Joe Straus, the speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, has announced the creation of a new committee that is set to examine the business climate in Texas.
On Thursday, Speaker Straus announced the formation House Select Committee on Economic Competitiveness. According to information from Straus' office, the committee will examine issues such as "workforce readiness, infrastructure and state and local economic development tools."
Straus' committee will feature Representative Byron Cook (R-Corsicana) as the chair. Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) will serve as vice chair. Members also serving on the committee include: Representatives Angie Chen Button (R-Richardson), Sarah Davis (R-West University Place), Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth), Joe Moody (D-El Paso) and Rene Oliveira (D-Brownsville).
No representatives from the Texas Panhandle area are set to serve on Straus' committee.
Straus announced the formation of the committee today, saying, "The world is watching, from CEOs to the best and brightest workers. They need to see that Texas welcomes them and is determined to stay at the front of the pack when it comes to economic development."
The new committee will report its findings by December 12th of this year.
