Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

May 20, 2009

~Three Bills to Reach Governor's Desk Soon~

AUSTIN-Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. announced today that three major pieces of legislation promoting economic development in Corpus Christi have now passed the Texas Legislature and are headed to the governor's desk to be signed into law. HB 271, SB 1515, and HB 1505 will promote economic development and help bring tourism to the Coastal Bend.

"Economic development and jobs have been my top priority this session," Ortiz said. "We have to continue to find creative ways to revitalize Corpus Christi, even during this national economic downturn."

HB 271, authored by Rep. Ortiz, has been approved by the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate and expands the number of enterprise zone slots available to Corpus Christi. 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.

Both chambers of the legislature also recently approved SB 1515, co-sponsored by Rep. Ortiz, which allows Corpus Christi to tap into the state's sporting events trust fund, bringing more events and economic development to the city.

"Events like the Texas International Boat Show have brought tourism dollars and helped our city's economy," Ortiz said. "Bringing more events like this will enhance Corpus Christi's status as a destination city. I'm proud to have worked with the authors of this legislation to make sure Corpus Christi can tap into the state fund for these events."

The legislature had previously approved Rep. Ortiz's HB 1505, which saves taxpayer money at municipally-funded arenas across the state, like the American Bank Center.

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. 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 visit the Texas House of Representatives web site at www.house.state.tx.us.