Texas legislators gave NHA members a head start on the 2003 legislative session this summer, when they spoke at a series of legislative breakfasts hosted by the Association. “Our purpose was not to rehash old issues, but to discover how we can prepare for the next session. We must continue to be proactive and devise a long-term legislative strategy for the north Houston region,” said Executive Director Carolyn Wright.
The series consisted of three breakfasts featuring Representatives Gary Elkins and Peggy Hamric as well as Senator Jon Lindsay. When asked about issues in the 2003 session, Hamric said, “The big issue will be the budget. Comptroller Rylander has already predicted a shortfall for the next session’s budget.” Hamric noted that if the economy did not improve in the next couple of years, the Senate Appropriations Committee might be forced to [undefined] making major cuts, or perhaps complete elimination of some programs. Hamric served on the Appropriations Committee in the 2001 session.
Regarding the recently completed 77th Texas Legislative Session, Hamric noted a number of bills that were passed related to safety issues : open container law, graduated driver’s license program and child safety seat requirements. Elkins discussed a number of bills, including HB2134, which revives the is sue of vehicle emissions testing. “Hopefully, it will be a more stream lined process,” he said. “The law gives the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission the authority to develop a revised plan.” Elkins also touched on the creation of the Texas Mobility Fund, which allows the state to finance roads utilizing bonds instead of the cur rent “pay-as-you-go” system. This is a constitutional amendment that will be put before voters in November.
“We desperately need some relief,” he said concerning the congestion woes that face the Houston region. Elkins sponsored the telecommunications soliciting bill, which also passed the legislature. This action created a system so people can get removed from solicitation lists by saying the “magic words,” said Elkins. “When they call you, just say ‘Please put my name on your do not call list,’ and they are required to do so.” One issue all three legislators spent time on is redistricting. Hamric attended a number of Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB) meetings , and is working to ensure Harris County does not loose any districts.
Both Elkins and Hamric noted that rural Texas is shrinking. Elkins estimated that it will loose about six House seats thro ugh the redistricting process. Lindsay predicted the redistricting battle will result in a conservative legislature. “The thing to look at is where the leader ship will go. Who will be the committee chairs? That’s where the speculation will be between now and January,” said Lindsay. He noted that a conservative legislature will bring state budget and school finance is sues to the forefront. “The legislature will be trying to reduce taxes, and won’t be as focused on the local issues. My point is to remind us, your legislators, to pay attention to your local issues,” he said.
Lindsay also discuss ed the sunset review of the Texas Department of Economic Development, the water supply issue and property values. He also noted that the Senate interim committees were being established. Elkins referred those present to a web site to find our details on particular bills: http:// www.capitol.state.tx.us/hrofr/frame9.htm. Hanuic also suggested going online to the State of Texas House Research Organization website. The breakfasts took place at the Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel, and there was no charge for NHA members to at tend, due to the generous underwriting of a number of NHA members: Arcadis/ WSBC Civil Engineering Company, Cobourn Linseisen & Ratcliff , Inc., Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation, ECO Resources, Inc., JNS Consulting Engineers, Inc., The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P., and Turner Collie & Braden, Inc.
