The Houston/Coastal Chapter of the Texas Association of Businesses brought together local legislators May 21 to provide an update on government issues affecting local enterprise. The forum, held at Landry's Seafood in The Woodlands, attracted representatives from local chambers of commerce, city governments and economic development groups. Each lawmaker spoke for only a few minutes before allowing the next to speak.

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-8) discussed the importance of new federal trade agreements with South Korea and Columbia that have recently gone into effect. Citing the role of the Port of Houston, Brady said the agreements will bring "millions of new customers" to the region.

State Senator Tommy Williams (R-4), addressed what he said are the three most significant challenges facing the state, including public education, a dwindling water supply and mobility issues. He also discussed the strong Texas trade economy, saying that "Texas accounts for 70 percent of the trade growth in the U.S.," while hailing legislators for reducing spending in the past two bienniums.

Regarding transportation issues facing the state, Williams said money will not be available during the next legislative session for construction of new highways in Texas, only for maintenance of existing roadways.

State Rep. Rob Eissler (R-15), who also serves as chairman of the House Education Committee, discussed ways to better educate Texas students while keeping a tight budget on education.

He said "results have not gotten appreciably better" as the state has provided more funds to public education.

"We need to find a way to spend the money better," he said.

Eissler suggested utilizing technology in the classroom better and blended learning environments "instead of cutting funds."

Finally, State Rep. Allen Fletcher (R-130) gave an update on local transportation projects, such as improvements on Hwy. 290 and Hwy. 249. He said those projects, along with Segment E of the Grand Parkway, have been added to the Transportation Policy Council's project list, which sets priority for road improvement projects.

According to Fletcher, the Texas Department of Transportation recently allocated $2 billion in additional funding it had not previously earmarked. Of that, Fletcher said, the Houston area will receive about $400 million which will go toward improving mobility on Hwy. 290.