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Going Sideways and Swapping Ends

February 1, 2014 by Christi Stark

By Jim Allison

Texans are known for their colorful and succinct language.  If someone said, “I saw Bud start down the hill in his old pickup. When he hit the slick spot, he commenced to going sideways and swapping ends all the way down into Mrs. Brown’s flower beds,” we would have an accurate description of Bud’s mishap.  Unfortunately, the Texas Legislature usually waits until things are “going sideways and swapping ends” before addressing a problem.  Most major issues are in a state of crisis or mired in litigation before any legislative solutions are forthcoming, with examples including prison overcrowding, education reform, and mental health funding.

However, some credit is due in the area of transportation.  While the need is critical in oil and gas counties, the appropriation of $225 million for county road repair and improvement was a significant first step.  Likewise, the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot in November 2014 will allocate needed support for public roadways.

While scrambling to meet Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) deadlines for the county road grants, let’s not overlook the opportunity to plan for future needs.  With the assistance of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), the grant project list can provide a roadmap for future transportation needs beyond the grant funding.  With these needs identified, counties can evaluate the future use of County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zone (CETRZ) funding and seek additional state support for these projects.  Let’s not wait until we are “going sideways and swapping ends.”  Let’s use the TxDOT infrastructure grant process as the beginning of the development of a comprehensive transportation plan for all counties.

For more information, please call me at 1-800-733-0699.

Filed Under: From the General Counsel Tagged With: Jim Allison

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Dates of Interest for the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature

Official deadlines will be set when the House and Senate adopt their rules, but until then, the Texas Legislative Council Drafting Manual provides the following general calendar: 

Bill pre-filing began:  Nov. 14, 2022 

1st day of session:  Jan. 10, 2023 

60-day bill filing deadline:  March 10, 2023  

Adjournment sine die:  May 29, 2023 

Post-session 20-day deadline for governor to sign or veto:  June 18, 2023 

Effective date (91st day after adjournment):  Aug. 28, 2023

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