If you have been reading the newspaper lately, you have likely notice that the Texas Legislature is in session. One of the issues facing the Legislature this year-any-year, is taxes. Governor Bush wants to provide property tax relief, but in order to do that, revenues must be found somewhere else. Under consideration at press time are a collection of business taxes and the elimination of some exemptions from the sales tax. Of particular interest to architects is the fact that, so far, architect's services have NOT been included in the expansion of the sales tax.
Other issues that have attracted TSA's involvement include supporting qualification based selection for public projects (already incorporated into law in the Professional Services Procurement Act, but always in danger); support of the First Safety Officials' attempt to allow counties to adopt either the Uniform or Standard Code in unincorporated areas; efforts to amend Architectural Barriers Act; and amendments to last session's Senate Bill 1.
While you are thinking about what the Legislature might do, it's also a good time to think about what you can do to influence that process. Pay attention and communicate with your State Senator and Representative is a good start. Another possibility is to contribute to the Texas Architects Committee, a political action committee that supports the campaigns of state lawmakers who show some understanding of architect's issues. John Joiner, AIA, represents the Chapter as an Executive Trustee of the Texas Architects Committee. Advisory trustees include Kirby Keahey, FAIA, George Jumonville, AIA, David Watkins, FAIA, and Nolen Willis, AIA. They assist in determining which candidates receive TAC contributions. Last year Harris County representatives received more than $10,000 from TAC.
We should at least contribute that much to the effort in the next election cycle. Enclosed in this Perspective is a TAC envelope. Please us it. It's a way to participate in government and to support those candidates that understand architects' issues. It's a way to do things together that we cannot do alone.
