Published: January 16, 2009 01:59 am      

Cook: Many challenges ahead in 81st session

PALESTINE — With $9 billion less to spend during the upcoming biennium than originally projected, State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, acknowledged Thursday that lawmakers face some serious challenges over the next 140 days.

The 81st Texas Legislature began Tuesday and continues until Memorial Day unless a special session is called by the governor.

Cook, a rancher and businessman, earned his fourth term as District 8 state representative last March by easily defeating Frost’s Bobby Vickery, a 1979 Neches High School graduate, in the Republican Primary.

There were no Democratic candidates in the race.

“We’re not going to generate the revenue that had initially been forecast,” Cook said, referring to the numbers delivered Tuesday by state Comptroller Susan Combs. “I think the big issue is going to be the appropriations budget...(and) understanding that economic times are much more difficult than last session.”

Cook initially threw his hat into the ring of challengers vying to replace long-time controversial Speaker of the House Tom Craddick.

The House membership, however, elected Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, as its new leader.

“I think everybody is very hopeful of what that (new leadership) will represent,” said Cook, who was publicly critical of Craddick’s leadership style.

An issue that should receive some attention during the upcoming session in the Texas House is voter identification.

On Wednesday, members of the Texas Senate waged a heated debate over voter identification, essentially whether voters should be required to present an ID before casting a ballot.

Democrats say current laws are sufficient, while Republicans argue the present system opens the door for voter fraud.

“I don’t think there’s any question there’s going to be a lively debate on that issue,” Cook said. “The Senate has already made that one of their major issues.

“Overwhelmingly, the general population is supportive of that issue (requiring ID to vote),” he continued. “We’ll have to see how that is handled in the legislative process. It’s hard to predict what the mood will be.”

Cook is also anxiously awaiting his committee assignments which he believes will be announced during the next 10-to-14 days.

Last session, he was appointed chairman of the Civil Practices Committee, in addition to serving on the State Affairs Committee and the Sunset Advisory Committee.

“I’m anxious obviously for the committee assignments to come out,” Cook said, “so I’ll know where I’m going to be focusing a lot of my energy.”

District 8 covers Anderson, Navarro, Freestone and Limestone counties.

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Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com