Res 2014-107/Adopting Guiding Principles for the City’s Legislative Action Program for the 84th session of the Texas Legislature in 2015

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City of San Marcos Guiding Principles for the 84th Legislative Session The City of San Marcos recognizes the need for an active state legislative program to ensure the interests of the City's residents and businesses are protected and enhanced. The City Council has created a focused legislative platform, which reflects the core values found in the City Charter's statement of Goals and the Comprehensive Plan Vision Statements. As directed by the City Council, the City will participate in the 84th Texas Legislative Session (2015) process through monitoring and actively advocating for or against legislation when appropriate to support or safeguard the interests of the City. The following "Guiding Principles" serve as direction for staff and the City's legislative advocates on key issues. Education •Support legislative action to: increase funding for workforce training; fully fund and strengthen P -16 education, including funding for Texas State University's five year strategic plan and full day pre -k programs; provide resources for youth health initiatives and Citywide Out -of- School Time programs; and increase funding for adult education and literacy. Environment and Resource Protection •Support legislative action to: encourage protection and preservation of spring flows, the San Marcos River, continued progress on the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program and Habitat Conservation Plan; seek new revenue resources to support river protection and maintenance, including the Municipal Hotel Occupancy Tax; provide new sources of funding for water infrastructure and water conservation; protect the City's investment in water infrastructure for current and future use; sustain the goals of the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency; and promote and develop alternative energy sources. Parks and Public Facilities *Support legislative action to: allow utilization of revenue from existing sources for maintaining the public river basin. Economic Development *Support legislative action to: promote strategic economic development; provide incentives to cities to attract and retain businesses; and increase funding for workforce training and programs to employ veterans, including skills development funding and customized training;