(This legislative update has been assembled by the UH System Office of Governmental Relations and edited by the UH Office of University Relations as a service to the UH System community.)
Because of the state inaugural events and the state holiday, the first two weeks of the legislative session have been abbreviated. They have not, however, lacked in productivity. The Senate Finance Committee has already begun hearings. The UH System presentation is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Monday, February 5. UH System Board of Regents Chairman Gary L. Rosenthal and UH System Chancellor Arthur K. Smith will present the system's case accompanied by Presidents William Staples UH-Clear Lake), Max Castillo (UH-Downtown), and Karen Haynes, (UH-Victoria). The committee intends to hear from all higher education institutions in two days.
Anticipating the debate that always accompanies a redistricting session, House Speaker Pete Laney issued his committee appointments weeks earlier than usual. With very few changes in the committee rosters, area legislators continue to hold key assignments. Rep. Peggy Hamric (R-Houston), a new appointment to the Appropriations Committee, will join these returning members on the committee: Reps. Talmadge Heflin (R-Houston), Garnet Coleman (D-Houston), Jessica Farrar (D-Houston), Sylvester Turner (D-Houston), Scott Hochberg (D-Houston) Kyle Janek (R-Houston) and Craig Eiland (D-Galveston). Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston), dean of the delegation, joins Reps. Heflin, Danburg, Dutton and Turner on the powerful Calendars Committee. Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) returns to the Higher Education Committee. President Pro Tempore of the House, Representative Tom Uher (D-Bay City) returns to that committee after a several-year absence.
The House Appropriations Committee will have an organizational meeting on Monday, January 22. They intend to operate through standing subcommittees again this session. There will be a new chair for the Education subcommittee because Rep. Henry Cuellar resigned to become Secretary of State. The leadership hopes to name the subcommittees next week so that they can begin work the following week.
The University of Houston joined A&M, Texas Tech, the University of North Texas and the University of Texas in presenting the Research Roadshow at the Capitol. Sen. John Whitmire joined UH President Arthur K. Smith at a luncheon to kick off the event. In the afternoon, students met with legislators to explain the importance of research in their academic careers.
Also this week, Rep. Hamric was elected chair of the Harris County Delegation. Rep. Joe Moreno was elected vice chair and UH alumna Rep. Beverly Woolley was elected as secretary/treasurer.
Be sure to mark your calendars for February 20...UH System Day at the Capitol! Click here <http://www.uh.edu/alumni/involved/catscalendar.html>.for more information and to sign up to attend this CATS-sponsored free event that includes a bus trip to and from Austin, lunch, meetings with legislators, and a reception
Guidelines for Contacting Legislators
It's important that legislators hear from faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the UH System. But if you are a member of the faculty or staff (a state employee) wishing to contact your legislator, it's equally important to follow certain guidelines when you write or fax letters. Go to <http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/gov/process/letter_writing.html>. for letter-writing guidelines.
For information on governmental relations policies, go to <http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/gov/policies/lobbying.html>.
To find the names and addresses of U.S. Senators and Congressmen/women, go to <http://www.usfronline.com/congress.htm>
To find the names and addresses of Texas Senators and Representatives, go to <http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members.htm>, or <http://www.house.state.tx.us/house/byzip.htm>.