State agencies to be asked to trim 5-6 percent
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"Texans deserve a government that makes the most effective and efficient use of limited tax dollars," said Straus. "This committee will review our current operations, look at best practices, and recommend ways that state government can improve transparency and deliver better services at lower costs."
With December figures for state sales tax continuing the year's downward trend of double digits throughout the last half of 2009, the Speaker has created another committee to assess the state's ability to meet current and future budget needs. The new House Select Committee on Fiscal Stability, chaired by Rep. John Otto of Dayton, will study the effect of both the current recession on the state budget shortfall, as well as try to identify any other systemic problems that might affect government statewide.
The addition of these four committees will help ensure the House's "comprehensive approach" to addressing state budget shortfalls, said Straus.
The Speaker also created a new House Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness to review Texas' response to natural and man-made disasters, such as recent hurricanes, floods and droughts, to ensure a proper response as well as to prepare for future incidents. How the state would respond to acts of terrorism will also be considered. Rep. Aaron Pena of Edinburg will chair the committee.
Finally, because so much of what happens in Congress affects state government, Straus created the House Select Committee on Federal Legislation, chaired by Rep. John Zerwas of Richmond. The committee will keep an eye on pending major federal legislation such as federal health care reform legislation.
