State Representative John Wray

The Texas constitution requires that the House of Representatives meet for only 140 days every odd-numbered year.  The representatives often stay in Austin during the week but travel home weekends.  For their service they are paid $600 per month. The biennial budget they passed was $209 billion, a 3.6% increase over the previous budget.  This was less than the percentage growths of inflation and population.  The new budget includes $1.5 billion increase in public education funding which covers projected enrollment growth plus a renewed dedication to quality education.

 

Tax relief was a priority of both the House and Senate and the final budget package included a total of $3.8 billion in tax relief.  A $10,000 increase to the Homestead Exemption and a 25% across the board cut to the franchise tax make up that amount.  In spite of this tax relief the budget leaves $6.4 billion of revenue unspent.

 

Ellis County transportation is in a very favorable position with its two interstate highways, two federal highways and numerous farm to market roads.  However, many of the farm to market roads need substantial improvement and maintenance.  A constitutional amendment to increase transportation funding by $3 billion will be voted on in the November election by voters.

 

Border security is traditionally a federal issue but Texas government is frustrated by the lack of action and interest.  HB 11 increased the Department of Public Safety by 250 officers to patrol the border.  The allocation is $850 million.  Border security is more than just catching illegal aliens; it also includes drug and human trafficing and terrorism.  For the first time southbound checkpoints will be permitted to intercept movements of cash, guns and other contraband.  A border prosecution unit will help information sharing among all involved agencies.

 

In the question and answer period only two questions were asked.  First, what will happen with the high speed rail plan.  Mr. Wray says the legality of imminent domain has not been decided and it is critical.  He is concerned that the program might only be partially completed and the private financers run out of money and demand public funding.  This is one of Ellis County residents’ largest concerns.

 

The other question related to the long-standing plans for the replacement of the viaduct on US-77.  This plan was looming when Mr. Wray was mayor in 2002 but he says that survey markers have been placed.  This is a sign that the project is moving forward.

 

Representative Wray also said that the registration period for the next election has passed with no one to run against him so he will be unopposed.

 

To reach Representative Wray locally the office is at 133 Chieftain Drive, Suite 103, or call 972-938-9392

 

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