Texas Political Lobbyist Update: Texas Interim Committee Studies Posted
The following information is public record and is made available by the Texas Lobby Group as a public service for Texas Lobbyists, Government Officials and Consultants, Politicians, and other interested parties.
House Committee on Government Efficiency and Reform *
July 12, 2012 – 09:00 AM
Capitol Extension Bldg., Room E1.014, Austin
The Committee will meet to discuss and make recommendations on purchasing cooperatives created under Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code, including the bid process and the role of inter-local contracts. Clarify for consistency the following terms: purchasing cooperatives, inter-local contracts, and inter-local agreements. The Committee will also discuss and monitor the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature. The Committee will hear invited and public testimony. Although written testimony will not be considered a part of the record, persons wishing to distribute handouts may do so by providing no fewer than 30 copies to the Committee Clerk when called to testify. The Chair reserves the privilege to call witnesses out of order of the agenda based on witness availability and the business needs of the committee.
Additional Information Contact: Rep. Bill Callegari, 512/463-0528
Senate Committee on Health & Human Services *
July 24, 2012 – 09:00 AM
State Capital Bldg., Senate Chamber, Austin
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will take up the following charges: Charge #3 – Review the state’s current investment in health care innovation, including translational research and the Cancer Prevention Research Institute, which focuses on rapid transfer of new technology experimentation directly into the clinical environment. Make recommendations to improve the health of Texans and encourage continued medical research in the most cost -effective manner possible. Charge #5 – Review the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waivers to identify strategies to lower costs, improve quality, and increase access to services. Areas of the review should include, but are not limited to: Functional eligibility determinations to ensure services are only being delivered to individuals that qualify; Financial eligibility determinations to ensure parental income and resources are considered when the client is a minor; Coordination of acute and long-term care services; Development and use of lower-cost community care waiver options; Coordination with the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) for waiver services for children in conservatorships; Reinvesting savings into accessibility of community care for individuals waiting for services. Charge #9 (bullet four) – Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to: the implementation of the DOJ Settlement agreement to address State Supported Living Center concerns. Public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes. If submitting written testimony, please provide 20 copies with your name on each.
Additional Information Contact: Sen. Jane Nelson, 512/463-0112
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations *
July 25, 2012 – 10:00 AM
State Capitol Estension E1.028 (Hearing Room)
Senate Subcommittee on Flooding & Evacuations The Senate Subcommittee on Flooding & Evacuations will meet on Wednesday, July 25th at 10:00 a.m. in the Capitol Extension Room E1.028. The Committee will hear invited and public testimony on the following interim charges: Investigate and evaluate communication options during evacuations, and make recommendations for legislative action. Focus on: – non-voice emergency communication; – “near-term solutions” that can be utilized prior to the implementation of Next Generation 911 technologies; – the usage of social media to convey official information (highlighting the pros and cons of such forums); – any other effective forms of communication that have been successfully used by governing and law enforcement entities. Examine the current practices Texas uses during evacuations to provide immediate assistance to evacuated residents. Review experiences from other states that experienced heavy flooding during the past year, and make recommendations for best practices from from lessons learned in those states. Study and make recommendations on options available to local governments for additional drainage infrastructure funding. Additionally, study different methods of drainage infrastructure management used on a statewide basis and identify best practices. Public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per person.
Additional Information Contact: Sen. M. Gallegos, Jr., 512/463-0106