Zimmerman’s TDHCA Bill filed

On Monday, Council Member Don Zimmerman announced the introduction of Senate Bill 1719 by State Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels). If enacted, the bill would allow more local input into the scoring of tax credits in the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs process. Zimmerman’s proposition (which the Monitor addressed at length here) would allow individual City Council members, County Commissioners and members of the Boards of Directors of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) to affect the scoring process, rather than only allowing them to endorse (or not endorse) affordable housing projects as a group. In a statement, Zimmerman said, “I investigated the TDHCA’s scoring process, I personally met with TDHCA staff, and arrived at the conclusion that the scoring process is rigged in favor of approving these tax credits.” The legislation can be read in its entirety here. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has not yet referred it to committee.