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MEET THE 2019-20 WATER & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
The committee provides members a forum for conversation on regional issues and an opportunity to address strategies for better management of the region's water supply and environmental protections
. In 2019, the committee will convene during the 72nd Annual Meeting for in-person conversation with members, as well as topic experts.
Stay Tuned for regional updates on water and environment topics in the next newsletter.
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THE U.S. - MEXICO BORDER REGION
PRESE
NTS: TEXAS
Texas is the second largest U.S. state in terms of population, area, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The state stretches inland from the Gulf Coast to the high plains and mountains in the northeast. Leading the nation in the number of cattle, cotton, farms, and ranches, the diversity of Texas is evident in nearly all aspects of its land, economy, and cultural life.
The Texas State Legislature is a bicameral body with 150 members in the House of Representatives and 31 members in the Senate. O
perating under a biennial system, the legislature convenes its regular sessions on the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years. Based on the 2010 Census, each Senator represents an average of 811,147 residents while each House member represents an average of 167,637 residents. Along the Texas-Mexico border, there are 13 House districts and 5 Senate districts.
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CSG WEST STAFF VISIT WESTERN STATE LEGISLATURES
CSG West Director, Edgar Ruiz, and accompanying staff visit each of our member states during their legislative sessions each year. State visits are coordinated to share information about programs and services for policy-makers, as well as to learn more about the issues that legislatures are addressing to assist in the facilitation of regional dialogue.
Below is a listing of upcoming state visits. Be sure to keep an eye out for your state!
Oregon - March 11-13
Hawaii
- March 18-21 W
ashington
- March 25-27
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NEW MEXICO STATE VISIT
As the New Mexico legislature commenced its 54th legislative session, lawmakers prepared for a busy 60-day session. On February 4, the legislature sent 42 bills to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham as a package nicknamed the "rocket docket." This package of bills had been vetoed by former Governor Susana Martinez in the 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions.
Concluding the 2018 elections, New Mexico became a Democratic trifecta with an 8-seat gain in the House, control of the Senate, and the first Democratic woman Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham.
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UTAH STATE VISIT
The Utah legislature commenced its 64th session on February 28 and will conclude on March 14. Leadership changes took place in both the House and the Senate with Representative Brad Wilson elected as the new Speaker and Representative Brian King continuing to serve as the Minority Leader. In the Senate, CSG West Past Chair, Senator Stuart Adams, was elected as the Senate President and Senator Karen Mayne was elected as the new Minority Leader.
Utah has a short 45-day session with over 1,300 bills submitted for review with 105 passed, as of February 20. Some of the issues that carried over from last year's elections include Medicaid expansion and Medical Cannabis.
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IDAHO STATE VISIT
Opening on January 7th, the legislative session is anticipated to conclude in late March. In addition to policy priorities, the legislature welcomed a number of new members. After the 2018 election, the House
experienced a 30% turnover with 21 of the 70 members starting their first legislative session last month. The 35 seat Senate has six new members, two of which served in the House last session.
A few key topics being discussed during the visit were medicaid expansion, public education funding,
occupational licensing laws, and the Governor's Red Tape Reduction Act Executive Order.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - UC DAVIS WCAHS
UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety
is seeking proposals for short-term projects that address research, outreach, or educational issues of agricultural health and safety in
Arizona, California, Hawaii, and/or Nevada.
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CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving western state legislatures. All active legislators are considered members of our organization and included in organizational correspondence regarding news and events. While we hope you find this information of use, we also understand the need for a tidy inbox. If you do not wish to receive email updates from us, please unsubscribe below to be removed from our email list.
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