(This legislative update is produced by the UH System Office of Governmental Relations and the UH Division of University Advancement as a service to the UH System community, our alumni, and our friends.)
With six busloads of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the institution, UH System Day in Austin on February 18 was a big success. The day was noted with the passage of congratulatory resolutions in the House and the Senate. The House also passed a resolution honoring UH System Chancellor and UH President Arthur K. Smith. Board of Regents Chairman Gene McDavid, Vice Chairman Morgan O'Connor, and Regents Leroy Hermes, Mike Cemo, Raul Gonzalez, and Bo Smith participated in the events and also met with Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, House Speaker Tom Craddick, and other members of the legislature.
On Wednesday, Regent O'Connor, Chancellor Smith, UH-Clear Lake President William Staples, UH-Downtown President Max Castillo and UH-Victoria Provost Don Smith testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. The committee complimented Dr. Smith on his testimony and requested that a copy be provided to all of the members of the committee. His testimony can be found at http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/gov/state/78/testimony/smith_030219.html. Regent O'Connor's testimony can be found at http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/gov/state/78/testimony/oconnor_030219.html.
The Subcommittee will complete institutional testimony today and begin marking-up the bill Tuesday. They are scheduled to complete mark-up by March 7. The mark-up sessions will begin at 7 a.m. each day.
UH System testimony before the Senate Finance Committee is tentatively scheduled for March 5.
Two UH System institutions held special events February 21. At UH-Clear Lake, Sen. Mike Jackson participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Student Services and Classroom Building. In Sugar Land, U.S. Congressman Tom DeLay helped dedicate the new UH Fort Bend Small Business Development Center.
Other hearings of interest:
Today8:30 a.m. House Government Reform will hear testimony from the university systems regarding their structure and functions
10 a.m. House Land and Resource Management will consider HB 783 requiring public hearings on land obtained under eminent domain
2:30 p.m. House Higher Education will take testimony on HB 484 regarding automatic admission to graduate school programs
Tuesday8:30 a.m. House Government Reform will take testimony from the Comptroller's Office and others regarding streamlining government functions.
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http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/house/broadcast.htm
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