The State of Texas 80th Legislative Session
With the 80th Legislative session fast approaching here are some important dates.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006 General election for legislative and other offices is held [Election Code, Sec. 41.002]
Monday, November 13, 2006 Prefiling of legislation for the 80th Legislature begins [House Rule 8, Sec. 7, and Senate Rule 7.04(a)]
Tuesday, January 9, 2007 (1st day) 80th Legislature convenes at noon
What will the new session bring?
Some issues to expect.The Trans-Texas Corridor will be a hot topic, rural opponents will argue the project is taking away thousands of acres of prime farmland, urban opponents will argue that the State is using imminent domain to take prime retail property. Advocates will argue that Texas needs the corridor to address growing transportation issues and NAFTA traffic.
Related will be a continuation of the oft-ignored water rights issue. Access to water is becoming a critical issue as urban areas expand and water needs expand with them; expect lots of backroom arm-twisting and a fight between rural and urban leaders.
Another hot topic will be the state of the Texas Health and Human Service System, and the Bermuda based Accenture contract to overhaul the eligibility system. With sixty legislators signing a letter to terminate the contract, while thirty legislators, plus Perry and Craddick signing on to continue the contract expect some fireworks as Perry and Craddick are challenged by a growing number of legislators from both parties. AccessHR, the Ohio based Human Resource contractor is also on the radar. The apparent failure of both companies to actually adhere to their respective contracts should provide plenty of ammunition for attacks on the leadership of the state concerning Health and Human Services. Immigration, while federal policy sets immigration law, expect resolutions addressing immigration to abound. While Federal policy addresses immigration issues, the issue of Katrina evacuees who have relocated to Texas and are in need of services will be an issue. The Governor has requested additional funding from the Federal government to address this need; the issue will probably be addressed on the floor of both chambers, as the state is feeling a fiscal impact.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006 General election for legislative and other offices is held [Election Code, Sec. 41.002]
Monday, November 13, 2006 Prefiling of legislation for the 80th Legislature begins [House Rule 8, Sec. 7, and Senate Rule 7.04(a)]
Tuesday, January 9, 2007 (1st day) 80th Legislature convenes at noon
What will the new session bring?
Some issues to expect.The Trans-Texas Corridor will be a hot topic, rural opponents will argue the project is taking away thousands of acres of prime farmland, urban opponents will argue that the State is using imminent domain to take prime retail property. Advocates will argue that Texas needs the corridor to address growing transportation issues and NAFTA traffic.
Related will be a continuation of the oft-ignored water rights issue. Access to water is becoming a critical issue as urban areas expand and water needs expand with them; expect lots of backroom arm-twisting and a fight between rural and urban leaders.
Another hot topic will be the state of the Texas Health and Human Service System, and the Bermuda based Accenture contract to overhaul the eligibility system. With sixty legislators signing a letter to terminate the contract, while thirty legislators, plus Perry and Craddick signing on to continue the contract expect some fireworks as Perry and Craddick are challenged by a growing number of legislators from both parties. AccessHR, the Ohio based Human Resource contractor is also on the radar. The apparent failure of both companies to actually adhere to their respective contracts should provide plenty of ammunition for attacks on the leadership of the state concerning Health and Human Services. Immigration, while federal policy sets immigration law, expect resolutions addressing immigration to abound. While Federal policy addresses immigration issues, the issue of Katrina evacuees who have relocated to Texas and are in need of services will be an issue. The Governor has requested additional funding from the Federal government to address this need; the issue will probably be addressed on the floor of both chambers, as the state is feeling a fiscal impact.
posted by Mockingbird on the Capital Wall at 8:03 AM
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