Update on Unfunded Mandates Initiative and Resolution for Precinct Conventions (78th Legislature)

Members of the PAG Unfunded Mandates Subcommitte are asking county officials of both political parties to attend their precinct conventions March 9 after the polls close and obtain passage of the attached resolution (pdf) on unfunded mandates.

The resolution seeks passage of legislation for a constitutional amendment election in November 2005.  It is non-partisan, of course, as is the entire initiative.

From the precinct conventions, subcommittee members hope the resolutions will go on up to the county/senatorial district conventions at the end of March and then to the state conventions in June.  Those of you who are delegates to your county or senatorial district convention should seek passage at that level, and the same is true for state conventions of both political parties, subcommittee members said.  They add a further request that if you are not a delegate, please find persons who are and ask them to follow through at the conventions.

Subcommittee members believe it is imperative that county officials lead the charge against unfunded mandates.

Also, an unfunded mandates referendum will be on the Democratic primary ballot March 9.

To date, 164 counties have passed resolutions calling for a constitutional amendment prohibiting unfunded mandates.  If your county has not yet acted, subcommittee members ask that you do so quickly and then fax a copy to TAC at (512) 478-3573.

Subcommittee members are Brazoria County Commissioner Jack Harris, chairman; Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Marsha Gaines; Bell County District Attorney Henry Garza; Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector Andrea Gibbud; Dallas County Commissioner Jim Jackson; and Wichita County Auditor Deborah Stevens.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact Elna Christopher at TAC, elnac@county.org or (800) 456-5974, who is facilitating requests from the subcommittee on the issue of unfunded mandates.