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Preservation Texas has recently adopted the Texas Preservation
Platform, a catalogue of positions on issues of concern to preservationists
across the state. Drafted by a distinguished group of practitioners,
local preservation commissioners, and other preservation professionals,
the preliminary platform was circulated statewide to County Historical
Commissions, local preservation and landmark boards, Main Street
organizations and non-profit preservation groups for their review
and comment. The Board of Directors adopted the Platform at its
spring meeting and urges partners and friends to join PT in promoting
these positions to elected officials during the coming two years.
What Can You Do?
Supporters of historic preservation in Texas can help promote the
Platform in several ways.
1. Provide Preservation Texas with your e-mail address, mailing
address and telephone number, so that PT may quickly update you
about emerging issues being considered by the Legislature or other
government entities.
2. Send PT the names of your Congressman, state representative and
state senator and indicate your willingness to contact them when
needed to inform them about important preservation issues. The goal
is to have a contact person in every Texas Congressional and state
legislative district.
3. Join with your fellow Texas preservationists in the late fall,
following the election, to interview your legislative representatives
to gain information about their positions on issues of concern to
the preservation community.
4. Join Preservation Texas in Austin in February 2003 for Preservation
Day to visit the Capitol and educate Texasà representatives and
senators about the important public policy issues that affect the
ability to preserve Texasà history and historic places.
For more information about the Texas Preservation Platform and PTÃs
advocacy efforts, contact us at eagates@preservationtexas.org or
512.472.0102.
PRESERVATION TEXAS LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORM 2002 - 2003
SUPPORTS
1. Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program
$50 million is requested in the Texas Historical Commission
legislative appropriation request to continue program established
in 1999.
2. Preservation and Adaptive Use of Surplus Historic
Schools
In 2001 a constitutional amendment was approved to allow
school districts to donate historic property for community
use. However, it was limited in scope. PT seeks to expand
authority allowing school districts to make this choice.
3. Disclosure of Historical Designation during Real Estate
Transactions
PT seeks legislation OR administrative changes that would
include notification to prospective owners in historic and
conservation districted of these designations before purchase
of real estate.
4. Homeowners Insurance Coverage
PT anticipates homeowners insurance to be a major issue
in the legislative session. Because owners of older and/or
historic homes have special difficulties in obtaining fairly
priced insurance, PT will seek opportunities to address
these concerns in any legislative or administrative forums.
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OPPOSES
Zoning legislation that undermines the right ot Texas Municipalities
to designate, through zoning, historic neighborhood and
establish historic districts. |
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