|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Women in Texas Government AwardsThe Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards recognize women who have helped shape Texas by contributing their talents and skills to state service. The awards will be presented at a luncheon on March 18 hosted by the State Agency Council, which was established in 1983 to support the goals of the Governor’s Commission for Women. The event will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Doubletree Hotel located at 6505 Interstate 35 North. Complimentary parking is provided at the hotel. The cost to attend the luncheon is $25 per person. For more information, contact Lesley Guthrie at 512-475-2615 or lguthrie@governor.state.tx.us. This year's award winners are: 
Edwina P. Carrington - Outstanding Management Award. Edwina is the executive director of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, where she has implemented institutional changes to the housing tax credit program and initiated a partnership with Fannie Mae to reach first-time homebuyers. Edwina has served in leadership positions with the Austin Housing Finance Corporation and the Texas Housing Finance Corporation. She also serves as a board member for the YMCA of Austin, the Austin Community College Foundation, the Austin Arts Commission and the Austin Chamber Music Center. 
Sue Shahan - Outstanding Professional Development Award. Sue is the director for internal services of the Texas Engineering Extension Service. The third-highest ranking person within the agency, Sue directs a staff responsible for providing all human resource, information technology, training and marketing support for seven divisions and over 1,000 employees. Sue has been a State of Texas employee for 36 years. Previously, she held a variety of positions with different state agencies, including serving as director of programs, administration and management with MHMR. 
Shirley Jones Welch - Outstanding Contributions to Other Women in State Government Award. Shirley is a state interpretive program leader with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A 25-year department veteran, Shirley was the first female park manager; previously, she was the first female city police officer of Castroville. Throughout her career, Shirley has been noted for her desire to help others, especially women, in both their professional and personal pursuits. 
Velia Saenz Williams - Outstanding Community Involvement Award. Velia is the division director for administrative programs with the Commission on State Emergency Communications (State 9-1-1 Commission). Velia has worked for the state for 25 years. Among her notable community contributions: tutoring underprivileged elementary students; educating the Hispanic community about the Girl Scouts; serving as president of the Austin Chapter of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas; and serving as a board member for many other nonprofit organizations. A cancer survivor, Velia volunteers with the American Cancer Society, and founded the Latino Health Care Professionals Network and Latinas & Cancer. 
Terri Dollar Woods - Outstanding Leadership Award. Terri is the deputy director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. In 1995, Terri became Texas’ first female supervising jail inspector, where she determined county jail facilities’ compliance with Texas Minimum Jail Standards and briefed county officials on her findings, as well as provided continuing guidance and technical assistance. Previously, Terri served as a community supervision officer in Amarillo, a corrections accreditation assistant in Florida, and worked with the Sumner County Sheriff and Court Services Offices in Kansas. 
Senate Confirms Appointment of TWCC Employer CommissionerThe Texas Senate has confirmed William A. Ledbetter, Jr. to serve as an Employer Commissioner of the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission. Gov. Perry appointed Ledbetter to the Commission in April 2004. Ledbetter is Director of Human Resources for Justin Brands Inc., a multi-plant, multi-state footwear manufacturing company. The Commission's board is composed of six members, three representing employees and three representing employers, who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Both the Sunset Commission and the Senate Select Interim Committee on Workers' Compensation have suggested changing that structure, as reflected in Senate Bill 5, House Bill 7 and Senate Bill 400. The Commission's primary role is to set policy and adopt rules that enforce the Texas Workers' Compensation Act and related statues. State Spent $37.9 Billion on Major Contracts in FY04During the fiscal year that ended August 31, 2004, 134 state agencies and institutions of higher education submitted information on 18,919 major contracts (any professional services, construction or consulting contract that totals $14,000 or more, or information systems contract that totals $100,000 or more). These contracts represent a total value of approximately $37.9 billion. Ten agencies with contracts valued at $34.1 billion represented 89.9 percent of all contracts reported. The top three agencies were the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), with $12.5 billion in contracts; the Health and Human Services Commission, with $7.2 billion, and the Teacher Retirement System, with $5.3 billion. For more information, read the Legislative Budget Board's Contracts Reported by Texas State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education in 2004. Mental Illness Costing State $16.6 Billion a YearA new report commissioned by the Mental Health Association of Texas has found that mental illness is costing the state up to $16.6 billion per year in lost productivity and family revenue. The additional burden on state and local taxpayers is at least $1.5 billion per year, according to the report. The report found that Texas' public mental health system has been severely under-funded. To read the report, click here. Cedar Park Voters Approve $30.8 Million Events Center For Hockey Team, Civic EventsThe Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League will have a new home beginning in 2006 after Cedar Park voters approved a $30.8 million bond issue for the construction of a new multi-purpose events center in the city earlier this month. The new events center will serve as the permanent home of the Ice Bats, as well as be used for concerts, performances, graduation ceremonies and other civic events. TxDOT Gets Environmental OK For $18 Million Highway Project in MidlandThe Federal Highway Administration has issued environmental approval for the Texas Department of Transportation to proceed with an $18 million project to build a new highway to route commercial traffic around northwest Midland. The highway will be built in phases. Construction of the first phase could start as early as August 2006. Texas Tech Signs Agreement With New Mexico LabTexas Tech University has signed a letter of agreement with Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico that could open the door for future research collaboration, funding opportunities and new job opportunities for Texas Tech graduates. The labs are operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin company, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. The agreement focuses on areas where Texas Tech has strong research programs already in place such as nanotechnology. Because Sandia only hires scientists and engineers from the universities with which it does business, the agreement could potentially lead to new job opportunities for Texas Tech graduates. Also, the university could receive substantial funding from Sandia. Sandia typically gives universities it has strong relationships with $50 million per year for research activities. More Money For Round Rock Higher Ed CenterThe Round Rock Higher Education Center received $250,000 this week from the federal government. The money came out of the FY05 Appropriations Omnibus bill. The new funding is in addition to the $700,000 appropriated in 2004 for the center. The funding will be used for equipment and programming needs, and for additional higher education training and other instructional services. The center is scheduled to open in August and is operated by Texas State in partnership with Austin Community College and Temple College at Taylor. Governor Touts Emerging Technology FundGov. Rick Perry is trying to convince lawmakers to back his proposal calling for the creation of the $300 million Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF). The TETF would be used for research and development in emerging technology industries such as semiconductor and nanotechnology. Under Perry's proposal, the TETF would have three components:
Bill Would Provide Incentives for Use of Electronic Medical Record TechnologyA bill introduced in Congress by San Antonio lawmaker Charlie Gonzalez would provide incentives for health care providers to obtain electronic medical records technology. Studies have shown the software would save money and time while improving patient care. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that a national health information network could save $140 billion annually through improved care and reduced test duplication. The proposal, known as the National Health Information Act of 2005, would provide initial funding for technology through grants, tax credits or revolving loans. It also would authorize bonus payments under Medicare for office visits supported by electronic medical records and for certain e-mail consultations. The bill would initiate a pilot program to develop and test national medical record software standards. Lens on the Legislature: Impact StatementsLast week's Lens on the Legislature (note: you will need to scroll down to view the article) introduced fiscal notes and impact statements and then focused on fiscal notes. This week's focus is on impact statements. According to the legislative web site an impact statement is created when proposed legislation has an impact on any of the following areas:
Impact Statements are generally prepared by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) staff, although actuarial impact statements, for example, are prepared by the LBB in coordination with the State Pension Review Board. The impact statements may be as short as a single paragraph. Impact statements for specific bills can be seen at the bottom of the same screen as was described last week for fiscal notes. Click here, then enter the bill number and click "history." On the following screen click "text" and it will bring up that screen. In addition to the references listed in last week's Lens on the Legislature regarding fiscal notes, readers who are interested in more details on impact statements may wish to review: UH and Methodist Hospital Form PartnershipThe University of Houston System and Methodist Hospital have signed a 30-year agreement to jointly develop health service and education programs and to participate in research efforts and technology transfer. The agreement calls for UH and Methodist to share facilities at both institutions for research, training and the education of health professionals, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and interns/residents. An executive committee will oversee all joint activities. Arthur Vailas, vice chancellor and vice president for research at UH, has been named chairman of the committee. Dr. Michael Lieberman, director of Methodist's research institute, has been named vice chairman. Dallas City Council Members Seek Public's Opinion on City's Form of GovernmentSeveral City Council members working to defeat Dallas' strong-mayor referendum announced this week that they will have a series of public meetings before the May election to get ideas on how to improve city government. The council members, who represent two council committees, said they would conduct joint meetings about once a week to give their constituents a chance to make suggestions on Dallas' form of government. Using suggestions gathered at those meetings and recommendations from the city's charter review commission, they said they might formulate alternative charter amendments to be presented to voters in November. Local Law Enforcement Programs Awarded $521,643Gov. Perry has announced the award of $521,643 in grants to local law enforcement programs. These grants are awarded under the federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program (LLEBG) and are distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD). Through these grants, local law enforcement agencies are able to purchase necessary equipment and technology as well as provide increased training and education for new law enforcement personnel. In addition, task forces and crime prevention programs are established, security in and around schools is increased, drug courts receive support, and aftercare services and treatment programs are provided to offenders. The awards include:
|
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a research and procurement consulting firm offering business development and public affairs services. Founded in 1994, SPI has offices in Texas and California. To learn more about SPI services click here or contact Crystal Kuhs at 512-531-3900. News From Strategic Partnerships, Inc.Focus on SPI Consultants
Jimmy Helm affiliated with SPI after a 27-year career with the Texas Department of Health (TDH). Jimmy held numerous positions at TDH before becoming Associate Commissioner for Operations. In that capacity he supervised and managed a myriad of administrative projects. In addition, he coordinated the efforts of the TDH regional and hospital staffs. Prior to his long tenure with TDH, Jimmy held a senior level position with the Texas Air Control Board. To read Jimmy's full bio, click here. New ReportsSunset Advisory Commission's Report to the 79th Legislature The Senate Guide to Ethics & Financial Disclosure Legislative Workforce Summaries Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's Mobility 2030 Plan - Final Review Draft Recent Government AppointmentsThe following appointees have been submitted to the Texas Senate for confirmation: Lower Colorado River Authority: Ida A. Carter, Woodrow Francis McCasland, Linda Clapp Raun and B.R. 'Skipper' Wallace State Office of Risk Management: Ernest C. Garcia and Ronald James Walenta Legislative WatchBills of interest to our readers: Under House Bill 1064, a Governor's Health Care Coordinating Council would be created. Under Senate Bill 70, preference would be given to vendors that provide health benefits coverage to their (the vendor's) employees. Under House Bill 1104, individuals could face civil and criminal penalties if they exceed the limits on political contributions and direct campaign expenditures. Under House Bill 1281, some state employees would be eligible spot-incentive awards. Senate Bill 593 relates to the governor's study of emerging technology and
economic development.
UT Researcher Awarded $4.5 Million to Develop Nuke-Handling RobotsDr. Delbert Tesar, director of the Robotics Research Group at The University of Texas at Austin has received a five-year, $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to continue developing advanced robotics to handle hazardous tasks associated with nuclear materials. Texas Lawmaker Appointed to New Military Spending PanelU.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, who represents the Waco area, has been appointed to the House Committee on Appropriations' new subcommittee on military life. The panel will oversee $112 billion in annual spending for federal programs including the Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction and soldier health care. Port of Houston to Hold Business Networking Forums For Small BusinessesThe Port of Houston Authority's Small Business Development Program (SBDP) hosts monthly networking forums called "Business Opportunities at the Port." During 2004, approximately 1,000 vendors attended the forums. The upcoming forums are scheduled for March 9 and April 6 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the lunch room of the PHA Executive Office Building, located at 111 East Loop North (exit 29 off Loop 610 near the Houston Ship Channel Bridge). Various PHA staff members will be available at the forums to answer questions about current proposals. For more information on the SBDP program, click here. Event Links3rd Annual RFID World Conference and Exhibit - 3/1/05 - 3/3/05 Texas Classroom Teachers Association 50th Annual Convention - 3/3/05 - 3/5/05 44th Annual Emergency Management Training Conference - 3/21/05 - 3/24/05 25th Annual Association of Texas Professional Educators State Conference - 3/31/05 - 4/2/05 FOSE 2005 - Where Government Meets Technology - 4/5/05 - 4/7/05 Texas Library Association Annual Conference - 4/5/05 - 4/8/05
5th Annual Internet Security Forum for Texas State Government - 4/13/05 TASSCC Technology Education Conference (TEC) - 4/14/05 Texas Public Health Association's 80th Annual Education Conference - 04/24/05 - 04/26/05 TASB Summer Leadership Institute - 06/23/05 - 06/24/05
SPI Offers Clients Full Range of Service Offerings
Past ABJ articles by Mary Scott NabersGovernment construction contracts could yield millions for businesses - 2/11/2005 Government agencies often look outside for training help - 1/14/2005 Texas' open records laws can offer wealth of information for contractors - 12/17/2004 Texas Government Insider ArchivesLast Issue - 2/11/05 Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3 Archives - 11/7/03 - 2/4/05 ResourcesRules and Precedents of the Texas House TxDOT's 2006 Project Selection Process Resources for Electronic Government Diagram of Legislative Process State Contract Management Guide Who Represents Me? Texas Districts By Address Diagram of Texas' Biennial Budget Cycle Public Hearings/MeetingsUpcoming Senate Committee Meetings Upcoming House Committee Meetings Subscribe to the Texas Government Insider™We welcome you to add your friends and co-workers to the Texas Government Insider™ distribution. Simply click the Sign up for our mailing list icon near the top of this issue. Occasionally, we learn about people who signed up, but didn’t get the Texas Government Insider™. In nearly all cases, the problem turned out to be spam filtering on the receiving end. We strongly support the elimination of undesired email and applaud the use of technology to filter it. Occasionally, however, such filters prevent email that the recipient wanted to receive. If you have been unable to receive the Texas Government Insider™ or suddenly stop receiving it, we urge you to contact your information technology department to see if this was the cause. |
 |
|
44th Annual Emergency Management Training ConferenceThe Governor's Division of Emergency Management will hold the 44th Annual Emergency Management Training Conference at the Waco Convention Center March 21 - 24. The conference attracts about 1,200 local, state and national officials from the emergency management community including first responders, fire and law enforcement personnel, county emergency manatement coordinators, and members of voluntary agencies providing disaster assistance. The training conference is intended to give professionals the tools they need to respond to, and recover from, any type of emergency in Texas. For more information, click here. TASSCC Technology Education Conference (TEC)The 4th Annual TASSCC Technology Education Conference (TEC), Contracting - Texas Style!, will be held on April 14 at the J.J. Pickle Center in Austin. This conference will feature practical tips on negotiating and contracting from respected experts including State Auditor John Keel and Cindy Reed, Executive Director - Texas Building & Procurement Commission. For online registration and additional information regarding the agenda, speakers, scholarships, and sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.tasscc.org. |
|
 |
|