| FY 2013 Budget
Last week Houston City Council began hearings on the mayor's proposed budget for Fiscal Ye ar 2013 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013). Thanks in part to tough choices made by the mayor and council members the previous two budget seasons, no layoffs or cuts in services are included in the proposed budget. As Houston continues to outpace the nation in economic recovery, we can focus on increasing the General Fund Reserves above the preferred 7.5% level and restoring $5 million to the Rainy Day Fund.
Other highlights from the mayor's proposed FY 2013 budget include:
- $5 million towards the proposed independent Houston Forensic Sciences Center
- $2 million for the creation of the new Sobering Center
- No cuts in library, swimming pool or health clinic services
- No property tax increase
- Expansion of the curbside, single-stream recycling program--funding for 30,000 new homes
- Replanting of trees lost to last year's drought
For more information on the proposed budget, visit the Finance Department's website.
|
| Hobby Airport Expansion |
|
 After weeks of discussion, my fellow Houston City Council Members and I approved an agreement that would allow Southwest Airlines to construct an international terminal at Hobby Airport. Under this agreement, Southwest Airlines has agreed to pay all construction costs for a new, five-gate international terminal and a Federal Inspections Services facility. Southwest Airlines will have preferential use of four gates; the other gate will be open to any airline that receives approval to fly internationally. No City of Houston debt or City-backed debt will be used for construction.
While the City has approved the above facilities agreement, it has no role in determining whether Southwest Airlines can fly internationally--that is solely the decision of the Federal Aviation Administration.
I am happy to support competition, and I think individual consumers and the City as a whole will ultimately benefit from the expansion. I am also encouraged by the Houston Airport System's plans to market Terminal D at Bush Intercontinental Airport as a hub for transpacific flights so that it will be more fully utilized.
To learn more about international flights at Hobby Airport, click here. |
|
Hurricane Readiness
 Hurricane season officially begins in June and lasts through the month of November. While slightly below-average activity is predicted this season, Houstonians need only look to the damage, injury and inconvenience caused by Hurricanes Rita and Ike in the last decade for incentive to prepare themselves. To help residents do that, the City of Houston has partnered with area organizations to create opportunities for hurricane education and preparation.
The Houston/Galveston National Weather Service will host the 2012 Hurricane Workshop on Saturday, June 9 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This free, interactive workshop will help families create an evacuation plan and feature appearances from local meteorologists, National Weather Service experts, a Kids Zone activity center and free giveaways. To learn more and cut down on entry wait time, visit the workshop's website. Following Hurricanes Rita and Ike, the City of Houston and Rice University developed the Storm Risk Calculator, an online tool that allows residents to determine the risks posed by wind, storm surge, flooding and power outages to their property within a two-block radius. The calculator's developers hope that it helps residents better equip themselves for the threats specific to their homes while avoiding unnecessary evacuations and preparations. Enter your address in the Storm Risk Calculator and assess your risk today. |
|
Jack's Thought of the Day
Use your turn signals! Lack of turn signal use is responsible for 2 million accidents a year--more than twice the accidents caused by distracted driving. You car's got them, so Houston, please use them. |
|
