Kolkhorst named 'Friend' by counties

The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) has presented Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) with its "Friend of County Government" award for her work to foster cooperation between state and county government during the 82nd Legislative session.

The association said it selected Kolkhorst because of her work on issues important to county government, including her efforts to stop "unfunded mandates" being pushed from the state and federal budgets down to local county budgets. Her leadership as chair of the House Committee on Public Health was also recognized.

"The Texas Association of Counties greatly appreciates the work Rep. Kolkhorst put into reviewing legislation for county impact and her continued efforts to preserve decision-making authority at the county level," said TAC legislative director Paul Sugg.

The award was presented to Kolkhorst at today's Washington County Commissioners Court meeting, on behalf of the 254 counties across Texas.

"The public expects all levels of government to work harder and smarter in a slow economy," Kolkhorst said. "That's why I'm proud of this award, and I'm proud of the friendship I have with county judges and commissioners in my district.

"Teamwork between state and local leaders means we can do more with fewer tax dollars. It also means more decisions can be made closer to home. Our courthouses are on the front line, and I recognize and honor that."

In addition to this week's award from county officials, Kolkhorst received the "Star of Texas" Award earlier in October from the statewide grassroots group known as Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom (TURF).

Based in San Antonio, TURF has led a coalition to fight for personal property rights and has opposed the Trans-Texas Corridor since 2007.

Kolkhorst was honored at a TURF awards ceremony in Austin on October 15 for her passage of legislation to repeal the Trans-Texas Corridor from the state transportation code and for her work since 2005 in slowing the project down since its inception as well as her work on other eminent domain bills.

In 2011, Kolkhorst authored House Bill 1201 to officially remove the Trans-Texas Corridor from state law, which passed unanimously in the Texas House and Senate, and was signed by Gov. Rick Perry in June.

"Our property rights are the most important guarantee of our freedom," Kolkhorst said. "Texans should always be vigilant when those rights are threatened."

 

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