States growing population needs responsible long-term plans."
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas We need to make our tax code fairer and simpler. During the interim the Ways & Means Committee heard testimony from Texans and Texas businesses regarding tax policy. Ive listened to those concerns and will be introducing legislation for tax reform and relief for all Texans including property owners and small businesses" said Rep. Harvey Hilderbran (R-Kerrville) as he was once again named chairman of the influential Ways & Means Committee in the Texas House of Representatives. The committee deals will all legislation relating to the Texas Tax Code.
Hilderbran said that his top priorities as chairman are to:
- Provide meaningful tax relief for all taxpayers
- Restore funding to public education and
- Secure funding for infrastructure
Texas has led the nation in job growth but we can still do more to attract new jobs to the state. At the same time we have to make sure that we are providing businesses with the skilled labor they need. We have to improve education in the classroom and in workforce development in order to stay competitive" Hilderbran said.
As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Hilderbran sits on the Legislative Budget Board which prepares the draft appropriations bill and budget estimates for each state agency.
Hilderbran said that another key goal of 2013 will be developing the infrastructure necessary for the states growing population particularly as it relates to energy resources transportation and water supply.
We have to develop responsible long-term plans to address the needs of both current and future Texans" Hilderbran said. Were in a much better place than we were two years ago and we need to use this opportunity to focus on long-term plans."
In addition to Ways and Means Hilderbran was also named as a member of the State Affairs committee. The Ways and Means and State Affairs committees have historically been considered two of the most important committees in the legislature.
