Statement from Texas Farm Bureau President Kenneth Dierschke on the failure of HB 11:
“We are disappointed with the events that resulted in the failure of HB 11 last night which would have provided integral funding in the form of revolving loans to projects on the State’s Water Plan. Water is critical to the future of Texas and deserves support from the Rainy Day Fund–even if it is necessary to exceed the spending cap. In the face of this record drought, how can we doubt the importance of water? Our members understand that the state has many critical needs, including roads and education. Farmers and ranchers get their commodities to market on our state road system. Their children attend our public schools, but great roads and schools don’t mean much if we don’t have any water to sustain our lifestyles and livelihoods. We must step up and fund the State Water Plan to meet the needs of all Texans and ensure prosperity in the Lone Star State.”