From the Office of State Senator Kel Seliger

SPRING 2012 Volume 5, Number 1

In This Issue … Greetings from the Legislature!  A Message from Kel Seliger To the Constituents of Senate  In the Interim … District 31:

 News from Senate District 31 After wrapping up a dynamic  Important 2012 Election and challenging regular legislative session, followed immediately by Update an equally active special session, I am pleased to be back in the district reporting to you on the actions of the 82nd Legislature, and discussing your thoughts and The new Senate District 31 opinions on the issues that affect you and your communities. is comprised of Andrews, Armstrong, Bailey, Briscoe, I want to thank all of you who came out to my annual town hall meetings in your counties last fall, and most recently, in Loving County earlier Carson, Castro, Cochran, this year. Loving County is one of the twelve new counties joining Senate Collingsworth, Dallam, District 31, and I look forward to the privilege of representing all of these Deaf Smith, Donley, Ector, hard-working Texans in the State Senate.

Gaines, Glasscock, Gray, As we look forward to the 83rd Legislature, I am encouraged by Hall, Hansford, Hartley, continued increases in state sales tax collections; however, I recognize that Hemphill, Howard, the state of Texas faces, yet again, potentially significant budget constraints. While the lagging national economy continues to impact the lives of many Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Texas businesses and families, I believe that the Texas economy is well- Loving, Martin, Midland, positioned for future growth and success. In addition to beginning work on Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, the budget for the next biennium, Lieutenant Governor has instructed the Senate to spend the next several months researching and Parmer, Potter, Randall, analyzing a wide variety of issues, and make recommendations about Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, potential legislative action in these areas in the 83rd Legislature. This Wheeler, Winkler and newsletter highlights a few of the topics that I believe will be important to the people of the Panhandle, South Plains and the Permian Basin. Yoakum Counties. I hope you will take the time to read this brief update on the issues facing our state as we prepare for the next legislative session. As always, my staff and I stand ready to answer your questions or assist you, so please do not hesitate to call or write me, or come by any of my offices in the district or in Austin.

Sincerely,

In the Interim …

While the Legislature is not currently in session, work in the State Capitol Contact Us continues in the interim in preparation for the 83rd Legislature. As previously stated, Lt. Governor Dewhurst has directed each of the Senate committees to Amarillo District Office conduct hearings throughout this year on a number of public policy matters. 410 S. Taylor, Suite 1600 These include both current events and policy discussions, as well as monitoring Amarillo, TX 79101 the implementation of legislation enacted last session. A full list of interim (806) 374-8994 charges, as well as links to live video broadcasts of all public hearings, can be FAX: (806) 374-4607 found on the website, www.senate.state.tx.us.

Big Spring District Office Government Spending and Efficiency. As preparation of the budget for 401 Austin, Suite 101 the 2014-2015 biennium gets underway, the Senate Finance Committee will Big Spring, TX 79720 review the state's current spending limits to determine if any statutory (432) 268-9909 changes are needed to ensure continued restraint in the growth of our state FAX: (432) 268-9899 budget. While out-of-control spending by the federal government continues to frustrate taxpayers across Texas and the nation, this effort is critical not only Midland District Office to meet our constitutional obligation to produce a balanced budget, but also 6 Desta Drive, Suite 3360 to maintain the strength and prosperity of the Texas economy. Midland, TX 79705 (432) 620-0436 Dunes Sagebrush Lizard. I have been appointed Chairman of the Senate FAX: (432) 686-7748 Committee on Natural Resources subcommittee to monitor the inclusion of the dunes sagebrush lizard on the U.S. Fish Odessa District Office and Wildlife Service endangered species 4840 E. University, Suite 205 list, and the negative implications such Odessa, TX 79762 action would have on the oil and gas (432) 550-7476 industry. The six counties proposed to be FAX: (432) 367-0034 listed are entirely within the Permian Basin, and a listing would all but prevent State Capitol Office industry's continued success and supply of this essential natural resource. Capitol Extension, Room E1.606 Because of the potential impact to this region, the subcommittee will holding a Austin, TX 78701 public hearing in Odessa on April 30, 2012. Industry leaders, government (512) 463-0131 officials, and citizens will give testimony relating to the effect of this listing on FAX: (512) 475-3733 the oil and gas industry in the state of Texas. For more information on the hearing, see the official posting.

Website: Public School Finance. The Texas Constitution requires that the state www.seliger.senate.state.tx.us provide efficient and adequate funding for public schools, and that school districts have the ability to choose how they spend money they bring in from local property taxes. There are currently five lawsuits that have been filed against the state, all in district court in Austin, collectively representing over 500 school districts. These districts have a broad spectrum of characteristics, including suburban, rural, wealthy, lower-funded, large, small, and majority low-income and English- language-learning student populations. A district court trial is expected this fall, and a decision in early 2013. It is highly likely that the decision of the district court will be appealed to the Texas Supreme Court by either side, meaning that a final ruling can be expected in early to mid-2013.

In the meantime, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst appointed me to the newly created Joint Interim Committee to Study the Public School Finance System, which will, in cooperation with members of the House of Representatives, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current public education funding system in Texas. I look forward to bringing together all of the stakeholders, including educators, parents, and the business community, to develop

recommendations for the 83rd Legislature that will end the cycle of lawsuits.

Emergency Preparedness. In response to the numerous and widespread wildfires that consumed 4 million acres of Texas over the past year, the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security will review state, local and federal emergency preparation and response efforts as they pertain to protecting lives, property, and natural resources from wildfires. The committee will specifically consider ways to facilitate better communication and response between state agencies and stakeholders, as well as review training procedures of emergency responders to ensure that they have the appropriate skills necessary to respond to wildfire events.

Helpful Links Veterans' Services. As part of the Legislature's continued mission to expand Online opportunities for our veterans, the Senate www.capitol.state.tx.us Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee will review, and if necessary make Texas Senate improvements to, the claims process for veterans trying to obtain compensation, health www.senate.state.tx.us care, disability and pension benefits. The committee will also identify avenues to maximize funding options, reduce Texas House of claim backlogs, and increase the benefits received by Texas veterans. Representatives Water. Spring rains have been great for the , but with a www.house.state.tx.us hot summer on the horizon and a huge drought deficit to make-up for, we must still be prudent in our water use. Conservation continues to be the key Governor to ensuring a sustainable future. Texas www.governor.state.tx.us Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples is recommending everyday yardcare Comptroller of Public conservation measures that are easy and make a real difference. Simple changes such Accounts as watering early in the morning and mulching www.window.state.tx.us flowerbeds can help to prevent evaporation and ensure that water is used most effectively. All Texans are encouraged to make conservation a family effort and get the kids involved in the yard, passing along good water conservation habits from generation to generation. More information can be found at www.texaswatersmart.com.

News from Senate District 31

The fall of 2011 saw the expansion and modernization of two health care facilities that will help meet the growing and diverse medical needs of hundreds of Panhandle residents. In October, I had the privilege to return to my hometown of Borger to participate in the grand opening of the new Golden Plains Community Hospital. This $28 million, 66,000 square foot facility includes 25 patient beds, expanded operating rooms, larger and updated labor and delivery rooms, and new and updated equipment. I also joined city officials and community leaders in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Hereford Regional Hospital, a 80,500 square foot, state-of-the-art, primary care healthcare facility with 41 beds funded entirely by local bond funds.

In recognition of the critical role that volunteer fire departments play in the safety of our communities, Chesapeake Energy Corporation recently donated a 2009 Chevy Silverado half-ton four-wheel drive truck to the Mobeetie Volunteer Fire Department. The pickup will serve as an extra vehicle for the department, helping to improve emergency response time for the

firefighters.

Sharyland Utilities recently completed construction on four towers along the Hereford to Whitedeer segment as part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) process. This segment represents a portion of what will ultimately be approximately 300 miles in new electric transmission facilities located in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. As part of its final order, the Public Utility Commission stated its expectation that all CREZ transmission Dates of Interest lines and collection stations should be constructed and in service by the end of 2013.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012 In September 2011, the Texas Transportation Primary election for legislative and Commission approved funding for the expansion other offices is held. of State Highway 349 to four lanes between

Midland County and the Dawson County line, and Monday, April 30, 2012 to provide substantial improvements to the Voter registration deadline for remaining portion into Lamesa. In addition to primary election Proposition 12 bond funds allocated by the Texas Department of Transportation, this project was Tuesday, July 31, 2012 also made possible by funds from MOTRAN, as Primary runoff election for well as local matching dollars. Both portions of the legislative and other offices is held. road widening will likely be completed by 2013, with the second portion of the project scheduled to begin next summer. Tuesday, November 6, 2012 General election for legislative and The Midland Christian Mustangs defeated the Tomball Concordia other offices is held. Lutheran Crusaders to win the 2011 TAPPS 11-Man Division State Football Championship. This marks the fifth state title for the Mustangs. Congratulations to Coach Greg McClendon and all of the players! Monday, November 12, 2012 Prefiling of legislation for the 83rd Legislature begins. Important 2012 Election Update

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has ordered 83rd Legislature convenes at noon. interim State Senate, State House, and U.S. Congressional district maps into effect for the 2012 elections. While these maps are temporary, they will serve to distinguish districts for candidates in upcoming 2012 elections. A three-

judge federal panel in Washington, D.C. is currently reviewing the maps drawn by the Legislature to determine their compliance with Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

As a result of this ongoing litigation, the mailing of new voter registration certificates is delayed in some counties. All previously issued voter registration certificates expired on December 31, 2011, but the cards were automatically renewed. Only registered voters who have changed addresses or names need to contact their local voter registrar to update their registration or file a new application.

As you may recall, the 82nd Legislature enacted Senate Bill 14, which requires voters to present a state-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, military ID, U.S. passport or concealed handgun license before casting a ballot. The U.S. Department of Justice recently refused to approve Texas' Voter ID law. A lawsuit filed by to have the law implemented immediately is currently pending in federal court. While awaiting a resolution, I would encourage all registered voters to be prepared with the necessary identification documents when they go to vote in the upcoming elections. If you have any additional questions about the 2012 elections, please visit www.votetexas.gov, or contact your local election administrator.