What's new in District 122
140 days wasn't enough! Months ago, many predicted we'd need a Special Session or two to address all of the State's business. Unfortunately, they were right. We wish the twentieth newsletter in this series signaled the end of Session until 2013, however, several bills imperative to running state government for the next biennium were not considered by the deadlines put in place by both the House and Senate. We arrived back under the dome this morning at 10:00 a.m. to address the unfinished business. The Governor has included two items on his Special Session call so far, addressing school funding and changes to the Medicaid program.
Fortunately, several bills that will have a profound impact on the Bexar County community were passed and await signature by the Governor. SB 341, which will allow BexarMet ratepayers to vote whether to dissolve the BexarMet board and receive water and wastewater from SAWS, received final approval on Sunday. Click here to read the San Antonio Express-News recap. HB 3726, which provides the Daughters of the Republic of Texas with assistance to continue their hard work as custodians of the Alamo, was also sent to the Governor's desk this weekend. A story by the San Antonio Express News about HB 3726 can be found here.
Additionally, SB 1543 passed this weekend. With the imminent reduction in state funding to public education, districts need to be creative and thoughtful in maximizing their investment opportunities. SB 1543 is a permissive bill allowing school districts to invest in AAA corporate bonds. Institutions of higher education are already able to do this, and this would apply to approximately 135 school districts in Texas that have long-term debt greater than $100 million. The additional earning from corporate bonds when compared to commercial paper could pay for more than 4 teachers if $100 million was invested over a course of a year. Several school districts in the State asked that we pursue this on their behalf. We are pleased to report that SB 1543 is on its way to the Governor's desk.
A few of our bills didn't make it simply because the clock ran out before they could be brought up for a vote. We have asked Governor Perry to include these bills in his Special Session call. The letter we sent to the Governor can be found here.
While budget reconciliation, education funding, Texas Wind Insurance Association reform, congressional redistricting and sanctuary cities are all outstanding issues, even more may be added to the Special Session call. The good news is that the House approved most of these bills, but they hit roadblocks in the Senate. Hopefully motivation to return home for summer will help get the job done! We will keep you updated on the issues we consider. Take a look at this blog by the Dallas Morning News discussing the House's plan for this week. Please feel free to contact my office to find out more about what the House is working on during this Special Session.
Fortunately, several bills that will have a profound impact on the Bexar County community were passed and await signature by the Governor. SB 341, which will allow BexarMet ratepayers to vote whether to dissolve the BexarMet board and receive water and wastewater from SAWS, received final approval on Sunday. Click here to read the San Antonio Express-News recap. HB 3726, which provides the Daughters of the Republic of Texas with assistance to continue their hard work as custodians of the Alamo, was also sent to the Governor's desk this weekend. A story by the San Antonio Express News about HB 3726 can be found here.
Additionally, SB 1543 passed this weekend. With the imminent reduction in state funding to public education, districts need to be creative and thoughtful in maximizing their investment opportunities. SB 1543 is a permissive bill allowing school districts to invest in AAA corporate bonds. Institutions of higher education are already able to do this, and this would apply to approximately 135 school districts in Texas that have long-term debt greater than $100 million. The additional earning from corporate bonds when compared to commercial paper could pay for more than 4 teachers if $100 million was invested over a course of a year. Several school districts in the State asked that we pursue this on their behalf. We are pleased to report that SB 1543 is on its way to the Governor's desk.
A few of our bills didn't make it simply because the clock ran out before they could be brought up for a vote. We have asked Governor Perry to include these bills in his Special Session call. The letter we sent to the Governor can be found here.
While budget reconciliation, education funding, Texas Wind Insurance Association reform, congressional redistricting and sanctuary cities are all outstanding issues, even more may be added to the Special Session call. The good news is that the House approved most of these bills, but they hit roadblocks in the Senate. Hopefully motivation to return home for summer will help get the job done! We will keep you updated on the issues we consider. Take a look at this blog by the Dallas Morning News discussing the House's plan for this week. Please feel free to contact my office to find out more about what the House is working on during this Special Session.
At the Capitol
Presenting SB 341, the BexarMet bill, with fellow Bexar County Rep. Jose Menendez
Working with fellow Local and Consent Calendars Committee members, Rep. Joe Farias and Marisa Marquez
If we may be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact our Capitol office at (512) 463-0646 or lyle.larson@house.state.tx.us. Please continue to let us hear from you!
Best,
Lyle
Best,
Lyle
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