Senate Committee on Administration Approves Committee Budgets

AUSTIN - The Senate Committee on Administration met today, Tuesday, September 19, 2000, at the State Capitol. Committee members include Senators Chris Harris of Arlington serving as chair, Frank Madla of San Antonio serving as vice-chair, Rodney Ellis of Houston, Florence Shapiro of Plano and John Whitmire of Houston.

During today's hearing, the members considered and approved all committee budgets for the period between October 1, 2000, and January 31, 2001.

Chairman Harris gave each member a first draft copy of a report on tick-borne illnesses. The committee has been studying illnesses such as Lyme Disease under a charge given to it by Lieutenant Governor Rick Perry. The report is scheduled to be discussed and approved during a future telephone conference. The charge orders the committee to study tick-borne illnesses in Texas, focusing on issues related to prevention and treatment.

The study also examines the effectiveness of state education efforts to raise awareness within the medical community and among the general public about the threat of tick-borne illnesses. The committee has also examined possible options to improve the type and amount of information available to health care practitioners and the general public to better identify symptoms of tick-borne illnesses so that patients can receive appropriate care.

No public testimony was heard today. The committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

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