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This week I will continue a discussion on some of the offices contained within the Office of the Governor. I had previously spoken of the governor’s economic development and tourism office and last week, we were fortunate to have a representative from that division participate in the Cultural & Heritage Tourism Summit held at Grayson County College. In this column, I would like to discuss another division of the governor’s office, the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. In 1997, the 75th Texas Legislature directed the Texas Department of Economic Development to establish and maintain an Office of Defense Affairs. During that session, the Legislature also established the Texas Strategic Military Planning Commission (TSMPC). The intent was to begin assessing the effect of military installations on the state’s economy. Last year, during the 78th Legislative Session, the Department of Economic Development was abolished and its primary functions were transferred to the Office of the Governor. Senate Bill 652 abolished the Office of Defense Affairs and the TSMPC and created the Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC). While the name of the commission may sound like it implies functions relating to homeland security, the actual function of the commission is similar to that of the TSMPC. The new Commission, under the Governor's Office, contains nine members appointed by the governor. Its mission is to develop a pro-active statewide strategy to assist defense-dependent communities in the prevention of future base closures and realignments and to help defense dependent communities prepare for the next generation of military in Texas. Its mission also includes assistance to defense communities that have already been impacted by federal base closures. These affected communities are assisted through the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant Program and the Texas Military Value Revolving Loan Fund administered by the commission. With an estimated economic impact of $77.4 billion, the military has always been a driving force in Texas' diverse economy. Texas also enjoys a rich military history, with historic active installations such as Fort Sam Houston as well as installations like our own Perrin Field which have been closed. Because the military is such an important part of our heritage and economy, Texas must continue its effort to expand the military presence and become more active in seeking lasting partnerships with its defense communities. You can find more information on the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, including contact information for key staff members, on the governor’s website at www.governor.state.tx.us.
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