From Senator Donna Campbell
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Monday is Veterans’ Day as well as the 238th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. I spent the weekend serving our veterans an honorary breakfast in San Marcos followed by hosting a float in the parade. As a member of the Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committee, fewer issues are closer to my heart than honoring those who have sacrificed for our freedom. I hope you will take a moment this week to thank a veteran for their service in protecting our great nation.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS PASS
Texas voters went to the polls last Tuesday to vote on nine propositions to amend the Texas Constitution and all nine amendments passed. These ranged from approving $2 billion from the Economic Stabilization Fund for funding water infrastructure in the State Water Plan to providing property tax exemptions for spouses of military service personnel killed in action. It was also the first election in Texas requiring a photo ID. By all accounts, the policy was a success and despite the hyperbole of some, turnout was stronger than 2011 and there were no reports of eligible voters turned away at the polls.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
I was proud to help lead the charge to boost highway funding by roughly $1.2 billion a year during the 83rd Legislature without raising taxes. Unfortunately, there are some roads that need immediate attention due to heavy use by the oil and gas industry. As a result, the Lieutenant Governor announced a Select Committee on Transportation Funding and selected me as one of the nine members to find more funding solutions. Fixing our roads remains a legislative priority for me and we will continue to explore fiscally conservative options.
PRO-LIFE LEGISLATION IN COURT
This summer the Legislature passed meaningful pro-life legislation including a ban on late-term abortions and increased safety standards for abortion facilities. Since then, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU have sued the State of Texas to stop two other provisions of the bill. A lower court ruled that portions of the law could not go into effect and placed an injunction on the requirement that abortion doctors have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. However, that injunction was lifted by the 5th Court of Appeals a day later. Intervention by the U.S. Supreme Court is possible.
As I stated when I cast my vote for House Bill 2, this legislation serves as a safeguard to protect our tiniest, most vulnerable Texans and ensure the best care for women in difficult circumstances. I believe that common sense and modern medical standards will ultimately prevail in court and I have added my name to an amicus brief by Texas Eagle Forum.
More recently, I was proud to accept a Courageous Defender of Life award from Texas Alliance for Life last month for championing these principles. I will not waiver when it comes to protecting the sanctity of life and improving women’s health.
PROTECTING TAXPAYERS AGAINST STREETCARS
In a letter last week, I asked the Attorney General’s office to scrutinize bonds recently submitted by VIA to build streetcar terminals in San Antonio. The bonds would fund the Westside Multimodal Transit Center and the Robert Thompson Transit Center using sales tax voters approved when they created the Advanced Transportation District in 2004. However, VIA previously assured voters that no ATD money would be used for light rail projects and there is very little difference between streetcar and light rail.
San Antonio voters have made it clear that they expect these funds to go to their intended purpose and that’s not streetcars; it’s improving our roads and easing traffic congestion. I am disappointed that VIA has chosen to ignore the contract it made with the voters and insists on going forward with a dubious project at huge costs to taxpayers. The San Antonio streetcar project remains a boondoggle and I am committed to fighting for more efficient use of these funds.
OPPOSING TOLLS ON I-35
Recent reports have been floated by some members of the state’s transportation agency to convert lanes on I-35 in Austin into toll lanes, conducting a “swap” with current toll lanes on Texas 130. I am strongly opposed to this plan and question its legality. In fact, I authored and the 83rd Legislature passed Senate Bill 1029 to protect taxpayers from this exact type of scenario.
Piecemeal tolling of existing state highways is not a long-term solution, does not relieve traffic congestion, and unfairly penalizes drivers with a new tax based on where they have already chosen to live and work. This will not speed up commerce or make our highways any safer. We must stop relying on gimmicks and find more long-term sustainable funding to fix our most congested roads.
HELPING FLOOD VICTIMS
Flooding in Austin along Onion Creek sent water into homes, uprooting trees, damaging houses, and threatening lives. At least 750 homes were affected including nearly 200 in Senate District 25. In response, there will be a town hall meeting to discuss further assistance and solutions going forward on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30. The meeting will be held at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 11819 IH-35 South. Please call my office if you need more information.
I am asking every Texan to keep these families in your prayers. You may donate to assist the families affected by going to www.TexasBuildersFoundation.org/contribute/austin-flood-relief or calling Lorraine Urey at 512-476-6346. There are also volunteer opportunities available at www.handsoncentraltexas.org.
It is a privilege to serve you and I look forward to seeing you around the district. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything. God bless you, God bless our troops, and God bless Texas!
