Texas Special Session Ends
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Texas Special Session Ends
Texas lawmakers are headed home for the long holiday weekend after a two-day special session.
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AUSTIN (July 2, 2009)--The Texas Legislature adjourned a two-day special session Thursday.

Two of the issues assigned to them by Gov. Rick Perry were adopted before Thursday's adjournment.

The third, a measure that would allow the state to continue contracting for privately built toll roads, never made it out of committee.

Lawmakers passed a bill to keep five important state agencies operating for the next two years and a measure authorizing the state to spend $2 billion in bonds to build new roads.

State law requires the Legislature regularly review and reauthorize state agencies.

Lawmakers failed to renew those agencies during the regular session that ended June 1.

Voters statewide approved the road bonds in 2007, but the Legislature still needed to authorize the spending.

Gov. Rick Perry said he was pleased with results of the two-day session, but disappointed that the toll road measure died in committee.

“With more than 1,000 people moving to Texas each day and a growing economy, improving transportation in our state continues to be a top priority of mine, Perry said.

“I had hoped to reduce uncertainty regarding several major transportation projects across the state by extending the comprehensive development agreement authority for local and state transportation agencies.

“Although the CDA bill did not pass, we will continue to work with legislators and local officials to find transportation solutions for our state.”

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