Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No | Negative | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Neutral |
Relating to the date of expiration of a certain pilot revolving loan program established under the loanstar revolving loan program to provide for energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology for certain organizations.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 2305 of the Government Code, regarding restitution for oil overcharges, to extend the expiration date from December 1, 2015 to December 1, 2017 of the pilot program under the LoanSTAR revolving loan program to provide loans to houses of worship and community-based organizations to finance the implementation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technology in buildings owned or operated by those organizations. The bill would take effect immediately upon receipt of a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house; otherwise the bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
HB 2769, if passed, would modify the Government Code
(Section 2305.0322) by extending a renewable energy pilot program by another
two years, from an expiration in December 31st 2015 to December 31st
2017. The full of this section of code is the Pilot Revolving Loan Program for
Energy Efficiency Measures and Renewable Energy Technology by Certain Nonprofit
Organizations. The program is funded under the Lonestar Revolving Loan Program.
This program exists to provide funds for the implementation
of energy efficient measures and renewable energy technology for various
community organizations. “Community organizations” has a particular definition
in code (535.001).
While we recognize the good provided by faith-based and
other community organizations we cannot support state subsidies especially when
they are directed in such a way as to benefit one particular group. The pilot
program in place is an illegitimate function of the state and is set to expire
at the end of this year. The maintenance of this program, subsidizing one set
of parties at the expense of the whole tax base, is a form of picking winners
and losers, independent of how well-intentioned the pilot program may be. For
this reason we oppose HB 2769.