Press Release: August 19,2020
Marion County Judge Leward J. LaFleur hosted several county elected officials from the region on August 17 for an online video conference with state Sen. Bryan Hughes.
The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) organized the event at the request of county officials from Hughes’ Senate District 1. These luncheons are usually held at a local venue, but because of COVID-19, TAC hosted the event virtually through an online platform.
“We prioritize the safety of our members first and foremost, but we also strive to provide them and lawmakers with timely and valuable information,” TAC Executive Director Susan M. Redford said.
“We know county officials have some common concerns they want to share with their legislators and these kinds of gatherings have proven to be one of the most effective ways of doing that,” said Noe Barrios, TAC’s legislative director.
Judge LaFleur and Marion County Clerk Vickie Wray Smith said they appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from Sen. Hughes about his position on actions taken by the Legislature during the 2019 session and what he expects to address when the Legislature convenes in January.
The senator shared current statistical information about the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas as well as Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s projections on the state’s estimated revenue shortfall.
Hughes also discussed the Legislature’s responsibility in redistricting congressional and state legislative districts. Because of the population growth in Texas, he said state House districts will need to represent populations of about 200,000 while senatorial districts will expand to about 1 million. He projected that Texas could possibly gain three new
congressional seats as a result of increased population.
In discussing the logistics of a legislative session during the coronavirus pandemic, Hughes said that so far there only have been discussions but no decisions have been made. He anticipates social distancing will play a substantial role in public testimony and gatherings at the Capitol with limitations on groups on the Senator floor and in the gallery.
Hughes also told county officials he anticipates every aspect of the legislative process to take longer, from committee testimony to floor sessions to the behind-the-scenes processes such as printing and drafting of legislation. He noted that the slowdown will probably result in fewer bills being passed.
During their discussion, county officials conveyed their concerns about the value for county officials and their associations to be able to communicate with legislators.
Hughes acknowledged the work of TAC and other organizations working with municipalities and law enforcement and explained that he thought future reform efforts would be directed toward entities hiring private lobbyists who might be advocating against the interest of taxpayers.
In response to questions about rural broadband, Hughes pointed to legislation filed by state Sen. Robert Nichols last session that allowed electric co-ops to use their right of way to run broadband. The state was able to draw down federal funds to assist with that expansion. Hughes noted that in the current work-from-home and online education environment, there probably will be additional legislation addressing connectivity.
Judge LaFleur also serves as a member of the TAC Core Legislative Group, whose members advocate on behalf of counties with the Legislature.
The Texas Association of Counties works to unite Texas counties in search of solutions for challenges faced by all counties and to provide services to support county officials in the vital work they do for their local communities.