Plano Legislative Days Recap
Plano’s business and community leaders traveled to Austin for the second installment of Plano Legislative Days from February 15-16, 2017. A joint effort between Plano ISD, the City of Plano, and the Plano Chamber of Commerce, Plano Legislative Days aims to create a forum of citizens, elected officials, and business professionals working together to represent Plano’s specific needs to our elected officials.
Speaker Joe Straus poses with the Plano Legislative Days delegation on February 16, 2017.
Plano Legislative Days includes two days of programming focused on issues that are relevant to our city. The agenda includes speakers, networking opportunities, and scheduled meetings with legislators. The program on February 15 featured legislative updates from Representative Todd Hunter, Chairman of Calendars Committee and Vice-Chair of Criminal Jurisprudence; an overview of Plano’s legislative priorities from Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, Plano ISD Board President Missy Bender, and Plano Chamber Board Chair Craig Perry; and welcome messages from Plano’s elected officials, Senator Van Taylor, Rep. Jeff Leach, and Rep. Matt Shaheen.
On February 16, Former State Representative John Otto discussed issues affecting the 85th Texas Legislative Session over breakfast. The delegation then traveled to the Capitol and gathered for a group photo with Speaker Joe Straus. Senator Van Taylor was kind enough to give a guided tour of the Capitol to the group before individuals and small groups headed to individual legislative meetings.
Senator Van Taylor explains some of the history behind the Texas Capitol.
Mike Morath, Texas Education Agency Commissioner, answered questions regarding school finance and “taxparency” – two of Plano’s major issues in the Plano Chamber’s 2017 Legislative Agenda. After lunch, the group gathered for a photo with Governor Greg Abbott. Legislative meetings were also had with Mattie Heith, Legislative Director for Senator Kelly Hancock; Pete Winckler, Legislative Director for Senator Craig Estes; and Jonathan Sierra-Ortega, Policy Director for Senator Robert Nichols. The Plano Chamber advocated for policies that will positively impact our city and the North Texas region.
Plano Legislative Days successfully accomplished our goal of advocating for Plano as a cohesive unit. To keep up to date on issues that affect you and your business during the 85th Texas Legislative Session, CLICK HERE to sign up for the weekly Take 10: Legislative Landscape e-newsletter or attend an upcoming Public Policy Committee meeting.
From left, Senator Van Taylor, Rep. Jeff Leach, and Rep. Matt Shaheen address the Plano Legislative Days group.
