BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                        C.S.H.B. 55

                                                                                                                                   By: Grusendorf

                                                                                                                                     Transportation

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Ronald Wilson Reagan compiled a distinguished record of public service having served with honor and distinction as Governor of California and for two terms as the 40th President of the United State s of America.  President Reagan's proclamation that it was "morning in America" inspired Americans with his eternal optimism for the future of our Nation. 

 

President Reagan's presidency began during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, which included double digit inflation, and ended amid one of the longest economic expansions in the nation's history.  His foreign policy was instrumental in extending democracy around the world and ultimately led to the end of the Cold War and the demise of the Soviet Union. Reagan was loved and admired by millions of Americans, appealing to their best hopes for themselves and their Nation.

 

President Reagan spent his last years in a silent battle with Alzheimer's disease.  His faith, courage, dignity, and grace during the twilight years of his life is most honorable. 

 

Therefore, in recognition of President Reagan's distinguished statesmanship and leadership in national and world affairs and his public service to his beloved Nation, CSHB 55 designates the part of Interstate Highway 20 located in Dallas and Tarrant Counties as the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

CSHB 55 would name the portion of Interstate Highway 20 located in Dallas and Tarrant Counties the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2005.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

The substitute adds a provision in the original bill that requires the Texas Department of Transportation to design and construct memorial markers indicating the highway number and  designation as the Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway only if funded privately or by charitable donation.

 

The original did not have this requirement.