(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.)
The legislature is now in full swing. Earlier this week, the House Appropriations subcommittees were released and Rep. Scott Hochberg (D-Houston) was named chair. Reps. Diane Delisi (R-Temple), Anna Mowery (R-Fort Worth), Helen Giddings (D-Dallas) and Roberto Guitierrez (D-McAllen) will serve on the panel.
Late Thursday, Jan. 25, we were given the schedule for the Subcommittee. Instead of structuring the hearings around systems, the subcommittee has grouped institutions by function. They will begin institution testimony on Tuesday, Jan. 30, with the health related institutions, followed by system administrations. On Wednesday, they will hear from general academic institutions.
A few bills of particular interest:
HB 35 by McClendon, relating to the meeting of a governmental body held by videoconference call.
HB 51 by Chavez, relating to tuition and fee exemptions for the children of certain professional instructional employees enrolled at a public institution of higher education.
HB 82 by Gallego, relating to an exemption from sales and use taxes for certain taxable items sold by a qualified students organization affiliated with an institutions of higher education.
HB 112 by Rangel, relating to curriculum requirements for admission to general academic teaching institutions and for high school graduation.
HB 152 by F. Brown, relating to tuition charged at state institutions of higher education for a summer term or session.
HB 324 by D. Ellis, relating to exempting textbooks for university and college courses from the sales tax.
HB 658 by Junell, relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for certain public institutions of higher education. This is a "shell" bill that will ultimately be used for any tuition revenue bonds that the legislature determines to fund.
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>.