Texas Government Lobby Information

Texas Senate Releases Interim Charges

The following information is available at the Texas Senate Website. The Texas Lobby Group is reprinting it here as a public service for the benefit of Texas Government Consultants, Texas lobbyists, Lobbying Groups, Texas Republicans, and other interested parties.

Interim Charges Relating to Finance

The Lieutenant Governor today released the following interim charges:

Finance Committee

Review the state s 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 userBfriendly 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 shortBterm 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 longBterm 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 longBterm 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: 3/16/2012.

• 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 outcomeBbased payments.