It was really great to return to an in-person gathering! Here is a recap of our September 2nd Business Network Breakfast with Senator John Whitmire, District 15, as our speaker.
From Senator Whitmire:
- The special session and special sessions have been challenging and unique.
- The Senate passed the next biennial budget 31-0 at the end of May.
- Partisanship has been frustrating as members of both parties have historically worked together to address the issues facing Texas and Texans.
- Everyone should know who represents them in the Legislature and follow their voting record.
- Texas has a large number of emigrants from California, and suggested that Governor Abbot develop a plan with President Biden to address illegal immigration:
- Support for Central American governments,
- Stop the flow of women and children at the border, and
- Deal with cartels as criminals.
- Public issues such as financing public safety, addressing flooding, and funding public schools and higher education should be separated from social issues.
- The next special session will focus on redistricting, with Texas gaining 2 Congressional seats.
- ERCOT should address global warming.
- Tax abatements to attract industry shift the tax burden to other property owners.
- Consider all funding sources for state government, including personal income tax; current funding levels do not meet the needs. He proposed a 3% state income tax would offset school district property taxes across the state. This would require a Texas Constitution amendment.
- Will run for re-election to the Senate in 2022 and hopes to bring his experience in Austin to Houston as Mayor.
Senator John Whitmire
A number of projects are underway in the Near Northwest Management District:
- Allora Northwest Crossing on Bingle is a Trammel Crow Residential development with 378 units under construction and leasing now.
- The Workshops on Breen are under construction.
- Langfield Industrial completed a 135,000 square foot warehouse on Langfield.
- Reynolds and Reynolds has a new office building under construction on Hollister.
- Seton Lake Logistical Center is under construction on SH 249.
- Urban Logistics Center on Breen is in the site work phase.
- Linda Vista Apartments has been sold and rebranded as The Life at Grand Oaks and is undergoing extensive renovations and upgrades.
- The District’s W Little York Pedestrian Improvements project – building new sidewalks on W Little York – is under construction. This is 80% federally funded with the District covering 20% of costs. This project will also support the extension of METRO’s bus service early next year.
- New billboards on IH 610 and US 290 and radio spots are running to market the District.
