Day 1 – Tuesday – January 22, 2013

The 83^rd session of the Texas Legislature had begun January 8, 2013.  150 representatives and 31 senators were already hard at work. 

Mr. Joe Cox gave us a brief overview.  Our constitution still reflects the interests of a rural state.  Texas has made it difficult to make laws because the framers of our constitution felt an inherent distrust of government.  The Texas constitution actually uses the term “citizen-legislators” to prohibit our elected officials from “acting” like professional politicians.  Therefore, our sessions are only 140 days every 2 years with a biennial budget.  And our legislators only get $7200 a year plus a per diem during session.  So people who run for office better truly want to serve their constituents and represent their issues and concerns.  The issues are usually big and there is a small amount of time to deal with them.  Of course, personalities – especially Texas personalities – play a huge part in getting something done.  No theater shows a person’s weakness or strength like politics – it is timing and instinct.  Staffers are very important – they are the gatekeepers.

Mr. Cox is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Relations for Texas A&M AgriLife.   His job is to educate not lobby.  It is most relevant to communicate to the Legislature how AgriLife spends their money.  They are not there to be for or against a piece of legislation, but they might be asked to provide expert testimony.  It is Joe’s job to keep out bias.  There is no substitute for credible information.  It is very important to continue and build relationships after the session ends.

We were treated to a photo op with the Honorable Joe Straus III – our current Speaker of the House, Texas House of Representatives and then a photo op with Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst.  Both men were amazing and took time out of their busy schedules to visit with us.

Dr. Matt Wagner is the Deputy Director, Wildlife Division for Texas Parks and Wildlife.  His responsibility is to care for and maintain the parks – oversee the game wardens – and oversee the wild life division which is primarily funded thru taxes on gun sales and hunting licenses.  In the last year his office has had to find cost effective ways to deal with the drought and its diminishing effects on lakes and reservoirs which in turn hurt the whooping crane, fish, and wildlife.  Not to mention the cost related to the fires in Bastrop.  

Of course, we would hear repeatedly (and rightfully so) about water issues and the need to allocate to farmers and 22 million Texas residents.  This is one of the priority issues for the Texas Legislature this session.  Not only must there be solutions for today but planning must be implemented with the expectation that Texas will double its population in the next 40 years.  Since the land in Texas is 95% privately owned, it is imperative to engage the land owners.

Mr. Coby Shorter III – Deputy Secretary of State talked to us about the duties and responsibilities of the office of the Secretary of State.  The office is responsibility for business, international protocol and the election office; voter registration.  John Steen is our current Secretary of State.  The good and bad news is the State of Texas is growing rapidly – businesses want to move here – other countries want to do business here.  Texas has created a formula that works – less spending – less regulations and taxes on businesses – more jobs.  But whereas it has been this “Texas” mentality that has created the opportunities – the more movement of people in from other states or countries changes the demographics of Texas.

One thing being looked at is trying to improve voter turnout.  They have come up with the super precinct where the voter can vote anywhere in their county.  This is to decrease lines and increase participation.  Of course, there is no formula to get voters to get out and vote.  Texas does have an impressive partnership between state and county.  And our election process as well as much of our Sate government is driven by volunteers.

Well as you might readily conclude – one of my most favorite speakers is Todd Staples, Texas Agriculture Commissioner.  Commissioner Staples is a true Texan defending Texas agriculture on every front.  From personal experience, I was most grateful for his efforts during the drought – setting up hay hotlines – relaxing hay hauling restrictions not only in Texas but with our neighboring states – setting up donation sights for those ranchers who lost everything to fire.  The drought cost Texas $8.3 billion in ag loss.  Commissioner Staples cares and is willing to speak out.  Since we are working to become advocates – he advised us to pay special attention to what we say – and what people hear.  It is important to listen – consumers are the ones that drive debate – polling – what are consumer’s telling us – how will we respond?

Texas communities have to really decide where the money comes from to fund their needs.  Don’t wait on the State.  The State should be looked at as planning – research – the deal closer – bringing the communities together and adding dollars to finish a deal.   The issues at hand are water – border security (ranchers can’t be chased off their land – Mexico is our #1 trading partner so we need to preserve legal trade) – immigration (need the skilled work force – obviously need immigration law reform) – highway construction (bonds to take advantage of low interest rates).  It is all economics.  We can’t spend more than we take in or there most definitely will be a day of reckoning.  We are a State that encourages ag research and development – we encourage business.