The Sunset Review of the Texas Commission on the Arts
The mission and performance of the Texas Commission on the Arts are currently being reviewed by the Legislature as required under the Texas Sunset Act. The Act provides that the Sunset Commission, composed of legislators and public members, periodically evaluate a state agency to determine if the agency is still needed, and what improvements are needed to ensure state funds are well spent. Based on the recommendations of the Sunset Commission, the Texas Legislature ultimately decides whether an agency continues to operate into the future.
The Sunset review involves three steps. First, Sunset Commission staff evaluated the Texas Commission on the Arts and has issue a report recommending solutions to problems found. That report can be found here along with the feedback received from the public. The deadline for public feedback has passed. Next, the Sunset Commission met to hear public testimony on the agency and the recommendations of the Sunset staff on September 5, 2012. Finally, based on public input and the Sunset staff report, the Sunset Commission met on November 13, 2012 and adopted the recommendations outlined in the Sunset staff report. A bill will be created outlining those recommendation that will go to the full Legislature for consideration when it convenes in January 2013. Please refer to the Sunset Commission’s website for detailed information.
Through the Sunset review, every Texan has the opportunity to suggest ways in which the mission and operations of the Texas Commission on the Arts can be strengthened. If you would like to share your ideas about the agency, you may send an email to the address below, use the comment form on the Sunset Commission website, or contact Emily Johnson of the Sunset staff. (Suggestions are preferred by May 1st, 2012, so they can be fully considered by the Sunset staff.)
Information about the Sunset process, including information on Sunset Commission meetings, can be found at: www.sunset.state.tx.us.
