We are now more than halfway through the 140-day Texas Legislative Session. This is when the pace really picks up!
Both the House and Senate have spent a great deal of time preparing their versions of the state’s budget in committee, and today, Thursday, April 6, is House budget night. This is generally a long night of debate, and with more than 380 proposed amendments to the budget filed, the week is sure to spur hours and hours of debate.
It is worth noting that the House version of the budget as it stands contains a significant increase in formula funding for public universities.
Another key legislation item we are following closely is SB 25, a lieutenant governor priority bill that would establish a new a nursing scholarship and allow more individuals to qualify for the nursing faculty loan forgiveness program. UTA College of Nursing and Health Innovation Dean Beth Merwin was invited to testify as a resource witness on this legislation, which has since passed the Senate and is now eligible for consideration by the House.
Coincidentally, Dean Merwin’s testimony occurred on the same date as UTA Day at the Capitol! This year’s event was bigger than ever, with more than 100 student ambassadors representing the University. Our students received accolades from several legislators and legislative staffers during and after the event.
Our office is also closely tracking legislation by Sen. Brandon Creighton that would eliminate tenure as well as his bill regarding DEI. In addition, HB 1595 creating the Texas University Fund was recently heard in the House Higher Education Committee and is expected to pass committee soon. While UTA would not be eligible for this fund, some on campus may be interested to follow the bill’s progress.
Thank you for your interest in UTA Legislative Updates, and please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime we can be a resource.
Thank you for your dedication to UTA, and Go Mavs!
UTA Government Relations