Office of the Governor Rick Perry

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions

Answers

Where can I obtain a Texas flag flown over the Capitol?

Contact the Sergeant At Arms at (512) 463-0910.

Where can I find information on displaying the Texas State Flag or American Flag?

The Texas State Library maintains information about the Texas State Flag.

When is the next gubernatorial election?

The next gubernatorial election will be November 7, 2010.

Is Governor Perry a Democrat or Republican?

He is a Republican.

What is the governor's salary?

$115,345.00 a year

I have a case pending before a state agency and need the governor’s help in resolving it.

Governor Perry has no authority to unilaterally intervene in the investigations or processes of any agency. Any concerns with a particular state agency should be addressed directly to that state agency.

I have a legal issue.

According to provisions of the Constitution, a governor has no jurisdiction over the judicial system, an independent branch of government. Any attempt to address court-related action would therefore best be directed through legal and judicial channels.

Should you wish to seek legal counsel, lawyer referral information can be accessed by calling, toll-free, 1-877-9TEXBAR (1-877-983-9227) or by visiting the following web site: http://www.texasbar.com. Additional Texas legal information can be accessed at http://www.texasatj.org and http://www.texaslawhelp.org.

I am in need of health care assistance/shelter/food.

2-1-1 Texas, a service of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Texas Information and Referral Network, helps you find free information on a variety of services in your area. To access this assistance, dial 211 using your telephone or visit the following website: https://www.211texas.org/211.

I need to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.

To report suspicions of abuse or neglect of children or abuse, neglect, or exploitation of persons 65 years or older and adults with disabilities, use the statewide reporting system maintained by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services by dialing 1-800-252-5400 or through the following website: http://www.txabusehotline.org. Additional information can be found at the following web site: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Contact_Us/report_abuse.asp.

I have an issue with my city or county.

In Texas, cities and counties have significant autonomy and authority. Any issues should be addressed to the governing body of your local jurisdiction.

I have a comment or concern with a federal agency, program or policy.

Some common federal topics include Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, immigration casework, and the military, but not including the Texas National Guard.

Governor Perry has no jurisdiction over federal issues. Contact information for members of the United States Congress is available at the following web sites: http://www.house.gov or http://www.senate.gov.

I am searching for employment.

Information about available jobs in Texas can be at the following website: http://www.workintexas.com.

How is a law made or changed?

A law can only be made or changed through the legislative process. State legislators meet every two years in a legislative session to introduce new bills or amend existing laws. The Governor has the final authority to veto any bill that is passed through the House and the Senate.

I would like to know the status of legislation.

To find information on state legislation, including the status and complete text, please visit the following web site: www.capitol.state.tx.us. Information on federal legislation is available from the Library of Congress at the following website: http://thomas.loc.gov.

How do I obtain a hard copy of a bill?

The Texas Legislative Council House Document Distribution section distributes house documents and copies of general information and legislative reference publications to members of the legislature and to the general public.

House Document Distribution
Robert E. Johnson Building, Room B.324
1501 N Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-1144

Senate Bill Distribution
Sam Houston Building, Room 190
201 E. 14th St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-0252

I would like to find out who my state and federal elected representatives are.

To find the names and contact information for your elected representatives on the state and federal level, visit the following website: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us.

I am seeking a pardon or clemency.

The Governor is unable to grant any clemency without a favorable recommendation from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. You will need to contact the Board General Counsel’s Office to obtain further information and an application. You may contact the Board at:

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
General Counsel’s Office
8610 Shoal Creek Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78758
Telephone 512/406-5852, Fax-512/467-0945
http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/bpp/exec_clem/GCO.html#CLEMENCY