Preparing for the 81st Texas Legislature

ARCIT has increased it's data base to include all 1100 rural cities, counties and economic development corporations.  Quarterly surveys are used to obtain an on-going rural local official input on community and economic development needs and environmental challenges.  The survey results are shared on an on-going basis with state agenices.  During the Texas Legislature, surveys are sent often times monthly to obtain input on rural issues that come up during the legislative session and then shared with the Texas Leigslature.

During the legislative sessions, weekly emails are sent to ARCIT members with a  bill tracking chart that shows the status of bills and the solutions being reached. 

Monthly emails are sent to ARCIT members to report on the survey results to give an update report on actions and solutions that are being reached at the state agencies regarding community and economic development and environemental issues.

In order to begin at the grass roots level, ARCIT also holds regional meetings to obtain member and non-member input regarding local challenges.

•    Invitations are sent to all cities, counties, economic development corporations and utility districts in Rural Texas.  The meeting is a one day meeting to gain local input and to vote on areas of concern they believe ARCIT needs to assist in offering a local rural official perspective to state agencies or legislators.

•    Once the regional meetings are held, the ARCIT Board of Directors/Policy Committee meets to review the regional meetings and their policy priorities.  The Board then votes on the needed direction ARCIT staff will concentrate on during the next year.

•    Monthly emails are sent to the ARCIT members for updated reporting on actions and solutions that are reached.

•    During the legislative session, weekly emails are sent to ARCIT members with a bill tracking chart that shows the status of the bills and solutions being reached

For user friendly information on the Texas Legislative process, go to http://www.capitol.state.tx.us.  There is an extensive listing in a box labeled "Legislative Process" that includes such items as How a Bill Becomes a Law, Dates of Interest, Glossary, etc.