** REVISION **
SENATE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
COMMITTEE:
International Relations & Trade
TIME & DATE:
9:00 AM, Tuesday, March 09, 2010
PLACE:
E1.016 (Hearing Room)
CHAIR:
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
 
The Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade will meet on
Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. in room E1.016 of the Capitol
Extension to consider organizational matters and to hear invited and
public testimony on the following interim charges:
 
Charge #1 - Review the effectiveness of the Coordination of Colonia
Initiatives and related measures addressed by the Committee and develop
recommendations to better address substandard communities across the state
where no potable water or sewage services are provided. Review state and
local laws and policies relating to development and growth in
unincorporated regions of the state and develop recommendations aimed at
providing local units of government the necessary local control tools to
curtail the spread of colonia-like developments in their jurisdictions.
Charge #2 - Examine effectiveness of state homeownership programs serving
colonia residents. Study the need for contract for deed conversions in the
colonias within 150 miles of the Texas/Mexico border. Examine existing
statute regarding statewide distribution of the Texas Bootstrap Loan
Program and recommend changes to increase the state’s ability to expedite
allocation of funds. Develop recommendations to address abusive lending
practices in distressed areas and fair housing violations in the
colonias.
Charge #7 - Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the
Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade, 81st Legislature,
Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation
needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
  *Review the housing initiatives addressed by the Committee and work
with the appropriate housing officials to develop recommendations to
better address the housing needs of smaller and distressed communities in
Texas. Develop recommendations for the cost-effective use of existing
housing monies, leveraging of funds and initiatives for new funding
sources.
 
Those wishing to give public testimony, please limit prepared remarks to 3
minutes. If submitting written testimony, please provide 20 copies, with
your name on each copy, to the Committee during the hearing.
 

 
** See Committee Coordinator for previous versions of the schedule **