For decades one of the most-often trod paths to re-election for members of Congress has been delivering the money for new or improved roads, bridges and mass transit projects to constituents. *The White House and President Bush want to change that.*
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The Dallas Area Rapid Transit economic engine, spurred by its successful light rail system, continues to create significant economic activity, even in the current economic downturn. With *Houston’s* light rail vote set for later this year, in November, one has to wonder if the Houston economy, and its own light rail economic engine, will fall prey to ideological and local politics, or attain the economic advantages that Dallas now enjoys.
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San Antonio has been trying to get their local transportation infrastructure up to a level to begin addressing their needs. *Senate Bill 404* by Sen. Frank Madla now sits on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature. News article follows.
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A list of bills that have been passed and sent to the Governor, or have the possibility of passage. Last day of the 78th Regular Session of the Legislature is June 2.
Last day for regular Senate Bills to be passed by the House is May 28; last day for House Bills to be passed by the Senate is also May 28.
House Bills still in the House and Senate Bills still in the Senate are now dead legislative measures.
Houston Metro’s rail plan is under review — and might be tweaked in order to address resident needs. Whatever happens, rail is quickly becoming the issue: a referendum on the issue is scheduled for the November 2003 elections that also coincide with the selection of a new mayor. Detail of several lines of discussion follows.
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The final verison of the state *General Appropriatons Bill* has yet to be passed out of the Conference Committee on Appropriations. However, action thus far by the conferees indicates adoption of the House version which increases the TxDOT public transportation budget by 5.6 percent. More when the final budget is officially passed.
