Texas House Bill HB2252

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/12/09

Caption

Relating to grants for local areas adversely affected by a reduction in defense-related activity.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2252 would directly affect the ability of local governments to respond economically to the challenges posed by defense facility closures or realignments. It aims to mitigate the financial losses incurred by municipalities and counties as a result of these changes in government defense policy and investment. The bill allows local entities to use the grants not only for recovery efforts but also for planning and constructing infrastructure necessary to support continued military activity or adaptation to new economic conditions in the wake of military realignment.

Summary

House Bill 2252 is designed to provide grants to local areas adversely affected by reductions in defense-related activities. The bill seeks to amend sections of the Government Code related to the awarding of grants to municipalities or counties that have been significantly impacted by changes in defense operations. It establishes criteria for granting these funds, giving preference to defence communities that have faced closures, realignments, or major reductions in military activities. The criteria emphasize the impact on local jobs and economic conditions resulting from such defense-related changes.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to aid local economies negatively impacted by defense adjustments, it raises questions regarding the long-term sustainability of these grants. Critics may argue that reliance on federal defense contracts can lead to economic instability in the absence of continued budget allocations. Another potential point of contention could arise from determining which local governments qualify as 'adversely affected' and the criteria used to prioritize grant funding. This could create disparities between communities based on their defense-related activities and the outcomes of defense spending adjustments.