Despite delays and disruptions from COVID-19 and the winter storm, there were 7,148 bills and constitutional amendments introduced during the 87th Regular Legislative Session. When the session concluded, 1,081 bills were sent to the governor, and he vetoed 21 of them, including the entire appropriation for the legislature. As expected, thousands of these bills affected county … [Read more...] about Regular Session Report
87th Legislative Session
Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate, Part II
A statutory duty imposed upon counties by the legislature without funding is an unfunded mandate. Every unfunded mandate requires a property tax increase. The majority of the CJCAT legislative efforts are directed toward the prevention of additional unfunded mandates. This session was no exception. In 2005, this column described the “Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate.” That … [Read more...] about Anatomy of an Unfunded Mandate, Part II
87th Texas Legislature: CJCAT at the Capitol
As defined in the Constitution of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, “It shall be the purpose of this Association to create a greater interest in county government and to unite its members to promote better business methods in county government, and to foster the general welfare of county government throughout all counties in the State of Texas.” When it … [Read more...] about 87th Texas Legislature: CJCAT at the Capitol
A Call for Continued Leadership
The 87th Legislature was as we expected it to be. Participation from not only Judges and Commissioners, but sheriffs, treasurers, other elected officials, and association representatives helped us to stay engaged in order to have our voices heard. All of us together challenged those who wished to silence us. Even the legislators themselves, though some may not publicly … [Read more...] about A Call for Continued Leadership
Public Service Versus Political Service
Our democratic republic is sustained by a political process. Political parties select candidates for the general election through their primaries. Political party platforms outline the issues to be addressed by the government. However, upon election, public officials are expected to represent the greater good and govern in the interest of all citizens. Unfortunately, … [Read more...] about Public Service Versus Political Service