EXECUTIVE ORDER
THE STATE OF TEXAS
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF 11IE GOVERNOR
AUSTIN, TEXAS
EXECUTIVE ORDER
GWB96-6
RELATING TO 11m CUAnON or
TIlE 1'Il.XAS SCIENCE AND 1'EcIINOLOGY COlJNcn.
WHEREAS, creation of new industries ftom emerging teebnologJes and
improvement of traditional technologics will increase employment opportnnitics in
Texas;
WHEREAS, Texas has strong resean:b capabilities in higher education
institutions mI should take a leadership position in fo,tel'in& researcb aDd development
in advanced technology fields:
WHEREAS, tbere is an identified ~ for !he StalC to focus aDd become proactive on reseuch, develOpment, and teebnology transfer, and to develop State policies
to foster these Il:livi!ic,; .
WHEREAS, TelW' high I<lchnology Industry has a good relationship and trade
balance with Mexico, and other trade partnors, and is an llllCgral part of tbc Texas
economy; and
WHEREAS, Texas wlll achieve its position of preeminence in the field, of
science and technology tbrough an active and coordinated partnership between
govertlIllClll, academla, and the private sector.
NOW, TB.EREFORE, I, George W. Bush, GoVertlOC of Tesas, by virtue of
!he power vested in me, do hereby create and embllab !be Texas Science and
TecImology Council, hereinafter referred to as the ClIIIIlCii.
The CouDcil shall consist of up 10 21 members appoinled by the Governor who
,ball serve two year terms, and serve at tbc ple~ of the Governor. The Governor
sbaIl designate the Chair of the Council who shall serve In that position at the pleasure
of \be Governor. The CO\lllCil shall meet at the call of the Chair. The Chair 'hall
name the VIce-<:halr of the CouDcil.
The Council abaII researcb, develop, and report to the Governor the mea.ns
available to the State of Texas 10 become the national 1eader In science and technology
cooperallon, developmeDl, lUld research. The COllIWil sbaIl a(\vise the Governor
regarding implcmcnt&tion of a science and technology strategy after interacting with the
technolollY community, slate and federal ageDCies, the Slate Legislature, and the
COll8re&s. The Council shall also:
1. Review and reCOIlllllOM policies tbat wllllDCrease \be amount of basic
researcb and applied researcb coDduclCll by III8!C coUeges, .tate
universities. and the private sector;
2. Propose slate pollcie, an:!
actions !bat promote technology
devclopmen1: and transfer in Texas, includiaa the creation of
partoerehlps that support and benefit the establi'hment of DeW
technology industries In Texas;
3. Amlyze and propose state policies thst cncouralle ready aVailability
and accessibility of venture capital and commcrciallcnding;
4. Stlldy and IlIIlce recotnmendatiODI on 1lIIY issues that directly relate to
improvlna the State', competitive position ill the areas of science,
resesrch and development, and advanced technology development;
5. Explore ways to increase trade and CIICOIIrage cooperattve initiatives
with Mexico and other tradinll partllel1 thst will hellCfit technology
and telecommunications industrie' based in Texas; and
6. ldelllify an:! coordinate with \be Texas Department of Commerce to
IIlUaCl new industries to Texas.
The memben of the Cooncil shall receive llCither compensation nor per diem,
but sbail receive reimbursement in IIIl amount IIOt to exceed the amount authorized by
the Texas General ApproprlatlODS Act for reasonable and ""cosssty travel expenses
incumod in the direct performatll:e of official duties. The Office of the Governor may
provide staff support .. necessary for the Council.
This Executive Order shall he effective jrnm..Jiately and sban remain in effect
until modified, amended or rescinded.
Attest:
ANTONIO O. GARZA. JR.
Secretary of Stlre
IIlBllH1l\E ~ Of mE
_~(JSTm
SEP 18 1996