Pippin attends TAC meeting

Tracie Pippin, Jack County District Clerk, was one of more than 725 county officials and staff members who attended the Texas Association of Counties; 2022 Legislative Conference Aug. 24-26. The three-day event helps county leaders prepare for the 88th Legislature, which convenes Jan. 10, 2023.

“TAC’s Legislative Conference gives county officials from around the state the chance to get together every year as peers and community leaders to discuss potential solutions to our shared challenges. It’ is essential to learning about legislative issues that affect county government and local taxpayers,” TAC Executive Director Susan M. Redford said.

The conference followed last year’s successful hybrid model and allowed participants to gather either in person in Austin or virtually online. County leaders joined federal and state lawmakers, state agency staff members subject-matter experts and representatives with the National Association of Counties to explore state and federal issues important to counties.

The conference included sessions on the state’s new election practices and procedures, property taxes, bail bond reform, behavioral and mental health, the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and state and federal grant opportunities for counties.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar discussed his outlook for the state’s economy during the conference’s opening keynote address. The closing general session featured a Q &A with U.S. Sen. John and Cornyn and a panel discussion of the state’s broadband expansion efforts.

Texas Association of Counties in 1969 to provide services to counties and to promote the value of county government statewide. Through TAC, counties communicate the county perspective to state officials and the citizens of Texas.