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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact:  Dan Sutherland
January 13, 2005                                                          (512) 463-0690

Rep. Truitt Expects Historic Progress During the 79th Legislature

 AUSTIN, TX--Tuesday's swearing in of Texas' 79th Legislature sets the stage for what could be one of the most important legislative sessions in recent years, according to State Representative Vicki Truitt (R-Keller).  "The fact that Governor Perry has designated emergency status for both school finance and child and adult protective services is a pretty good indication we will have a productive and important session," Rep. Truitt said.   On Wednesday the legislature approved the governor's emergency status requests, thereby suspending its normal order of business as prescribed in the Texas Constitution.

 "Reforming public school finance can only happen if we also reduce local property taxes. But reductions in property taxes can only happen if we also restructure the state's business franchise tax and identify other revenue sources to enhance revenue in order to pay for growth in the number of students state-wide.  Under discussion are additional sin taxes as well as a reduction in the number of sales tax exemptions," said Truitt.

 Rep. Truitt expects more than just school finances to be restructured.  "We have to put in place better mechanisms for financial accountability within the school districts so Texas' taxpayers can be more confident their tax dollars are being spent responsibly," said Truitt.  She cited the recent audit results of past practices at Fort Worth, Carroll and numerous other ISDs across the state as evidence of the need for additional financial oversight.

 Additionally, the legislature is likely to take on revamping workers' compensation, restructuring of state-wide water policies, and enhanced campaign finance regulations.   Constitutional amendments on expanded gambling and the prohibition of same-sex marriages are also very likely to be voted on.  Rep. Truitt has already filed a bill that would increase the penalty for car burglary from a Class C misdemeanor to a state jail felony.

 The Texas legislature has established a new legislative tracking hotline at (877) 824-7038, toll-free in Texas, open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with extended hours when either chamber is convened.  The legislature can also be monitored on the web at www.capitol.state.tx.us.