Texas Lieutenant Governor Says Legislature Must Factor Population Growth Into Decisions
By: Nick Ochsner
Updated: January 9, 2013
AUSTIN -- Work in the 83rd Texas Legislative Session got under way at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Wednesday.
Lawmakers say that the Lone Star State faces some major hurdles during the legislative session -- as issues over education funding, water and transportation infrastructure loom large.
Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst says that it's important to take the long view on issues facing the state.
Texas is poised to double in population over the next 40 to 50 years.
Dewhurst believes the anticipated growth is a good thing, since people are flocking to the Lone Star State in near-record numbers.
However, Dewhurst cautions that lawmakers need to plan accordingly.
Dewhurst also says the state's $100 billion bank account for this legislative session will be used to solve major issues that keeps the lone star state a place that continues attracting growth.
"[We need to] put in place the legacy for this state," said Dewhurst. "So that we'll be on track to dramatically increase our drinking water and our transportation capacity and our power generation. And doubling our classrooms and our classroom teachers over the next 40 to 50 years -- to take care of this growing population."
Dewhurst says that the $100 billion bank account -- as estimated by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs -- that lawmakers will have to spend this session is nearly all accounted for.
Lawmakers say that the Lone Star State faces some major hurdles during the legislative session -- as issues over education funding, water and transportation infrastructure loom large.
Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst says that it's important to take the long view on issues facing the state.
Texas is poised to double in population over the next 40 to 50 years.
Dewhurst believes the anticipated growth is a good thing, since people are flocking to the Lone Star State in near-record numbers.
However, Dewhurst cautions that lawmakers need to plan accordingly.
Dewhurst also says the state's $100 billion bank account for this legislative session will be used to solve major issues that keeps the lone star state a place that continues attracting growth.
"[We need to] put in place the legacy for this state," said Dewhurst. "So that we'll be on track to dramatically increase our drinking water and our transportation capacity and our power generation. And doubling our classrooms and our classroom teachers over the next 40 to 50 years -- to take care of this growing population."
Dewhurst says that the $100 billion bank account -- as estimated by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs -- that lawmakers will have to spend this session is nearly all accounted for.
