Texas House Speaker Joe Straus Addresses the Dallas Regional Chamber Board of Directors

On Friday February 27th, members of the Dallas Regional Chamber Board of Directors met to discuss the current 81st legislative session.

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus along with Chairman Burt Solomons, Representative Roberto Alonzo and Chairman Dan Branch met with board members for a roundtable discussion of the legislative issues the Chamber has identified as their top priorities.

The discussion began with questions on the Texas state budget and the effect the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will have on an estimated budget shortfall in the 81st legislative session. Speaker Straus spoke about the Texas House of Representatives Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding he created to analyze funds coming into the state of Texas through the federal legislation. This committee will meet virtually every day. Chairman of the Higher Education Committee Dan Branch said, “I urge you as a citizen and business leader to get a copy of the stimulus bill and read it page by page.” Speaker Straus noted the House of Representatives must be realistic and cautious about long term fiscal responsibility for Texas.

Higher education, transportation and funding of the 2007 State Water Plan were among the other topics discussed during the meeting. Regarding higher education there was a consensus of support for funding new national research universities. All agreed we need to be able to attract the most qualified people to the North Texas region. The group also agreed that transportation funding was critical to the infrastructure of the state. Although the transportation funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would provide some additional funding, a long term solution to funding is critical. Funding the 2007 State Water Plan will also be a priority in the House this session and was an issue on which the Chamber Board of Directors placed high emphasis.

The Dallas Regional Chamber is honored to have the leadership represented by Texas House Speaker Joe Straus during this critical legislative session. Speaker Straus has demonstrated that his priority is to lead a House of Representatives that can put aside past partisan differences and work together to do what is best for Texas during the current critical economic period.

For additional information on the Dallas Regional Chamber’s legislative agenda please check our website at http://www.dallaschamber.org/govrelations/ or contact Scarlette Dale at sdale@dallaschamber.org.