Texas Legislature to Convene for 81st Regular Session on January 13th, 2009

As the largest metropolitan area in the state, the economic vitality of Texas is closely tied to the continued economic health of Dallas/Fort Worth.  D/FW currently represents one-quarter of the state’s population and accounts for one-third of its gross domestic product.  The Dallas Regional Chamber supports the following priority initiatives in the 81st Texas Legislature:

Higher Education
Area universities, colleges and community colleges are keys to the economic vitality of our region. Ensuring regional equity and adequate funding for our institutions including full formula and financial aid funding while maintaining tuition flexibility is essential.  Long term policies addressing incentive and research funding and support for additional national research universities are a priority. 

Transportation
Providing adequate funding to maintain and expand Texas’ transportation infrastructure can be assisted by: adopting enabling legislation for Proposition 12; indexing the motor fuels tax; recapitalization of the Texas Mobility Fund and ending diversions of motor fuels tax revenue to non-transportation related programs.

Water
The Chamber supports the protection of all designated viable reservoir sites of unique value for the construction of reservoirs and the elimination of unreasonable restrictions on interbasin transfers.

Area Health Care Initiatives
To ensure our region remains competitive, the Dallas Regional Chamber advocates for 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.

Economic Development
Preservation of and increased funding for the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Technology Fund are critical to closing deals and promoting job creation.  Increasing funds to the Skills Development Fund and preserving local option incentives are also important.

Prek-12 Public Education
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
Appropriating all funds collected for the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) Program and the Low Income Vehicle Repair Assistance, Retrofit, and Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program (LIRAP) are necessary to meet new federal air quality standards. 

Immigration
The Dallas Regional Chamber supports national immigration reform and asks the state legislature to defer from policymaking at the state level.