Committees to Study Education and Economic Development Issues

During the interim, the time period between the legislative sessions, legislative committees meet to study certain issues that require more time for research and public input. Because the Legislative Session lasts for only 140 days, the interim provides a great opportunity for committees to study issues fully without the time pressures of the Session. The interim committees will report their findings and make recommendations to the 78th Legislature for consideration in January 2003. The funding of Texas' public schools is one of the most crucial issues facing Texas. The Joint Select Committee on Public School Finance has been charged to conduct a comprehensive review of the structure of the Texas public school finance system including: * the system's structure, being sure to address facilities and transportation issues; * the method used to fund public schools in the state; and * factors that determine how to pay for education (personnel costs vs. student attendance, course completion, classroom vs. distance learning.) The Select Committee will carefully consider all of the equity issues affecting school districts and the school finance system. They are to examine fully the revenue resources for funding public schools, including a review of the state's tax system as it relates to public school finance. A summary of the issues given to the House Committee on Economic Development for study include: * evaluate the attractiveness of Texas for business expansions and relocations, including consideration of the state's history of job creation. Determine if additional programs or incentives are needed for some or all areas of the state; * review the 4A and 4B economic development tax. Conduct a thorough analysis of the historical use of this tax and determine success and failure rates in promoting job creation and business development; * actively monitor the status of the unemployment compensation trust fund. Review practices in other states to assess whether the effectiveness and fairness of the system might be improved. The United States Senate has designated the week of November 11 through November 17, 2001 as National Veterans Awareness Week to honor all those who have so faithfully served their country. State Representative Ron Clark P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768-2910 (903) 893-9426 * (512) 463-0474 (512) 475-3767 (fax)