago, we revealed that to the public and made them answer.' Josh Hinkle: 'Hannah, what are some of the concerns you've heard from the families with medically fragile children who rely on the state's STAR Kids program?'Hannah Mehta: 'You know this is horrifying and alarming for families who literally are fighting for life, sustaining care for their children, trying to keep their kids alive. In this case, Linda Badawo was one of those who was fighting for her foster child who was actually awarded the state to be able to breathe and maintain his trach care that was ordered by his doctor, and so we have seen this pattern of behavior from Superior and it is alarming and horrifying that patients who are literally just trying to stay alive and follow their doctor's orders are being targeted for trying to access that care.'Josh Hinkle: 'So in last week's hearing, Sanders admitted he authorized hiring private investigators to get information on patients. Hannah, you knew about these emails for a while. What was it like for you to hear the admission in the hearing itself?'Hannah Mehta: 'Sunlight is the best disinfectant. There is, I think again, a pattern of behavior here that is really disturbing. Texans deserve better, and taxpayers deserve better. Patients deserve better. No family, no patient, should be targeted for trying to keep their child alive, for trying to access care for their loved one. And this could be anyone. This could be you. This could be any text, and we should all be horrified and concerned about what we're hearing here.' Josh Hinkle: 'One question I have is about the transparency surrounding this type of program. You know, it was even difficult for the media to get confirmation of rumors we've been hearing for months, and finally, it came out in this hearing, is there more transparency to be had in the future when it comes to this type of funding and these type of programs?'Rep. Giovanni Capriglione: We have several bills going right now in the legislature, several on contracting, of course, a few on transparency. HB 111 and a few other bills that we're working on that will require Absolutely, much more transparency, making sure that whether it's the press or patients or lawmakers get more access to what is going on with our dollars. I mean, we created the Speaker of the House, created the delivery of government efficiency [committee], and I think behind efficiency is transparency. The way that we need to make sure that we do this is that everyone has access. These are taxpayer dollars. I mean, and not just a few. This is the second biggest expense for the state. Okay, there's tens of billions of dollars of contracts that are going out to provide medical care to constituents of Texas. We deserve answers. We deserve responses as soon as possible.'Josh Hinkle: 'So I have a question for both of you. Sanders is obviously out. The company is under investigation from the AG, what do you hope changes after this?'Hannah Mehta: 'You know, I think the truth of the matter is, Josh, there are some massive changes that need to be made in this system, but let's take one step at a time, and let's start by addressing these issues and also ensuring that patients can access, incredibly vulnerable patients can access the life sustaining care that they need on a daily basis. And that starts with, as Gio said, some oversight, responsibility and some transparency for where those tax dollars are going. Are they being utilized in the way that the Legislature has allocated them, and are the patients, these vulnerable patients, who are often in life and death situations, able to access the care that they need to remain stable? That, that is really the intended purpose of these programs.'Josh Hinkle: 'You've touched on the transparency. What other changes are you hoping for?'Rep. Giovanni Capriglione: 'Well, first of all, I'm thankful that Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating Superior. I'm expecting him, and I'm sure that he will do everything he can to make sure that he digs into what they're doing. Because I'll tell you, a company that has a culture of doing this probably has a culture of doing other things as well, whether it's double billing to the state unethical behavior, I think the state should consider dropping the contracts that it has with Superior and requiring all other providers to follow ethical guidelines. And that's what I'm hopeful will happen, not just here in Texas, because I think other states across the country now are going to start looking and asking these same tough questions to their providers.' After the hearing on March 26, Centene issued a statement in response: Centene recognizes that rebuilding trust requires more than words. Following the hearing, Centene immediately launched an internal investigation to examine the conduct in question and to ensure our current practices are fully aligned with our core values and ethical standards. In addition, Mark Sanders is no longer with the company. Our investigation to date indicates that all research in question was conducted through publicly or commercially available resources and limited to desk-based research. Background research has many business uses, including meeting preparation as well as helping to identify conflicts of interest and potential fraud, waste, and abuse, which is part of our duty as a government-sponsored healthcare organization. The research in question included irrelevant and unnecessary personal information. That was inappropriate and never should have happened. This occurred prior to 2019 and does not reflect the values or standards of our current leadership. For that, we offer our sincere and unequivocal apology. We have found no evidence of any legal violations, and no individual was ever followed or photographed. Suggestions that these materials were used for leverage or blackmail are completely false. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
