Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas I have charged the Senate Finance Committee to help Texas continue to restrain the growth of government and promote even greater Efficiency & Transparency in our budget process ensuring that every tax dollar is put to its highest and best use said Lt. Governor David Dewhurst while issuing Interim Study Charges to the Senate Finance committee yesterday.
Over the last decade Texas population has exploded but thanks to our conservative fiscal leadership government spending has not said Dewhurst.
Since Ive been Lt. Governor we have balanced our budget each biennium while cutting taxes creating jobs and growing our economy.
A full list of Interim Charges for Senate Committees can be found at: http://www.ltgov.state.tx.us/
82nd Session Select Interim Charges Relating to the Senate Finance Committee
- Review the states current spending limits and determine if statutory changes are needed to continue restraint of spending growth below the rate of inflation plus population growth.
- 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.
- Review current funding sources for regional law enforcement training and retention of law enforcement officers. Make recommendations to meet funding needs over the long-term and ensure the physical safety of law enforcement officers and all Texans.
- Evaluate the changes in the correctional health care system including management cost savings and increasing access to federal matching Medicaid reimbursement for
prisoner care. Make recommendations for improving the efficiency and adequacy of health care delivery throughout the system. - Study and make recommendations regarding the methods of financing capital projects at higher education institutions. Examine the levels of deferred maintenance the impact of deferred maintenance on the ability to offer basic instructional services and the methods used to finance deferred maintenance projects. Recommend alternatives for addressing long-term capital needs in higher education. (Joint study with Higher Education Committee)
- Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Finance 82nd Legislature Regular and Called Sessions and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically monitor the following:
- Implementation of all budget riders to enhance government efficiency reduce government and encourage job growth;
- Current loan financing mechanisms offered by the Water Development Board and options for funding the State Water Plan and the impact of recommendations developed by the Senate Natural Resources Committee on this issue;
- The impact of House Bill 2154 81st Legislature Regular Session on the Physician Loan Repayment Program;
- Receipts from major state taxes and include a review of tax equity among industry groups and the impact on job creation and economic growth;
- Federal state and local options for supporting Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces (ICACs);
- Issues relating to certain cigarette manufacturers not participating in the tobacco settlement agreement;
- The impact of increased funding for Border Security including an assessment of effective use of surveillance tools and prioritize future needs;
- The impact of funding decisions on merit pay programs for teachers;
- Hospital reimbursements in the Medicaid program including the use of Upper Payment Limit (UPL) payments under a new Medicaid waiver and outcome-based payments.
