Those who populate the House of Representatives and Senate adjourned the 84th session of the Texas Legislature sine die on Monday, June 1. Sine die is a Latin term meaning indefinitely or without fixing a day for future action or meeting. Some among us believe meeting five months out of every twenty four months is not often enough. Others, maybe the majority, believe two months out of every five years would be safer. Opinions make no difference because the fact is, our Texas Constitution prohibits the Legislature from meeting again until the next regular session begins in January 2017.
The exception: the governor, and only the governor, can call a Special Session for specific items that he declares are an emergency.
This Legislature had the largest turnover and the largest number of freshman in modern Texas political history. Much has been written about the 84th Regular Session. Much more will be written. The opinions vary.
On the House side, 4,207 bills filed versus 3,950 two years ago, a six percent increase. 818 bills passed versus 732 two years ago, a 12-percent increase. A little more activity but really not much change, at least in volume, in the House of Representatives.
On the Senate side, 2,069 bills filed versus 1,918 two years ago, an eight percent increase. 504 bills passed versus 705 two years ago, a 29-percent decrease. Things got tougher in the Senate. For those who believe in fewer laws, not a bad thing.
So, how did it go from a Killeen – Central Texas perspective? Several major accomplishments that will benefit this community and region.
Transportation
More than 1,000 people move to Texas each day. It is estimated that the state’s population will double by 2050. This kind of growth creates congestion. Nowhere is this more evident than on our highways. If steps are not taken, our economy could suffer. The good news is that steps are being taken.
In November 2014 voters approved Proposition 1 to amend the Constitution. Prop 1 allowed legislators, in this session, to allocate $2.5 billion in oil and gas tax revenues to road construction and maintenance. Second, legislators ended diversions in state gasoline tax revenues to other state agencies and re-routed approximately $1.3 billion to TxDOT. Most importantly, the legislature created new funding sources for highway maintenance and construction.
In November 2015 voters agreed to amend the constitution again to add $2.5 billion of the general sales tax beginning in the 2017-2018 biennium and 35%of vehicle sales tax revenue above $5 billion beginning in the 2019-2020 biennium. These funds will allow us to maintain and expand I-35 and US195. Additionally, it will allow us to develop US190 east and west to interstate standards, which would result in a new economic corridor and robust connectivity. For a region as dependent upon transportation as is Central Texas, this is a once in a life time development.
Higher Education
The first building on our Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMUCT) campus was built with Tuition Revenue Bonds authorized by the Legislature. The second building was built with funds from the Permanent University Fund authorized by the Texas A&M University System. For the first time since the 2007 session, when the first building was funded, legislators authorized $3 billion in Tuition Revenue Bonds to pay for new buildings on university campuses around the state. TAMUCT will be the recipient of $36 million, easily enough to build the third building.
Additionally, TAMUCT received funding to expand their presence in East Williamson County. This funding will provide very beneficial flexibility. When you view TAMUCT as a driver of economic development, this funding will pay many dividends in the future. TAMUCT is, and will be, much more than an academic institution. It will provide the means to develop talent that will make us competitive in the ever-changing world we face. It can serve as the vehicle through which emerging technologies can be incubated. And, it will be a uniting force to bring the region together so that everyone can benefit. No institution, outside of Fort Hood, has the potential to change the face of our community and region as does TAMUCT.
Certainly, some did not get what they want or need in funding from the 84th Legislative Session.
Public Education got more but probably not enough. Coupled with concerns about Impact Aid at the federal level, KISD and CCISD will have their own challenges. Community colleges seem to have gotten more regulation and less money with which to pay for it. Those who want moremoney to pay for social programs came away disappointed.
The community and region also lost in another way. Two veteran highly effective members of the legislature elected to retire. State Representative and Public Education Chair Jimmie Don Aycock will leave as one of the most respected and effective members of the House in modern history.
Senator and Natural Resources Chair Troy Fraser will leave after having served in the Senate since 1997. He served in the House prior to that. His institutional knowledge and experience coupled with the ability to apply that knowledge and experience has been unparalleled. Communities are fortunate to have the kind of access afforded by people like these two elected officials. To say that they will be difficult to replace would be an understatement.
Written by John Crutchfield, Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
Published in the Greater Killeen Business Quarterly 2015 Restaurant & Catering Guide