MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS

Monday, February 11, 2013

10:30 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.016

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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 Nominations was held on Monday, February 11, 2013, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas.

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MEMBERS PRESENT:	MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Glenn Hegar, Chair	Senator John Carona
Senator Donna Campbell, Vice Chair
Senator Troy Fraser
Senator Jane Nelson
Senator Kirk Watson

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following member arrived after the roll was called: Senator Fraser

Senator Nelson moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on February 4, 2013; without objection, it was so ordered.

Senator Hegar recognized Senator Campbell to introduce the Honorable John T. Steen, Jr., nominated as the Texas Secretary of State.

Secretary Steen made opening comments.  Chairman Hegar recognized Senator Williams to introduce the Honorable Barbara Cargill, nominated as Chair of the Texas State Board of Education.

Chairman Hegar recognized Senator Estes to introduce Anita Smith Palmer, nominated to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees.

Secretary Steen answered questions from members of the committee.

At 10:53 AM, Secretary Steen’s nomination was left pending before the committee.

Chairman Hegar recognized the Honorable Barbara Cargill to make an opening statement.  Chairman Cargill provided the committee with oral and written testimony.

Chairman Cargill answered questions from members of the committee.

At 12:02 PM, Chairman Cargill’s nomination was left pending before the committee.

Chairman Hegar recognized Senator Fraser to introduce Kevin Patteson, nominated as Director of the Office of State-Federal Relations.  Mr. Patteson made an opening statement and answered questions from members of the committee.

At 12:08 PM, Mr. Patteson’s nomination was left pending before the committee. 

Chairman Hegar recognized the nominees to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees.  The nominees made opening statements and answered questions from members of the committee.

At 12:17 PM, the nominees to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees were left pending before the committee.

Chairman Hegar opened public testimony on the nomination of the Honorable Barbara Cargill as Chair of the State Board of Education.  Five individuals provided oral and written testimony before the committee.  Public testimony was closed on Chairman Cargill’s nomination.  See attached witness list.

All non-appearing nominees were left pending before the committee. 

There being no further business, at 12:54 PM, Senator Campbell moved that the committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Glenn Hegar, Chair

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Jake Johnson, Clerk