House Committee on Economic Development - 78th R.S. (2003)
Committee Members
- Jim Keffer, Chair
- Mark Homer, Vice Chair
- Carl Isett, Chair - Budget & Oversight
- Bryan Hughes
- Eddie Rodriguez
- Senfronia Thompson
- Martha Wong
Charges
- Evaluate job training programs offered by the state and whether the state's efforts have been negatively impacted by the loss of the Smart Jobs program. Study the role of career and technology job training programs and their effectiveness in adult education programs, job retraining programs, post-secondary education and high school programs. Recommend legislative changes to enhance job training programs or provide incentives for business recruitment and retention.
- Review the state's role in tourism and the effects of moving tourism functions within the Governor's office under SB 275 78th R.S.. Examine how the state can assist rural communities in the promotion of tourism.
- Actively monitor the status of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. Review the impact of legislative changes enacted by SB 280 78th R.S., on funding of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.
- Study how businesses currently view the Texas Workers' Compensation System and whether it deters business growth or expansion into Texas. Study any reforms that could be used as an incentive for economic development, business recruitment or business retention.
- Study the role that Texas ports have in the economic growth of the state and how the state can partner with ports in developing trade, business recruitment and relocation and the transportation of goods and services both in domestic and foreign markets.
- Evaluate the state's role in serving economic development interests in rural Texas after the passage of SB 275 78th R.S., and other economic development legislation from the 78th Legislature.
- Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction, with special attention paid to the agencies' implementation of sunset legislation.
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