Via: defendernetwork.com
Many wonder what affect the arrival of freshmen legislators riding the wave of a resounding Republican/Tea Party victory in the 2010 mid-term elections will have on politics at the state and federal levels. Moreover, with Texas facing a massive budget shortfall of as much as $25 billion, several individuals and organizations are showing an increased interest in the issues legislators deem as most pressing. With the economy still in flux, increased investment in education by the United States’ global competitors, and educational dollars in Texas threatened to be cut drastically, the coming Texas legislative session promises to be one that will dramatically impact the quality of our lives.
“The number one issue facing us is the budget because of the impact it has on everybody’s life,” said Representative Garnet Coleman (District 147).
State Senator Rodney Ellis (District 13) concurred with Coleman.
“One of the biggest issues that the 82nd legislature will be dealing with is how the State of Texas can balance and write a budget that, according to major reports has a shortfall of upwards of $25 billion, without slashing services for those Texans who need them the most,” said Ellis.
According to Ellis, restructuring the state budget will have short and long term effects for his constituents. Agencies like the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have released reports projecting the affect spending cuts will have on those most in need of social services. The Commission foresees monthly assistance to extremely poor household being cut by 20 to 50 percent.
“I think these cuts will have devastating impacts on the long-term ability of our state to compete both nationally and globally. We have to find a way to not rely on cuts alone to balance our budget. These budget cuts have real world consequences for Texas families,” said Ellis.
“The resolution of these issues will affect every Texan,” said Harold Dutton (District 142). “If the budget hole results in a reduction of state services, clearly those individuals more in need of such services will be disproportionately affected. Conversely, those who can least afford higher taxes and fees will be impacted by increases in taxes and fees.”
Senator Ellis, and State Representatives Coleman and Dutton added redistricting to their list of big ticket issues for this session. According to Ellis, because of the large minority population growth that is projected to be revealed by the 2010 Census figures, Texas could gain as many as four new Congressional Districts.
“In terms of redistricting, I have prided myself on making sure that we fight for equal protections and voting rights, so we will need to make sure that when the lines are redrawn in Harris County, the legislative districts equally represent and reflect the diversity of our communities. And we need to ensure that when we draw the new lines that all Texans are represented fairly in the spirit of one person one vote” added Ellis about the legislature that will also be responsible for redrawing all of the legislative seats that will be up for election in 2012.
“The redistricting process will begin in the legislature and then complete itself in federal court. It’s really important; this is the first time redistricting will occur under a democratic president since the Voting Rights Act was passed,” said Coleman, who foresees all legislative issues being affected by the influx of new Republican and Tea Party lawmakers.
“Although the specific impact is unclear, the mid-term elections will certainly influence the direction of the next legislative session. For example, in the House, Republicans will enjoy a 99 to 51 majority and if they can remain a cohesive voting bloc, the solutions to some of Texas’ major issues may come directly from their playbook,” conceded Dutton. “It remains extremely uncertain how these issues will play out. My hope is that the more reasoned legislators will greatly influence the ultimate outcomes.”
Education is one of those issues that will be directly affected by the legislature’s new ideological make-up.
“The potential for cuts in public education is great. This affects the ability of our young people to succeed. The most at risk to be cut is public higher education—community colleges, any state schools, public K-12 schools,” said Coleman, who sees this course resulting in higher college tuition costs.
“Tuition costs have already risen from $40 per semester hour in 2003 to $340 per in 2010. And if there are cuts to higher education, then tuition will just go up,” said Coleman who added that since 2004 very little money has been put into education, hurting most those communities with the least amount of college attainment.
“The cost of education is prohibitive now. What will it be in the fall if there are cuts?” asked Coleman. “So now there is an income barrier to college rather than an ability barrier.”
“These cuts will have a lasting effect on this state’s future and ability to be competitive in the global economy,” said Ellis. “With the cost of college tuition going up and the amount of financial aid going down, college will be out of reach for many Texans.”
Coleman argues that those concerned with education should focus their attention on Austin.
“People would be shocked to find out how much control over education the state has compared to their local school district. School policy is made from the state level. Seventy percent of the money the state spends in on education. So our eyes need to be on Austin,” said Coleman.
Still, there are other local issues that will be directly impacted by Austin lawmakers.
“Issues of increasing water rates, the closing of neighborhood schools, re-entry programs for ex-offenders, added reforms to our criminal justice system and simply fostering a more responsive government are certain to be challenges in this next session,” said Dutton.
Coleman believes implementing the heath care law at the state level will be frustrated by emboldened Republicans, and foresees some major issues left untended.
“Unfortunately, some of these big issues will be relegated to secondary status. Priorities are what you base policy on. And if people cut higher education and public education then they have relegated the education of Texas children and young adults to secondary status. The answer to the budget is not just cuts. That’s the point; we have choices. Our choices relegate things to a secondary status; but we have options,” said Coleman.
Aswad Walker
DEFENDER
