2004-10-18 Special Called Workshop Meeting

Browse Search

:~. .. .' ,: , . \ ' ~ . . .. . ~ , ~, .. :t," . !}. . .. [" e e FOREWORD City officials across the state are well aware of the fact that many significant decisions affecting Texas cities are made by the Texas Legislature, not by municipal officials. Newly elected mayors and councilmembers quickly realize that cities are indeed "creatures of the state." This subservient position of cities in the state's intergovernmental system means that the legislature can address virtually any aspect of city government. During the 2003 legislative session, more than 5,700 bills or significant resolutions were introduced; at least 1,200 of them would have affected Texas cities in some substantial way. In the end, more than 1,400 bills or resolutions passed and were signed into law; approximately 110 of them impacted cities in some way. There is no reason to believe that the workload of the 2005 session will be any lighter; it may be greater. And fot: better or worse, city officials will have to live with all the laws that may be app1'()ved by the legislature. Thus, the League must make every effort to assure that detrimental bills are defeated and beneficial bills are passed. r The TML approach to the 2005 session will undoubtedly be guided by principles that spring from a deeply rooted TML legislative philosophy: '" ...:.;... . The League will vigorously oppose any legislation that would erode the authority of Texas cities togovem their own local affairs. . Cities represent the level of government closest to the people. They bear primary responsibility for provision of capital infrastructure and for ensuring our citizens' health and safety. Thus, cities must be assured of a predictable and ,sufficient level of revenue and must resist efforts to diminish their revenue. .... ~ ;.... ~ "J;" - " ;1.:' . . The League will oppose the imposition of any state mandates that do not provide for a commensurate level of compensation. 'Ii_:' The Texas Municioal Leal!Ue's Le2islative Policy D~YeloDment Process and Schedule Throughout 2004, legislative policy committeeS have helped TML prepare legislative positions. The League's legislative policy development schedule was as follows: ' March 2004 -the chairs"vice-c~ ~d members of the League's legislative policy committees were ~ted by.th~,J'ML,President. lfav 2004 - three le~sIaiive 'poli~: CQrnimuees met for the first time. .. , " ':", . . . JulY - AUDst 2004 ~ subCommi_ of policy committees met. ~:::. ". 0.::..:- .~ "'" ~ ~ ~:::. . Q:- ." , , , :..:. ~!~~~:.~..(. <\;::.~..~~:.":'.: "~'I :~',:: ';' .~"