Saturday, July 26, 1997
Lawmakers say Legislature performed well
By BOB BRUCE / Abilene Reporter-News
West Texas legislators said Friday the 75th Legislature did
a good job, most frequently citing the state water plan as its
paramount achievement.
"It was vital and will help us for all time to come,"
said state Rep. Bob Hunter-R. Abilene.
"No doubt it will have lasting impact," state Sen.
Tom Haywood, R-Wichita Falls, said of the plan which takes effect
Sept. 1.
"It's doubtful we could have survived without the water
bill," Haywood said. "One more drought could eat us
alive."
Haywood and Hunter were two of five lawmakers who spoke at
the "75th Legislative Wrap-Up," a membership luncheon
of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce at the Civic Center. About
200 people attended.
Also speaking were state Sen. Troy Fraser and state Reps. David
Counts and Jim Keffer.
"It was a good session with good leadership," said
Counts, D-Knox City. "We really looked at where financing
was coming from."
Counts also said "the water plan was very good" and
that "the veterans centers were overdue." He said it
is anticipated that four state centers for military veterans will
be established.
Hunter also said the Legislature provided the means for "huge
property tax relief," referring to an Aug. 9 statewide vote
which would elevate ad valorem tax exemptions from $5,000 to $15,000.
It would take $1 billion out of the budget and give back to
the people, a "true tax cut," Fraser said.
The issue supplied the closest thing to fireworks in an otherwise
sedate gathering.
Counts said he's going to vote for it but reminded the audience
that the Legislature will have to find $1 billion when it meets
every two years.
If not, "we will have to raise your taxes," he said.
Fraser called it a courageous step by the government.
"We're going to have to live within our means," the
senator said, adding that it will have to meet the challenge of
smaller, thinner government.
"We've been down-sizing government. It's been ongoing
for Legislature after Legislature," Counts replied.
"I didn't mean to make a big issue. I didn't mean to start
a fight. I just think an informed electorate makes good decisions,"
Counts said.
Fraser said he does not think the 76th Legislature will have
great difficulty in finding the $1 billion, if the proposal is
approved by the voters Aug. 9.
"It's do-able," Fraser said.
Keffer, R-Eastland, said, "I though it (the Legislature)
did good."
Of issues on which he worked, Keffer singled out a cap on appraisals
as the most important. It is one of 21 proposed amendments up
for a vote in November.
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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