The House Committee on Economic Development 
         78th Legislature 
         August 25, 2004 
         9:00 a.m. 
         Capitol Extension, E2.016 
          
         Pursuant to a notice posted on August 5, 2004, the House  
         Committee on Economic Development met in a public hearing and  
         was called to order by the chair, Representative Keffer, Jim, at  
         9:12 a.m. 
          
         The roll was answered as follows: 
          
         Present:  Representatives Keffer, Jim; Homer; Hughes; Rodriguez  
                   (4). 
          
         Absent:   Representatives Isett; Thompson; Wong (3). 
          
         A quorum was present. 
          
         Testimony was taken on interim charge topic 4:  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. 
          
         (Representative Thompson now present.) 
          
         Testimony was taken.  (See attached witness list.) 
          
         (Representative Wong now present.) 
          
         Testimony was taken.  (See attached witness list.) 
          
         (Representative Homer in chair.) 
          
         (Representative Keffer, Jim in chair.) 
          
         Testimony was taken on interim charge topic 3:  Actively monitor  
         the status of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.  Review  
         the impact of legislative changes enacted by SB 280, 78th  
         Legislature, on funding of the Unemployment Compensation Trust  
         Fund. 
          
         Testimony was taken on interim charge topic 1:  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. 
          
         At 3:41 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection,  
         the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair. 
          
         ________________________ 
         Rep. Keffer, Jim, Chair 
          
         ________________________ 
         Ky Ash, Clerk