Legislative Update

March 2013

Dear Members,

In addition to the multitude of bills in Austin on which to watch and take action, our attention should also be upon events taking place close to home. The Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees called for a bond election for May 11, 2013. The $367 million bond referendum has been assembled to address issues of facilities, instructional technology, co-curricular and extracurricular programs. Specifically, the proposed bond will touch all CCISD schools and eight support facilities to:

1. Address aging or overcrowding campuses and infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and increase the life expectancy of existing facilities;
2. Improve safety and security systems at many campuses;
3. Upgrade wireless infrastructure and expand access to technology in every classroom; and
4. Construct or expand facilities to support co-curricular and extracurricular programs.

The estimated tax increase of this bond is $0.1125. If approved, a homeowner of a median home would see an initial $5.12 increase per month in property taxes with a maximum annual payment of $172.72. Homeowners 65 of age and older would not see a tax rate increase as their property taxes are frozen by law. With the election being on Saturday, May 11, early voting will begin April 29 and end May 7.

Serving you,

Sheryl Berg

Legislative Chair

February 2013

Greetings from your Legislative Liaison!

As Governor Rick Perry delivered his 7th State of the State address Tuesday, February 29th, some commented he was positioning himself for a presidential run in 2016. Whether or not that was a part of his agenda, his speech spoke of boldness, optimism and confidence in the "Texas century" as he put it. His address to the 83rd Legislature lauded the accomplishments of a strong economy and at least one humorous effect of bringing more Allied moving vans to Texas than any other state. Among other items on his legislative wishlist, Governor Perry mentioned the following: reiteration of support for voter ID, tougher pro-life measures, stronger eminent domain laws, a call for a 4-year tuition freeze at public universities, stronger border security and shared responsibility between Washington and Texas for such entitlements as Medicaid, the single largest portion of the budget. He singled out his desire to have the Doggett Amendment repealed. Perry, acknowledging the well-deserved praise for Texas' economic growth and stability said, "As other states flounder about, oppressing their citizens with more taxes and driving away jobs with bad policy, Texas will make the right decisions, and emerge stronger."

To equip our membership with contacts for more effective involvement during this session, I bring to you some important contact information:

www.capitol.state.tx.us Provides information on the legislators, legislations, committees, Senate and House, status of bills, public hearing schedule, etc.

www.lrl.state.tx.us Librarians are available to assist the public in locating appropriate materials relating to the Legislature, including bills filed, research reports and House and Senate journals. A toll-free number, 1-877-824-7038, is in operation from the first day of session through the end of June to provide information on bills and resolutions.

Important dates:

March 8: Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations and bills that have been declared an emergency by the governor.

May 27: End of session

June 16: Last day governor can sign or veto bills during the regular legislative session

August 26: Date that bills without specific effective dates become law.

Feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns regarding my update.

Best regards,

Sheryl Berg

Legislative Chair