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AUSTIN - The Urban Affairs Committee met in Austin recently to consider legislative proposals for the upcoming Session.
During the past months, the Committee studied the needs of volunteer fire departments. Some of the Committee recommendations regarding volunteer fire departments include bills that will (1) provide immunity from lawsuits for volunteer firefighters who are performing official duties; (2) improving Rural Fire Protection Districts and Emergency Services Districts through long term financing ability through loans and bond issuances, and through a Constitutional Amendment, raising the cap on the tax levy. Representative Clark proposed a recommendation, which was adopted, for increased funding for training of volunteer firefighters.
The Committee also reviewed the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to make decisions affecting affordable housing. Recommendations for TDHCA include the creation of a new position entitled Regional Development Coordinator, whose responsibility is to act as a facilitator to encourage the leveraging of federal, state, and local funds in addressing housing and community development needs in each region.
Another Committee charge was to assess the advantages and disadvantages of manufactured housing as one means to alleviate affordable housing deficits. Recommendations include requesting TDHCA to more actively provide education information regarding the use of federal funds that are applicable to the development of manufactured housing communities, along with the purchase and repair of manufactured homes.
"As a member of the Urban Affairs Committee, I am pleased with the Committee's response to these charges, and look forward to working with other Members of the Legislature on the serious issues of volunteer fire departments and affordable housing," said Representative Clark.
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