| TACT Home | Leadership Directory | Media Relations | Legislative Info | First Alerts | TX Gov't Links |
| About TACT | Conferences | Members Only | eBulletin | Join TACT Now! | E-mail Us |
Texas Association of College
Teachers
Serving Educators Since 1948
December 22 - The State Auditor's Office has reported that the Teacher Retirement System's obligations are growing faster than its assets...
December 15 - ...Fort Worth Star-Telegram quoted from the TACT Quarterly eBulletin...
November 18 - The Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education met this morning to hear invited testimony...
November 14 - Companies not included in ORP/TDA Study...
November 5 - Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick has released his charges for the House Interim Committees.
November 5 - TSEU solicitations at home
November 3 - Joint Interim Committee Organizational Meeting Concluded
October 20 - Joint Interim Committee Organizational Meeting
September 29 - Committee Updates
June 25 - Faculty Retirement Rules to Change
June 23 - Governor signs ORP Bill
May 30 - The following was received by TACT from an individual opposed to the elimination ...
May 27 - The Senate today passed HB 264, the Rep. Fred Brown legislation that permits ...
May 22 - House Bill 796, by Delisi, is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee ...
May 20 - TACT was the only voice in opposition yesterday ...
May 19 - HB 264 by Representative Fred Brown is the first agenda item scheduled ...
May 15 - TACT President Larry King, flanked by President-elect Jim Puckett and Political Science Professor Dave Castle ...
May 9 - The Texas House of Representatives passed HB 264 last night ...
May 7 - House Bill 264, the Optional Retirement Program legislation carried by Representative Fred Brown at TACT's request ...
April 30 - TACT News Conference at the Capitol - May 14, 2003
April 25 - TACT Executive Director Chuck Hempstead testified Thursday night ...
April 23 - Community Colleges to Offer Baccalaureate Degrees?
April 16 - TACT Executive Director Chuck Hempstead attended the Employee Retirement System Board of Trustees Meeting ...
April 11 - According to the website of the Employee Retirement System ...
April 10 - House Bill 1376, by Rep. David Farabee, may be considered again Monday ...
April 7 - Pensions and Investments Committee reported H.B. 264 favorably ...
March 25 - TACT President Larry King testified Monday on two bills ...
March 18 - The Honorable Irma Rangel...died this morning of cancer...
March 13 - TACT Executive Director Chuck Hempstead testified before the House Appropriation Committee...
March 6 - TACT to coordinate responses to proposed 12+% cuts in higher education...
March 5 - HB264 Legislation Hearing Scheduled Monday, March 10 ...
March 3 - Faculty members required to sign waivers of liability...
February 7 - Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Educations...
January 29 - Senate Finance convened today...
January 24 - state legislative leadership team has sent a letter to all state agencies asking...
January 20 - Lt. Governor-elect David Dewhurst appoints Senate Committees...
January 16 - The Chronicle of Higher Education reports...
January 14 - ...analysis of the Legislative Session...
Referring to TACT Board Member Robert Nelsen, the paper reported, "One college professor writing in the online bulletin of the Texas Association of College Teachers also questioned whether the forgiveness provision will steer students to easier classes to keep up their gradepoints or cause them to blame their instructors if they fall below a B and don't avoid repaying thousands of dollars."
Later in the editorial, citing some official rethinking of the program, the paper says, "Refinements may well be in order when the Legislature reconvenes in 2005."
Interestingly, as the hearing began, several Republican legislators echoed the concerns of a November 14 letter from Lt. Governor Dewhurst to committee members expressing his concern that tuition increases would limit college accessibility, and asked the committee "as soon as possible to review accountability, affordability, and accessibility at our public universities." He concludes with, "As we move forward, we must be able to work together with our fine public universities to answer this fundamental question: How can we ensure the highest quality higher educational opportunities at affordable costs for the next generation of parents and students in Texas?"
As discussed at the recent TACT Conference, the legislators' commitment to increased tuition in order to make up for general fund cut-backs may be waning. Nevertheless, the UT Board of Regents voted later in the day to increase tuition once they were assured that increased financial aid would be made available.
During the recent TACT Board Meeting, it was decided to ask TACT members to contact their ORP company representatives indicating the important service TACT provides with these annual comparisions, and the value of having their company included.
You may also wish to remind your representative that cost-effective sponorships are available through the TACT eBulletin by calling 512-873-7404.
1. Review the efficiency of Texas' financial assistance programs and the methods used to disseminate financial assistant information.
2. Review the effectiveness of developmental education. Evaluate the current method of adminstration at Texas' two-year and four-year institutions of higher learning.
3. Examine eligibility criteria and definitions relating to admissions and access to financial assistance at Texas' institutions of higher education, as they relate to mobile students and to students who obtain non-traditional secondary education.
4. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of legislation passed in the 78th Legislature.
During the most recent Legislative Session, TACT representatives approached TSEU to discuss issues in which we might combine efforts to better represent public employees. Not only were we told that they didn't see any opportunities for a coalition, and didn't care to address our Board about the issue, they were carrying charts into legislative offices which showed how much better higher education had been treated vis a vis other state employees during the appropriations process over the past decade. Granted, the $100/month employee raise TSEU takes credit for during 1999 and 2001 is a fraction of the average faculty increase for which TACT successfully lobbied.
In the TSEU brochure, they indicate their top higher ed issue was to "continue our fight to push for elected representation on the TRS Board of Trustees." TRS already has a designated Trustee to represent higher education, and several years ago TACT successfully managed a campaign to elect TACT Past President Mary Alice Baker, who still serves.
In the TSEU brochure, "students will struggle to pay higher tuition," which is exactly why, once again, financial aid was atop TACT's legislative agenda, and the Legislature - again during this difficult biennium - increased the appropriations to the TEXAS Grant.
In the TSEU brochure, they claim 12,000 members. How much influence will several dozen higher ed employees wield as their priorities are set?
In the TSEU brochure, they list six office locations in the state. TACT has chapters at 29 of the 34 four-year institutions across the state.
In the TSEU brochure, they claim "our retirement benefits were cut" as TACT passed HB 264, permitting employer contributions to ORP to rise from 6% of salary to 8.5% - and some number of faculty have already been reclassified to immediately receive that benefit.
In the TSEU brochure, the return postcard provides the option, "I want to join now. Get me a sign-up form as soon as possible." Nowhere is the dues amount listed. However, their website indicates dues of $228 per year for anyone making over $25,000 salary. How's TACT doing as a professional organization with full-time dues of $90 and part-time, retired, and administrative personnel dues of $45?
Thank you for your continuing support of TACT. We know you have choices - we just don't think there's any comparison. Please feel free to share this with anyone who has received the mailing referenced above or is considering joining any professional organization.
The official charges to the committee (abbreviated here) include:
1. Study the organization of administration, operation, public institutions and independent institutions.
2. Study equity and adequacy of funding.
3. Study characteristics of the costs of higher education.
4a. Study the staffing organization of university systems.
4b. Study the functional activities of university systems.
5. Identify opportunities for increased student success.
6. Identify opportunities for funding efficiencies and enhanced productivity.
7. Identify accountability measures and performance incentives.
8. Identify opportunities for changes in university systems to promote efficiency and productivity.
9. Identify opportunities for personnel reductions and other cost savings.
10. Identify opportunities for deregulating institutions of religious education such as seminaries.
The Committee plans to meet again in November (date TBA) to study the state's demographic profile and then monthly in 2004, at least until summer.
At its recent conference, the TACT Board committed to influencing this committee through testimony, correspondence and visits with members in their districts as the results of this committee's work will form the basis for legislative action in 2005.
Members of the committee include: Senators Florence Shapiro (co-char), Kip Averitt, Robert Duncan, Kyle Janek, Royce West, and Judith Zaffirini; Representatives Geanie Morrison, Fred Brown, Tony Goolsby, Roberto Gutierrez, Lois Kolkhorst, and Sylvester Turner; Public Members Martin Basaldua, Jerry Farrington, Jodie Jiles and Robert Shepard.
Previously appointed legislative members of the committee include: Senators Florence Shapiro (co-chair), Robert Duncan, Kip Averitt, Kyle Janek, Royce West and Judith Zaffirini. House Members include: Representatives Geanie Morrison (co-chair), Tony Goolsby, Fred Brown, Roberto Gutierrez, Louis Kolkhorst and Sylvester Turner.
An organizational meeting of the Committee has not been scheduled. Recommendations will be prepared for legislative consideration during the next regular session.
In summary, one may retire with Uniform Group Insurance Program benefits at 65 years of age with 10 years of service or after a combination of age and years of service equals 80 (rule of 80). After August 31 of this year, the option to retire with health benefits at age 55 plus 10 years of service expires.
Additionally, if one retires after August 31, 2003, and does not meet the rule of 80, the minimum 10 years of service requirement must include at least 3, or the full 10, years of employment in a position covered by the Uniform Group Insurance Program, depending upon whether one was hired before or after August 31, 2001, respectively.
This analysis is not guaranteed to be accurate. It is intended to communicate that the rules change for those not retired by the end of this summer. If you think your retirement decisions may be influenced by these changes, please contact your Human Resources Office before it is too late.
The Texas House of Representatives has amended SB286 to include the ‘success initiative’ language from HB796. I am 99.99% percent sure this bill will pass the legislature in some form. There has been a conference committee appointed to work out the house and senate differences. It is VERY important to let the members of the conference committee know your opinion on this legislation. The senate conferees are Eliot Shapleigh (chairman), Kip Averitt, Teel Bivins, Rodney Ellis, and Bill Ratliff. I would recommend calling all you have time to call TODAY. The decision on this bill will likely be made today!!!
Contact information (all area codes are 512)
Shapleigh p 463-0129 fax 463-0129
Averitt p 463-0122 fax 475-3729
Bivins p 463-0131 fax 475-3733
Ellis p 463-0113 fax 463-0006
Ratliff p 463-0101 fax 475-3751
Congratulations to everyone who has been supportive of this measure to provide internal equity among faculty on the campuses as well as providing a recruiting and retention tool for Texas faculty. The challenge now turns to the local budget processes as faculty must become engaged in the efforts to enact this provision in the face of average 1 percent budget reductions.
If you would like to weigh in on this issue, please call the following members of the Education Committee, particularly Senator Royce West.
Florence Shapiro - Chair
(512) 463-0108
Royce West - Vice Chair
(512) 463-0123
Kip Averitt
(512) 463-0712
Kyle Janek
(512) 463-0748
Steve Ogden
(512) 463-0105
Todd Staples
(512) 463-0103
Leticia Van de Putte
(512) 463-0126
Tommy Williams
(512) 463-0550
Judith Zaffarini
(512) 463-0121
Please do not use state property for lobbying purposes.
TACT joined forces with the Texas Community College Teachers Association this morning to testify in support of HB 264 in the Senate Education Committee. It would permit supplemental contributions to the Optional Retirement Program by institutions of higher education. The committee was unable to hold a quorum, so Chair Shapiro announced that the committee would reconvene upon adjournment of the full Senate to vote bills out. It is expected that the bill will receive favorable consideration and be forwarded to the Senate for a floor vote.
Thank you to TACT members who called committee members with your opinions on these issues.
Florence Shapiro - Chair
(512) 463-0108
Royce West - Vice Chair
(512) 463-0123
Kip Averitt
(512) 463-0712
Kyle Janek
(512) 463-0748
Steve Ogden
(512) 463-0105
Todd Staples
(512) 463-0103
Leticia Van de Putte
(512) 463-0126
Tommy Williams
(512) 463-0550
Judith Zaffarini
(512) 463-0121
Please do not use state property for lobbying purposes.
In front of three camera crews and a small audience, Dr. King reiterated TACT's commitment to "Closing the Gaps" and warned of the intellectual and economic threats to our state of reduced legislative appropriations. He complimented the past two state budgets for their investments in higher ed, but warned, "We all understand that Texas is facing serious budget shortfalls, but we should not balance the state budget at the expense of our future."
The Texas House of Representatives passed HB 264 last night - thanks to those who contacted your legislators encouraging their support. You might share this with your ORP participant colleagues showing them that TACT is trying to increase their retirement nestegg in the significant six digits at someone else's investment.
As a reminder, TACT will be making public comments regarding the legislative session and the future of Texas higher education Wednesday, May 14 at noon on the South steps of the Capitol. You are invited to attend.
House Bill 264, the Optional Retirement Program legislation carried by Representative Fred Brown at TACT's request, is scheduled for a vote on the House Floor Thursday, May 8. Because the House Appropriations Committee chairman has delayed the needed amendment to the General Appropriations Act pending success of HB 264, it is important that we contact our legislators immediately in support of HB 264.
Talking points include:
1. It is absolutely discretionary on the part of each institution. It is NOT an unfunded mandate.
2. It would cost the state nothing - the institutional supplement shall be from non-appropriated funds.
3. It provides the opportunity for equity between higher education employees hired before and after Semptember 1, 1995.
4. It enhances faculty recruiting and retention opportunities by allowing up to 8.5% employer retirement contributions, up from the 6% maximum now and near the national average of 9%.
State representatives may be emailed at firstname.lastname@house.state.tx.us.
Telephone numbers may be found at www.capitol.state.tx.us. Please do not use state-owned equipment for lobbying purposes.
Join us at noon on the South Steps of the Capitol on May 14 for a news conference and show of support for higher education funding. TACT President Larry King will introduce State Representative and former college professor Jim McReynolds to express TACT's concern that reduced university appropriations will reverse the progress being made toward "Closing the Gaps."
The timing of the event is scheduled to coincide with the deliberations of the Appropriations Conference Committee, which will be meeting to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate budgets.
We look forward to seeing you and appreciate your continuing commitment to Texas higher education.
TACT Executive Director Chuck Hempstead testified Thursday night at House Higher Education in opposition to House Bill 613 by Castro. It would require universities to use uniform grading methods for each class or section of the same course. Committee Member Dr. Jesse Jones, a professor, questioned the author about the policy and the bill was left pending.
Hempstead registered and was prepared to testify in opposition to HB 2862 by Committee Chair Morrison, which among other things would eliminate the Texas Academic Skills Program. Rumor was that a Committee Substitute was prepared which eliminated the Section on TASP, which is what TACT requested in letters to Committee Members last week. By 10:00 PM, the Chair had not laid out her bill because the Committee passed HB 796 by Delisi to eliminate TASP, which TACT testified against several weeks ago. As during the previous several legislative sessions, TACT will work with the Senate to not concur with the House Bill.
Senate Bill 1500 by Janek would authorize Brazosport College, El Centro College, Midland College, North Harris Montgomery Community College, and South Texas Community College to offer baccalaureate degree programs in the fields of applied science and applied technology as a pilot project. It has been referred to the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education. A companion bill, HB 1544 by Bonnen, was passed by House Higher Education.
TACT has serious concerns about this bill. This bill could be the beginning of a slippery slope leading to community colleges offering any number of baccalaureate degrees.
TACT's Executive Staff will work against this bill and coordinate efforts with TACT's Northeast Regional Vice President Robert Nelsen, who is on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Academic Course Guide Manual Committee that by law determines what courses can and cannot be taught at community colleges.
TACT is the faculty organization that can lobby most effectively against this bill. One Texas faculty organization does not have a full time lobbyist in Austin, and another has a large community college membership that will prevent them from lobbying effectively against this bill.
TACT Executive Director Chuck Hempstead attended the Employee Retirement System Board of Trustees Meeting this morning at which the board voted to change health benefits beginning May 1 in order to save 30 million dollars by the end of the current fiscal year. Another 500 million dollars will be saved (some call it cost shifting to participants) during the next bieneim, though no additional negative benefit changes are expected at this time for the new fiscal year beginning September 1.
TACT was prepared to testify that these negative benefit changes were a defacto compensation decrease and will further damage recruiting and retention efforts needed to "Close the Gaps". The work force issues would have paled in comparison with testimony from state employees and retirees who testified they could not afford the changes or that the changes were putting their health and lives in danger. ERS staff and trustees made it clear that this was an unavoidable policy change due to legislative fiat and the soon-to-be-adopted budget cuts. The Chairman clarified that the investment returns had nothing to do with the health benefits. The medical plan is designed to make the best use of whatever funds the state provides. The primary points of contention include:
Obviously, there was nothing else the ERS staff and board could do. Most of the testimony was that the legislature should appopriate more money to restore the cuts and that would require additional state revenues during this slow economy.
According to the website of the Employee Retirement System, May 1 begins the first-ever mid-year benefit changes in the System's history, necessitated by the state revenue shortfall and ERS needing to cut its budget by $30 million between now and August 31. Changes include increased copayments for doctor and emergency room visits and prescriptions and new copayments for hospital and specialist visits. Other pharmacy changes include generic-only medications if they are available and restrictions on purchasing long-term medications at retail.
ERS has scheduled a series of sessions around the state to explain these changes. If you are interested in attending, see the schedule.
TACT will continue to monitor this and all issues affecting working conditions and benefits to Texas faculty and encourage the Legislature to find the money necessary to prevent such de facto compensation decreases.
House Bill 1376, by Rep. David Farabee, may be considered again Monday in the Pensions and Investments Committee. When first heard, TACT President Larry King testified in support of the bill's efforts to create minimum statewide criteria for the Optional Retirement Program. At TACT's request, an amendment has been included to establish a faculty advisory body to help set the standards.
TACT's information is that some faculty are being sold retirement vehicles that return less money than comparable products sold at other institutions. Please call your state representative in support of HB 1376, as well as the following committee members:
House Pensions and Investments Committee
Allan Ritter, Chair 512-463-0706
Barry Telford, Vice Chair 512-463-0692
Kent Grusendorf 512-463-0624
Trey Matinez Fischer 512-463-0616
Ruth Jones McClendon 512-463-0708
Aaron Pena 512-463-0426
Patrick Rose 512-463-0647
House Calendars Committee
Beverly Wooley, Chair 512-463-0696
Wayne Christian 512-463-0556
Suzanna Gratia Hupp 512-463-0684
Vilma Luna 512-463-0484
Jerry Madden 512-463-0544
Jose Menendez 512-463-0634
Eugene "Gene Seaman 512-463-0672
Barry Telford 512-463-0692
Vicki Truitt 512-463-0690
Sylvester Turner 512-463-0554
This may be one of those issues largely determined by the success of a grassroots calling effort. Your opinion is important.
The accompanying Appropriations Act rider necessary to enact the legislation is expected to be one of up to 1500 amendments when the full House considers the budget, possibly consuming all of next week. On the Senate side, TACT staff is working with Senate staff assigned to a working group on benefit issues to affect the change before the Senate adopts its version of the budget later this month.
Following the Committee Meeting, Dr. King and Executive Director Chuck Hempstead visited the offices of several members of the House Higher Education Committee in opposition to HB 796, by Rep. Dianne Delisi, which would repeal the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). Chuck Hempstead testified against HB 796 Monday night. By luck of the draw, Hempstead was the first witness, which automatically draws the most "hostile" questions, especially from Rep. Fred Brown, ("Chuck, you know I like you, but...") All three of the bills TACT testified on were left pending in their respective committees.
TACT state leaders are asking TACT chapter leaders and members to help coordinate several responses to proposed 12+% budget cuts in higher education. Organize local TACT chapter visits to your State Representatives and Senators district offices. Representatives and Senators are often in their district offices on Fridays, so coordinate your schedule to meet with them. Important point to discuss at these meetings: · Cuts in higher education funding will jeopardize the future of Texas by limiting access to higher education, providing a less educated workforce, and hinder higher education's role in the economic recovery. · Emphasize TACT’s support of House Bill 264 by Fred Brown, which would permit, though not require, institutions to supplement the 6% ORP state contribution up to 8.5%. Encourage your Representative or Senator to support the bill and sign on as a cosponsor in the House or sponsor in the Senate. To view or print the bill go to http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/tlo/textframe.cmd?LEG=78&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=00264&VERSION=1&TYPE=B. · Emphasize TACT’s support of House Bill 1783 by Jim McReynolds, which requires universities to move faculty salaries to the average of the ten most populous states over four biennia. To view or print the bill go to http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/78R/billtext/HB01783I.HTM. Also, contact leaders of student clubs and student government associations, and urge them to start a student writing campaign, and give them this link to find their legislators' addresses http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/fyi/fyi.htm. You might also suggest that students: · Start a "Don't go to the beach - - go to Austin" campaign. Ask student leaders to organize student visits to their legislators at the Capitol from Monday through Thursday of Spring Break (and point out that 6th Street at night is just as good as the beach). · For Friday of Spring Break, ask student leaders to organize visits to their legislators in their home district offices, to which legislators typically retire on Fridays, and whose addresses are found at the link above. Don't sit around waiting for something to happen! This is a political process, and politicians respond to pressure from their constituents!
If you cannot attend, please call in your support to the following committee members: Rep. Allan Ritter, Chair (512) 463-0706
Jim Pitts, Chairman
TACT members will remember that Senator Bill Ratliff also chaired Education then Finance before becoming Lt. Governor. He will now chair Senate State Affairs. When asked about his previous positions he was quoted in the Austin American-Statesman as saying, "I didn't think it would be proper for me to sit on Finance and look over the new chairman's shoulder. I feel much the same way about education. They need a clean slate." Dewhurst's chairmanships include nine Republicans and six Democrats, though all committees include a majority of Republicans. A new committee has been created which may debate bills of interest to higher education - Government Organizations. It will be chaired by last session's Finance Chair, Rodney Ellis. Also, the Senate Finance Committee has reintroduced the Higher Education Subcommittee chaired by Senator Royce West, who was chair four years ago before the subcommittee was not activated last session.
Odds-on leaders for Senate Committee chairmanships include Senator Steve Ogden for Education as Senator Teel Bivens is promoted to Finance. How can your voice be heard? Attend the February 20 TACT Legislative Day. Tell us which Senators and Representatives you would like to visit and we'll make the appointment. There is not charge (sponsored by National Evaluation Systems).
December 22
The State Auditor's Office has reported that the Teacher Retirement System's obligations are growing faster than its assets. The System's actuaries suggest talking to legislators about increasing the contributions to the fund, through increased state and/or member payments. As TACT is preparing its legislative agenda for next session, great emphasis will be placed upon increasing state contributions to all employee retirement plans. Now is the time to educate your legislators about this issue.
December 15
A December 9 editorial in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram quoted from the TACT Quarterly eBulletin on the issue of the recent legislation known as B-on-Time, a new provision designed to financially reward students who graduate with good grades within a specific amount of time.
November 18
The Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education met this morning to hear invited testimony on the demographic, workforce and economic future of Texas in the next few years and decades. The primary speaker was State Demographer Steve Murdoch of Texas A&M University, who made substantially the same presentation as he did recently at a TACT Conference. He basically ties the economic future of Texas to our ability to better educate minority populations as they are soon to grow to a much more substantial percentage of our residents.
November 14
Several TACT members have commented that their Optional Retirement Program company was not included in the 2003 TACT ORP/TDA Study, including two of the largest three.
November 5
Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick has released his charges for the House Interim Committees. The Committee on Higher Education will review the following. No initial meeting has yet been scheduled.
November 5
At the recent TACT Board Meeting, it came to our attention that some higher education faculty are receiving membership solicitations at their home addresses from the Texas State Employees Union (TSEU). We would like to respond to TACT members.
November 3
The Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education completed its organizational meeting under the chairmanship of TACT's 2003 Legislator of the Year Senator Florence Shapiro. The Committee, expected to issue its report next fall, will concentrate on the following issues: tuition deregulation, financial aid, relationships with public education, admissions criteria, flagship institutions, workforce development, the Coordinating Board, community relations, Colleges of Education, and funding formulas.
October 20
The Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education has scheduled its organizational meeting Thursday, October 23 at 1:00pm in Room E1.036 (Senate Finance Committee Room) of the Capital Extension. TACT will be represented.
September 29
The four public members have been named to the Interim Committee on Higher Education: Jerry Farrington, Dr. Martin Basuldua, Robert Shepard, and Jodie Jiles. All are current or former members of the Coordinating Board.
June 25
Some of the details are still being determined, but the fallout of the recent legislative session includes changes in retirement and health care calculations.
June 23
Governor Rick Perry on Friday signed House Bill 264, the TACT-backed legislation authored by Representative Fred Brown to permit higher education institutions to supplement the state's appropriation for Optional Retirement Program. The measure takes effect immediately, which means supplements could be authorized during current campus budget deliberations to begin September 1, 2003.
May 30
The following was received by TACT from an individual opposed to the elimination of the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). The "success initiative" language refers to a replacement developmental education program for the TASP. TACT Legislative Chair Faye Thames recently testified in opposition to HB796.
May 27
The Senate today passed HB 264, the Rep. Fred Brown legislation that permits institutions to supplement the state appropriation to Optional Retirement Program up to a total of 8.5 percent of salary. Over the weekend, the Appropriations Conference Committee included in its bill a contingency rider necessary to implement the statute, pending the passage of HB 264.
May 22
House Bill 796, by Delisi, is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee sometime after 2:30 pm, Friday, May 23. It would eliminate the Texas Academic Skills Program. TACT's position is to maintain the program while concentrating on improving the quality of the developmental education.
May 20
TACT was the only voice in opposition yesterday at a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education regarding HB 1544 by Bonnen, a bill which has passed the House and would permit a pilot project to allow select public junior colleges to offer certain baccalaureate degrees. A number of community college and technical school personnel testified in favor, but Chairman West was concerned about "blurring the lines" between senior and junior colleges and left the bill pending, probably an indication at this late date that its fate is sealed.
May 19
HB 264 by Representative Fred Brown is the first agenda item scheduled for Senate Education Committee Tuesday morning at 8:30 am. The Senate sponsor Juan Hinajosa. Please call members of the Senate Education Committee to indicate your support. The members are:
May 15
TACT President Larry King, flanked by President-elect Jim Puckett and Political Science Professor Dave Castle, spoke from the steps of the Texas Capitol yesterday about the need for continued state investment in Texas higher education. The text of his comments will appear in the upcoming TACT eBulletin.
May 9
May 7
April 30
April 25
April 23
April 16
April 11
April 10
April 7
House Bill 264, the TACT drafted legislation sponsored by Representative Fred Brown, has been reported favorably from the Pensions and Investments Committee and was referred to the Calendars Committee for scheduling on the General Calendar.
March 25
TACT President Larry King testified Monday on two bills before the House Pensions and Investments Committee. HB 264, by Rep. Fred Brown, would permit institutions of higher education to supplement the state appropriation to ORP up to 8.5% for all participants. HB 1376, by Rep. David Farabee, would create a system of uniform minimun statewide standards for ORP carriers and products.
March 18
The Honorable Irma Rangel, a state representative for nearly 30 years and chair of the House Higher Education Committee for a number of years, died this morning of cancer. She was vice chair of Higher Education this session, and is best known for her support of South Texas higher education and the automatic college admission of students in the top 10% of their high school graduating class.
March 13
TACT Executive Director Chuck Hempstead testified before the House Appropriation Committee about the need to amend the rider prohibiting supplemental contributions to ORP participants hired since 1995. Following public testimony, the Committee adopted the recommendation of the Education Subcommittee, which included a 7% reduction in funding of ORP for the next biennium. We are trying to determine how such a reduction would be implemented and will continue to push for full funding.
March 6
March 5
House Bill 264 by Fred Brown, the TACT-endorsed legislation authorizing an 8.5% contribution to the Optional Retirement Program for all participants, is scheduled for a hearing Monday, March 10 at the House Pensions and Investments Committee. It is first on the agenda beginning at 8:00 AM in Room E1.010 of the Capitol Extension. If you can attend in support please call the TACT State Office and talk to Chuck at (512) 873-7404.
Rep. Barry Telford, Vice Chair (512) 463-0692
Rep. Kent Grusendorf (512) 463-0624
Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (512) 463-0616
Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (512) 463-0708
Rep. Aaron Pena (512) 463-0426
Rep. Patrick Rose (512) 463-0674March 3
When faculty members have taken students on field trips, students typically have been required to sign waivers of liability involving the university. Recently Texas A&M University- Kingsville began requiringfaculty to sign the waivers. Informal legal opinions from several attorneys cautioned that faculty members might be placing themselves at legal risk by signing such forms, but the alternative to signing them at A&M-Kingsville includes not being able to borrow university vehicles and possibly not having the field trip. The TACT state board has voted to tap into its Academic Freedom and Defense Fund to pay an attorney for a formal legal opinion on this matter. After the opinion is obtained, TACT willproceed from there. In the meantime, you can help shield yourself from such liabilities by purchasing TACT's $2 million Educators Professional Liability policy for just $49 per year.
February 7
House Appropriations Committee Chair Talmadge Helfin has announced the Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Educations. It includes:
Roberto Gutierrez
Fred Brown
Dan Branch
Jose Menendez
Joe DoshotelJanuary 29
The fun has begun! Senate Finance convened today and mostly grilled Comptroller's staff about recent revenue shortfall forecasts, particularly the $1.8 billion shortfall for the remaining half year of the current biennium. One Democratic senator inferred the timing was coincidental in that it was announced only weeks after the elections. Lt. Governor Dewhurst addressed the committee and complimented the members about the unprecedented and bipartisan co-sponsorship of the appropriations bill, though it is only a shell at this time. Another senator questioned public comments that referred to the 77th Legislature as having "gone on a spending spree" when Texas is near the bottom of all states in taxing and spending per capita.
Executive Director Chuck Hempstead met with House Speaker Craddick's Legislative Director, Nancy Fischer, who confirmed that the Republican leadership is backing off earlier political comments that little would be done on the big issues of school finance and state revenue enhancement, though most observers still think that one or both of these issues will require a special session shortly after Sine Die June 2. She also indicated that email contacts to legislators are no longer as effective as they used to be because of the large volume received every day. She suggests letters or telephone calls.
Representative Jim McReynolds met yesterday with Higher Education Commissioner Don Brown to discuss faculty salary legislation similar to what he has filed the past two sessions. Nothing has been resolved yet, primarily due to waiting on committee assignments expected to be released by the Speaker tomorrow (January 30).January 24
As expected, the state legislative leadership team has sent a letter to all state agencies asking them to help save $700 million by the end of the current fiscal year which ends in August. Governor Rick Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Speaker Tom Craddick asked for specific cost-cutting plans to be submitted by February 6 and to include out-of-state travel, capital expenditures and professional services. Additional suggestions include hiring freezes, reductions in staff and non-statutory activities, and other administrative costs which do not reduce direct services.
January 20
Lt. Governor-elect David Dewhurst took an unusual step of appointing Senate Committees before his January 21 inauguration. Of most interest to higher education are Senator Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) to chair Senate Education and previous Education Chair Teel Bivens to chair Senate Finance.
January 16
The Chronicle of Higher Education (1/10/03) reports that in its December, 2002, meeting, the Texas A&M System Board of Regents passed a policy declaring that "...tenure shall not be construed as creating a property interest in any attributes of the faculty position beyond the faculty member's regular annual salary." The Chronicle article further states that "the university worked with representatives from the Faculty Senates at all nine of the A&M system's campuses, and those professors signed off on the language last summer." However, an e-mail (5/7/02) from then Chair of the Faculty Senate at West Texas A&M to then Chair of the Faculty Senate at College Station and other contemporary A&M Senate Chairs stated that "... The Faculty Senate at West Texas A&M University voted at the May 3, 2002 meeting to support all of the proposed revisions except this one sentence" and that "Dr. Susan Coleman [J.D.] submitted the following comments. '... This one sentence could do irreparable harm to the concept of tenure and the rights of faculty. ...'" TACT organized the nine A&M Senate Chairs to meet and respond to this proposed policy. Read more about what A&M Senate leaders really did and said about this policy, and read more about other attacks on tenure, including anti-tenure statements by key Texas legislators, in an upcoming TACT eBulletin.
January 14
Lowlights of my newspaper's analysis of the Legislative Session include the Comptroller's $9.9 billion revenue shortfall and a recommendation to eliminate new higher education funding from last session on the amount of $187 million, though new scholarship money may be made available. Gaining steam are ideas to permit governing boards to set tuition and possibly for schools to keep all the grant-generated overhead funding.