Texas. Office of the Lieutenant Governor

William (Bill) Pettus Hobby, Jr., served as Lieutenant Governor of Texas for eighteen years, from 1973 to 1991, longer than any previous holder of that office. Bill Hobby was born on January 19, 1932 in Houston, the son of former Texas Governor William P. Hobby, Sr. and Oveta Culp Hobby, commanding officer of the Women's Army Corps in World War II and later first Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. He graduated with a history degree from Rice University in 1953 and then served three years (1954-1957) as an intelligence officer in the Navy. Subsequently, he began his private career in publishing and broadcasting on the staff of his father's newspaper, the Houston Post, assuming increasing managerial responsibilities and becoming executive editor and president in 1965.

Bill Hobby began his public career in 1959, serving as parliamentarian of the Texas Senate under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Ben Ramsey. A few years later President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him to the Presidential Task Force on Suburban Problems and to the National Citizens Advisory Committee on Vocational Rehabilitation. In 1965, Governor John Connally appointed Hobby to a term as a regent for the University of Houston. In 1969, Governor Preston Smith appointed him to the Texas Air Control Board and to the chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Welfare Reform, to conduct a review of the state's welfare system.

In his first attempt for an elected office, Hobby sought the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor in Texas in 1972. He won the primary election in a run-off and was elected to the office in the November general election. After the Texas Constitution was changed to lengthen the term of office from two to four years, Hobby won re-election in 1974, 1978, 1982 and 1986. The 1972 primary run-off turned out to be the stiffest challenge of Hobby's political career. After 1972, Hobby never faced any serious opposition in subsequent Democratic primaries and was able to easily defeat his Republican challenger in the 1974 and 1978 elections. The Republican party gained strength in Texas in the late 1970s and 1980s, but Hobby won reelection in 1982 and 1986. In 1987, Hobby announced he would not seek reelection or other public office after his term expired in 1991.

As Lieutenant Governor, Hobby performed gubernatorial duties in the Governor's absence, presided over the Texas Senate, and also served in the following leadership positions of state government: chair of the Governor's Energy Advisory Council (GEAC) (1973-1977), the Texas Energy Advisory Council (TEAC) (1977-1979), the special advisory committee which recommended the Texas Sunset Act (1970s), and the Joint Advisory Committee on Educational Services to the Deaf (1976-1979); co-chair of the Texas Energy and Natural Resource Advisory Council (TENRAC) (1979-1983); vice-chair of the Criminal Justice Policy Council; ex officio member of the Texas Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations; and member of the Select Committee on Public Education (1983-1984). He was also chair of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors (1974).

Over his years as Lieutenant Governor, Hobby gained a reputation as an astute fiscal manager and parliamentary leader in the Texas Senate. Some of the highlights of Hobby's years as Lieutenant Governor included reforms in the appropriations process such as zero-based budgeting, which required agencies to justify their budgets regardless of previous budget levels, and a requirement that the fiscal impact of bills be determined and reported to the Legislature in advance of passage. Also passed during his tenure were the indigent health care plan, the Texas water plan, and the school finance bill of 1984 that redistributed state funds among the state's school districts, required teacher testing, and created the controversial no-pass-no-play rule.

Hobby returned to Houston in 1991 to continue his journalistic and business career. He is chairman of the board of H and C Communications, Inc. which owns a radio station and six television stations. He is married to Diana P. Stallings and they are the parents of four children.

The office of lieutenant governor is powerful and influential in Texas state government. The Texas Constitution (Article IV, sections 1 and 16) gives the lieutenant governor power to act as governor in the event of the governor's absence from the state, or his/her death, resignation, impeachment, or inability or refusal to serve. The Constitution has also designated the lieutenant governor to serve as president of the Texas Senate. The current Rules of the Senate give the lieutenant governor authority to appoint all senate committees and their chairs, to decide all questions of order, to supervise all senate employees, and to determine the order of senate business. Texas statutes have made the lieutenant governor chairman of the Legislative Budget Board (which drafts the state budget) and the Texas Legislative Council (which is the legislature's main source for drafting bills); chair or vice-chair of the Legislative Audit Board (which appoints the state auditor) and the Legislative Education Board (which oversees state education policy); and member of the Legislative Redistricting Board (which redistricts house and senate seats after each decennial census).

Ben Frank Barnes served Texas as lieutenant governor, Speaker of the House, and state representative. In his first political campaign, Barnes was elected in 1960 at the age of 22 as state representative for Brown, Coleman, Comanche and Runnels counties in West-Central Texas. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives by his colleagues in 1965 and became the youngest Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1968, a position he held until 1972 when he lost a race for governor. Ben Barnes was born April 17, 1938 at Gorman, Texas and grew up on his father's peanut farm at Comyn, between DeLeon and Dublin. Barnes enrolled in Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1955, later transferred to John Tarleton College, and finally to the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in business administration. Barnes also attended the University of Texas Law School.

While a representative, Barnes served as chairman of the House Rules Committee and as vice-chairman of the Banks and Banking Committee. As Speaker, Barnes supported passage of the Consumer Credit Code, clean-air and water-quality legislation, legislation establishing programs for the elderly and legislation in behalf of the mentally ill and handicapped. During his first term as Speaker, Barnes led in the passage of legislation which created the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He was instrumental in creating the Coordinating Board for the Texas College and University System and the Governor's Committee on Aging, in revising and codifying the Uniform Commercial Code, in raising teachers' pay, and in revising the Code of Criminal Procedure. Some of the major issues faced during his terms as speaker were redistricting, improvement of higher education, the promotion of tourism in Texas, and efforts to attract new industry to the state.

As Lieutenant Governor, Barnes witnessed the creation of two nursing schools, a dental school, three medical schools, and four senior colleges; an increase in the minimum wage; and the adoption of the Liquor Reform Bill. He backed legislation in the area of mass transportation, and legislation creating the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. Throughout his four terms in the two offices, Barnes was also interested in the issue of higher education.

President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Barnes to his Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in 1965. In 1968, Barnes represented the U.S. Department of State at the Committee on Agriculture of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Barnes represented this Department again in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Civil Defense Committee Conference in Brussels.

One of the overriding concerns of the 1972 elections was the Sharpstown stock-fraud scandal in which charges of fraud involving stock purchases were leveled against nearly two dozen state officials and former state officials. Though never directly implicated, Barnes' reputation was tainted by the scandal which caused him to lose his bid for the governor's office in 1972. Barnes retired from politics and became president of the Bennett-Barnes Development Company in Brownwood which was primarily involved in construction and real estate development. He also entered into partnerships and various business ventures, some with former governor John Connally.

The office of lieutenant governor is extremely powerful and influential in Texas state government. The Texas Constitution (Article IV, sections 1 and 16) gives the lieutenant governor power to act as governor in the event of the governor's absence from the state, or his/her death, resignation, impeachment, or inability or refusal to serve. The Constitution has also designated the lieutenant governor to serve as president of the Texas Senate. The current Rules of the Senate give the lieutenant governor authority to appoint all senate committees and their chairs, to decide all questions of order, to supervise all senate employees, and to determine the order of senate business. Texas statutes have made the lieutenant governor chairman of the Legislative Budget Board (which drafts the state budget) and the Texas Legislative Council (which is the legislature's main source for drafting bills); chair or vice-chair of the Legislative Audit Board (which appoints the state auditor) and the Legislative Education Board (which oversees state education policy); and member of the Legislative Redistricting Board (which redistricts house and senate seats after each decennial census).

The Texas Lieutenant Governor serves on various committees and boards, including the State Preservation Board. The State Preservation Board was created by the 68th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1983 with the passage of Senate Bill 147. The State Preservation Board was established to preserve, maintain and restore the State Capitol, the General Land Office Building and their contents and grounds. The six member board consists of the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, one senator appointed by the lieutenant governor, one representative appointed by the speaker, and one citizen member appointed by the governor. The governor functions as the chairman. The appointed members serve staggered two year terms.

The board's functions include hiring an Architect of the Capitol. The board reviews and approves the architect's budget, annual work plan, and long-range master plan for the buildings, grounds and building contents. Other duties of the board include the development of plans and programs to solicit gifts, money, and items of value; the definition and identification of all significant aspects and contents of the buildings and grounds; and the approval of all changes to the buildings and grounds. The board also appoints a permanent advisory committee to assist in developing the architect's annual work programs and the master plan.

Ben Frank Barnes served Texas as lieutenant governor, Speaker of the House, and state representative. In his first political campaign, Barnes was elected in 1960 at the age of 22 as state representative for Brown, Coleman, Comanche and Runnels counties in West-Central Texas. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives by his colleagues in 1965 and became the youngest Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1968, a position he held until 1972 when he lost a race for governor. Ben Barnes was born April 17, 1938 at Gorman, Texas and grew up on his father's peanut farm at Comyn, between DeLeon and Dublin. Barnes enrolled in Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1955, later transferred to John Tarleton College, and finally to the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in business administration. Barnes also attended the University of Texas Law School.

While a representative, Barnes served as chairman of the House Rules Committee and as vice-chairman of the Banks and Banking Committee. As Speaker, Barnes supported passage of the Consumer Credit Code, clean-air and water-quality legislation, legislation establishing programs for the elderly and legislation in behalf of the mentally ill and handicapped. During his first term as Speaker, Barnes led in the passage of legislation which created the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He was instrumental in creating the Coordinating Board for the Texas College and University System and the Governor's Committee on Aging, in revising and codifying the Uniform Commercial Code, in raising teachers' pay, and in revising the Code of Criminal Procedure. Some of the major issues faced during his terms as speaker were redistricting, improvement of higher education, the promotion of tourism in Texas, and efforts to attract new industry to the state.

As Lieutenant Governor, Barnes witnessed the creation of two nursing schools, a dental school, three medical schools, and four senior colleges; an increase in the minimum wage; and the adoption of the Liquor Reform Bill. He backed legislation in the area of mass transportation, and legislation creating the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. Throughout his four terms in the two offices, Barnes was also interested in the issue of higher education.

President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Barnes to his Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in 1965. In 1968, Barnes represented the U.S. Department of State at the Committee on Agriculture of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Barnes represented this Department again in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Civil Defense Committee Conference in Brussels.

One of the overriding concerns of the 1972 elections was the Sharpstown stock-fraud scandal in which charges of fraud involving stock purchases were leveled against nearly two dozen state officials and former state officials. Though never directly implicated, Barnes' reputation was tainted by the scandal which caused him to lose his bid for the governor's office in 1972. Barnes retired from politics and became president of the Bennett-Barnes Development Company in Brownwood which was primarily involved in construction and real estate development. He also entered into partnerships and various business ventures, some with former governor John Connally.

The office of lieutenant governor is extremely powerful and influential in Texas state government. The Texas Constitution (Article IV, sections 1 and 16) gives the lieutenant governor power to act as governor in the event of the governor's absence from the state, or his/her death, resignation, impeachment, or inability or refusal to serve. The Constitution has also designated the lieutenant governor to serve as president of the Texas Senate. The current Rules of the Senate give the lieutenant governor authority to appoint all senate committees and their chairs, to decide all questions of order, to supervise all senate employees, and to determine the order of senate business. Texas statutes have made the lieutenant governor chairman of the Legislative Budget Board (which drafts the state budget) and the Texas Legislative Council (which is the legislature's main source for drafting bills); chair or vice-chair of the Legislative Audit Board (which appoints the state auditor) and the Legislative Education Board (which oversees state education policy); and member of the Legislative Redistricting Board (which redistricts house and senate seats after each decennial census).

Ben Frank Barnes served Texas as lieutenant governor, Speaker of the House, and state representative. In his first political campaign, Barnes was elected in 1960 at the age of 22 as state representative for Brown, Coleman, Comanche and Runnels counties in West-Central Texas. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives by his colleagues in 1965 and became the youngest Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1968, a position he held until 1972 when he lost a race for governor. Ben Barnes was born April 17, 1938 at Gorman, Texas and grew up on his father's peanut farm at Comyn, between DeLeon and Dublin. Barnes enrolled in Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1955, later transferred to John Tarleton College, and finally to the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in business administration. Barnes also attended the University of Texas Law School.

While a representative, Barnes served as chairman of the House Rules Committee and as vice-chairman of the Banks and Banking Committee. As Speaker, Barnes supported passage of the Consumer Credit Code, clean-air and water-quality legislation, legislation establishing programs for the elderly and legislation in behalf of the mentally ill and handicapped. During his first term as Speaker, Barnes led in the passage of legislation which created the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He was instrumental in creating the Coordinating Board for the Texas College and University System and the Governor's Committee on Aging, in revising and codifying the Uniform Commercial Code, in raising teachers' pay, and in revising the Code of Criminal Procedure. Some of the major issues faced during his terms as speaker were redistricting, improvement of higher education, the promotion of tourism in Texas, and efforts to attract new industry to the state.

As Lieutenant Governor, Barnes witnessed the creation of two nursing schools, a dental school, three medical schools, and four senior colleges; an increase in the minimum wage; and the adoption of the Liquor Reform Bill. He backed legislation in the area of mass transportation, and legislation creating the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. Throughout his four terms in the two offices, Barnes was also interested in the issue of higher education.

President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Barnes to his Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in 1965. In 1968, Barnes represented the U.S. Department of State at the Committee on Agriculture of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Barnes represented this Department again in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Civil Defense Committee Conference in Brussels.

One of the overriding concerns of the 1972 elections was the Sharpstown stock-fraud scandal in which charges of fraud involving stock purchases were leveled against nearly two dozen state officials and former state officials. Though never directly implicated, Barnes' reputation was tainted by the scandal which caused him to lose his bid for the governor's office in 1972. Barnes retired from politics and became president of the Bennett-Barnes Development Company in Brownwood which was primarily involved in construction and real estate development. He also entered into partnerships and various business ventures, some with former governor John Connally.

The office of lieutenant governor is extremely powerful and influential in Texas state government. The Texas Constitution (Article IV, sections 1 and 16) gives the lieutenant governor power to act as governor in the event of the governor's absence from the state, or his/her death, resignation, impeachment, or inability or refusal to serve. The Constitution has also designated the lieutenant governor to serve as president of the Texas Senate. The current Rules of the Senate give the lieutenant governor authority to appoint all senate committees and their chairs, to decide all questions of order, to supervise all senate employees, and to determine the order of senate business. Texas statutes have made the lieutenant governor chairman of the Legislative Budget Board (which drafts the state budget) and the Texas Legislative Council (which is the legislature's main source for drafting bills); chair or vice-chair of the Legislative Audit Board (which appoints the state auditor) and the Legislative Education Board (which oversees state education policy); and member of the Legislative Redistricting Board (which redistricts house and senate seats after each decennial census).

Ben Frank Barnes served Texas as lieutenant governor, Speaker of the House, and state representative. In his first political campaign, Barnes was elected in 1960 at the age of 22 as state representative for Brown, Coleman, Comanche and Runnels counties in West-Central Texas. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives by his colleagues in 1965 and became the youngest Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1968, a position he held until 1972 when he lost a race for governor. Ben Barnes was born April 17, 1938 at Gorman, Texas and grew up on his father's peanut farm at Comyn, between DeLeon and Dublin. Barnes enrolled in Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1955, later transferred to John Tarleton College, and finally to the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in business administration. Barnes also attended the University of Texas Law School.

While a representative, Barnes served as chairman of the House Rules Committee and as vice-chairman of the Banks and Banking Committee. As Speaker, Barnes supported passage of the Consumer Credit Code, clean-air and water-quality legislation, legislation establishing programs for the elderly and legislation in behalf of the mentally ill and handicapped. During his first term as Speaker, Barnes led in the passage of legislation which created the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He was instrumental in creating the Coordinating Board for the Texas College and University System and the Governor's Committee on Aging, in revising and codifying the Uniform Commercial Code, in raising teachers' pay, and in revising the Code of Criminal Procedure. Some of the major issues faced during his terms as speaker were redistricting, improvement of higher education, the promotion of tourism in Texas, and efforts to attract new industry to the state.

As Lieutenant Governor, Barnes witnessed the creation of two nursing schools, a dental school, three medical schools, and four senior colleges; an increase in the minimum wage; and the adoption of the Liquor Reform Bill. He backed legislation in the area of mass transportation, and legislation creating the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. Throughout his four terms in the two offices, Barnes was also interested in the issue of higher education.

President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Barnes to his Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in 1965. In 1968, Barnes represented the U.S. Department of State at the Committee on Agriculture of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Barnes represented this Department again in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Civil Defense Committee Conference in Brussels.

One of the overriding concerns of the 1972 elections was the Sharpstown stock-fraud scandal in which charges of fraud involving stock purchases were leveled against nearly two dozen state officials and former state officials. Though never directly implicated, Barnes' reputation was tainted by the scandal which caused him to lose his bid for the governor's office in 1972. Barnes retired from politics and became president of the Bennett-Barnes Development Company in Brownwood which was primarily involved in construction and real estate development. He also entered into partnerships and various business ventures, some with former governor John Connally.

The office of lieutenant governor is extremely powerful and influential in Texas state government. The Texas Constitution (Article IV, sections 1 and 16) gives the lieutenant governor power to act as governor in the event of the governor's absence from the state, or his/her death, resignation, impeachment, or inability or refusal to serve. The Constitution has also designated the lieutenant governor to serve as president of the Texas Senate. The current Rules of the Senate give the lieutenant governor authority to appoint all senate committees and their chairs, to decide all questions of order, to supervise all senate employees, and to determine the order of senate business. Texas statutes have made the lieutenant governor chairman of the Legislative Budget Board (which drafts the state budget) and the Texas Legislative Council (which is the legislature's main source for drafting bills); chair or vice-chair of the Legislative Audit Board (which appoints the state auditor) and the Legislative Education Board (which oversees state education policy); and member of the Legislative Redistricting Board (which redistricts house and senate seats after each decennial census).

Ben Frank Barnes served Texas as lieutenant governor, Speaker of the House, and state representative. In his first political campaign, Barnes was elected in 1960 at the age of 22 as state representative for Brown, Coleman, Comanche and Runnels counties in West-Central Texas. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives by his colleagues in 1965 and became the youngest Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1968, a position he held until 1972 when he lost a race for governor. Ben Barnes was born April 17, 1938 at Gorman, Texas and grew up on his father's peanut farm at Comyn, between DeLeon and Dublin. Barnes enrolled in Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1955, later transferred to John Tarleton College, and finally to the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in business administration. Barnes also attended the University of Texas Law School.

While a representative, Barnes served as chairman of the House Rules Committee and as vice-chairman of the Banks and Banking Committee. As Speaker, Barnes supported passage of the Consumer Credit Code, clean-air and water-quality legislation, legislation establishing programs for the elderly and legislation in behalf of the mentally ill and handicapped. During his first term as Speaker, Barnes led in the passage of legislation which created the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He was instrumental in creating the Coordinating Board for the Texas College and University System and the Governor's Committee on Aging, in revising and codifying the Uniform Commercial Code, in raising teachers' pay, and in revising the Code of Criminal Procedure. Some of the major issues faced during his terms as speaker were redistricting, improvement of higher education, the promotion of tourism in Texas, and efforts to attract new industry to the state.

As Lieutenant Governor, Barnes witnessed the creation of two nursing schools, a dental school, three medical schools, and four senior colleges; an increase in the minimum wage; and the adoption of the Liquor Reform Bill. He backed legislation in the area of mass transportation, and legislation creating the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. Throughout his four terms in the two offices, Barnes was also interested in the issue of higher education.

President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Barnes to his Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in 1965. In 1968, Barnes represented the U.S. Department of State at the Committee on Agriculture of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Barnes represented this Department again in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Civil Defense Committee Conference in Brussels.

One of the overriding concerns of the 1972 elections was the Sharpstown stock-fraud scandal in which charges of fraud involving stock purchases were leveled against nearly two dozen state officials and former state officials. Though never directly implicated, Barnes' reputation was tainted by the scandal which caused him to lose his bid for the governor's office in 1972. Barnes retired from politics and became president of the Bennett-Barnes Development Company in Brownwood which was primarily involved in construction and real estate development. He also entered into partnerships and various business ventures, some with former governor John Connally.

The office of lieutenant governor is extremely powerful and influential in Texas state government. The Texas Constitution (Article IV, sections 1 and 16) gives the lieutenant governor power to act as governor in the event of the governor's absence from the state, or his/her death, resignation, impeachment, or inability or refusal to serve. The Constitution has also designated the lieutenant governor to serve as president of the Texas Senate. The current Rules of the Senate give the lieutenant governor authority to appoint all senate committees and their chairs, to decide all questions of order, to supervise all senate employees, and to determine the order of senate business. Texas statutes have made the lieutenant governor chairman of the Legislative Budget Board (which drafts the state budget) and the Texas Legislative Council (which is the legislature's main source for drafting bills); chair or vice-chair of the Legislative Audit Board (which appoints the state auditor) and the Legislative Education Board (which oversees state education policy); and member of the Legislative Redistricting Board (which redistricts house and senate seats after each decennial census).