President's Column
Legislative Developments
by Dr. James Puckett, TACT President

As we break for the Holidays, it might be wise to take a few minutes and look at the report of the Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education at: http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/reports/78interim/welcome.htm or the Executive Summary of same at: http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/reports/78interim/JIHE_Final_Executive_Summary.pdf

This report, perhaps more than any other, sets the direction for higher education in the coming legislative session. While faculty are hardly mentioned in the executive summary of this report, there are many recommendations in it that, if followed, would impact faculty. Moreover, in every legislative session there are surprises - - bills quietly filed, or riders surreptitiously added to larger bills. The TACT State Board has taken steps to keep abreast of legislative developments as they happen so that we will not be blind-sided with legislation that is harmful to faculty or to higher education. TACT also has laid the groundwork and will respond appropriately to harmful legislation and lobby effectively for positive legislation.

Stay tuned for an interesting legislative session, and Happy Holidays from TACT!

Jim Puckett, President

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