MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & TRADE

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

9:00 a.m.

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on International Relations & Trade was held on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. Senator Wendy Davis Senator Craig Estes		Senator Kel Seliger Senator Troy Fraser Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr. Senator Tommy Williams

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.  The following business was transacted: 

 

The committee heard invited testimony on Charges #1, #2, and #7:

           

1. Review the effectiveness of the Coordination of Colonia Initiatives and related measures    addressed by the Committee and develop recommendations to better address substandard           communities across the state where no potable water or sewage services are provided.         Review state and local laws and policies relating to development and growth in    unincorporated regions of the state and develop recommendations aimed at providing       local units of government the necessary local control tools to curtail the spread of colonia-like developments in their jurisdictions.

 

             

2. Examine effectiveness of state homeownership programs serving colonia residents. Study the need for contract for deed conversions in the colonias within 150 miles of the Texas/Mexico border. Examine existing statute regarding statewide distribution of the Texas Bootstrap Loan Program and recommend changes to increase the state’s ability to expedite allocation of funds. Develop recommendations to address abusive lending practices in distressed areas and fair housing violations in the colonias.

7. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.

           

• Review the housing initiatives addressed by the Committee and work with the appropriate housing officials to develop recommendations to better address the housing needs of smaller and distressed communities in Texas. Develop recommendations for the cost-effective use of existing housing monies, leveraging of funds and initiatives for new funding sources.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the interim charges 1, 2, and 7 are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the invited testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

The chair opened the hearing to public testimony. Witnesses testifying and registering on the charges are shown on the attached list. 

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

There being no further business, at 11:30 a.m. Senator Lucio, Jr. moved that the Committee be adjourned. Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Chair

 

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Natalie Fontenot, Clerk