By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
Although many state lawmakers are in Washington, D.C., this week for activities related to the inauguration of President George W. Bush, the rumor mill stayed behind in Austin and is alive and well.
Rumor is that the Senate Finance Committee could - and we stress could - begin meeting as early as Wednesday, Jan. 26, to hear from state agencies.
Apparently, no "official" written notification has gone out, but some agencies report having been "contacted" and told to be prepared for hearings on Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 26 and 27.
However, before the committee can meet - it has to be appointed. The rumor mill as early as last week was churning out information that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst might name committees as early as Monday, Jan. 24.
If he were to name committees Monday, legislators could avoid having to suspend the 24-hour posting rule for the committee to meet Wednesday. However, if committees are named as late as Tuesday or Wednesday, then the Senate would likely have to suspend the 24-hour posting rule for Finance to begin hearings.