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For 100 years, the Dallas Regional Chamber has tirelessly advocated for public policies which ensure our area and businesses are competitive and prosperous. As the 2009 session of our state Legislature convenes, we will pursue our interests in a focused way just as we have over the past century. We will engage with the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor and the new Speaker of the House, and our region’s Senators and Representatives to achieve our goals. This year, our aggressive advocacy will focus on emerging national research universities, transportation, economic development, regional water supply, and many other vital issues, summarized below.
Higher Education. Our universities and colleges are key to our economic vitality. We will aggressively pursue creation of a mechanism for state support for Texas’ 7 emerging national research universities, three of which are located here: UTD, UTA, and UNT. Ensuring regional equity and adequate funding for our institutions including full formula and financial aid funding while maintaining tuition flexibility is also essential. Long term policies addressing incentive and research funding and support for our medical schools are critical.
Transportation. A better funding system is required to maintain and expand Texas’ transportation infrastructure. We strongly support indexing the state motor fuels tax and ending diversions of motor fuels tax revenue to non-transportation programs. Other important items include allowing regions flexibility to address their transit goals, enabling legislation for Proposition 12, and recapitalization of the Texas Mobility Fund.
Water. Last session, we successfully pushed for statutory designation of reservoir sites for our long term water supply. This year we will work to protect these designated sites and to eliminate barriers to accessing water from those future reservoirs.
Economic Development. Public incentives for economic development are essential to growth. Preservation and increased funding for the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Technology Fund will help close deals and create jobs. Increasing funds to the Skills Development Fund and preserving local option incentives are also important.
Health Care. To ensure a business competitive state and region, we support programs that (1) decrease the cost of health care to business and consumers, (2) increase the access of health care to all and (3) increase the quality of health care.
PreK-12 Public Education. An educated workforce is the best asset of any community. The Chamber supports a strong improved K-12 education accountability and assessment system; adequate state funding; initiatives that improve teacher availability and quality; and the opportunity for students to participate in effective early childhood programs.
Environment. A healthy environment attracts companies and individuals to our area. Appropriating all funds collected for programs designed to improve our region’s air quality will help ensure we meet the air quality goals set for us.
Dallas remains at the top of the rankings for business expansion, employment and population growth, number of Fortune 500 headquarters, and gross regional product. At a time when our nation faces unprecedented challenges, it is more important than ever to preserve and further enhance the business climate of the region. Our pro-active work will keep us at the top of the list of best places in the United States to do business.
Jan Hart Black, President
James C. Oberwetter, President-Designate |
