Materials do not circulate, but may be used in the State Archives search room. Materials will be retrieved from and returned to storage areas by staff members.
Because of the possibility that portions of these records fall under Public Information Act
exceptions, an archivist must review these records before they can be accessed for
research. The records may be requested for research under the provisions of the
Public Information Act (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter 552). The researcher may
request an interview with an archivist or submit a request by mail (Texas State
Library and Archives Commission, P. O. Box 12927, Austin, TX 78711), fax
(512-463-5436), email (Dir_Lib@tsl.state.tx.us), or see our web page (
Records series described in this finding aid have access restrictions specific to each of them. The terms of access are found following the series' descriptions.
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
To obtain equipment needed to view the videotapes, or listen to the audiocassettes, please contact Archives staff.
Researchers must wear cotton gloves when handling photographs.
The governor of Texas is the chief executive officer of the state, elected by the citizens every four years. The duties and responsibilities of the governor include serving as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces; convening special sessions of the legislature for specific purposes; delivering to the legislature at the beginning of each regular session a report on the condition of the state, an accounting of all public money under the governor's control, a recommended biennial budget, an estimate of the amounts of money required to be raised by taxation, and any recommendations he deems necessary; signing or vetoing bills passed by the legislature; and executing the laws of the state. The governor can grant reprieves and commutations of punishment and pardons, upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and revoke conditional pardons. He appoints numerous state officials (with the consent of the Senate), fills vacancies in state and district offices (except vacancies in the legislature), calls special elections to fill vacancies in the legislature, fills vacancies in the United States Senate until an election can be held, and serves as ex officio member of several state boards.
The office of governor was first established by the Constitution of 1845 and superseded the office of president of the Republic of Texas. The position now exists under authority of Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution of 1876 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 401. To be elected governor, a person must be at least thirty years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of Texas for at least five years preceding the election. In 1972, the term of office was extended from two to four years, effective in 1975. Since 1856 the governor has had the use of the Governor's Mansion.
In 1999 there were 198 full time equivalent employees in the Office of the Governor. Thirteen divisions outside of the Executive Office assist the governor in carrying out his functions: Administration, Appointments, Budget & Planning, Communications, General Counsel, Legislative, Policy, Scheduling, Criminal Justice Division, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Office of Film, Music, Television and Multimedia Industries, Women's Commission, and Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness.
Major responsibilities of the Press Office (also known as Communications) under Governor George W. Bush included issuing press releases and media advisories on the activities and actions of the Governor, as well as First Lady Laura Bush; writing speeches for the Governor and the First Lady; collecting, copying, and distributing copies of newspaper clippings about the Governor and issues of concern to Texans; handling requests for interviews with the Governor; and creating and maintaining the Internet website for the Governor's Office. Karen P. Hughes served as Director of Communications until June 1999, when she became Governor Bush's presidential campaign spokesperson.
(Sources include:
George W. Bush served as governor of Texas from January 17, 1995 to December 21, 2000, resigning as governor in the middle of his second term to become president of the United States.
He challenged the incumbent governor, Democrat Ann Richards, running on promises to improve public education and to reform the juvenile justice system, welfare, and the state's tort laws -- the system under which an injured person may sue for damages. During the 74th Legislature in 1995, he worked with the Democrats who controlled both houses of the Texas legislature and managed to get bills passed that dealt with the four issues he had emphasized in his campaign. Bush was seen as pro-business and a consensus-builder.
Bush advocated and signed the two largest tax cuts to date in Texas history, totaling over $3 billion. To pay for the cuts, he sought (unsuccessfully) federal approval of a plan to privatize Texas' social services. Education reform was a priority throughout his terms, with legislation emphasizing local control of schools, higher standards, and a revised curriculum. Controversy has followed, with charter schools mired in financial scandals and protests against one test determining a child's promotion. After winning reelection in 1998, Bush began his bid for the presidency and was not as involved in the 76th Legislature in 1999.
George W. Bush was born July 6, 1946 in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas. He graduated from Andover Academy, and received a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a master's from Harvard Business School. He served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. In 1978, Bush was defeated in a run for the U.S. Congress in West Texas. He was involved in energy exploration from the 1970s into the 1980s. From 1989 until his election as governor, Bush worked with the Texas Rangers baseball organization, leading a group of partners in purchasing the team, and then serving as managing general partner. He married Laura Welch in 1977; they have two daughters.
(Sources include: Versions of the Governor's Office web site during Governor Bush's
term available on the Internet Archive at
Major responsibilities of the Press Office for Texas Governor George W. Bush included writing speeches for the Governor and the First Lady. Records are speeches, newspaper clippings, audiocassette tapes, videotapes, some photographs, background and biographical information, dating 1986, 1989-2000, bulk 1995-2000, undated, from Texas Governor George W. Bush's Press Office. Files include materials used in preparing speeches, press releases, and other materials, as well as documentation of speeches as they were presented. Bush spoke at commencement ceremonies, chambers of commerce and association meetings, committee meetings, Boys' and Girls' State, and political fund-raisers. Subjects covered in the Press Office speech files include such issues as children's advocacy, juvenile and criminal justice, education, tax relief, relationships with Mexico and other countries, environmental concerns, agriculture, appointments, economy, military, health and human services, and welfare reform. Speeches are mainly text and draft copies maintained by the Press Office, ranging in date from 1994 to 1996 and 1998 with the bulk dating 1995-1996. Major speech information includes newspaper clippings, audiocassette tapes, videocassette tapes, and a few photographs, 1995-1999, covering major speeches presented by Governor Bush. Background information consists of clippings, articles, press releases, printed material, memoranda, correspondence, lists, brochures, charts, proclamations, reports, grant information, speeches, fact sheets, talking points, legislative bills, transcript, plans and proposals, agenda, executive order, drafts, maps, newsletters, resume, forms, studies, an event program, briefing material, and policy statements used in preparing speeches, press releases, and other materials. A small amount of material concerns President George H. W. Bush, father of the governor. Biographical and family information consists of newspaper clippings, magazine articles, biographical sketches, correspondence, memos, lists, a transcript, a birth certificate, introductions, and speeches, used to prepare biographical sketches, introductions to speeches, and responses to correspondents. A small amount of material concerns Barbara Bush and Jeb Bush, mother and brother to the governor.
These records are organized into 4 subseries:
(Identify the item and cite the subseries), Texas Governor George W. Bush Press Office speech files. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Sherry Severson, October 2003, February 2004
Finding aid completed by Tonia J. Wood, January 2005
Finding aid updated and made DACS compliant by Jessica Tucker and Tonia J. Wood, April 2013
Accession number: 2002/151
In December 2000, Governor George W. Bush designated the George Bush Presidential Library as the repository for the records from his tenure as Governor of Texas, under authority of Texas Government Code, Section 441.201. Shortly after he left office, the records were shipped to the Bush Library in College Station, Texas. Texas Attorney General John Cornyn ruled the records are state records subject to the Texas Public Information Act and the management of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission even after transfer to a federal facility (Opinion No. JC-0498, May 3, 2002). In July 2002 the records were transferred from the Bush Library to the Texas State Archives in Austin for preparation for research use. In June 2003, a memorandum of understanding signed by representatives of the National Archives and Records Administration, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and George W. Bush replaced a January 2002 interim memorandum of understanding. The records were moved to the George W. Bush Presidential Library in February 2013.
Major responsibilities of the Press Office for Texas Governor George W. Bush included
writing speeches for the Governor and the First Lady. Records are
gubernatorial and political speeches written for and presented by Texas
Governor George W. Bush. Speeches are mainly text and draft copies
maintained by the Press Office, ranging in date from 1994 to 1996 and 1998
with the bulk dating 1995-1996. Included are copies of Bush's 1995 inaugural
and state of the state addresses. Bush spoke at commencement ceremonies,
chambers of commerce and association meetings, committee meetings, Boys' and
Girls' State, and political fund-raisers. Speeches focus on subjects such as
children's advocacy, juvenile justice, education, tax relief, and
relationships with Mexico. Included with some of the speeches are
annotations, background information, newspaper clippings, press copies,
talking points, and press releases. Additional speeches can be found in the
series
These records are arranged chronologically by date of speech.
None.
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
(Identify the item), Speeches, Press Office speech files, Records, Texas Governor George W. Bush. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Sherry Severson, October 2003
Major responsibilities of the Press Office for Texas Governor George W. Bush included writing speeches and collecting information on possible speech topics for the Governor and the First Lady. Records include newspaper clippings, audiocassette tapes, videocassette tapes, and a few photographs covering major speeches presented by Texas Governor George W. Bush, 1995-1999. Records consist mainly of copies of newspaper clippings and audiocassettes maintained by the Governor's Press Office. Dates on folder titles are dates of the speeches; newspaper clippings can date either the day before or the day after the speech. Included is a videotape of Bush's 1995 inaugural address and audiocassette tapes of his 1995 and 1997 state of the state addresses. Subjects include such issues as children's advocacy, educational reform, and environmental concerns. Most folders include a checklist indicating the contents of each file such as daily clippings, TPA (Texas Press Association clippings), audiocassettes and/or videotapes. Text copies of speeches are not included in this series.
These records are arranged in reverse chronological order by date of speech.
None.
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
To obtain equipment needed to view the videotapes, or listen to the audiocassettes, please contact the Preservation Officer.
Researchers must wear cotton gloves when handling photographs.
(Identify the item and cite the series), Major speech information, Press Office speech files, Records, Texas Governor George W. Bush. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Sherry Severson, February 2004
Major responsibilities of the Press Office for Texas Governor George W. Bush included writing speeches and collecting background information to inform possible speech topics for the Governor and the First Lady. Records are clippings, articles, press releases, printed material, memoranda, correspondence, lists, brochures, charts, proclamations, reports, grant information, speeches, fact sheets, talking points, legislative bills, a transcript, plans and proposals, agenda, an executive order, drafts, maps, newsletters, resume, forms, studies, an event program, briefing material, and policy statements, compiled by the Governor's Press Office for use in preparing speeches, press releases, and other materials for Texas Governor George W. Bush. Materials date 1994-1999, undated, with the bulk dating 1998-1999. Subjects include agriculture, appointments, criminal justice, economy, education, environment, relations with Mexico and other countries, military, health and human services, and welfare reform.
These files are grouped somewhat alphabetically by broad topic. One folder filed at the end covers a variety of subjects.
Because of the possibility that portions of these records fall under Public Information Act exceptions including, but not limited to agency memoranda (552.111), an archivist must review these records before they can be accessed for research. The records may be requested for research under the provisions of the Public Information Act (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter 552). The researcher may request an interview with an archivist or submit a request by mail, fax, or email including enough description and detail about the information requested to enable the archivist to accurately identify and locate the information requested. If our review reveals information that may be excepted by the Public Information Act, we are obligated to seek an open records decision from the Attorney General on whether the records can be released. The Public Information Act allows the Archives ten working days after receiving a request to make this determination. The Attorney General has 45 working days to render a decision. Alternately, the Archives can inform you of the nature of the potentially excepted information and if you agree, that information can be redacted or removed and you can access the remainder of the records.
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
(Identify the item), Background information, Press Office speech files, Records, Texas Governor George W. Bush. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Tonia J. Wood, January 2005
Major responsibilities of the Press Office for Texas Governor George W. Bush included writing speech introductions, biographical sketches, and responding to correspondents for the Governor and the First Lady. Records are speeches, newspaper clippings, magazine articles, biographical sketches, correspondence, memos, lists, a transcript, a birth certificate, and introductions, concerning Texas Governor George W. Bush. Materials, dating 1986, 1989-2000, with the bulk dating 1995-2000, were gathered by the Governor's Press Office to prepare biographical sketches, introductions to speeches, and responses to correspondents. A wide variety of information about Bush is contained in these files, including a chronology of events in his life, clothing sizes, accomplishments, residences, a recounting of his military service by a fellow National Guardsman, favorite things, his children's education, and his testimony of faith. A small amount of material concerns Barbara Bush and Jeb Bush, mother and brother to the governor. Correspondents include publishers, students, associations, family, friends, and members of the public.
These records are arranged in the order in which they were received.
Because of the possibility that portions of these records fall under Public Information Act exceptions including, but not limited to email addresses (552.137) and privacy (552.101), an archivist must review these records before they can be accessed for research. The records may be requested for research under the provisions of the Public Information Act (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter 552). The researcher may request an interview with an archivist or submit a request by mail, fax, or email including enough description and detail about the information requested to enable the archivist to accurately identify and locate the information requested. If our review reveals information that may be excepted by the Public Information Act, we are obligated to seek an open records decision from the Attorney General on whether the records can be released. The Public Information Act allows the Archives ten working days after receiving a request to make this determination. The Attorney General has 45 working days to render a decision. Alternately, the Archives can inform you of the nature of the potentially excepted information and if you agree, that information can be redacted or removed and you can access the remainder of the records.
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
(Identify the item), Biographical and family information, Press Office speech files, Records, Texas Governor George W. Bush. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Tonia J. Wood, January 2005