STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

January 11, 2005

(This legislative update has been assembled by the UH System Office of Governmental Relations and edited by the UH Division of University Advancement as a service to the UH System community.)

---

INTERIM COMMITTEE
REPORTS ADOPTED

All of the interim committee reports have now been adopted. As most of you know quite well, the subject of higher education was examined deeply and discussed widely by a number of legislative committees. This resulted in over 150 recommendations for legislative action.

Many of the suggestions concern financial aid, particularly the consolidation of existing programs. Some of the suggestions, such as establishing an accountability system, are addressed in reports from three different committees and have already been implemented.

We would draw your particular attention to several recommendations:

• The Joint Committee recommended fully funding existing Tuition Revenue Bond debt service.
• The Finance Committee recommended discontinuing the TRB process. They suggest using HEF and PUF funds for capital projects and further recommended an increase in HEF.
• All three committee recommending full funding for the Research Development Fund (Tier One) and restoration of the vetoed funding.
• The Finance Committee recommended that the Legislature create a mechanism for reviewing and rescinding excessive tuition increase.

UH SYSTEM DAY IN AUSTIN

Following a tradition started in 1998, hundreds of UH System students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends will converge on the State Capitol building Tuesday, February 8, 2005, to advocate for our four universities during “UH System Day in Austin.”

Sponsored by the Houston Alumni Organization and CATs (Cougar Advocates for Texas), this year’s visit to legislators has been themed “Meet the Future of Texas,” with emphasis being placed on increased student participation.

“We have always had a strong student support,” said Grover Campbell, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations, “but this year we would like to see even more students making the rounds and meeting our state representatives and senators.”

Approximately 400 UH System folks are expected to sign up for the day-long activities. The event is free, but be reminded that faculty and staff cannot participate “on company time.” As state employees, they must take a day off.

You may register by going to the “Calendar/Event Registration” section on the Houston Alumni Organization’s web page or by calling Amy Bailey at 713-743-0828.

This year the orientation segment will take place in Houston, not in Austin as in previous years. Below is the schedule of events:

8 a.m. – Registration, orientation, and kickoff, O’Quinn Great Hall at the Athletics/Alumni Center on the UH campus.
9 a.m. – Buses depart for Austin, lunch served.
Noon – Arrival at State Capitol building, visit House and Senate chambers.
1:30 p.m. – Participants fan out throughout building and visit legislators’ offices.
4:30 p.m. – Visits conclude, board buses for reception, location to be determined.
5:30 p.m. – Reception honoring legislators.
7:30 p.m.– Buses depart Austin and return to Houston.
10:30 p.m. – Buses arrive at Athletics/Alumni Center on UH campus.

For complete information on all UH System governmental activities, how to get involved, updates, legislative agenda, etc., please visit our 79^th Legislature web site.

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.

Information on governmental relations policies

Find the names and addresses of Texas Senators and Representatives