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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A look at the wins rural Texas scored in this year's legislative session
There were big wins for rural Texas this legislative session as lawmakers dedicated more funding to health care, struggling farmers and emergency management. More than 3 million Texans live in rural pockets strewn across the state, from the Piney Woods in East Texas to far-flung corners in the Panhandle. However, people in rural communities are more likely to lack access to basic necessities, have a dearth of hospitals and struggle to find money for infrastructure needs. Lawmakers took strides to close those gaps this year. Some proposals did not go through, including a bill that would have prioritized applications for broadband projects that expand to underserved and unserved communities. However, there are other changes that stand to improve conditions for rural communities. Texas schools can expect an additional $8.5 billion in public education funding. House Bill 2, sponsored by state Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, gives public schools money for teacher and staff salaries. The money will also be used for training and preparing teachers, special education, safety requirements and early childhood learning. Texas has an excess of 5.5 million students attending 1,200 public school districts. The boost is expected to help financially stagnating school districts recover from their shortages, including budget deficits, keeping up with competitive salaries and operating costs. Chris Stanley, board president of the Ector County School District in the oil-and-gas producing region of the state, said he was pleased to see lawmakers pass a public school funding package in tandem with the voucher program. The district is running with a $24 million deficit to educate its 33,000 students. Stanley said the district will benefit from the extra money. However, Stanley said it was just the start to addressing the needs of public schools. 'In no way is it over,' Stanley said. Legislators also passed a private school voucher school program called the Education Savings Account, a $1 billion program that allows families to use public dollars to pay for private schools. Parents and educators have said the program could adversely affect public schools. Lawmakers addressed a flurry of water issues plaguing Texas communities this session, and some of their solutions will directly benefit rural areas. Senate Bill 7, a sweeping bill by state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, calls for more money to go toward rural Texas. The bill allows for money from the Texas Water Fund to be allocated to the Rural Water Assistance Fund, which provides small, rural water utilities with financing for water and wastewater projects. The bill also requires the Texas Water Development Board to ensure a portion of the money is used in rural areas. Lawmakers also expanded what type of projects qualify for funding through the state. This is helping South Texas officials in their two-year long quest to obtain the funding for a project that would reuse water in their drainage system. Senate Bill 1967 allows drainage projects that capture floodwater, treat it and distribute it as a new source of water to qualify for funding through the Flood Infrastructure Fund. Gov. Greg Abbott has signed the bill into law. The bill also allows drainage districts to qualify for funding through the Water Loan Assistance Program, even if they don't have historical data about water use or provide retail water service directly to consumers. While these changes to the Texas Water Code will help officials in Hidalgo County get started on construction for their project, it also helps drainage districts across the state fund similar projects. Texas lawmakers took several steps to address problems with rural health. This includes a bill that provides more support for rural hospitals. Experts say it could have helped prevent the closure of a hospital in East Texas during the legislative session. The Mid Coast Medical Center closed down its operations in Trinity, a town of about 2,400 that is 90 miles north of Houston, citing financial concerns. Rural hospital closures slowed in Texas after the state saw an influx of federal funding for rural health care as part of the national response to COVID-19. The funding has ended, but inflation hasn't, leaving many rural hospitals with tough financial choices. House Bill 18, by Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, is known as the Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act. It seeks to give more support for rural hospitals by creating a State Office of Rural Hospital Finance to provide hospitals with technical assistance. Lynn Cowles, the health and food justice director for Every Texan, a public policy institute in Texas, said the bill is good but requires a lot of oversight and monitoring. 'We do want to make sure that the bill's emphasis on administrative improvements and training is going to serve the bill's intent and not line pockets for consulting firms,' Cowles said. The bill also creates a Rural Hospital Financial Vulnerability Index and Needs Assessment, which will evaluate the financial health of rural hospitals, along with a Rural Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program and other measures. Under the bill, each hospital's reimbursement rates will be updated every two years. John Henderson, CEO of the Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals, said the bill was the most significant rural health legislation in a 'generation.' He said the Medicaid rate protection, pediatric behavioral health and other changes will help rural communities. 'Because these things are now in statute, rural hospitals can count on it,' Henderson said. 'Rather than worry about uncertainty related to renewals or budget cycles.' Rural emergency services will also get a boost from lawmakers. House Bill 3000 by state Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, addresses the lack of resources for rural emergency services, which largely happens because of tight budgets that keep medical departments from affording equipment. The bill establishes a grant program for qualified rural counties to purchase ambulances as a way to strengthen emergency services and improve response times. Texas farmers will soon have access to additional state support, thanks to a bill by Sen. Stan Kitzman, R-Pattison. House Bill 43 expands both the Young Farmer Grant Program and Young Farmer Interest Rate Reduction Program, which provide money to farmers. Age restrictions were eliminated from the grant program, making the money eligible to all farmers. Changes to the interest rate reduction program will allow anyone in agriculture to apply for loans up to $1 million at an interest rate of 2%. Under the current program, only 18 to 46 year-olds can only apply for $500,000 loans at a 5% interest rate. The age restrictions were also eliminated from the grant program, which was limited to 18 to 46-year-olds. Under the bill, grantees could receive up to $500,000 while paying a 10% match. Currently, grantees can only receive $20,000 and have to fully match the grant. Businesses essential to agriculture, like cotton gins, are also now eligible to apply under the bill Kitzman said the goal is to help producers who are sitting in a tough economy to hang on. Uncertain markets, inflation and growing competition for land have made it difficult for farmers to operate. Rodney Schronk, a fifth-generation farmer from Central Texas whose family has grown cotton, corn and other commodities, tipped his hat to lawmakers for helping agriculture. 'So hopefully it's enough money that maybe — maybe — there'll be some farmers that are able to survive these difficult times,' Schronk said. As his son prepares to take over the family business, Schronk sees how the bill's expanded funding opportunities could help establish more stability in their own farm. In the coming years it may open the door to actually purchase land, rather than just lease it. Lawmakers also passed a bill directing the state's emergency division to establish a disaster recovery program. Authored by Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, House Bill 3010 makes new money available to certain counties, cities and colleges when extreme weather devastates infrastructure. The bill does not include a specific amount. Counties must have fewer than 100,000 residents to apply for this funding, which will be administered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. To be eligible, the cost of restoring destroyed infrastructure must exceed 10% of what the county collects in state and local sales taxes. Applications must include an estimate of the total cost of the repairs and evidence that the project does not qualify for federal assistance. Leon County Judge Byron Ryder said the money will help counties like his address the immediate aftermath of natural disasters, such as flooding and hurricanes. He said counties often have to dip into their penny-pinched budgets to keep themselves afloat while they wait for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse the damages. That reimbursement is not guaranteed. Ryder said the county, with roughly 16,000 residents, has spent upwards of hundreds of thousands on previous hurricane and flooding damages, part of which has not been reimbursed. 'We're on our own for the first 72 hours [of a disaster],' Ryder said. 'Everything is spent, and then we hope we get reimbursed by FEMA.' Another bill by Rep. David Spiller, R-Jacksboro, seeks to eliminate the disparities between rural and urban firefighting and rescue capabilities. The bill requires Texas A&M Engineering Service to conduct a study that evaluates the disparities and provide recommendations on how to improve it. Another requirement is that the study considers several factors, including available funding for personnel and equipment and the number of qualified candidates to fill new or vacant positions. The study is to be submitted by Dec. 1, 2026 to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House. Lawmakers also passed a slew of bills aimed at preparing the state for wildfires and mitigating the damage. The package of legislation includes 10% of money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program to go to volunteer firefighters at risk for wildfires. Disclosure: Every Texan and Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH) have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas water projects would get billions under bill headed to Governor
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Legislation to bolster our state's water supply is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. But the final decision on the multi-billion dollar plan rests in the hands of Texas voters. Friday night, the Texas Senate accepted House amendments to Senate Bill 7. The bill would dedicate $1 billion in sales tax revenue toward the Texas Water Fund each year for the next 20 years. Those funds could be used for a variety of water infrastructure projects, such as fixing aging systems, building desalination plants, and expanding water supplies in our drought-prone state. Nonprofit organization Texas 2036 estimates that the state will need more than $150 billion over the next 50 years to support growing demand. Their report was cited by supporters of the legislation, who noted the potential economic impact of inaction on water policy. 'If Texas doesn't have enough water, or if we continue to suffer from the problems associated with aging, deteriorating drinking water and wastewater systems, we're looking at a multi billion dollar hit to the state's economy,' said Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy for Texas 2036. Mazur said the report estimated $165 billion per year in lost GDP and economic damages due to insufficient water infrastructure. Abbott made investing in water one of his priorities for the 89th Legislative Session. He is expected to sign the legislation, but there is one more step to make the plan a reality. The legislation proposes to amend the Texas Constitution, meaning Texas voters must approve a proposition in an election this coming November for the funding to take effect. Mazur is optimistic that Texas voters will say yes. He noted strong support that passed a 2023 proposition to create the Texas Water Fund. 'What we find at Texas 2036 is that water, in political terms, is a winner,' Mazur said. 'Our polling shows that there are strong majorities between both Republicans and Democrats that are overwhelmingly supportive of state investment in water infrastructure. So we're optimistic of what this proposition will be, what the outcome of this proposition will be in November.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Water supplies in Texas one step closer to extra boost
AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of Gov. Greg Abbott's priorities for the 89th Legislative Session is nearing reality: a major investment in water. On Monday, the Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met to vote on Senate Bill 7. The bill, if approved, will add $1 billion a year for 50 years to the Texas Water Fund. Following public comment, the committee voted to move the bill forward to the Senate floor, where it will then see a vote. The Texas Water Fund (TWF) is controlled by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Established three years ago, the TWF can be used to support projects that either generate new water supply, like the construction of desalination plants, or repair busted infrastructure. The TWF was started with a billion dollar investment, but experts estimate that will not be enough to support the growing need for water in the state. Nonprofit organization Texas 2036 estimates that the state will need more than $150 billion over the next 50 years to support growing demand. Their report accounted for new industries, growing population, flood control strategies and replacing infrastructure. Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, chairs the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs and has led the charge on SB 7. The bill is one of two filed this session with a focus on growing the TWF. The other, House Bill 16 — written Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine — differs in a few ways. Funds from both bills would be controlled by the TWDB board. They would determine which projects receive funds. 'There isn't a silver bullet. We often say that silver buckshot. You know, it's like a number of things. And infrastructure is one of them. Conservation is one of them. And more innovative, supplies of water is also one of those,' said Dr. Robert Mace, executive director and professor of practice in the department of geography, of the Meadows Center at Texas State. Mace said one of the key parts of Perry's plan is a focus on desalination. These plants take sea water and convert it into drinkable water. 'The Gulf is what allows me to sleep at night thinking about the future of Texas. Because I do see a future where we have, we have desalinated sea water coming up to our urban centers,' Mace said. In Monday's committee meeting, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo backed the plan during the public comment period. 'We believe that regional water suppliers, like the city of Corpus Christi, are best positioned to develop new water supplies,' Guajardo said. The city recently received approval to build a desalination plant. At least four are planned for the area. Several people spoke out against desalination during the public comment period. Some focused on damage these plants can have to environments along the coast, while others had issue with the cost. Some speakers pushed back against the need to build new infrastructure that would be needed to carry the water from the coast to places like Lubbock. 'You know what's more expensive than desalinated sea water? No water,' Mace said. Mace is this month's featured lecture at the University of Texas' Hot Science Cool Talks lecture series. His session called 'The Future of Texas Water' is scheduled for March 28 at 7 p.m. at UT's Welch Hall. The event is free. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State lawmakers aim to fund water projects for years to come
AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gov. Greg Abbott called on state lawmakers to make a Texas-sized investment in water infrastructure and supply during his State of the State address, amid concerns the resource can't keep up with growth in the state. Lawmakers have already filed two bills, one in each chamber, that would amend the Texas Constitution to create a dedicated stream of revenue to the Texas Water Fund, which was created in 2023 after Texas voters approved a one-time $1 billion investment. But since the creation of the Texas Water Fund, the threat facing Texas is becoming clearer. Farmers in South Texas are only able to plant on 50% of their land as the U.S. and Mexican governments dispute over a water treaty, local officials warn of the potential of public health crises, water reservoirs are drying up, and West Texas residents face constant boil water notices and leaky pipes. Water experts say the investment in 2023 was a good start but it is barely enough. 'It was a good measure and a good appropriation but it's literally a drop in the bucket compared to the $154 billion that we need to invest long term,' Jeremy Mazur explained. He is the director of infrastructure and natural resources at Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy research organization. State Sen. Charles Perry, R–Lubbock, and State Rep. Cody Harris, R–Palestine, authored their respective bills in each chamber. Perry's bill has 25 other co-authors in the Senate, showing bipartisan support for the initiative. Both bills would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund (TWF), similar to what the state does for the State Highway Fund. Harris' bill would allocate up to $2 billion each year to the TWF, while Perry's bill would allocate $1 billion each year with an emphasis on new water supply. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is responsible for doling out the funds from the TWF. The TWDB uses the money from the fund to award money through existing financial assistance programs. The TWDB has committed $48,459,153 of TWF money to water infrastructure improvement projects in rural areas. The agency also approved a one-year, $2 million contract with the Texas Water Foundation to develop a statewide water awareness campaign, according to a spokesperson with the agency. Texas voters would have to approve the dedicated funding for the TWF if the constitutional amendments pass. Mazur said Texans already show support for water legislation, adding, 'If we want to see this thing called the Texas economic miracle continue for generations to come, we need three things in place — dependable electric grid, reliable workforce, and dependable water infrastructure.' Traditionally, Texas' water sources have been rivers, lakes, wells, and aquifers, but the state must now search for new supplies. Dr. Robert Mace, the executive director of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, said the near future of water in Texas will be about reuse and water conservation. 'Squeezing every drop out of our drops of water,' Mace explained. A growing trend communities around the state are exploring is direct potable reuse, where you treat wastewater and then bring it back into the drinking water supply. 'In many ways your wastewater treatment plant is like a local source of water,' Mace said. El Paso Water recently began construction on its Pure Water Center, a facility that will use direct potable reuse to provide 10 million gallons of drinking water per day for its customers on the western tip of the state. 'El Paso Water now is going to be the beacon for a lot of communities to show that it is possible to close their recycling loop,' Gilbert Trejo, the vice president of operations and technical services for El Paso Water, said. 'To be able to have a drought-resistant, sustainable water supply.' The utility has been leading the way on finding new supplies of water, including housing the world's largest inland desalination plant. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant produces 27.5 million gallons of water per day and the utility is working to expand that capacity to 33.5 MGD. A spokesperson for El Paso Water said the desalination plant produces 10% of the yearly water supply for El Paso. Mace says the future of Texas' water supply could come from the Gulf Coast, where seawater desalination plants could be developed. Currently, Texas does not have any seawater desalination plants, but Corpus Christi is in the process of creating the first one in the state and plans to finish it by 2028. 'The fact that we have the Gulf right there is comforting,' Mace said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$1 billion per year toward Texas water issues; state leaders propose new push
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced his priorities for 89th legislative session. Among his top 10 — a greater investment in water infrastructure across the state. During a Q&A on the final day of the 'Water for Texas 2025 Conference', State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, spoke on the priority and his plan to include that investment as part of an upcoming joint resolution. 'I cannot in good conscience leave this place without doing whatever I was supposed to do to secure water supply,' Perry said. 'This is our window, you know, this is our time to kick off some conversations about water supply long term. It won't be here again for a long time.' The joint resolution would see an amendment to the state constitution. The amendment would guarantee $1 billion directed toward the Texas Water Fund each year. 'Many of our programs are eight, ten times oversubscribed. And so any additional funding that the legislators see fit and the voters approve will certainly help our communities,' L'Oreal Stepeny, chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), said. Texas leaders, experts gather to address water crisis The TWDB oversees the Texas Water Fund and how its money is distributed. 'Our mission is to secure a water future for Texas. And so we use all of our financial assistance programs for water infrastructure, whether that's drinking water infrastructure, wastewater, flood, all to provide water supply for the state of Texas,' Stepeny said. The Texas Water Fund was established during the 88th legislative session in 2023. That bill saw $1 billion set aside for TWDB to use on various projects. Perry said getting that bill passed was a first step. Across the state capital, more and more lawmakers are recognizing the need. What KXAN is watching during the 89th Legislative Session 'I can't find a member that's not interested in water today. Everybody's talking about it, partly because the awareness we rose,' Perry said. The state senator, who serves as chair on the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, wants to guarantee the funds are there in the future to ensure the future of the state. 'This is just like roads. We don't even think about roads. It just happens. It's on autopilot. This will be an autopilot,' he said. Water usage across the state has grown with more people and businesses moving to Texas. This month, President Trump announced Texas would be the site for 10 new data centers. A single data center can use up to 5 million gallons of water per day, according to the University of Tulsa. Perry said that the current water plan doesn't account for this need. 'Unfortunately, everything in water is 20 years. Some of these companies need it yesterday. So we'll work through triage, get to where we need to be as fast as we need to be,' Perry said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
