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REASON FOR VOTE
Senator Birdwell submitted the following reason for vote on CSSJR 2:
Today I voted in support of SJR 2, which proposes to Texas voters a
constitutional amendment dedicating half of all oil- and gas-severance taxes currently
transferred to the Economic Stabilization Fund ("rainy day fund") to the state highway
fund (Fund 6).
This transparent dedication of revenue allows for the specific and limited
purpose of construction, maintenance and right-of-way acquisition for public
roadways. Equally important, SJR 2 also allows the state highway fund to repay the
principal and interest on debt from Prop 12 transportation funding.
While I had initial concerns about the utilization of the Economic Stabilization
Fund for the creation of a constitutionally-protected revenue stream, I was graciously
afforded the opportunity to work side by side with my colleague and the author of SJR.
2, Senator Robert Nichols, to ensure a $6 billion minimum balance was implemented
for the protection of the Economic Stabilization Fund.
I still believe strongly that transportation funding must be prioritized within
general revenue budgeting, and I will work to see that this happens in the future. Still,
I am pleased that this innovative legislation will promptly serve to construct and
maintain the crucial highway infrastructure of our rapidly growing state.
BIRDWELL
CO-AUTHORS OF SENATE BILL 5
On motion of Senator Hegar, Senators Nelson, Paxton, and Taylor will be shown
as Co-authors of SB 5.
CO-AUTHOR OF SENATE BILL 13
On motion of Senator Hegar, Senator Paxton will be shown as Co-author of
SB 13.
MOTION TO RECESS
On motion of Senator Whitmire and by unanimous consent, the Senate at 11:45
p.m. agreed to recess, pending the introduction of bills and resolutions on first
reading, the receipt of messages, the receipt of committee reports, and the signing of
bills, until 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2013.
RECESS
Pursuant to a previously adopted motion, the Senate at 5:00 p.m. Thursday,
June 20, 2013, recessed until 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2013.
68
83rd Legislature- First Called Session
4th Day