Perry replaces technology fund adviser who was subject of Rangers investigation

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has replaced an original member of the Emerging Technology Fund’s advisory committee who was a subject last year of a Texas Rangers investigation into a stock deal with the tech fund’s former director. Perry on Wednesday reappointed six members and released the names of four new appointees, with Austin businessman Robert S. Hicks taking the seat held by William E. Morrow on the 17-member panel. The committee makes recommendations to the governor, lieutenant governor and House Speaker on which start-up technology projects should be funded with taxpayers’ dollars.

Jim Drew reports: http://dallasne.ws/iep4vC

State will audit Texas technology fund over ties between Perry, donors

AUSTIN – The state auditor is launching an examination of Emerging Technology Fund following reports that private start-up companies whose investors and executives are large contributors to the governor have benefited from the fund.
Hoppe: http://dallasne.ws/fmlWiH