Laserfiche WebLink
City of San Marcos <br /> Guiding Principles for the 85th Legislative Session <br /> The City of San Marcos recognizes the need for an active state legislative program to <br /> ensure the interests of the City's residents and businesses are protected and enhanced. <br /> The City Council has created a focused legislative platform, which reflects the core <br /> values found in the City Charter's statement of Goals and the Comprehensive Plan <br /> Vision Statements. As directed by the City Council, the City will participate in the 85th <br /> Texas Legislative Session (2017) process through monitoring and actively advocating for <br /> or against legislation when appropriate to support or safeguard the interests of the City. <br /> The following "Guiding Principles" serve as direction for staff and the City's legislative <br /> advocates on key issues. <br /> Education <br /> •Support legislative action to: increase funding for workforce training; fully fund <br /> and strengthen P-16 education, including funding for Texas State University's five <br /> year strategic plan and full day pre-k programs; provide resources for youth <br /> health initiatives and Citywide Out-of-School Time programs; and increase <br /> funding for adult education and literacy. <br /> Environment and Resource Protection <br /> •Support legislative action to: protect the City's authority to utilize reclaimed <br /> water--part of the City's expansion and conservation water plan; encourage <br /> protection and preservation of spring flows, the San Marcos River, continued <br /> progress on the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program and Habitat <br /> Conservation Plan; seek new revenue resources to support river protection and <br /> maintenance, including the Municipal Hotel Occupancy Tax provide new sources <br /> of funding for water infrastructure and water conservation; protect the City's <br /> investment in water infrastructure for current and future use; sustain the goals <br /> of the Hays Caldwell Public Utility Agency; and promote and develop alternative <br /> energy sources. <br /> Parks and Public Facilities <br /> •Support legislative action to: allow utilization of revenue from existing sources <br /> for maintaining the public river basin. <br /> Economic Development <br /> •Support legislative action to: promote strategic economic development; <br /> provide incentives to cities to attract and retain businesses; protect the City's <br /> sovereign immunity; and increase funding for workforce training and programs <br />