The Lt. Governor and others are now speculating publicly about a special session on the budget. Thursday, the Comptroller indicated that she might reduce the revenue estimate by $300 million if certain bills are not passed. Additionally, she is concerned that franchise taxes might come in under estimates due to reduced economic activity in the state. Revenues will not be known until May 21, one week before the legislative session ends. Tensions in the conference committee, as well as on the floor of the Senate and House, are high. Such emotions are common this time of the session but are surely exacerbated by redistricting, which will be considered in the House on Monday.
The conference committee on the appropriations bill continues to meet and may make a few decisions on education before they work on higher education, which is still scheduled for Monday (May 7). However, consequent to the comptroller’s announcement, they announced that even though they had completed most agencies, all issues were back on the table. They have not resolved many other large issues including teacher insurance, employee pay raises and Medicaid.
The first significant end-of-session rules are looming. Next Thursday is the last day that the full House may consider House bills on second reading on the general calendar. They will probably work until the midnight deadline. Next Friday is the last day for any bill to be reported from a Senate committee. Fortunately, three bills of great importance to higher education passed the House this week: HB 1839, the Texas Excellence Fund; HB 658, the tuition revenue bond bill and HB 2531, the stair-step tuition bill.
Other legislation of interest:
--SB 358 by Bivins, requiring that the recommended college curriculum be the default high school curriculum, has been reported from House committee.
--SB 1641 by Ellis, authorizing an increase in law and pharmacy tuition, has passed the Senate.
--HB 1545 by Uher, reducing administrative and regulatory burdens for higher education, has been sent to the Governor.
--HB 1641 by Rangel, outlining certain criteria, which may be considered for admission to graduate programs, has been reported from Senate committee.
--HB 1127 by Rangel, providing for contracting procedures for certain faculty, has been reported from Senate committee.
--HB 3699 by Ritter, providing for the allocation of HEAF funds, is on the House consent calendar Saturday.
Remember to watch Capitol Report on KUHT Sundays at 3 p.m. after it resumes airing the first week of April.
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>.