MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Thursday, September 15, 2016

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 Thursday, September 15, 2016, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.036, at Austin, Texas.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Jane Nelson, Chair

 

Senator Brian Birdwell

Senator Juan Hinojosa, Vice Chair

 

Senator Carlos Uresti

Senator Paul Bettencourt

 

Senator Royce West

Senator Kelly Hancock

 

 

Senator Joan Huffman

 

 

Senator Lois Kolkhorst

 

 

Senator Robert Nichols

 

 

Senator Charles Schwertner

 

 

Senator Kel Seliger

 

 

Senator Larry Taylor

 

 

Senator Kirk Watson

 

 

Senator John Whitmire

 

 

 

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The chair called the meeting to order at 10:09 AM. The following business was transacted:

 

Senator Nelson made opening remarks.

 

Testimony was heard on the following interim charge:

Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Finance Committee during the 84th Legislature, Regular Session and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:

1.      Tax relief provided to property owners;

2.      The gradual phase out of the franchise tax;

3.      Support for and the enhancement of graduate medical education;

4.      Efforts of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to modernize the technology of state agencies;

5.      The implementation of required changes to state agency contracting, purchasing, and accounting procedures; and

6.      Monitor the implementation of Health and Human Services Commission Rider 50.   

 

Witnesses testifying and registering are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Hinojosa assumed the chair.

 

Senator Nelson resumed the chair.

 

Testimony continued.

 

Senator Nichols assumed the chair.

 

Senator Hinojosa assumed the chair.

 

Senator Nelson resumed the chair.

 

Testimony continued.

 

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

 

There being no further business, at 5:00 PM Senator Nelson moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________________

Senator Jane Nelson, Chair

 

 

__________________________________________

Stephanie Hoover, Clerk