STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
January 26, 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.)
APPROPRIATIONS BILL OFFICIALLY FILED IN SENATE
The Legislative Budget Board released their proposed appropriations bill this week. It has been officially filed as SB 1 in the Senate. Once the committees are appointed in the House, it will be filed as HB 1 in that chamber.
The proposal establishes a much better starting place than in previous sessions. They did not institute the ten percent budget reductions that had been requested before the session. The formula numbers include increases for enrollment growth (where applicable), full funding for tuition revenue bonds and the statutorily dictated increase for the Higher Education Fund.
The beginning state surplus of approximately $14.5 billion is effectively reduced to only $2.5 billion by the spending in this bill. Obviously there are many other significant demands for these funds including health and human services, corrections, children’s health insurance, parks and wildlife, and public schools. Early estimates for funding of these services exceed $4.5 billion. However, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst has said that he would like to provide a substantial increase in formula funding for higher education if it will result in a slow-down of tuition increases.
UH SYSTEM TO TESTIFY BEFORE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Senate Finance Committee begins meeting the week of January 29 on SB 1. Article III, which provides funding for public and higher education is always the last to be considered. The hearing for all University of Houston System institutions will be on Tuesday morning, February 13.
By law, the Governor may prepare and submit a general appropriations bill to the Legislature. For decades—and if memory serves correctly—since Gov. Clements’ first term, this document has been simply a policy document, without detailed appropriations or riders. Suspending that custom, Gov. Perry is preparing a complete bill. He is scheduled to present the “State of the State” address to the legislature on February 6 when full details will be revealed. At this time, he plans to release his higher education recommendations next Thursday, prior to releasing the other sections.
Speaker Craddick had indicated the he would make House committee assignments yesterday, yet he did not. Typically those assignments are announced at the end of the week in order to allow dissatisfied members a few days to cool off over the weekend. Committee assignments are always the subject of great secrecy but it is widely assumed that Rep. Warren Chisum will be the new leader of the Appropriations Committee. It is, of course, safe to assume that Rep. Geanie Morrison will retain her position as Chair of the Higher Education Committee as will Calendars Committee Chair Beverly Woolley.
Having safely come through liver transplant surgery, Sen. Mario Gallegos has filed a bill authorizing tuition revenue bonds for a building to house the Center for Mexican American Studies at the University of Houston.
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.
