Bill Caption

Relating to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission and strategic planning regarding military bases and defense installations.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This legislation would amend the Government Code regarding the Texas Military Preparedness Commission to use grant money to construct affordable single family, multifamily, and veteran ’s supportive housing financed under the low income housing tax credit program and also raise the maximum grant allowed under the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant Program (DEAAG) from $2 million to $5 million.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This legislation would allow communities that are effected or potentially impacted by United States Department of Defense plans and decisions to seek grants up to $5 million, instead of $2 million currently allowed under the above mentioned grant program. While we have remained neutral on other legislation this session which would also increase the amount of grant money that municipalities may request under DEAAG, we oppose SB 1325 which would specifically allow the funds to be spent on subsidized housing at taxpayers expense. This would violate our limited government and free market principles as government should not be in the market-distorting "affordable housing" business.