When the 79th Texas Legislature returned to session Monday, Jan. 24, University of Houston administrators were in Austin, seeking increased funding for UH as it positions itself as a nationally recognized research university.

UH leaders will focus on restoring funds reduced during the 2003 legislative session due to a $9.9 billion state budget shortfall. This year, the state’s economic picture is much better — Texas State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn projects a budget surplus — but the optimistic projection does not guarantee additional funding for the UH System.

Faculty, staff and students interested in supporting the institution’s legislative agenda may log on to the UH System Web site.

The agenda calls for an increase in general revenue funding, which had been reduced by $8.6 million across all four UH System universities —UH, UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown and UH-Victoria.

Other priorities include reinstating and expanding Texas’ single research fund, which provides monies for universities to explore such areas as bionanotechnology, materials and life sciences. UH leaders also will request that legislators restore funding for various special items such as the UH Small Business Development Center, and increase the amount UHS universities receive from the Higher Education Fund.

Administrators will ask lawmakers to continue allowing universities to set designated tuition. During the last legislative session, a bill was passed to deregulate designated tuition, which previously had been set by the Legislature.

UHS constituents, especially students, can help promote the legislative agenda by participating in “UH System Day in Austin” on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

Sponsored by the Houston Alumni Organization and CATs (Cougar Advocates for Texas), this year’s visit to legislators has been themed “Meet the Future of Texas,” with emphasis on increased student participation. The event is free, but faculty and staff may not participate on state time. As state employees, they must take a personal day to attend the event.

To register for the event, visit the “Calendar/Event Registration” section on the Houston Alumni Organization’s Web page or call Amy Bailey at 713-743-0828.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu