STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
January 23, 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.)
BOARD CHAIRMAN, THREE REGENTS ATTEND INAUGURATION
Although an ice storm effectively shut down Austin for three days, Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst were sworn in on Tuesday, January 9, and celebrated at the Inaugural Ball that evening. UH System Board of Regents Chairman Leroy Hermes and Regents Lynden Rose, Calvin Stephens and Welcome Wilson attended the inaugural festivities and had the opportunity to meet with a number of legislators and state leaders.
DEWHURST ANNOUNCES SENATE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Late last Friday evening, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst announced the appointment of Senate committees. There were very few changes from the current line-up. All current chairmen retained their seats. Three area legislators, Sens. John Whitmire, Kyle Janek and Tommy Williams, will serve once again on Finance. Freshman Sen. Dan Patrick was appointed to the Higher Education Subcommittee along with Sen. Williams. Sen. Janek is the Chairman of the Emerging Technologies Subcommittee and is Vice Chairman of the Education Committee. Sen. Mike Jackson is Chair of the Nominations Committee. Newly elected Sen. Glenn Hegar will serve with him on the Committee.
Sen. Whitmire, who is Dean of the Senate and was recently honored by the University of Houston as a Distinguished Alumnus, will once again chair the Criminal Justice Committee. Sen. Rodney Ellis was reappointed chair of the Government Organization Committee. Sen. Mario Gallegos was appointed chair of the new Subcommittee on Flooding and Evacuations. See a complete list of committees.
Complete information and bill text for all legislation
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.
