Former Representative Bob Turner was the guest speaker Friday at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, and he told local business leaders to brace themselves for budget cuts from the state.

Turner has been hired as a rural issues consultant by the Legislative Committee of the Brownwood Chamber to be the eyes and ears for the community if any bill is proposed that would affect local jobs.  The Brownwood Chamber, City of Brownwood, Brown County, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Early have all contributed to the hiring of the consultant.

Turner didn’t offer good news regarding the state of the Texas budget.  He said that with the estimated $24 billion shortfall, expect deep cuts in all state agencies.

Turner also outlined the role that redistricting will play in the future.  Although the state’s population is showing an increase, most of that increase is along the I35 & I45 corridor which will likely cause West Texas to lose two state representatives.

See Turner’s comments below about the budget and redistricting.

Top Photo: Bob Turner, left, talks to local business owner Donna Wilhelm and Brownwood ISD Superintendent Reece Blincoe about the proposed state budget cuts.

{denvideo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmNZ8pf8WCc 400 300 }

Turner discusses state budget

---

{denvideo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2zO9gG_aVQ 400 300 }

Turner discusses redistricting