Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Fewer members on Corrections Committee, but who will be chair?

Looking at the new Texas House rules, I noticed a couple of changes that may interest Grits readers: The size of the Corrections Committee will be reduced from nine to seven members, and the Government Efficiency and Reform Committee has been given control of "open government matters, including open records and open meetings," which in the past had fallen under the purview of State Affairs.

The $64 question remains, "Who will chair criminal-justice related committees in the House?" The chairs of Corrections, Criminal Jurisprudence as well as Homeland Security and Public Safety all departed from the Legislature after last term, leaving a gaping hole in leadership on these topics in the lower chamber.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Government efficiency"

Biggest oxymoron ever invented in Austin. Do all of these "smart, elected" officials actually have any common sense?
How about getting someone with actual criminal justice day to day operations experience in the position. And one that doesn't just have his fat lined pockets out for more kickbacks. And not a bully, people in charge like the fatasses at TCOOMMI are bullies. They need to be investigated on the way they talk to and deal with people they are "contracted" with..

Anonymous said...

You are seriously dating yourself with the "$64 question" reference. You might need to change your handle from "Grits" to "Methuselah." :)

TenPeeEm said...

From what I hear, the person who is making the most noise about wanting the chair is Debbie Riddle. Last fall, her chief of staff was circling the resume and as much as said the reason they were looking was "Rep. Riddle wanted a COS with deeper crim justice experience."

Anonymous said...

Need someone on there as chair that really cares. Rep White and Rep Perry impressed last session as did Rep Cain who did not seek re-election.

Anonymous said...

Dr Alma Allen will most likely chair the Corrections Committee this session. Unlike Debbie, she is intelligent and knows CJ issues. She was the vice chair this last session and is seeking the chair position this session. Allen is supported by several influential CJ groups and commands the respect of other members.

Anonymous said...

Hey "Grits for Breakfast"....any ideas on why commissaries in the prison system (SE Texas) haven't carried deodorant and toothpaste in stock for at least three months> Who orders, who has oversight on orders and inventory, whose pockets are being lined instead of stores being stoocked?