STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
February 2, 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.)
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES MAJOR HIGHER EDUCATION PLAN
Yesterday, UH System Chancellor Jay Gogue and Regents Leroy Hermes, chairman of the board, and Welcome Wilson and Lynden Rose attended Gov. Rick Perry’s press conference announcing his higher education funding proposal. This major initiative includes four major elements:
- An incentive-based performance funding system structured to encourage higher graduation rates and performance
- A restructured financial aid system
- Alternative nursing programs
- Reformatting of appropriations funding patterns and repeal of lump-sum funding for higher education.
The Governor proposes placing $350.2 million into the new incentive funding system which would be allocated based on two outcomes: increasing the number of graduates (weighted for at-risk students and critical fields) and exit exams for baccalaureate graduates.
Among other things, the financial aid proposal consolidates three existing programs into a new Tuition Assistance Grant, which would be awarded to students who show need and have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher in the recommended or distinguished high school programs. Under Gov. Perry’s proposal, the B-on-Time forgivable loan program would receive a boost in funding from $20.7 million to $405.3 million. A new $43.7 million Texas Technology Grant program would be created for engineering and computer science students. The changes in financial aid would be phased in.
Sen. Kirk Watson, a new member from Austin, told the Austin Business Journal this week that he believed that Texas needs more nationally recognized flagship universities and is considering filing legislation to that end. Read his observations on the matter.
SPEAKER ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Late last Friday evening Speaker Tom Craddick announced committee assignments. As anticipated, Rep. Warren Chisum was named Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Area Reps. Sylvester Turner, John Davis, and Lois Kolkhorst were reappointed to the committee. They will be joined by Reps. Rick Noriega, Corbin Van Arsdale, Alma Allen, Debbie Riddle, and Larry Taylor, all from Harris County.
Rep. Geanie Morrison retains her post as Chairman of the Higher Education Committee. Rep. Beverly Woolley will continue her leadership roll as Chairman of the Calendars Committee. Reps. Van Arsdale, Elkins, Turner and Taylor join her as members of this key committee.
Eight other area members will chair House committees: Rep. Wayne Smith, County Affairs Committee; Rep. Dennis Bonnen, Environmental Regulation Committee; Rep. Bill Callegari, Government Reform Committee; Rep. Harold Dutton, Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee; Rep. Charlie Howard, Local and Consent Calendars Committee; Rep. Rob Eissler, Public Education Committee; Rep. Joe Crabb, Redistricting Committee; and Rep. Kevin Bailey, Urban Affairs Committee.
This afternoon, Chairman Chisum announced the subcommittees for the Appropriations Committee. Rep. Lois Kolkhorst will again serve as chair of the Education Subcommittee and will be joined by Reps. Dan Branch, Fred Brown, Myra Crownover, Ruth Jones McClendon, and John Otto. They are wasting no time getting to work. The draft agenda calls for UH System universities to appear before the subcommittee next Friday.
SEN. GALLEGOS RECOVERING, THANKS UH SYSTEM WELL-WISHERS
Finally, Sen. Mario Gallegos, who is recovering from a liver transplant, called today sounding vibrant and strong. He wants everyone to know that can’t wait to return to Austin to support Houston and the University of Houston System. He said that he deeply appreciates the prayers from his friends throughout the UH System.
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 are invited to participate through the alumni groups at all four UH System universities.
Don't miss your opportunity to board the Cougar Express for UH System Day in Austin. Seating is limited and reservations are required. See a complete schedule of events, sign up information, and how to sponsor a student.
