Capitol Newsletter

Governor Abbott Issues Special Constitutional Election   On August 5th, Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation that on November 3, 2015 a special constitutional election will be held.  During the 84th Legislative Session seven joint resolutions were proposed and approved.  This special constitutional election allows voters to express their support or opposition to seven separate propositions.  Proposition 1   "The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15,000 to $25,000, providing for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount, authorizing the legislature to prohibit a political subdivision that has adopted an optional residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption, and prohibiting the enactment of a law that imposes a transfer tax on a transaction that conveys fee simple title to real property." Proposition 2   "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran who died before the law authorizing a residence homestead exemption for such a veteran took effect." Proposition 3   "The constitutional amendment repealing the requirement that state officers elected by voters statewide reside in the state capital." Proposition 4   "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit professional sports team charitable foundations to conduct charitable raffles." Proposition 5   "The constitutional amendment to authorize counties with a population of 7,500 or less to perform private road construction and maintenance." Proposition 6   "The constitutional amendment recognizing the right of the people to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife subject to laws that promote wildlife conservation." Proposition 7   "The constitutional amendment dedicating certain sales and use tax revenue and motor vehicle sales, use, and rental tax revenue to the state highway fund to provide funding for non tolled roads and the reduction of certain transportation-related debt." Interim Study Charges During the 84th legislature, many issues that affected our state and community were addressed by the legislature. But as we move toward the 85th legislative session, many new and old issues still exist. The Speaker of the House has issued a charge to identify and study the challenges we face. I have submitted a request to develop a legislative work group to study municipal management districts.      House Bill 3097 that I authored during the 84th Legislative session addressed the need to improve blighted areas throughout the state. Although it died on a point of order, I along with many stakeholder believe that we need to clarify how municipal management districts operate.  If we study how districts are created, board composition, elimination process, sunset review, expansion an merger techniques I believe we could correct some inequities in these important districts.    Thank you to the many stakeholders who worked with the my office on House Bill 3097.  To learn more about this piece of legislation please visit the Texas Legislature Online. Pro-Life Victories 84th Legislature Amid the ongoing revelations about Planned Parenthood, the Texas Legislature accomplished multiple pro-life victories during the 84th session.  I was a proud supporter along with many of my colleagues in the Texas House and Senate.  To learn more about these important initiatives, please visit the Texas Conservative Coalition.  CONSTITUENT CORNER HOUSE DISTRICT 129 NEWS Recently the University of Houston-Clear Lake was recognized for their success in international student growth.  Due to UHCL offering quality programs that appeal to students worldwide, our community boast a success unlike many others.  To read more click here.    Congratulations to Westbrook Int. Chamber Orchestra for being named a TMEA 2016 Middle School String Honor Orchestra.   Congratulations to Clear Falls High School's Anthony Tran for being named Region 4 Secondary Teacher of the Year!   Congratulations to the Pasadena ISD Extended Year Program graduates.  56 seniors graduated on August 7th at Sam Rayburn High School.    Capitol Visitor Information   My staff and I welcome everyone to visit our office as well as the historic Capitol building.  If you are planning a trip to the Capitol be sure to stop by our office, Room E2.814.  Here are some helpful tips for your visit: Texas Capitol Visitor Center Texas State Preservation Board The Bullock Texas State History Museum State Representative Dennis Paul       Texas State Capitol P.O. Box 2910 Office: E2.814 Austin, TX 78768 512-463-0734 Office 512-463-0401 Fax District129.Paul@house.state.tx.us District Office 17225 El Camino Real, Suite 415 Houston, TX  77058 281-488-8900 Office 512-463-0401 Fax               Stay Connected

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