MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Tuesday, September 25, 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 Tuesday, September 25, 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 Steve Ogden
Senator Robert Duncan	Senator Kel Seliger
Senator Kevin Eltife	Senator Florence Shapiro
Senator Craig Estes	Senator John Whitmire
Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Senator Jane Nelson
Senator Dan Patrick
Senator Royce West
Senator Judith Zaffirini

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Senator Hinojosa called the meeting to order at 10:04 AM.  The following business was transacted:

The clerk called roll.  There was a quorum present.

Senator Williams assumed the chair at 10:36 AM.

Senator Nelson assumed the chair at 12:06 PM.

Senator Williams resumed the chair at 12:08 PM.

The Committee heard invited and public testimony on the following interim charges.  The Committee was also briefed on local debt issues, specifically, Certificates of Obligation.

· 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.

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

There being no further business, at 1:19 PM Senator Williams moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Tommy Williams, Chair

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Stephanie Hoover, Clerk