Irving Mayor addresses state officials

Written by Phil Cerroni

Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, along with the mayors of Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, briefed Texas legislative officials on a number of regional issues, including transportation, water and economic development. The group also discussed the impact of unfunded mandates on local governments. Some of those mandates include health care, environmental regulations and education initiatives.

“Our state government bears many costs handed down by the federal government. Mandates imposed by one government to another can be burdensome and those costs usually end up being funded at the local level by local taxpayers,” said Van Duyne. “I appreciate our Texas Legislature taking the time to understand some of our issues and the budget situation we face.”

Additionally, Van Duyne advised the legislators in attendance that economic development was a great area in which the state and cities can partner to help create an environment that promotes business and economic vibrancy.

“The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has done an outstanding job in assisting in out-of-state recruitment opportunities. I would suggest we must look at how to help grow our small-to mid-sized businesses as well. There are few state-level programs that undertake this mission, and it is a void that we would like to see filled,” added Van Duyne.

The meeting took place at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. State Rep. Diane Patrick welcomed the officials and was followed by briefings on city legislative agendas.

Sen. Kelly Hancock was in attendance, as well as Reps. Kenneth Sheets, Helen Giddings, Charlie Geren, Diane Patrick, Jonathan Stickland, Nichole Collier, Stephanie Klick, Bill Zedler, Craig Goldman, Chris Turner, Roberta Alonzo, and Matt Krause.

Source: City of Irving