STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

January 12, 2007

(This 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.)

TOM CRADDICK RE-ELECTED AS SPEAKER

The opening day of the session proved to be a long one for the House of Representatives with many delays for procedural discussions with the ultimate re-election of Tom Craddick as Speaker.

With very little fanfare the Senate adopted its rules, had a short session on Wednesday and adjourned until next week. House members are debating and amending their rules of procedure. So far, the most heated debate has centered on an amendment to allow slots on the Appropriations Committee to be filled on a seniority basis. State representatives voted for the status quo – allowing the Speaker to appoint the members.

With the Martin Luther King holiday next Monday and the inauguration of the Governor and Lt. Governor on Tuesday, it will be another short week dominated by ceremony.

It is likely that the House committees will not be appointed for another two weeks. The Lt. Governor has made no indication when he will appoint Senate committees.

UH SYSTEM DAY IN AUSTIN SET FOR FEBRUARY 20

The Houston Alumni Organization’s Cougar Advocates for Texas (CATs) has set February 20 as UH System Day at the Capitol. Alumni, students, faculty and other supporters will be invited to participate through the alumni groups at all four UH System universities.