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Governor of Texas

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Texas Governor

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General information
Office Type:  Partisan
Office website:  Official Link
2013 FY Budget:  $9,374,980
Term limits:  None
Structure
Length of term:   4 years
Authority:  Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 1
Selection Method:  Elected
Current Officeholder

RickPerry.jpg
Name:  Rick Perry
Officeholder Party:  Republican
Assumed office:  December 21, 2000
Compensation:  $150,000
Elections
Next election:  November 4, 2014
Last election:  November 2, 2010
Other Texas Executive Offices
Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Comptroller • Auditor • Education Commissioner • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Land Commissioner • Workforce Commission • Public Utility Commission • Railroad Commission
The Governor of Texas is the chief executive of the state of Texas and is elected by the citizens every four years. The governor has the power to: sign and veto bills passed by the state legislature, serve as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces, convene special sessions of the legislature, grant reprieves and pardons, and fill vacant positions via appointment. Additionally, the governor is responsible for delivering the "State of the State" address and an annual state budget report and budget recommendation.

Contents

As of May 2013, Texas is one of 24 Republican state government trifectas.

Current officeholder

The 47th and current governor is Rick Perry, a Republican. He assumed office in December 2000 when then-Governor George W. Bush resigned to prepare for his inauguration as President of the United States. Gov. Perry was elected to full terms in 2002, 2006, and 2010.

Perry is the longest-serving governor in Texas history. Having won re-election in 2010, he is positioned to serve 14 years in the job.[1]

His wife, Anita Thigpen, is the First Lady of Texas.

Authority

The Governor's powers, term of office, qualifications, and installation are established by Article 4 of the Texas Constitution.

Article 4, Section 1:

The Executive Department of the State shall consist of a Governor, who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the State...

Qualifications

Article 4, Section 4 of the Texas Constitution establishes the qualifications of office as such:[2]

He shall be at least thirty years of age, a citizen of the United States, and shall have resided in this State at least five years immediately preceding his election.

Additionally, the Governor:

...shall not hold any other office: civil, military or corporate; nor shall he practice any profession, and receive compensation, reward, fee, or the promise thereof for the same; nor receive any salary, reward or compensation or the promise thereof from any person or corporation, for any service rendered or performed during the time he is Governor, or to be thereafter rendered or performed.

Elections

Texas elects governors in the midterm elections, that is, even years that are not Presidential election years. For Texas 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018 are all gubernatorial election years. Legally, the gubernatorial inauguration is always set for the "on the first Tuesday after the organization of the Legislature, or as soon thereafter as practicable".

If two candidates tie for the most votes or if an election is contested, a joint session of the legislature shall cast ballots to resolve the issue.

Term limits

See also: States with gubernatorial term limits

Texas governors do not face any term limits.

Partisan composition

The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Texas from 1992-2013.

Governor of Texas Partisanship.PNG

Vacancies

See also: How gubernatorial vacancies are filled

Article 4, Section 16 of the Texas Constitution defines the method by which a vacancy of the Governor's office is filled:

(c) In the case of the temporary inability or temporary disqualification of the Governor to serve, the impeachment of the Governor, or the absence of the Governor from the State, the Lieutenant Governor shall exercise the powers and authority appertaining to the office of Governor until the Governor becomes able or qualified to resume serving, is acquitted, or returns to the State.

(d) If the Governor refuses to serve or becomes permanently unable to serve, or if the office of Governor becomes vacant, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor for the remainder of the term being served by the Governor who refused or became unable to serve or vacated the office. On becoming Governor, the person vacates the office of Lieutenant Governor, and the resulting vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor shall be filled in the manner provided by Section 9, Article III, of this Constitution.

Duties

The constitutional and statutory duties of the Governor include:

  • Signing or vetoing bills passed by the Legislature.
  • Serving as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces.
  • Convening special sessions of the Legislature for specific purposes.
  • Delivering a report on the condition of the state to the Legislature at the beginning of each regular session.
  • Estimating of the amounts of money required to be raised by taxation.
  • Accounting for all public monies received and paid out by him and recommending a budget for the next two years.
  • Granting reprieves and commutations of punishment and pardons upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and *Paroles and revoking conditional pardons.
  • Declaring special elections to fill vacancies in certain elected offices.
  • Appointing qualified Texans to state offices that carry out the laws and direct the policies of state government. Some *of these offices are filled by appointment only. Others are ordinarily elected by the people, but the governor must occasionally appoint individuals to fill vacancies. The governor also appoints Texans to a wide range of advisory bodies and task forces that assist him with specific issues."[3]

Divisions

Texas

The Office of the Governor consists of a number councils, committees, and divisions comprised of leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds who provide technical assistance to the Governor across of range of policy areas. They provide research, advice, and organizational leadership to the Governor in support of a "vision for a better, more prosperous Texas."[4] The Office of the Governor is currently comprised as follows:

Advisory Council on Physical Fitness

The Advisory Council on Physical Fitness was created by Governor Rick Perry "to take the lead on improving the state’s overall fitness through sports, health and nutrition education, and exercise."[5]


Appointments Office

The Appointment Office is a team devoted to assisting the Governor in identifying, recruiting, and hiring talented individuals for the many positions that must be filled in a gubernatorial term.
Appointment is an executive power under which the Governor selects individuals to head state government bodies, councils, and bureaucracies. Appointment power is granted to the governor by the Texas Constitution. '"Article 4, Section 12" states: "All vacancies in State or district offices, except members of the Legislature, shall be filled unless otherwise provided by law by appointment of the Governor."[2] The appointment of officials is one of the most influential methods by which the Governor executes the policies enacted by the legislature. Approximately 3,000 appointments will be made during a four-year term.[6]


Governor's Standard

Budget, Planning, and Policy

"The Budget, Planning and Policy Division advises the Governor regarding state fiscal matters in support of his statutory role as Texas' Chief budget officer. The division also:
  • Prepares the Governor's biennial budget recommendations to the Legislature.
  • Monitors state appropriations and operations.
  • Analyzes fiscal and economic issues.
  • Performs other duties determined by the Governor."[7]


Commission for Women


Texas First Lady Anita Perry on the Governor's Commission for Women

The Governor's Commission for Women specializes in research, education, referral services, and outreach in support of helping "Texas women live healthier, more productive and more prosperous lives."[8]
Contact Women's Commission
Toll-Free: (800) 839-5323
Phone: (512) 475-2615
Fax: (512) 463-1832
Email: women@governor.state.tx.us
Address:1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701

Committee on People with Disabilities

The mission of the Committee on People with Disabilities is "to further opportunities for persons with disabilities to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity, and self-determination."[9]
The Committee advises the Governor on policies and programs in areas that affect the lives of the disabled, while also promoting awareness of and compliance with disability laws in Texas. Areas of focus include: accessibility, communication, education, emergency preparedness, health, housing, recreation, transportation, veterans and workforce.[10]


Constituent Communication

Constituent Communication is the Texas citizenry's connection to the Governor. The division reviews and responds to letters, emails, phone calls, and faxes from constituents.


Criminal Justice Division

The mission of the Criminal Justice Division is "to create and support programs that protect people from crime, reduce the number of crimes committed, and to promote accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness within the criminal justice system."[11]
The division administers various forms of state and federal grant funding that adhere to the following two goals: "1) encourage innovative solutions and 2) provide for local control."[11] Further, the CJD assists and advises the governor across a range of programs and policy areas within the Texas criminal justice system - ranging from coordinating state and local efforts to measuring the performance of community-based programs to evaluating juvenile justice procedures and programs.[11]


Economic Development and Tourism

The Economic Development and Tourism division operates a range of programs and activities aimed at promoting the state of Texas in the national and international spheres as a place for business development and location, as well a premiere travel location. The division is comprised of the following focus areas:
  • Texas Business Development
  • The Office of Aerospace and Aviation
  • The Economic Development Bank
  • Small Business Assistance
  • Texas Tourism
  • Texas Military Preparedness Division


Financial Services

The mission of Financial Services is to ensure "that all financial transactions in the governor’s office set the highest standard for the state."[12]





General Counsel

The Office of General Counsel "provides legal advice to the Governor and his team, handling the broad range of issues encountered in leading the second largest state in the nation."[13]




Homeland Security

Established in 2003, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security's mission is " to protect Texans, as well as the State’s critical infrastructure and key resources, from all threats."[14] The Office accomplishes this mission by assisting the state in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural and manmade disasters.




Human Resources

The Human Resources Division handles all hiring and personnel issues for positions within the Office of the Governor. Human Resources also manages the Texas Governor's Fellowship Program.


Press Office

The Press Office serves as the conduit of communication between the Governor and the press. The Office conveys the Governor's perspectives on policy matters, current events, and pressing issues to journalists and reporters as a primary method of communicating with the people of Texas.[15]


Scheduling and Advance

Scheduling and Advance is "responsible for responding to requests for the Governor’s time in an efficient and courteous manner, as well as organizing the logistics of the governor’s attendance at local, state, national and international events. This office creates a clear, concise schedule for the governor on a daily basis."[16]


State Grants Team

The State Grants Team provides technical assistance to all levels of Texas government, as well as non-profit organizations, in order to maximize access to federal funds. The Team also manages the Texas Review and Comment System (TRACS) and the administration of the Uniform Grants Management Standards.[17]


Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center

The mission of the Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is to "collect, analyze and report statewide criminal justice statistics; evaluate the effectiveness of state-funded initiatives; and disseminate analysis results to practitioners, policy-makers, researchers, and the public in order to enhance the quality of criminal justice and crime prevention at all levels of government."[18]




Texas Film Commission

The Texas Film Commission was created in 1979 to ""encourage the orderly development of the film, television, and multi-media production industry in Texas in order to utilize the state's vast array of natural, human, and economic resources which are uniquely suitable for that industry."[19]


Texas Health Care Policy Council

The mission of the Texas Health Care Policy Council is to "research, analyze, and provide recommendations on ways to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the health care system in Texas."[20] The Council furthers this mission by conducting research into efective health care solutions, ensuring collaboration amongst state and local health care providers, assisting communities in assessing their heath care needs, and assisting the Governor with various health care related issues as they arise.


Texas Music Office

The mission of the Texas Music Office is to serve "as the information clearinghouse and promotion office for the Texas music industry."[21]


Texas Workforce Investment Council

The mission of the Texas Workforce Investment Council is to assist "the Governor and the Legislature with strategic planning for and evaluation of the Texas workforce development system, which is comprised of eight state agencies and 25 diverse and dynamic programs. The Council’s strategic priority is to promote the linkage of education, workforce and economic development in order to leverage resources, increase collaboration among state and local partners, and build the pipeline of skilled workers that Texas must have to prosper in the 21st century."[22]


State budget

The budget for the Governor's Office in Fiscal Year 2013 was $9,374,980.[23]

Compensation

See also: Comparison of gubernatorial salaries and Compensation of state executive officers

Article 4, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution defines the method by which the Governor's compensation is set:

The Governor shall, at stated times, receive as compensation for his services an annual salary in an amount to be fixed by the Legislature, and shall have the use and occupation of the Governor's Mansion, fixtures and furniture.

2012

In 2012, the governor was paid an estimated $150,000. This figure comes from the Council of State Governments.

2010

In 2010, the Texas Governor was paid an estimated $150,000 according to the Council of State Governments, the 11th highest gubernatorial salary in America.[24]

Historical officeholders (1846-present)

Texas
Standard Of Governor Of Texas.svg

From 1846-2000, the state of Texas has had 47 governors. Of the 47 governors, 39 were Democratic, 6 were Republican, 1 was an Independent and 1 was a Unionist.[25]

Click "show" for Texas former governors from 1846-2000.

Contact information

Physical Address:
Office of the Governor
State Insurance Building
1100 San Jacinto
Austin, Texas 78701

Mailing Address:
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428

Phone: 512-463-2000
Fax: 512-463-1849

History

Partisan balance 1992-2013

Who Runs the States Project
See also: Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States and Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States, Texas
Partisan breakdown of the Texas governorship from 1992-2013

From 1992-2013, in Texas there were Democratic governors in office for the first three years while there were Republican governors in office for the last 19 years. Texas is one of eight states that were run by a Republican governor for more than 80 percent of the years between 1992-2013. Texas was under Republican trifectas for the last 11 years of the study period.

Across the country, there were 493 years of Democratic governors (44.82%) and 586 years of Republican governors (53.27%) from 1992-2013.

Over the course of the 22-year study, state governments became increasingly more partisan. At the outset of the study period (1992), 18 of the 49 states with partisan legislatures had single-party trifectas and 31 states had divided governments. In 2013, only 13 states have divided governments, while single-party trifectas held sway in 36 states, the most in the 22 years studied.

The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Texas, the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives from 1992-2013. Partisan composition of Texas state government(1992-2013).PNG

See also

External links

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References

  1. ↑ [1]
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Article 4 of the Texas Constitution
  3. ↑ Governor's Duties, Requirements & Powers
  4. ↑ Texas Governor's Office Organization
  5. ↑ Advisory Council on Physical Fitness
  6. ↑ Office of Appointment
  7. ↑ Budget, Planning, and Policy
  8. ↑ Commission for Women
  9. ↑ Committee on People with Disabilities
  10. ↑ Committee on People with Disabilities
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Criminal Justice Division
  12. ↑ Financial Services
  13. ↑ Office of General Counsel
  14. ↑ Office of Homeland Security
  15. ↑ Press Office
  16. ↑ Scheduling and Advance
  17. ↑ State Grants Team
  18. ↑ Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center
  19. ↑ Texas Film Commission History
  20. ↑ [2]
  21. ↑ Texas Music Commission
  22. ↑ Texas Workforce Council
  23. ↑ Legislative Reference Library of Texas , "General Appropriations Act for the 2012-2013 Biennium," accessed April 6, 2013
  24. ↑ The Council of State Governments,"The Book of States 2010 Table 4.3," retrieved April 11, 2011
  25. ↑ Chronological List of Texas Governors
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