Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas I will work diligently to pass fiscally responsible legislation that protects the taxpayers working & living here" said State Rep. Harvey Hilderbran (R-Kerrville) after being named chairman of the influential Ways & Means Committee in the Texas House of Representatives. The committee handles all legislation & issues related to the states tax code.
The actions of the Ways & Means Committee have an impact on every single Texan. The tax code has the power to attract businesses to Texas multiply our economic growth and amplify our overall competitiveness as a state" Hilderbran said.
Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) said that there were few representatives in the House with the knowledge and experience necessary to lead the Ways and Means Committee.
Rep. Hilderbran has an extensive knowledge of state finance and how it impacts 
citizens and businesses and that is exactly what we need this session" Straus said.
In addition to serving as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Chairman Hilderbran now sits on the Legislative Budget Board and Legislative Audit Committee. The board prepares the draft appropriations bill along with budget estimates for each state agency.
I am honored the speaker chose me as chairman of the committee and that he has entrusted me to lead our state in this capacity" Hilderbran said. I will actively play a leadership role in solving the states economic and budget challenges."
Hilderbran was also named as a member of the State Affairs and Redistricting committees.
The Ways & Means and State Affairs committees have historically been considered two of the top four most powerful committees in the legislature 
along with Appropriations and Calendars.
State Affairs is going to face some major issues this session related to utilities telecommunications abortion & immigration" Hilderbran said.
This is another important committee where we will be passing laws that impact the everyday lives of Texans." Hilderbran had served as a member of the Ways & Means State Affairs and Redistricting committees during the 2009 legislative session.
