El Paso delegation presents state legislative agenda

The start of the next Texas legislative session is just weeks away. Thursday, El Paso’s elected delegation came together to lay out their priorities for Austin.

El Paso’s state representatives and senator’s top priorities include education as they get ready for the 84th session of the Texas legislature.

The forum was organized by the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce. State representatives Joe Pickett, Joe Moody, Mary Gonzlez, representative-elect Cesar Blanco and senator Jos Rodriguez were there to present their goals for the session and explain their strategies to get it done

The legislators and the chamber laid out a list of overall priorities for El Paso’s state delegation. Restoring public education funding and opening up bonds for higher education are at the top of the list.

“I think we stand a pretty good chance because it’s not a political issue on enhancing and improving our universities,” Pickett said. “Because it’s something that other parts of Texas feel the same way, so we’re going to have help and coalitions throughout the state of Texas wanting the same things that we do. And it’s got to kind of be an all or nothing.”

The delegation must consider what it will take to actually fulfill the goals as well. With a new lieutenant governor and legislators state wide, how well the state house will work is still being worked out.

Delegation members say they’re preparing as best they can, including bringing other local officials to Austin for “El Paso Days” in February to meet with statewide officials.

The 84th session of the Texas state legislature begins Jan. 13.