MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Interim Subcommittee on Tobacco Settlement Proceeds
Thursday, January 13, 2000
1:00 p.m.
Capitol Extension, Room E1.036
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Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule
11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Finance Interim
Subcommittee on Tobacco Settlement Proceeds was held on
Thursday, January 13, 2000, in the Capitol Extension, Room
E1.036, at Austin, Texas.
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MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Royce West, Chair Senator Steve Ogden
Senator Robert Duncan
Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Mike Moncrief
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The chair called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. There being
a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
The chair made opening remarks regarding the committee's charge
and explained that the subcommittee would abide by the rules
adopted by the full committee. The chair then recognized
members for comments. Senator Moncrief made brief remarks.
Senator Lindsay attended the hearing as a visiting member.
Invited witnesses were recognized as follows:
John O'Brien and Regina Martin, representing the Legislative
Budget Board provided an overview of the state's disbursement of
tobacco settlement proceeds and expenditures by state agencies.
James LeBas, representing the Office of the Comptroller and Andy
Taylor, representing the Attorney General's Office, provided
testimony on tobacco settlement proceed adjustments. Brent
Benoit, representing the Attorney General's Office, registered
but did not testify.
The following witnesses provided testimony on state agency
expenditures and priorities for the use of future tobacco
settlement proceeds:
William R. Archer, representing the Texas Department of
Health;
Robert J. "Sam" Tessen, representing the Center for Rural
Health Initiatives;
Don Gilbert, representing the Health and Human Services
Commission;
Eric Bost, representing the Department of Human Services;
Karen Hale, representing the Texas Department of Mental
Health and Mental Retardation;
Tyrette Hamilton, representing Texas Healthy Kids
Corporation; and
Donna Samuelson, representing the Interagency Council on
Early Childhood Intervention.
Bill Campbell, representing the Texas Department of Mental
Health and Mental Retardation, registered but did not
testify.
The following witnesses provided public testimony:
Eva De Luna-Castro, representing the Center for Public
Policy Priorities; and
Celia Davis, representing Hendrick Health System.
There being no further business, at 3:40 p.m. Senator Fraser
moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of
the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.
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Senator Royce West, Chair
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Patricia Hicks, Clerk