MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

10:00 a.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 Committee on Finance was held on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.036, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Steve Ogden, Chair Senator Juan Hinojosa Senator Bob Deuell Senator Robert Duncan Senator Kevin Eltife Senator Chris Harris Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. Senator Kel Seliger Senator Florence Shapiro Senator John Whitmire Senator Tommy Williams		Senator Jane Nelson Senator Royce West Senator Judith Zaffirini

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.  There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted. 

 

The Committee heard invited testimony regarding the Committees' following interim charge:

 

Review the capacity of rural hospitals, rural hospital infrastructure, and the statewide impact of services provided by rural hospitals. Make recommendations for funding options to help communities that do not have adequate resources to replace aging infrastructure and consider the creation of a rural hospital infrastructure support program similar to the courthouse preservations fund.

 

Review the effect that Texas Business Tax credits, such as a research and development credit, have on economic development in Texas. Determine whether the costs of various tax credits would be adequately offset by the net increase in state sales tax and other revenues and jobs produced by each credit. Focus on businesses relocating to or from the State of Texas, the impact on the tax base, employment, and the overall economic condition of the state.

 

The Legislative Budget Board effectiveness and efficiency review of Chapter 313, Tax Code. Consider whether tax provisions provide a net benefit to the state.

 

The chair then opened the floor for public testimony.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering for both invited and public testimony are shown on the attached list by subject.

 

At 12:42 p.m. Senator Hinojosa assumed the chair.  At 12:45 p.m. Senator Ogden resumed the chair.  At 1 p.m. Senator Hinojosa assumed the chair.

 

The chair moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 1:55 p.m. Senator Hinojosa moved that the Committee stand

recessed subject to the call of the chair.  Without objection, it was so ordered. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Senator Steve Ogden, Chair

 

 

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Annette Graves, Clerk