the 84th Legislative Session
Valley lawmakers successfully approved Pharr’s legislative agenda
Texas Border Business
Pharr, Texas—Things are beginning to shine in the City of Pharr since the new leaders took over on May 19, 2015. The new administration headed by Dr. Ambrosio “Amos” Hernandez said from the beginning that they meant business when they said that they were ready to get the City of Pharr in the right course.
It was Sergio Contreras, the Director of External Affairs for the City of Pharr that brought the legislative report during the June 2, 2015 Council Meeting being the second meeting with new mayor and 3 new city commissioners. After Contreras finished giving his report Mayor Hernandez said, “Good work Sergio.”
The administration showed satisfaction because the lawmakers approved Pharr’s legislative agenda. Contreras said that the Rio Grande Valley Partnership was a key influence that helped deliver a legislative agenda that benefits the entire region.
“We are fortunate,” he says, “To have such experienced and influential legislators working on our behalf in Austin. Their ability to forge alliances to benefit the greater good is further enhanced by the seniority and leadership roles their colleagues have bestowed on them.”
According to him, the 84th Legislative Session saw 11,332 bills filed; of which, 5,535 were adopted to become law (if not vetoed by Governor Abbott).
Mayor Hernandez said, “The priorities for the City of Pharr included strategic legislation that would greatly benefit our residents.” He also pointed out, “These include investments in public safety, economic prosperity, transportation and education.”
Pharr’s legislative agenda, priorities awaiting the Governor’s signature are:
- House Bill 1887 -, which is to establish the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr
Championed by Representative Sergio Munoz Jr. and co-‐authored by Representatives Terry Canales, Bobby Guerra, Eddie Lucio III and Ryan Guillen in the House; and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa in the Senate, places in statute an accredited South Texas College regional facility that will offer college credit to train local law enforcement officers in Pharr.
Contreras also said that thanks to Senator Hinojosa and Representative Munoz Jr., more than $1.5 million was secured to support the build out of the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence. The construction will also include $4.5 million from South Texas College.
His report to the City Pharr Commission was complete and exclusively related to activities of the busy legislative floors that included:
- Senate Bill 797 which establishes a $725K grant program to reduce wait times for agricultural inspections of vehicles at ports of entry along the Texas/Mexico border
Championed by Representative Bobby Guerra co-authored by Representatives Munoz, Jr., Lucio III, and Blanco in the House and Senator Lucio Jr. and co-authored by Hinojosa in the Senate, will help expedite the trade of fruits and vegetables at ports of entry.
Pharr Bridge Director Fred Brouwen said, “With the fact that the Texas A&M Transportation Institute predicts trade of produce will increase by 59 percent over the next five years in the Valley, we are preparing to help meet the U.S. demand that will have a positive economic impact in Texas.” He continued to say, “We appreciate McAllen for taking the lead to implement this very important piece of legislation.”
- Senate Bill 1389 creates a Border Commerce Coordinator. This person will be empowered to engage in international trade, water rights, or other issues impacting commerce; both in the U.S and Mexico.
Championed by Lucio Jr. and co-authored by Hinojosa, Menendez, Rodriguez, Uresti and Zaffirini in the Senate; and Lucio III in the House, this bill allows the coordinator to appoint a Border Mayor Task Force to support International Trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
- House Bill 2515 -relates to the authority to establish, operate, and maintain a foreign trade zone near the Pharr port of entry.
Championed by Representative Munoz Jr. in the House and Senator Lucio Jr. in the Senate, Pharr leaders plan to explore the option of applying for a Federal Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) hoping to capture facility presence from companies that helped the Pharr International Bridge account for $30B in trade with the world in 2014.
A foreign trade zone is a designated location in the United States allowing companies use of special procedures to encourage U.S. trade and manufacturing activity by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign merchandise, as well as other savings.
- Senate Joint Resolution 5 — if approved by voters in November — would give TxDOT an additional $2.5 billion a year (and growing with the economy) to help build and maintain non-toll roads.
In addition, lawmakers approved a budget that will end diversions of about $1.3B annually in gas taxes from other departments
Texas State Representative Munoz Jr., says the trust and confidence placed on him by Pharr officials and his district constituents is a primary motivator for him.
“It’s very important to me,” says Mr. Munoz, “that the Mayor of Pharr and others within my district understand the appreciation I have for their support. I am always just a phone call away and I am already looking forward to receiving input, suggestions and initiatives to be considered in the next session.”
Due to the potential impact on international commerce and safety at Phar International Bridge, city leaders engaged in the legislative process as legislators implemented border security measures. Included in the border security bill is the implementation of a strategy for the Texas Department of Public Safety to establish southbound checkpoints on international bridges to search for weapons and bulk cash.
Pharr leaders were able to convey their concerns over redundancy, congestion and the potential negative effects on legitimate cross border commerce. This initially included mandatory southbound checkpoints to be 250 yards from the bridge, which would have made it cumbersome.
Pharr’s legislation was created in collaboration with its neighboring cities. “Our legislators’ commitment and hard work in Austin will have a positive impact for the entire region,” said Pharr Mayor, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez. TBB
