A Message from Executive Director, Susan J. Kibbe

Hello Members, Hope this message finds you well! The year 2020 has been a most challenging year for most of us. Concern and anxiety have ruled our lives in many ways. The Presidential election adding to those concerns.  I think we can take comfort in a quote by our first president, George Washington, who knew first hand the meaning of fighting for a democracy, “Truth will prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.” Now moving on and looking forward to 2021…we are excited about kicking off our “Taxation Webinars”. The first one will take place the last week of this year to help inform members of the importance of a January 1st deadline as it pertains to agriculture and wildlife valuations. It will be followed by a series of additional webinars beginning in January 2021. Landowners in South Texas are already feeling the effects of the politically driven uptick in illegal immigration. Apprehension in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Border Patrol Sector have greatly increased. There is past and current intel showing large groups carrying firearms while traversing private lands; that trend is now seen in smaller groups caught in vehicles. A possible new administration, which has signaled a decrease in Department of Homeland Security funding and other policy changes, could again implement a catch and release scenario, which could include release of adult males. We will be vigilant in sharing information with our policy makers. With the 87th State Legislature beginning in 2021 our team will be keeping their fingers on the pulse of all issues, both good and bad, that could affect landowners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our current board chairman, Berdon Lawrence, for his seven years of outstanding service. Berdon is retiring from the chairmanship the end of this year, but will continue to serve as a director. We look forward to working with our incoming chairman, W.W. “Whit” Jones, as he begins his service on January 1, 2021.  Wishing you a very merry Christmas season!

Until next month,

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Susan J. Kibbe
Office (361) 348-3020
Susan@STPRA.org

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