Lawmakers face tough decisions

Columns

January 26, 2009

By Rep. Phil King, Guest Columnist

Anonymous The Weatherford Democrat Mon Jan 26, 2009, 09:39 AM CST

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Texas Legislature kicked off the 81st Legislative Session. Over the course of the next five months, I look forward to serving Parker and Wise counties in my sixth term in office, continuing to provide leadership on key public policy issues while upholding conservative fiscal and social principles.

The upcoming fiscal cycle marks a difficult time for Texas. Despite our ability to sidestep much of the country’s economic downturn, Texas, according to the State Comptroller, faces a $9.1 billion shortage to work with for the upcoming two-year budget cycle. Due to this unpleasant reality, state lawmakers have a responsibility to be make budget cuts where necessary, making the same tough decisions that you make in your own home when money is tight. There is already talk of dipping into Texas’ rainy day fund, however, I feel strongly that this is not the time deplete this important emergency fund. The legislature must demonstrate fiscal restraint where necessary, and be realistic with our budgetary goals.

In addition to passing a sound state budget, there are also several important policy issues that this session will present. One of these issues I will be focusing on is Texas’ energy market. There is a growing need to look for new ways to address the market’s volatility, our dependence on natural gas in Texas, and the imminent need for more energy sources due to our growing population.

I have filed House Bill 469, a proposal that will focus Texas on promoting clean coal energy projects. This bill provides financial incentives to build clean coal plants by authorizing the State of Texas to contract with organizations interested in implementing a clean energy project. Environmental concerns with coal driven energy are addressed with the use of this technology, and I hope to see Texas become the first state to successfully build one of these plants.

Furthermore, the economic development possibilities for these projects are incredibly exciting. Each plant will bring 2,000 construction jobs for the building of the plant, and 120-150 very well paying, permanent jobs to Texas. Creating jobs and a maintaining our reputation as one of the most business friendly states in the US is the key to preserving a strong, independent and thriving Texas economy.

Over the course of the next several months, my goal is to keep you informed on the events in Austin. Each week I will focus on various issues or important bills that the legislature will be addressing, so please watch for these future updates. As always, please contact my office if we can ever be of assistance at (817) 596-4796.

It is an honor to serve you in the Texas House of Representatives.

u

Phil King is State Representative, Texas House District 61. Columns submitted to The Weatherford Democrat by guest writers reflect the opinions of the writer and in no way reflect the beliefs or opinions of The Weatherford Democrat.

Text Only

Columns

What is truth?
February 10, 2012
Education and Lawsuits: What is it really all about?
January 13, 2012
The gift of education and much more
December 9, 2011
Glad I’m not a Democrat
December 9, 2011
Home of the brave, land of the free
October 21, 2011
School finance: Questions and Answers
October 10, 2011
Weatherford exemplifies a true ‘Tejas’ town
Some wonderful things have happened in my life, and getting to retire and move back to the Weatherford, Texas, area is one of the more significant ones.

September 27, 2011
Competence over ancestry is best
During the Sept. 12 Republican presidential debate, Governor Perry was sharply criticized for his support for the in-state college tuition rates charged the children of illegal workers that have been longtime residence of Texas and are graduates of Texas high schools. He was called un-American, unconstitutional and a panderer to the Hispanic vote.

September 26, 2011
Sons and daughters of encouragement
One afternoon last year, when we were in North Carolina visiting our friends, Ann and Robert, we toured the Billy Graham Museum in Charlotte. The impressive exhibits not only chronicled the life and achievements of the world famous evangelist, but also the lives of the other members of his team.

September 22, 2011
Health care bill a waste
When we get everybody covered by health insurance, cost of health care will be marvelous. Health care costs will go down because everybody will be sharing in the burden. Government can force you to buy health insurance. The argument is made that liability insurance is mandatory if you drive an automobile.

September 22, 2011
More Columns Headlines

The Air Force Academy recently graduated their first openly gay cadets. What does this signify?

Columns

Search Results