Senate Select Committee on Economic Development
NOTE: This is archived committee information from the 80th Legislative Session.
Committee Information
CHAIR
Kim Brimer
MEMBERS
Kevin Eltife
Troy Fraser
Mike Jackson
Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Kirk Watson
Interim Charges
- Inventory economic development programs and incentives, including tax abatements, offered by state and local governments. Review the costs and benefits of Texas' economic development tools, including the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technologies Fund, and make recommendations for improvements. Review similar incentive programs in other states and the potential impact on Texas' competitive advantage in attracting and keeping strong businesses. Analyze regional economic development trends and opportunities and identify option for maximizing economic development with region-specific incentives.
- Review the costs and benefits of using the Texas Enterprise Zone Program as an economic development tool for local communities to partner with the State of Texas to promote job creation and capital investment in economically distressed areas of the state.
- Study the current state of the nanotechnology industry in Texas. Analyze the impact of the industry on economic development. Review federal and state regulations regarding the development, use, and disposal of materials and waste products related to nanotechnology. Make recommendations for ensuring that Texas is a competitor in the nanotechnology industry and for ensuring the safety of the public as this industry grows.
- Examine the costs and the effectiveness of policy options, including state incentives, available to cities and counties to preserve and redevelop historic downtown properties.
- Study the merits of developing a comprehensive state policy of offering incentives to local governments for activities relating to recruiting and hosting special events.
