Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

April 2, 2009

~HB 271 Gets Unanimous Vote in House, Advances to Senate~

AUSTIN-- House Bill 271, Rep. Ortiz's legislation to bring new jobs and economic development to Corpus Christi and cities across the state passed the Texas House of Representatives by an 148-0 vote. HB 271 expands the number of slots available to cities under the Texas Enterprise Zone program.

"This bill not only helps Corpus Christi, it helps cities across the state attract investment and create jobs," Ortiz said. "Bi-partisan support was key to the bill's passage by unanimous vote. It's indisputable that the Enterprise Zone program has been good for Corpus Christi and good for Texas and I'm pleased that my bill to expand it received such overwhelming support."

"Economic development in Corpus Christi has been my top priority since I was elected," Ortiz added. "With the downturn in the national economy, it's more important than ever to bring jobs to the Coastal Bend."

The Texas Enterprise Zone program is an important economic development tool that the City of Corpus Christi and other cities have successfully used to attract capital investment and recruit and retain local jobs. Currently, only six slots are available to the City of Corpus Christi. HB 271 would expand the number of available slots to nine.

"The Texas Enterprise Zone Program has helped win major investments in recent years by companies such as Valero, Flint Hills, and Stripes," Ortiz said. "Fostering economic growth in Corpus Christi is a major priority for me, and this bill will allow the City to expand a program that has been successfully used to attract investment to the area."

Although other economic development incentives, such as the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Technology Fund, have gone mostly to Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, small and medium size cities such as Waco, Beaumont, and Corpus Christi, have been able to take advantage of the Enterprise Zone Program.

House Bill 271 now moves to the Senate, where it will be sponsored by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte.

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Rep. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or the Texas House of Representatives website at www.house.state.tx.us.