El Paso city officials set goals for 85th legislative session

El Paso City Council has approved a preliminary draft of the city’s agenda for the 85th legislative session. On Monday, City Council approved modifications to its Priority Legislative Initiative Category.

The city will actively seek the passage of the initiatives listed in the category and will use city staff members and authorized representatives to secure legislators to author a bill, provide testimony, and advocate for the bill’s passage throughout the legislative process. This category was narrowed down to the following four specific items: 1. SUPPORT FORT BLISS · Working in partnership with other Texas cities that are home to military installations, seek funding for the State’s Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant Program to fund military value projects that strengthen Texas bases. 2. KEEP EL PASO CLEAN · Seek passage of legislation that increases the ability of local governments to work toward eliminating illegal tire disposal and enhance opportunities and incentives for proper tire recycling. 3. PARKS · Seek funding for the construction of a visitors center at Franklin Mountain State Park. 4. BORDER SECURITY FUNDING · Seek border security funding for city-identified border projects.