Dallas Regional Chamber Gearing Up for the 82nd Texas Legislative Session

Legislative Luncheon Series

The Dallas Regional Chamber hosted two important Texas Legislative Session-related events in June.

On June 8, the Chamber’s Government Relations Department hosted the first of six Texas Legislative Luncheons. Special guest speakers at this 2010 inaugural event were State Representative Helen Giddings, Chairman Dan Branch and Representative Eric Johnson. Giddings serves on House Appropriations, Branch is Chair of Higher Education and Johnson sits on Criminal Jurisprudence. Giddings, Branch and Johnson represent districts 109, 108 and 100 respectively.

Each provided their perspective on the many formidable challenges and opportunities the Texas Legislature will confront during the 2011 Session. Chamber members heard the state representatives identify the anticipated $18 billion dollar budget shortfall, redistricting, sunset review and education as critical issues House members will confront next year. The Presenting Sponsor for the luncheon was the University of North Texas.

Upcoming Chamber Legislative Luncheons are scheduled for July 13, September 14, October 12, November 16, and December 7.

Coalition Meeting

The Dallas Regional Chamber partnered on June 9, with the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce (NDCC) in hosting the first 2010 meeting of the Dallas Area Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition (DACCLC). Comprised of 19 Dallas-area chambers of commerce, the Coalition has as one of its major goals the development of a succinct list of legislative priorities supported and endorsed by Coalition members. Once completed, Coalition members will share, discuss and advocate the legislative priorities with their respective House and Senate Members.

Representative Dan Branch, Chairman of the House Higher Education Committee and Republican Chair of the North Texas House Delegation, addressed the group and outlined highlights of the 81st Texas Legislative Session, North Texas delegation accomplishments and challenges the Legislature will face during the 82nd Session.

Information Chairman Branch shared with attendees included:

• Highlights: The creations of a funding mechanism to help “emerging research universities” attain Tier One status.
• North Texas Accomplishments: The creation of a new public law school in downtown Dallas.
• Challenges: Anticipated $18 billion dollar state budget shortfall.

DACCLC members will hold their next meeting on July 21 at the NDCC office.