By Jennifer Whitlock
Field Editor

The annual West Texas Legislative Summit brings together diverse industry groups to discuss issues important to West Texans.

Needs and challenges in the region ranging from education to infrastructure and water to transportation, energy and border security were presented in panel sessions throughout the event.

“The summit is really the only one of its kind in this area that has the specific purpose of alternating between state and federal issues,” said honorary co-host and keynote speaker U.S. Rep. August Pfluger. “This year, we had 10 congressmen. Almost half of the Texas delegation was there, and each of us brings a unique perspective to why these issues are important to our constituents.”

Representing nearly 800,000 people in Texas’ Congressional District 11, which stretches from the Permian Basin through the Hill Country, Pfluger noted an issue that is important to him, and to his constituents, is agriculture.

“When it comes to my outlook and why I ran for Congress, agriculture is at the epicenter of national security,” he said. “To have an informed discussion on policies, whether it was tax policy or hearing about some of the specific agricultural needs on water issues, it really makes a difference to be able to talk about those things in a group setting that brings so much expertise and so much influence to leading this country in the right way.”

For Runnels County Farm Bureau member Alisha Schwertner, who participated in a panel discussion on water and agriculture, it was gratifying to see farming and ranching receive recognition as a major regional and state economic powerhouse.

“Much of what we talked about was around how farmers and ranchers have been dealing with the effects of Winter Storm Uri and COVID-19. We talked about water, which is obviously always a big topic in West Texas, and we talked about how important it is to us as agricultural producers and that we cannot grow things without it,” she said. “Being invited and asked to speak at events like this is so important. I was in a room full of legislators, and there were producers there representing other various industries in leadership positions who were really listening. I just think it was beneficial to have an opportunity to speak with all of them and share firsthand the experiences and struggles that we have on our farm.”

Infrastructure and the infrastructure bill recently passed by the U.S. Senate were popular discussion topics. Despite the diverse industries represented at the summit, there was much agreement that the bill will have major impacts on their business.

“Each panel discussion catered to a different industry. We were able to hear the different points of view on the infrastructure bill for each of those industries. One of the general takeaways was around the funding that was going to be required for that bill. Everybody seemed to agree the funding that was going to be required was going to be detrimental to every industry represented there,” Schwertner said. “For us in agriculture, from a tax standpoint, you’re talking about increasing estate taxes and eliminating stepped-up basis and things of that nature.”

Although infrastructure repair and upgrades are desperately needed, Texas Farm Bureau District 6 State Director Warren Cude echoed Schwertner’s view that many in attendance were unhappy with the proposed infrastructure bill.

“Those of us in West Texas probably know better than anybody just how much rural areas need infrastructure upgrades. The boom in the oil and gas industry has taken a toll on our roadways, and there’s just not enough money to upgrade old farm-to-market roads and state roads,” Cude, who raises cattle and sheep in Pecos County, said. “But it was disturbing to many of us to understand how little of that money in that infrastructure bill is actually going toward these problems. It’s a very small amount compared to the overall price tag of that bill. That’s concerning.”

The interaction with elected officials and opportunity to ensure they understand the needs of everyday Americans in their districts is invaluable, according to Cude.

“The summit is a good program, and it’s valuable to our area to have our lawmakers present in one place to hear from a variety of folks they represent,” he said.

“It was good for people in agriculture to be there and make sure there was a balanced perspective.”

The 17th annual West Texas Legislative Summit was held Aug. 4 at Angelo State University.