OFFICE OF GOVERNOR WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. October 16, 1981 For immediate release: Governor Bill Clements today announced that Houston attorney Adele Hedges will chair the newly created Task Force on Equal Opportunities for Warren and Minorities. The 25-member committee will examine current state laws and practices which affect women and minorities. It will be responsible for identifying problem areas and providing recommendations to the Governor on or before January 1, 1983. "Adele Hedges has long been aware of the problems women face in the work force," said Governor Clements. "I am proud to have her as the Chairman of this very important task force." In 1978, only 29 Percent of the work force was made up of minorities. Wtmen made up 40 percent of the work force. The Governor added that he expects the task force to identify the barriers to equal employment and identify the actions needed by the Governor or the Legislature to remove those barriers. "Texas is a good place to work," said Governor Clements, "and we need to keep it that way. People should not be kept out of the work force because of their race or their sex and I expect this task force to let me know what I can do and what the Legislature can do to correct any problems." The task force members will be appointed bv the Governor and will be volunteering their time , serving without compensation and at their own expense.