Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

July 2, 2009

~Agencies Reauthorized, Road Bonds Approved ~

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AUSTIN-Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. announced today the first called special session of the 81st Legislature has adjourned Sine Die. Legislators passed House Bill 1, approving $2 billion in road bonds for highway improvement and construction projects across the state, and Senate Bill 2, extending the life of several critical state agencies.

"The special session was a good example of how the legislature can work together constructively to solve problems," Ortiz said. "Fortunately, we were not distracted by partisan issues and were able to get the people's business done."

House bill 1 authorizes the issuance of $1 billion in bond money for highway improvements and mobility projects across the state. Rep. Ortiz supported an amendment to the bill preventing any of the money from being used to convert a free roadway to a toll road. An additional $1 billion will go into a the State Infrastructure Bank to help local entities build large highway projects.

Lawmakers also passed Senate Bill 2, which extends the life of several crucial state agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Department of Insurance, the Office of Public Insurance Counsel, the Texas State Affordable House Corporation and the Texas Racing Commission. Under the sunset process, the legislature must extend and continue agencies after the agencies have undergone extensive review of their operations and processes, but had failed to do so by the end of the regular session.

A third bill did not pass that would have re-authorized the use of Comprehensive Development Agreements (CDAs). CDAs are a funding mechanism for the construction of new roadways and transportation infrastructure. The subject was controversial because CDAs have been used in the past to build toll roads.

"Now that the legislature has adjourned, I look forward to returning to Corpus Christi and continuing my work for the people of District 33," Ortiz said.

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.