BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                            H.C.R. 67

                                                                                                                                     By: Leibowitz

                                                                                                                     Agriculture & Livestock

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

For nearly two years the State of Texas has continued to endure substantial economic losses due to a prolonged drought.

 

The drought has cost the state nearly 2.5 billion in crop loss and the latest forecasts show wheat, corn, soybean, peanuts and sorghum production are well below average.  It has caused an estimated 1.6 billion in livestock losses, as well as increasing hay and feed costs.  This trend is forcing many ranchers across the state to sell their cattle, thus decreasing beef supply and increasing beef prices.  Total agricultural loss to the state stands at more than 4 billion.  The economic burden is shared by the businesses that support the agricultural community and predict losses near 8 billion.  This drought is linked directly to 21,000 fires, burning in excess of two million acres between January and November, 2006, resulting in a loss of 77% of   Texas' hay production.

 

The Texas Department of Agriculture will administer a total of 16.1 million in relief, but with more than 12 billion in total economic loss, more assistance is needed.  Texas is second in agricultural production in the nation and the loss in crops and livestock has put a financial burden on Texas farmers and ranchers.  It is imperative that the federal government amplify their assistance to Texas families.

 

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

 

HCR 67 urges the United States Congress to provide further drought relief to Texas.  Provides that the Texas secretary of state forward official copies of this resolution to the president of the United State, to the speaker of the house of representative and the president of the senate of the United States Congress, and to all 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 State of America.