Water Connects Urban, Rural Texans

The urban-rural interconnection should be on the minds of all Texans. After all, this is not a case of “us” and “them,” but rather a case of “we,” as in, “we are all in this together."

David Langford, who lives in Comfort, Texas, is vice president emeritus of the Texas Wildlife Association and formerly served as CEO of the association for 12 years, recently wrote an editorial that was published in the Austin American-Statesman. His opinion brings to light the close connection all Texans have in regard to our water supply. It is well worth the read.

Meetings with Fellow Texans on Legislative Priorities

Along with several other meetings today, Janet and I met with representatives from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, City of Palestine, Cedar Creek Lake Area and the Texas Wildlife Association. These folks have taken the time to travel to Austin to ensure their legislators understand their priorities for Texas, for their communities and for their organizations.

The good news is Texas is in much better shape than our sister states, and to stay ahead of the curve, Texas is identifying cuts of 2.5 percent in the remainder of the 2009 general revenue state budget.

For the Texas Department of Agriculture, this equates to about $1.6 million, but it adds up to about $500 million statewide. Taxpayers can rest assured, here at TDA, we will continue our core mission of service and find efficiencies and savings to produce a balanced budget.

Texas families are having to make decisions with limited resources. Texas government must do the same.