STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

July 8, 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.)

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SENATE APPROPRIATES $110 MILLION
FOR DEBT SERVICE FOR NEW TUITION REVENUE BONDS;
GOVERNOR HAS YET TO INCLUDE TRBs IN THIS SESSIONŐS DEBATE

This afternoon, July 8, the Senate passed SB 6 which includes financing for public schools and two items of interest to the University of Houston System. Although the Governor has not yet included tuition revenue bonds in the call, the Senate appropriated $110 million for debt service for new bonds. Authority for specific projects must be authorized in separate legislation. They also included a provision that allows UH to collect payment on outstanding vouchers from the Texas Department of Health Services.

The Governor expanded the call of the session to include eminent domain legislation.

The Senate will meet Sunday afternoon, July 10, to consider HB 3, the property tax/revenue legislation. The House has adjourned until Monday, July 11. Last Wednesday marked the half-way point of the 30-day special session.

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