(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 Tier One legislation, SB 737 by Sen. Rodney Ellis, was reported from the Senate Finance Committee to the full Senate on Thursday, March 1. The bill creates the Texas Excellence Fund for qualifying HEAF institutions. UH System Chancellor Arthur K. Smith and Chancellor John Montford of Texas Tech testified on the bill. Chairman Ellis introduced the bill by saying that it was the most important bill to him this session. Also this week, the Senate confirmed UH System Regents Thad "Bo" Smith, Morgan Dunn O'Connor and Morrie Abramson, who is Board vice chairman.
Rep. Peggy Hamric, chair of the Harris County Delegation, invited Chancellor Smith to brief the delegation on the Texas Excellence Fund legislation. UH System Board of Regents Vice Chairman Morrie K. Abramson and Regents Charles McMahen, Morgan Dunn O'Connor, Theresa Chang, and Thad "Bo" Smith.
The Appropriations Committee plans to "mark-up' Article III, the education portion of the bill, beginning on March 8 and continuing through March 12 and 13. Senate Finance is scheduled to begin our mark-up during the week of the March 12.
The House will probably set its first calendar next week. Friday, March 6, marks the 60th day of this 140-day session. That is the last day that most House bills may be filed. Hundreds are expected to be filed each day before then.
A few other bills of interest:
HB 82 by Gallego, exempting certain sales by student organizations from the sales tax, has been reported from committee in the House.
SB 263 by Ogden, requiring written policies regarding student travel, has been reported from Senate committee.
SB 555 by Ellis, authorizing college savings plans, was reported from the Finance Committee.
SB 573 by Bivins, authorizing a public awareness campaign to promote the value and availability of the higher education, was reported from Senate committee.
Remember to watch Capitol Report on KUHT Sundays at 3 p.m.
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>.