Ogden Creates Subcommittee to Study State Contracting Practices

COLLEGE STATION - Senator Steve Ogden, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has charged a subcommittee with looking into ways Texas taxpayers can get their money's worth when the State contracts for services.

Ogden has created the Subcommittee on State Contracting Practices following Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst's request that Senate committees take the necessary steps to insure greater accountability and stricter oversight of outsourcing by state agencies. Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, will serve as chair of the subcommittee.

"Texas needs to do a better job negotiating and executing its contracts with private vendors," said Ogden (R-Bryan) in announcing the formation of the group. "I am confident that Senator Zaffirini and the other members of this subcommittee will report back with specific, significant recommendations. State agencies and state contractors owe nothing less than their mutual best efforts and complete transparency in serving the citizens of Texas."

In addition to Chairwoman Zaffirini, the Subcommittee on State Contracting Practices will be comprised of the following Finance Committee members: Senators Gonzalo Barrientos (D-Austin), Kim Brimer (R-Fort Worth), Robert Deuell (R-Greenville), Kyle Janek (R-Houston), Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso), and Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands).

The subcommittee report is due to be made to the full Senate Finance Committee on November 9, 2004.

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