SRC-JEC H.C.R. 151 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.C.R. 151
By: Chavez (Lucio)
International Relations and Trade
5/5/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The State of Texas benefits from the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) in many ways; however, some Texas counties have experienced
tremendous job losses because of a shift in global trade patterns
precipitated by the agreement.  Congress created the Community Adjustment
and Investment Program (CAIP) in 1998 to mitigate NAFTA job losses through
grants, loans, and loan guarantees to local communities, companies,
institutions, and organizations.  An affiliate of the North American
Development Bank headquartered in San Antonio, CAIP has brought more than
$76 million in direct and leveraged funds to Texas, accounting for
approximately one-half of the program's national resources.  Thirty-two
Texas counties, the most in any state, are eligible for assistance, and
together the counties are expected to create or preserve a total of 3,798
private sector jobs because of the CAIP investment.  CAIP grants and loans
are funded by annual congressional appropriations; however, CAIP did not
receive funding in the federal 2002 or 2003 fiscal year budget.  The need
for CAIP assistance is greater than ever because of the increasing number
of job losses resulting from the trade impacts of NAFTA, the extent of
which has affected nearly 32 counties in Texas and 40 other states to
date. 

PURPOSE

The following resolutions are submitted:

That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby respectfully urge
the Congress of the United States to reinstate funding for the Community
Adjustment and Investment Program. 

That the Texas secretary of state forward official copies of this
resolution to the president of the United States, to the speaker of the
house of representatives and the president of the senate of the United
States Congress, and to all the members of the Texas delegation to the
congress with the request that this resolution be officially entered in
the Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United
States of America.