August 8, 2012
Policy:
2013 Texas Legislative Pressure Cooker: Issues Starting to Boil
In six short months, the Texas Legislature will set up shop again in Austin. With lawsuits challenging the state’s school finance system, concerns escalating over the state’s business tax structure and confusion reigning after massive changes to health care, Speaker of the House Joe Straus will undoubtedly have his hands full—and that’s before you add energy issues to the equation. So, what are Speaker Straus’ overall priorities? In preparing for the upcoming forum with the Speaker, PAT was informed of his focus on four key priorities: the budget, resource adequacy, the statewide water plan (including energy industry water use) and ensuring a ready workforce. Don’t miss the upcoming Power Across Texas policy forum for the opportunity to dialogue directly with this dedicated public servant and statewide leader (see below for more information).
People:
In the Eye of the Storm: Thoughtful Leader Stays Cool
Did you know that Speaker Straus was a founding board member of Power Across Texas?
Unanimously elected by his peers in 2009, Speaker Straus is known for his thoughtful, inclusive approach to policy making. So much so that in 2011, he was named “Mr. South Texas,” in Laredo where the local paper credited him for his “cool, unflappable style and insistence on civility in an often rowdy House.”
First elected to the House in 2005, Straus sponsored several pieces of legislation aimed at improving energy efficiency and in 2007, he was recognized by Texas Public Power Association with an official award for his leadership and contributions to public power.
A native of San Antonio, Straus is active in the local community and has passionately represented District 121 in Bexar County since 2005.
Programming:
Getting the Inside Scoop: Interactive Policy Forum with Speaker Straus
Power Across Texas will be hosting a special luncheon and executive roundtable discussion with Speaker Straus at the Headliners Club on August 23, 2012 from 12-1:30 PM and will provide a unique opportunity for PAT advisory board and corporate members to dialogue directly with Speaker Straus, in an intimate, relaxed setting.
PAT is proud to offer its members this powerful benefit and unique networking and learning opportunity. Policy forums like this one are just one way that PAT is delivering on its mission of acting as a forum for high-quality information, tools, research and analysis to balance the debate over the best way to ensure a clean, robust and reliable energy supply in Texas.
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