It seems though that sometimes the vision of our state’s leadership doesn’t measure up to the size and heritage of our state. When we look at the decisions made in Austin, it’s not evident that our state’s leadership is thinking big. Texas’ failure to take advantage of a huge federal investment in high speed rail is the latest example.

Last week, the federal government announced $8 billion in high-speed rail funding to various states. Texas got $11 million. If my math is right, that represents about one-tenth of one percent of the available funds. That’s pitiful.

As the Dallas Morning News editorialized on Sunday, “If top Texas leaders had wanted serious high-speed rail money from Washington, they needed to show they were serious about it first. Pity, but neither appeared to be the case. The big federal prizes to develop bullet trains went to Florida, California and Illinois last week. Texas got the scraps, and deservedly so.”

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a federal Railroad Commission official recently said, “There has been no central vision, no common vision for rail in Texas…that kind of vision, that kind of support from the political leadership, is critical to success…”

And in case anyone tries to pretend that Texas was left out due to some partisan ploy, consider that Florida – a state with a Republican Governor and Republican-controlled Legislature – are taking high-speed rail seriously and managed to snare over $1 billion.

There’s no reason the second most populous state in the country shouldn’t be a player when it comes to developing high-speed rail to connect our population centers. We should not leave this unique opportunity to grow our economy and create jobs on the table. But our leadership needs to get a vision, and fast. It’s time to start thinking big.

Town Hall Time

Next week, I’ll be holding four town hall meetings in District 96. This is an opportunity for me to hear from constituents what’s on their minds – and how they think we can make Texas government work better for them and their families. I always learn a lot when we do these meetings and I know next week will be no exception. District 96 residents are encouraged to attend one of the meetings – click here to find complete details.

Speech to Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars

Last Friday, I was honored to have been invited to speak to the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary mid-winter conference in Austin. I got to update those in attendance on the success of the veterans lottery scratch-off game that we worked so hard to pass and a few other things. Click here if you’d like to read my remarks. But the most important thing I said to that crowd was “thank you” – it’s something we can’t ever say enough to our nation’s veterans and their family members.

ARLINGTON — Chris Turner won’t be sworn in as a state representative until January, but his meeting calendar is already filling up with area community leaders and residents seeking to bend his ear on issues important to them.

Just about a year ago, Turner, a Democrat, decided to run for his first public office. He set his sights on the Texas House and campaigned on issues such as improving regional transportation and increasing funding for schools, teachers’ pay and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

On Tuesday, the 36-year-old Burleson man ousted Republican Rep. Bill Zedler from House District 96 by more than 3,800 votes, according to unofficial election results. District 96 includes south Arlington, Crowley, Kennedale and parts of Fort Worth, Mansfield, Forest Hill and Burleson.

Turner, a former district director for U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, said he’s humbled by voters’ support and will do his best to rise above partisan politics and special-interest forces in Austin.

“The special interests have had too much power down there. I think partisan agendas have taken precedence over the concerns of average Texans,” Turner said. “I want to go down there and work with Republicans and Democrats to make a difference on some of the issues. I think the key is to be willing to work – and compromise when necessary.” – across party lines .

Education

Turner said education will be one of his top priorities. The Legislature needs to focus on finding a better way to finance public schools that is still fair to property owners, he said.

State finance laws passed in 2006 restrict how much school districts can raise property taxes, and many area school districts are facing budget shortfalls caused by increasing costs for utilities, fuel and other items. The Fort Worth school district is facing a $43 million shortfall, and Arlington is expecting a gap of about $17 million.
“We have now frozen our school district funding at 2006 levels and caused massive shortfalls at area school districts. We need to provide additional funding for public schools to meet our education needs,” Turner said.

He also supports a “meaningful” raise for teachers.

“Texas teachers are paid well below the national average. We’ve got to do better if we want to keep and attract quality educators,” he said.

Turner also said he will not support the Legislature imposing any more unfunded mandates on school districts, which he says are already struggling financially.

Transportation

Turner said he plans to work closely with area mayors and business leaders to ensure that the region’s transportation needs continue to be addressed, whether through securing funding for new roads or moving toward a regional rail system.
“Transportation is the most important issue facing our region, facing Tarrant County. It affects mobility and it affects air quality,” Turner said.

Children’s health

Another goal is to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides low-cost, state-backed health coverage for children in low-income working families. State budget shortfalls in 2003 led to a significant reduction in the number of children served by the program. About 20 percent of the state’s children lack health insurance.

“We have the highest percentage of uninsured children in the country. I think it’s shameful we cut the CHIP program,” Turner said.

Accessibility

Turner, who is married and has two adult stepchildren, said that he has always felt called to public service and that he chose to get into government to help people, no matter their political affiliation.

“I’m going to work as hard as I know how every day to deliver for this district and represent the constituents well. Whether someone voted for me or against me, each and every one of them is a constituent I want to represent to the best of my ability.”
This article includes material from the Star-Telegram archives.

Since being electing, Chris has worked closely with leaders and citizens throughout southern Tarrant County to find ways to improve the transportation infrastructure at look at alternative methods of travel, including light and commuter rail systems. He will continue to be a vocal voice for our region and work with his fellow legislators to find solutions to our transportation needs.

Chris strongly believes the state must end its practice of diverting gas tax revenue from transportation needs.