Insider's Report
February 21, 2003
State Representative Dennis Bonnen
Bill Filed to Help Local School Districts
Tuesday I filed HB 1062 to help reduce the extreme recapture burden on
Chapter 41 school districts such as Sweeny and Brazosport. Under the present
system of school finance, both districts are now sending millions out of the
county while being forced to cut personnel and programs in our schools. By
raising the current equalized wealth level per student, the state could give
temporary relief to these districts. A significant fiscal note is attached
to this bill to ensure that Chapter 42 districts such as Columbia-Brazoria
and Danbury will not be affected and will continue to receive the funding
they need as well. Senator Kyle Janek is filing an identical bill in the
Senate.
While this is a short-term fix to the school
finance problem, I think it is necessary to provide some relief to districts
while a new funding mechanism is put in place. I understand that the State
of Texas is facing a budget crisis but cutbacks should not be made at the
expense of schools and our children's future. I stand committed to finding a
permanent fix for school finance this year.
Reduce Tickets for Environmental Speed Limits
If the Texas Transportation Commission sets a speed limit for
environmental purposes, drivers violating those speed limits should not have
to pay the same penalties they would pay for violating speed limits set for
safety purposes.
I have authored HB 1001 along with Rep. Gary Elkins
and Rep. Debbie Riddle to set the fine at a maximum of $25 for exceeding
the environmental speed limit by 20 mph or less. If speed limits have been
lowered because of clean air, not safety, then violators should be fined for
damage to the air, not for being an unsafe driver.
The bill also specifies that these environmental
violations should not be allowed to affect any vehicle insurance coverage.
TIF Funds Necessary for School, Local Libraries
In today's technological society, it is important that Texas has quality
electronic services. Since 1995 the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF)
Board has provided funds for internet access, computers, and electronic
resources for public schools and community libraries. Librarians from across
the county have contacted me about how much these grants have done for their
facilities.
Although Gov. Perry has frozen the 2003 funds while
the budget is being assessed, I think this funding should be continued. TIF
is funded through a state assessment on telecommunication companies so this
is dedicated money and should not be placed in the general revenue fund to
offset the state's budget shortfall. You can go into any school or public
library in the county today and see how well this money is being spent.
There Are Some Bills I Can Not Support
Legislators are filing thousands of bills in Austin but there are many I
can not support. Two specifically involve gas taxes and school athletics.
One proposal would impose a 5-cent gas tax to help
pay for transportation projects. You and I are already paying record prices
for gasoline and I will not add to that burden.
I also do not agree with a bill that has been
introduced to abolish the University Interscholastic League and replace it
with an organization that will add home schools and private schools to
public school competitions, end "no-pass, no-play" and allow non-school
employees to coach teams.
Visitors to the Capitol
Several visitors from Brazoria County stopped by my Capitol office
last week- Ivory Harrison of Angleton Coca-Cola; Daniel McDowell of
Brazosport Christian School; David Miller of Pearland; Cathy Threadgill of
Pearland; Lawrence White of Lake Jackson; Pete Vincent of Alvin and Jack
Coe of Alvin. Another visitor was Steve Brown of North Richland Hills,
former director of the Brazoria County Library System.
Diana Davis, Teen Court Coordinator, accompanied a group of local
Teen Court members to Austin this week to see their state government in
action. Making the trip were Zachary Noblitt, Joshua Rouse, Ainsley
Stromberg, Marisol DeLeon, Edward Spray, and Marily Lema.
Other visitors in Austin were Doris Williams of Lake Jackson, Betty
Bieri of Angleton, Chris Pate of Angleton, and Mary Ann Thomas of Angleton.
I had meetings on county issues with Sheriff Joe King and
Commissioner Dude Payne while they were in Austin this week. I am always
pleased to meet with local officials either in the Capitol or in the county.
While I was in the district last Friday, I met with Judge Randall Hufstetler,
Judge Marc Holder and Judge Pat Sebesta. Senator Janek and I also met with
District Attorney Jerri Yenne to discuss county concerns.
On My Calendar
Feb. 21 - Columbia Christian School, West Columbia
Speaker, Boy Scout Banquet, Angleton
Feb. 22 - 4-H Shooting Club Field Day, Brazoria
SIDS Gala, Lake Jackson
Feb. 24 - Legislature in Session, Austin
Insurance Committee Meeting
Committee Chairs Luncheon with Speaker
Feb. 25 - Legislature in Session, Austin
Austin/Galveston/Brazoria County Delegation Meeting
Environmental Regulation Committee Meeting
Feb. 26 - Legislature in Session, Austin
UH Regents Luncheon, Austin
Feb. 27 - Legislature in Session, Austin
Resolution for Nathan Haller, former State Rep
Town Hall Meeting, Brazoria
Feb. 28 - Brazosport Chamber Legislative Committee
Community Prosperity Meeting, Lake Jackson
Speaker, Youth & Family Counseling Meeting, Alvin
BASF Tour, Freeport
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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