Insider's Report
April 25, 2003
State Representative Dennis Bonnen
Speed Limits Should Not Be
Changed
I am working very hard to ensure that the speed limit provision I put
into my TERP bill remains in the Senate version. As part of the Texas
Emissions Reduction bill, I added a provision that the TCEQ not be allowed
to change current speed limits for environmental reasons. Reduced speed
limits in the Houston-Galveston area were not only ineffective but very
costly and this should never be repeated.
Upcoming Bills Address
School Funding
I continue to work closely with the school districts of Brazoria County
to ensure that the school finance crisis is addressed. I have expressed to
my colleagues that we must send a message loud and clear that school finance
is a top priority and a solution will be found. HB 1062, which I authored,
will be considered by the Education Committee on Tuesday. It allows school
districts to keep more of their property tax base dollars, raises the basic
allotment per student and provides state aide, while establishing a deadline
for permanent action to ensure that legislators will meet in a special
session to find a solution.
I have also co-authored HB 5, a very similar bill, which will provide
temporary relief to school districts while a permanent solution is found to
end Robin Hood. It will be considered on the House floor this week. These
bills will help reduce the extreme recapture burden on Chapter 41 districts
while ensuring Chapter 42 districts are funded equitably until a new school
finance system is established.
State Agencies to Be Held
Accountable For Unfunded Mandate Proposals
I firmly believe that state agencies should not be allowed to
unconditionally impose additional costs and rules on local governments and
citizens. I have sponsored two bills which would restrict such unfunded and
unnecessary mandates that not only add to budget problems but also make it
more difficult to administer programs.
Under current law, a state agency can adopt rules to add costs without
considering how they will be paid for and without authorization from the
legislature. These same agencies often make rules that do not reflect the
author's intent of legislation.
For example, the Texas Education Agency is charged with developing a
process to evaluate administrators. But legislators never intended for them
to require districts to send principals to region centers for testing and
then charge them $1,000 each for the evaluations. Those dollars can be put
to much better use in local classrooms. We hear other such stories from our
counties, our day care centers and our apartment owners.
Unless the Legislature expressly authorizes an agency to impose costs,
they will be prohibited from doing so if HB 426 becomes law. This bill has
passed the House and is now before the Senate. HB 425 will implement
procedures to ensure that agency rules are consistent with legislative
intent. It is now awaiting a calendar date. I am working to ensure the
passage of these bills, as they will offer much-needed relief from excessive
costs and regulations now being dictated by these agencies.
Uncertified Teachers Should Not be in Classrooms
I voted against HB 318 and HB 2723, two bills that narrowly passed in
the House on Thursday, which would allow uncertified teachers in our
classrooms. HB 318 authorizes those with bachelors degrees to gain
certification if they pass an exam; HB 2723 allows anyone with masters or
doctorate degrees to teach in secondary schools. When the well-being of
Texas children is at stake, I think we need to make certain we have the best
teachers possible in their classrooms.
Meetings Last Until Early
Morning Hours
As session nears the end, the House has been meeting until the
evening hours followed by lengthy committee hearings late into the night.
As Chair of the Environmental Regulation Committee and a member of the
Insurance Committee, I have seized the opportunity to address some of the
most crucial issues our state is facing. I have heard from many
constituents who are fed up with outrageous insurance rates and asked the
Speaker to name me to the Insurance Committee so that I can be actively
involved in solving this crisis.
After spending last Tuesday afternoon on the House floor and in
meetings with the Speaker and other members, I chaired a meeting of the
Environmental Regulation Committee, introduced a bill to Judicial Affairs
Committee, and rushed to an Insurance Committee meeting that did not adjourn
until 3:30 a.m. During this lengthy hearing, we considered testimony on SB
14, which many of my constituents have contacted me about these past few
weeks. This bill will protect consumers from excessive insurance costs by
regulating the rates, forms and practices of insurance companies in Texas.
I am working with committee members to make positive changes to SB 14 to
ensure a competitive market remains in this state so that Texans may
continue to choose from a wide variety of insurance options while enjoying
fair rates.
The Speaker has announced that we will begin working a six day week
throughout the rest of the session to address these and all other issues
before us.
Leukemia-Lymphoma
Resolution Set for April 30
Senator Kyle Janek and I will both present resolutions on Wednesday to
designate September 2003 as Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness month in Texas.
Blood cancers currently afflict more than 700,000 Americans and HCR 36 will
pay tribute to those Americans engaged in the fight against these diseases.
Texas is committed to supporting the search for cures and encourages private
efforts to enhance research funding and education programs.
My Office Works for You
If you have any concerns, please contact my office. We
may not always know the answer but you will be heard and we will obtain
information for you. My job is to be your advocate.
Angleton Office: 979-848-1770
Austin Office: 512-463-0564
Toll Free: 1-800-647-3809
E-Mail:
dennis.bonnen@sbcglobal.net
Or
Web:
www.dennisbonnen.com
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