February 18, 2015 v. 5
To: Members of the Texas Legislature
From: Government Affairs Committee of Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce
The following items are priorities of our community for the 84th Legislative Session.
Economic Development
n Invest in workforce development and technical training, especially in rural areas.
n Support the construction of Lake Columbia.
Education
n Approve a $58 million Tuition Revenue Bond for a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics facility at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA).
n Provide funding at SFA’s Waters of East Texas (WET) Center for water research - $500,000 for each year of the biennium
n Support additional relief funding for Texas universities to help mitigate the fiscal impact of the Hazelwood Legacy tuition exemption program.
n Allow SFA students to consider an Intercollegiate Athletics fee.
n Support enhanced student financial aid funding to improve access to higher education.
n Support the recommendation of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding formula and outcomes-based funding for higher education.
n Support local school districts’ efforts to focus on student engagement, while supporting employer’s needs for standards, assessments and accountability.
Community
n Fund and promote Texas Certified Retirement Community program.
n Support funding resources and assistance for rural hospital and indigent health care.
n Oppose legislation which encroaches on local government’s ability to self govern.
n Provide funding for adequate broadband throughout rural counties.
Transportation and infrastructure
n Support continued work on an east-west highway corridor through East Texas, such as improving Hwy 21 and Hwy 103.
n Support upgrade of State Highway 204 to four-lane or a “super two” between Jacksonville and Nacogdoches. This could create a direct extension of U.S. Highway 175 to U.S. Highway 59, improving safety and commerce from Dallas to East Texas.
n Support funding for the I-69 initiative. Support funding for South US 59 direct connect at Loop 224.
F:/Gov affairs/legislative agenda 2015