Fort Worth ready for upcoming Texas legislative session
Published on January 04, 2023
Education, transportation and public safety are among the myriad issues Fort Worth’s government relations staff will closely follow when legislators convene in Austin for Texas’ next biennial session.
What's next: State legislators will gavel in the 88th Legislative Session on Jan. 10.
Why it matters: Fort Worth historically prepares an agenda as a watchlist to make sure the City’s best interests are cared for.
What is the agenda: The agenda lists dozens of legislative issues and appropriations the City will support, as well what the City will seek in terms of legislation.
Who creates the agenda: The agenda is determined by staff, the mayor and council, and department leaders. It was vetted by the Government Relations Office and reviewed by the Legislative Affairs Committee. The City Council adopted the slate Nov. 29, 2022.
Hot-button issues: Property tax reform, the electric grid, the economy and school safety.
- Closer to home, Fort Worth will support legislation that improves the state’s education system, public safety, affordable housing and transportation.
- Of top concern: Homelessness remains a concern for City leaders, who support funding for mental health and other supportive services for the homeless, as well as housing retention.
Also, on the agenda is support for funding for developing plans and resources needed for greater broadband connectivity, and for the Texas State Water Plan, which addresses how we will meet future water demand.
Specific legislation: Fort Worth will seek legislation to add the Bassmaster Classic, Professional Bull Riders World Finals and the Federation Equestre Internationale World Cup to the state’s Major Events Reimbursement Program.
- Also being sought is two-year extensions of the Project Financing Zones for Dickies Arena and the proposed Fort Worth Convention Center expansion to recover debt lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo: The Texas Legislature meets every two years. The next session begins Jan. 10.
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