MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

10:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.036

 

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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance was held on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.036, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Tommy Williams, Chair

 

Senator Bob Deuell

Senator Juan Hinojosa, Vice Chair

 

Senator Jane Nelson

Senator Robert Duncan

 

Senator Dan Patrick

Senator Kevin Eltife

 

Senator Kel Seliger

Senator Craig Estes

 

 

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

 

 

Senator Steve Ogden

 

 

Senator Florence Shapiro

 

 

Senator Royce West

 

 

Senator John Whitmire

 

 

Senator Judith Zaffirini

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:03 AM. The clerk called roll.  There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

The chair gave opening remarks and recognized Senator Ogden for his work on the Senate Finance Committee throughout the years.

 

The Committee heard invited and public testimony on the following interim charges:

 

Review the state’s current spending limits and determine if statutory changes are needed to continue restraint of spending growth below the rate of inflation plus population growth. 

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Finance, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.  Specifically, monitor the following:           

-          Receipts from major state taxes, and include a review of tax equity among industry groups and the impact on job creation and economic growth.

 

Review current funding sources for regional law enforcement training and retention of law enforcement officers.  Make recommendations to meet funding needs over the long-term and ensure the physical safety of law enforcement officers and all Texans.     

 

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Finance, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.  Specifically, monitor the following:

            -     Federal, state and local options for supporting Internet Crimes Against Children Task

                  Forces (ICACs).     

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the interim charges are shown on the attached list.   

 

There being no further business, at 1:34 PM Senator Williams moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________________

Senator Tommy Williams, Chair

 

 

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Stephanie Hoover, Clerk