The Legislative Affairs Committee of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce has met on several occasions in the past few weeks discussing the current legislative session. The main topic of concern to the committee is the $26 billion dollar deficit facing lawmakers and the cuts in services that will be necessary to balance the state’s budget.
Local officials believe that many agencies and departments in Brown County could be affected negatively by the coming cuts including TxDOT, TYC, Texas Department of Public Safety, Family and Protective Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas National Guard, and others totaling more than 1000 full-time jobs in the area. Many of these jobs may be at risk as a result of the state’s budget situation. The first draft of the budget from the Texas House already calls for the de-funding of Ranger College.
The City of Brownwood, Brown County, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation, and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce are looking to partner together and hire a rural issues consultant in Austin during the current state legislative session. This consultant would be the “eyes and ears” for the area in case something is proposed in Austin that would have a negative impact on the Brownwood area. This would better enable local officials to take action to help protect local interests and jobs.
The Legislative Affairs Committee is recommending that former State Representative Bob Turner, who is a rural issues consultant, be hired for the job. The cost of the consultant would be $5000 per month for the four month session for a total of $20,000 which would be split evenly between the four organizations.
The request for funds is on the Brown County Commissioners Court and the Brownwood City Council agendas for next week seeking approval for the recommendation.
Members of the Legislative Affairs Committee include Robert Porter, Brad Locker, Dr. Stephen Kelly, County Judge Ray West, Bert Massey, Steve Fryar, Ann Jones, Dr. Reece Blincoe, James Campbell, Laura Terhune, and Bobby Rountree.
