TRAINS, PLAINS AND AUTOMOBILES
BY SEN. ROBERT NICHOLS
Almost a full year ago, I took the oath to officially become your state senator. That day in Austin was unusually cold and icy. The extreme weather was both exciting and unpredictable, a fitting metaphor for my first year in the legislature.

SEN. ROBERT NICHOLS

During the early days of session, I was pleased to welcome many visitors from Cherokee County who came to share their thoughts and concerns. Foremost on many minds was the future of the Texas State Railroad.

My predecessor, now-Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, worked with many of you to preserve operations of the railroad, and I knew this important work must continue.

I authored Senate Bill 1659 to create the Texas State Railroad Operating Authority, a community partnership between the cities of Rusk and Palestine to keep the train going.

This agreement reflected not only the commitment of these communities but showed the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the people of Cherokee and Anderson counties. That commitment was put to the test when money designated for the railroad in the state budget was slow in coming. The cities of Rusk and Palestine willingly loaned American Heritage Railways $1 million to bridge the gap.

The promised state money now sits in the authority's account and provides a foundation for the railroad's prosperity as it enters a new era. Because of the work of area leaders, including Rep. Chuck Hopson and Rep. Byron Cook, and the partnership with American Heritage, I believe the Texas State Railroad has a promising future as a continued symbol of Texas' history and enterprising spirit.

In addition to fighting for issues especially important to District 3, I was honored to work with other members on issues important across Texas. Together we crafted a balanced budget with no new taxes and extended property tax relief to senior citizens. We strengthened child predator laws and guaranteed Texans the right to protect their family and property from invasion. I proudly sponsored legislation requiring a "Landowner Bill of Rights," a document clearly spelling out individual's rights when faced with the government's use of eminent domain.

A surprising issue I helped tackle this session was contracts for private companies to build and operate private toll roads in Texas. As a transportation commissioner, I supported these initiatives as an innovative way to address our state's growing transportation needs. However, the proposed contracts being considered in 2007 posed a real danger to the state.

Texas State Railroad Engine 300

The terms of these 50-year contracts heavily favored private companies and would eventually cost the state billions and limit our ability to address transportation issues in the long term. In response, I proposed a twoyear moratorium on these contracts in order to establish needed protections for Texas drivers and taxpayers. Working with my colleagues in the Senate and the House, we not only passed a twoyear moratorium but opened the debate and established a committee to provide guidelines to protect the interests of the state and Texas taxpayers.

While there were many successes in the 80th Legislature, I also experienced some disappointments. One of the first bills I filed was to limit the amount a home's taxable value may increase every year. The current rate of 10 percent is simply too much and threatens to undermine the property tax relief the past legislatures accomplished. My bill would have capped the maximum increase at 5 percent.

Despite a strong effort from a committed group of legislators, we were unable to accomplish that reform this year. However, such dramatic accomplishments are rarely made in one year's time, and I am working in the interim to build support for this needed relief.

Also during the interim, I am visiting communities across the district. Representing 16 counties adds a lot of mileage to my truck, but there is nothing more important than meeting directly with you. Your insight and direction enables me to represent you in the Texas Senate.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you and continuing to represent you in 2008. It is an honor to serve you.

Sen. Nichols represents Cherokee County in the Texas Senate District 3.