Senate Committee on Finance
NOTE: This is archived committee information from the 82nd Legislative Session.
Committee Information
CHAIR
Tommy Williams
VICE-CHAIR
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
MEMBERS
Bob Deuell
Robert Duncan
Kevin Eltife
Craig Estes
Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Jane Nelson
Steve Ogden
Dan Patrick
Kel Seliger
Florence Shapiro
Royce West
John Whitmire
Judith Zaffirini
CLERK:
Stephanie Hoover
TEL:
(512) 463-0370
LOCATION:
Capitol Extension, E1.036
Video/Audio — Archives
82nd Session Interim
82nd First Called Session
82nd Regular Session
- May 26, 2011 – Conference Committee on HB 1
- May 23, 2011 – Conference Committee on HB 1
- May 19, 2011
- May 16, 2011 – Conference Committee on HB 1
- May 16, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- May 12, 2011
- May 9, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- May 5, 2011
- May 2, 2011
- April 28, 2011
- April 21, 2011
- April 20, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- April 19, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- April 18, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- April 14, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- April 13, 2011
- April 12, 2011
- April 11, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- April 7, 2011
- April 4, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- March 31, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- March 30, 2011
- March 28, 2011
- March 24, 2011
- March 21, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- March 17, 2011
- March 14, 2011
- March 7, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- March 3, 2011
- March 2, 2011
- March 1, 2011
- February 28, 2011
- February 24, 2011
- February 23, 2011
- February 22, 2011
- February 21, 2011
- February 16, 2011 – Due to technical difficulties, the video is inaudible until 00:01:35.
- February 15, 2011
- February 14, 2011
- February 10, 2011
- February 9, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- February 8, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- February 7, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- February 3, 2011
- February 2, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- February 1, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
- January 31, 2011 (Part I, Part II)
Written Testimony Submissions and Handouts
March 15, 2011
Panel 1: Facilities
- Chris Taylor, Commissioner, Department of Aging and Disability Services and Gordon Taylor, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Aging and Disability Services
- Anne Heiligenstein Commissioner, Department of Family and Protective Services and Cindy Brown Chief Financial Officer, Department of Family and Protective Services
- Debra Wanser, Interim Commissioner, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and Ellen Baker, Acting Chief Financial Officer Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
- Thomas Suehs, Executive Commissioner, Health and Human Services Commission and Tracy Henderson, Chief Financial Officer, Health and Human Services Commission
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.
- Review the budget process to develop strategies for greater legislative efficiency and transparency, including diversions of dedicated funding streams to alternative uses. Include options for more user-friendly budget documents, additional notice of posting of new information, and enhanced access to research and background information.
- Study cash management related to the timing of receipts of state revenues and expenditures during the course of each fiscal year. Specifically, review methods of short-term borrowing and intrafund borrowing, and estimated cash needs for the coming biennium.
- 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.
- Evaluate the changes in the correctional health care system, including management, cost savings, and increasing access to federal matching Medicaid reimbursement for prisoner care. Make recommendations for improving the efficiency and adequacy of health care delivery throughout the system.
- Study and make recommendations regarding the methods of financing capital projects at higher education institutions. Examine the levels of deferred maintenance, the impact of deferred maintenance on the ability to offer basic instructional services, and the methods used to finance deferred maintenance projects. Recommend alternatives for addressing long-term capital needs in higher education. (Joint study with Higher Education Committee)
- 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:
- Implementation of all budget riders to enhance government efficiency, reduce government, and encourage job growth;
- Current loan financing mechanisms offered by the Water Development Board and options for funding the State Water Plan, and the impact of recommendations developed by the Senate Natural Resources Committee on this issue;
- The impact of House Bill 2154, 81st Legislature, Regular Session, on the Physician Loan Repayment Program;
- Receipts from major state taxes, and include a review of tax equity among industry groups and the impact on job creation and economic growth;
- Federal, state, and local options for supporting Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces (ICACs);
- Issues relating to certain cigarette manufacturers not participating in the tobacco settlement agreement;
- The impact of increased funding for Border Security, including an assessment of effective use of surveillance tools, and prioritize future needs;
- The impact of funding decisions on merit pay programs for teachers;
- Hospital reimbursements in the Medicaid program, including the use of Upper Payment Limit (UPL) payments under a new Medicaid waiver and outcome-based payments.
