STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
February 9, 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.)
BUSY SCHEDULE FOR UH SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS
UH System Board of Regents Chairman Leroy Hermes and UH System Chancellor Jay Gogue are making presentations on our appropriations request at a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education hearing this morning. They, along with Presidents William Staples, Max Castillo and Tim Hudson, will make similar presentations next Tuesday before the Senate Finance Committee.
On Monday, Chancellor Gogue will speak before the House Higher Education Committee regarding access, affordability, and accountability in higher education.
Watch House testimonies
Watch Senate testimonies.
GOVERNOR PRESENTS HIS PLAN FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
Gov. Rick Perry presented his “State of the State” address to the legislature on Tuesday. He called for an increase in funding for higher education. His plan includes suggestions for revamping of financial aid programs, a redesign of the higher education formula funding system, and incentive funding based on the number of graduates and performance on exit tests. Find his speech as well as his proposed budget
200 BILLS BEING TRACKED
As one can plainly see, the Legislature is in full swing, with some 200 bills being tracked by the Office of Governmental Relations. The range of topics is quite broad: eminent domain, biomedical research, state holidays, use of state buildings for films, estate law, construction contracts, online posting of university expenditures, faculty compensation, retiree benefits, elimination of sales tax for textbooks, charter schools, contracting with historically underutilized businesses, and open records. Of particular interest are:
- Three bills that would affect deregulated tuition. One caps tuition for students at the rate established as freshman. Another repeals the law unless certain action is taken. The other places a moratorium on increases.
- A bill extending the period of maturity of Higher Education Fund bonds.
- Five bills filed aimed at eliminating resident tuition for certain students born outside the United States.
UH SYSTEM DAY IN AUSTIN APPROACHES
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.
