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Howdy, Advocates!
If you have signed up to receive this newsletter, I bet you and I have at least a few things in common — a love for all things Texas A&M; an interest in government and politics; and a desire to help create the best opportunities for current and future Aggies.
How did I do? It's these affinities that make November one of my favorite months. In addition to the cooler temperatures, it provides time with loved ones, elections, Aggie football, and Pass It Back Day!
In just one week, we will celebrate Pass It Back Day, The Association of Former Students' annual day of giving to support the Aggie Network. This day provides a chance to hear from current and former students on how the Aggie Network has impacted them, and how to ensure it stays strong for future Aggies. For 2021, we have set a goal of 5,000 gifts in 24 hours!
In the latest issue of Texas Aggie, Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks notes the role that former students and donors play in the success of the university. “Donations to Texas A&M, especially from our former students and The Association of Former Students, are key to achieving success,” said President Banks. "Donations for Aggie Ring scholarships, student programs, Aggie Band travel, and numerous other efforts make a big difference in not only the lives of students, but also allow us to stretch our state and federal dollars." (Read our full interview with Dr. Banks here.)
Texas A&M depends on these state and federal funds to educate the next generation, but we are facing ever-growing competition for these limited resources. We are appreciative of a recent investment from the 87th Legislature — read more about this below! But most of all, we appreciate you for your time and gifts that help The Association provide support for Texas A&M.
The leadership and financial support of Aggies who went before us helped pave the way for our experiences as students in Aggieland. We hope you will consider taking part in this year's event — bookmark tx.ag/PassItBackDay to stay informed on donation challenges, matching gift opportunities, and more!
Then, come back here to catch up on the Third Special Session, election news, and the latest changes in the legislature. Thank you for your time and your support!
In the Aggie Spirit,
Miranda Henderson ′09
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Third Special Session Wrap-Up
The Third Special Session of the 87th Legislature adjourned on Oct. 19, after completing a number of items called by the governor.
The new maps for the Texas House, Texas Senate, and U.S. House have been signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. Judicial challenges notwithstanding, these maps will be used in the 2022 elections and the districts will formally take effect when the 88th Legislature and the 118th Congress begin in January 2023. You can find interactive maps at the links below:
A late addition to the agenda cleared the way for the legislature to issue revenue bonds for capital construction projects on college campuses. SB 52 authorized $3.35 billion in Capital Construction Assistance projects ( previously termed as tuition revenue bonds) for Texas higher education institutions. Funded from the federal COVID-19 relief funds allocated to Texas, SB 52 marked the first time the legislature has authorized such projects since 2015. The Texas A&M University System received $727.4 million, or 22 percent of the total authorization. This includes:
- $56 million for Texas A&M University to fund a new clinical teaching and research complex for the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- $34 million for Texas A&M University at Galveston to fund new engineering classrooms and research laboratories.
Chancellor John Sharp ′72 thanked our state leaders, including House Appropriations Chair Greg Bonnen ′88, for this important investment in higher education. Read his full statement here.
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John C. Otto ′70 Honored as Distinguished Alumnus
At the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Gala, 15 recipients were recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a former student of Texas A&M University. Among the 2021 recipients was John C. Otto ′70, who served represented District 18 in the Texas House of Representatives for six terms. In 2017, the Texas A&M Advocacy Network honored Otto with the Olin "Tiger" Teague ′32 Award in recognition of his government service.
Accepting the award was his widow, Nancy Otto, pictured above with Porter S. Garner III ′79, President and CEO of The Association of Former Students; Dr. Kathy Banks, President of Texas A&M University; and Pat C. Beaird ′83, Chair of the Board of The Association of Former Students.
Learn more about Otto and the other recipients of this distinct honor, which has been awarded to only 306 of Texas A &M's more than 533,700 former students, here.
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It's Election Day!
Various statewide and local elections are being held today, Nov. 2, around the country. Some of these are special elections to fill vacant seats, while others are regularly planned elections scheduled for odd-numbered years.
In Texas, all voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on a number of constitutional amendments. You can find the full text of these amendments, along with some additional explanatory information for each, at the Texas Secretary of State's website. Finally, a number of local elections around the state and nation, as well as statewide elections for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, will conclude today.
Voting is the most important way that you can participate in our government. If you have elections in your area today, be sure to make your voice heard!
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Rep. Brian Harrison ′04 sworn into office
On Oct. 12, we welcomed the newest member of the Aggie Caucus in the Texas House of Representatives. Brian Harrison ′04 was sworn in as the representative for House District 10, bringing us to 25 Aggies serving as members of the Texas Legislature, in addition to countless Aggie staffers.
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Legislative Retirement Tracker
Last month, we listed the 10 Texas House and two Texas Senate members who had announced plans to not seek reelection. The newest additions to the retirement list include:
- HD-38, Eddie Lucio III
- HD-73, Kyle Biedermann
- HD-122, Lyle Larson ′81
- HD-127, Dan Huberty
- HD-133, Jim Murphy
- SD-31, Kel Seliger
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ICYMI at TAMU
A round-up of the headlines from Aggieland this month:
- Record enrollment numbers continue at Texas A&M - Texas A&M Today
- Astros' Brooks Raley, Braves' A.J. Minter have Texas A&M in common - Houston Chronicle (paywall)
- Texas A&M veterinary hospital plays major role in saving Woodway K9's life - KBTX
- Party like it's 1876 - The Battalion
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