Horn takes top post at DADS
Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins this week announced the selection of Addie Horn as commissioner of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). Horn was most recently DADS' deputy commissioner. She replaces Jim Hine.
Before joining DADS, Adelaide (Addie) Horn served as the director of Long-Term Care Services and Supports for the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), where she was responsible for long-term care policy analysis and coordination. She has almost three decades of experience in institutional and community-care services, direct-care services, quality assurance and improvement, regulatory programs, vocational rehabilitation, Medicaid services and policy development and coordination. Horn took over as DADS commissioner on Feb. 1. She replaced Jim Hine, who resigned as DADS commissioner on Jan. 31 after a 35-year career in public service.
Frisco schools may seek $1.2B in May
Voters in the rapidly growing town of Frisco, just north of Dallas, may be asked to endorse a record-breaking school bond package as large as $1.2 billion in May. If so, it would be an unprecedented amount for suburban taxpayers in Texas. The Dallas Independent School District, with a $1.37 billion bond package that ultimately passed in 2002, is believed to be the only other local governmental entity in the state to ever attempt to pass such a large bond proposition.
Superintendent Rick Reedy said one of the district's primary goals is to have the funds needed to build several smaller school that foster better learning rather than a series of huge campuses. Many Frisco school officials said that with an average of 20 new students arriving every school day, the only way to cope with such growth - and lure more families to the Collin County suburb - is to consider bond packages ranging from $600 million to $1.2 billion that could fund a massive building program. Three years ago, Frisco voters passed a record-breaking $478 million plan for the school district.
Frisco, the fastest-growing district in the state, is home to slightly more than 80,000 people, including 20,000 school children. The district expects to almost triple its size to 57,000 students in eight years. The school district's proposal comes as city officials there consider seeking voter approval on a $200 million bond package for streets, police and fire equipment, fresh court facilities and other capital projects.
Smith appointed chair of key committee on counties
Speaker Tom Craddick this week appointed Rep. Wayne Smith from Baytown chairman of the House Committee on County Affairs. The position was left vacant when Rep. Ray Allen of Grand Prairie resigned from the Texas House of Representatives in January. Rep. John Otto of Dayton was appointed vice chairman of the committee, a post Rep. Smith previously held.
The House Committee on County Affairs has jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to counties, including: establishing districts for the election and governing bodies of counties; regional councils of governments; multi-county boards or commissions; relationships and/or contracts between counties; other units of local government; and, the Commission on Jail Standards.
Rister to take reigns of Texas Legislative Council
Senate and House members of the Texas Legislative Council this week voted to hire Milton Rister as Executive Director of the Texas Legislative Council. Rister most recently worked as a senior advisor and director of research for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. Before that he was executive director of the Republican Party of Texas. Sen. Jeff Wentworth was the only dissenting vote, objecting to the fact that Rister is not an attorney and may be seen as a partisan selection.
The Texas Legislative Council provides bill drafting, computing, research, publishing and document distribution services to the Texas Legislature and legislative agencies. The council also serves as an information resource for state agencies, the citizens of Texas and others as time and resources allow.
Governor's tax panel weighs 1% business tax
The governor's tax reform commission is considering a new state business tax of around 1 percent on the gross income or gross receipts of all corporations and partnerships on their business in Texas. The proposal, as it stands now, would provide breaks for companies with facilities and employees within the state, said John Sharp, a former state comptroller and head of the commission.
Sharp said the commission is seeking a replacement for the current business franchise tax that would help the state collect enough money in order to cut school property taxes by about one-third, or $5.8 billion a year. Opposition from business groups killed a new franchise tax proposed in the Legislature last year, but Sharp said more and more businesses are asking the state to revise its tax system so that all companies pay their fair share. The Texas Tax Reform Commission will meet Tuesday, Feb. 7, in Texarkana to gather more recommendations on how to reform the state tax structure. Another meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13 in Abilene.
Baylor College collects $100M gift
Texas billionaire and energy magnate Dan Duncan (pictured) and his family have donated $100 million - one of the largest in Texas' philanthropic history - to the Baylor College of Medicine. The record-breaking gift will be used toward the college's cancer center, and is in addition to $37 million already given to Baylor from the Duncan family during the past two years.
A&M plans 4-year medical school in Central Texas
Texas A&M University's Health Science Center College of Medicine, which educates first- and second-year students at its College Station campus and provides their third- and fourth-year clinical experience at the Scott & White Hospital in Temple, soon will offer comprehensive four-year programs at both places. The move is part of a $100 million, 10-year plan approved recently by the A&M System Board of Regents to more than double the medical school enrollment from 300 to 800 and hire an additional 70 faculty. A gradual buildup of students could begin as soon as fall 2007.
A&M isn't the only university stepping up its medical presence in Central Texas. University of Texas System officials have said recently that they would begin discussing plans for a proposed academic health center, which could lead eventually to a medical school. UT's proposal calls for building a $100 million to $120 million children's health research institute to complement the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas under construction at the former Mueller airport site in Austin.
STEP application deadline on the horizon
Cities, counties, school districts, metropolitan planning organizations and transit authorities in Texas have about three months to submit applications for funding via the Texas Department of Transportation's Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program (STEP). The deadline is April 28.
STEP, which was funded in August when federal lawmakers passed the mammoth SAFETEA-LU transportation bill, allows local governmental entities to have up to 80 percent of the costs of transportation-related projects reimbursed. The goal of STEP is to encourage diverse modes of travel, increase the community benefits to transportation investment, strengthen partnerships between state and local governments and promote citizen involvement in transportation decisions, TxDOT officials said.
"Good candidates for STEP funding are those projects that don't fall into our normal scope of highway work," said Barrie Cogburn, director of landscape and enhancements in TxDOT's Design Division. "To be eligible for consideration, all projects must demonstrate a relationship to the surface transportation system through either function or impact, go above and beyond standard transportation activities; and fall into one of 12 categories. Selected projects will include those that have strong ties to transportation, well-thought-out concepts and accurate budgets."
Houstonian joins border-related organizations
President George W. Bush has appointed Houston attorney Jacob Monty to the board of directors for two institutions created under the auspices of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Monty will join the bi-national board of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission and the North American Development Bank, which include representatives of state governments and federal agencies in United States and Mexico. Both organizations are charged with the development, certification and financing of environmental infrastructure projects in the U.S.-Mexico border region, serving the area located within 100 kilometers north of the international boundary of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California and the area within 300 kilometers south of the border in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas; Nuevo
State Rep. Corte deploying to Iraq for 7-month tour
State Rep. Frank Corte Jr. of San Antonio on Thursday announced that he will deploy to Iraq for a seven-month tour of duty with the U.S. Marines. The seven-term lawmaker has appointed his wife, Valerie, to take his place until he returns.
In addition to his role as a state representative and his other business ventures, Rep. Corte serves as a Colonel with 25 years of service. Rep. Corte will be the Operations Officer with the 3rd Civil Affairs Group out of California, which will support the I Marine Expeditionary Force in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. Corte won't be the only Texas lawmaker to have served the military oversees. Last year, Rep. Rick Noriega of Houston served the Texas Army National Guard in Afghanistan.
South Padre may build $10M desalinization plant
The Laguna Madre Water District will soon study the impact of building Texas' first seawater desalination plant on South Padre Island. On Wednesday, the district's board authorized a private engineering firm to begin a $375,000 feasibility study without state-assisted funding, which water district officials hope they can procure as the project develops. The district's engineer said the plant could curb the district's reliance on the Rio Grande and a long pipeline system that would otherwise cost about $18 million to overhaul as the area grows. Current estimates peg the cost of a desalination plant at approximately $10 million.
Katy ISD eyes options for next bond election
Members of a Katy ISD bond committee this week examined nine budget options, each of which called for a bond package ranging from $279 million to $304 million in the next bond election on May 13. Katy, which is expected to add 25 schools over the next 10 years, has 48,000 students, 6,300 employees and 44 campuses. The bond committee will make a recommendation to trustees on Feb. 15.
Corpus Christi could replace coliseum with fairgrounds
The Corpus Christi City Council voted 8-1 this week to enter into negotiations with a private development company that has proposed demolishing Memorial Coliseum and turning the property into a fairgrounds with multiple aspects. The plans, which were picked over three other company's proposals, call for fairgrounds with an amphitheater, miniature golf, restaurants, rides and possibly a Ferris wheel.
San Antonio proposing $10M makeover
San Antonio city leaders, lead by Mayor Phil Hardberger (pictured), are proposing to close portions of Main, Main Plaza, Dolorosa and Commerce invest in aesthetic enhancements as part of a revitalization effort of the historic Main Plaza downtown. Hardberger has said the makeover, estimated to cost $10 million, will drive up pedestrian traffic and tourism
Texas Tech moves forward with pharmacy school
About a week after the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved a proposal for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to add a pharmacy school to Abilene, local leaders have stepped up fundraising for the project. Civic leaders must raise $1.5 million to top off the nearly $12 million that's been pledged so far. They expect to raise the money and start construction on the pharmacy school this summer.
Sugar Land ponies up $3.5M to expand UH
The City of Sugar Land and the University of Houston have reached a deal to expand UH-Sugar Land. The Sugar Land 4B Corporation and city council have announced a $3.5 million, long-term lease agreement with the University of Houston System at Sugar Land (UHSSL). Sugar Land will lease 52 acres from the UH System. A feasibility study will be conducted jointly between the university system and the city on a potential research park on the site, which is adjacent to the campus. Other possible uses include parks, recreation and community centers; botanical gardens; entertainment facilities; jogging and biking trails; playgrounds; athletic fields; and related parking, streets, utilities, drainage and detention areas to serve constructed facilities.
Extra $3.8M allocated for border security
An additional $3.8 million to detect and deter border-related criminal activities is being sent to the border, Gov. Rick Perry announced Thursday, bringing to nearly $10 million the total amount the state has dedicated to border security since December. The funds will sustain and support Operation Linebacker, an initiative developed by the 16-member Texas Border Sheriff's Association to increase law enforcement presence along the Texas-Mexico border, particularly between legal points of entry.
Counties that receive Operation Linebacker funds are Brewster, Cameron, Culberson, Dimmit, El Paso, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kinney, Maverick, Presidio, Starr, Terrell, Val Verde, Webb, and Zapata. Each county received $376,500 in December, and will receive an additional $223,000 apiece. The funds provide manpower, specialized equipment and planning resources; the funds also support Citizen Police Academies to train local volunteers and strengthen community involvement in border protection.
Longtime Fort Worth CVB head to retire
Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Doug Harman will retire late this year. Harman has not set a specific date for his retirement and has said he will be available to assist with the transition over the coming months. Harman, a former Fort Worth city manager in his 17th year as CEO of the bureau, is credited with developing many of the city's tourism assets.
College Station narrows city manager search
The College Station City Council is expected to name five finalists for its city manager position soon. More than 100 people applied for the job. Glenn Brown has served as the interim city manager since July, when Tom Brymer was fired in a 4-3 vote. Brown is among the candidates who has submitted an application for the job.
Building ban still on the table in Magnolia
City leaders in Magnolia near Houston have decided to put off a moratorium on new development - at least for now. The city is struggling to finance $3.4 million worth of upgrade to the city's water system and was considering a building ban until they find a solution. The City Council voted against a ban this week, but said they will reconsider it in 30 days.
McKinney tries to lure corporate jets from Love Field
McKinney, a North Texas suburb, has launched a marketing campaign to attract corporate planes and other general aviation aircraft to the Collin County Regional Airport there. Included in the campaign is a billboard prominently next to Love Field that reads: "Through with Love? Cool your jets in McKinney." The airport in McKinney, which is 33 miles northeast of Love Field, is in the middle of an expansion to accommodate more traffic.
Parks and Wildlife Commission awards $2.74M in grants
Seven Texas communities will split $2.74 million in outdoor and indoor recreation grants to help acquire parkland and develop recreational facilities. Click here for a list of those that will benefit from the recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission vote.
N. Texas Tollway Authority makes bid for SH 121
The North Texas Tollway Authority wants a shot at remaking a Collin County stretch of State Highway 121 by charging tolls comparable to other area toll roads. The tollway authority's board endorsed a proposal this week to do just that, but it has competition. The Texas Department of Transportation is already weighing proposals from private partnerships.
Ellington Field gains new manager
The Houston Airport System has appointed Perry Miller, 42, airport manager of Ellington Field, a joint-use civil/military airport. His latest assignment before accepting his new position was in Bush Intercontinental Airport's properties division. Miller has served in parking, ground transportation, airfield & grounds, in supervisor's and assistant superintendent's roles, with assignments at Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby Airports.
Austin to vote on benefits for domestic partners
Members of the Austin City Council may ask voters to decide whether to extend health benefits to city employees' gay or straight domestic partners. Voters rejected a similar proposal 12 years ago. Council Member Brewster McCracken (pictured), with the backing of other council members, said he wants to add a proposition to the May 13 ballot that would repeal a city policy prohibiting the City from offering such benefits. It would extend coverage to either a domestic partner or a family member living with the employee.
University of Houston turns dirt downtown
The University of Houston-Downtown held a ground-breaking ceremony this week for its new academic building and parking garage. The $35 million, 132,000-square-foot building will house the College of Business when its finished, and is being constructed adjacent to a 626-space parking garage. The project is being funded through bonds and is scheduled to open in August 2007.
State will sue U.S. over new drug program
Texas, along with other states, has plans to sue the federal government over its controversial new Medicare prescription drug program. It will likely be a multistate suit that includes California and Kentucky. At issue is a provision in the program that requires states to return some of their savings to the federal government now that states are no longer covering the cost of the drugs.
Former state Rep. Vernon Stewart dies at 76
Longtime Wichita Falls State Rep. Vernon Stewart has died. The ten-term state lawmaker, who served from 1952 until 1972, died Tuesday at the age of 76.
The Wichita Falls native was 23 when he won his first state House race. During his years in the Texas House, Stewart championed veterans' benefits, such as free auto license plates, and was one of the first members of the Legislature to pursue recycling as a way to reduce solid waste disposal.
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Projects in the pipeline
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
SPI's Research Division is constantly scouring the state for business opportunities in the public sector and uncovers dozens every day. Here are this week's hot opportunities:
- Williamson County has allocated $47 million this year to pay for a radio dispatch and emergency management center, new county offices in Hutto and Round Rock, and technology upgrades;
- The Texas Water Development Board is taking bids from firms that can develop a list of all potential reservoir sites considered by the state for water supply purposes in the last 40 years;
- The Texas Youth Commission has $7.7 million allocated in this year's budget for building repairs and restorations;
- The City of Rockport has issued an RFP to provide engineering services to develop plans, specifications and estimates for park and recreation improvements; and
- The Department of State Health Services is accepting bids to establish a blanket contract for the production of 16-page, full-color booklets.
| ONLINE POLL |
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In order to reduce property taxes and fund public schools, do you favor a 1% tax on business activity to replace the corporate franchise tax?
(Results will be published next week)
Last week, 87% of voters said they favor a constitutional amendment requiring a record vote on every bill the Legislature considers and making the record available online. 13% were opposed to the idea.
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Bush to seek $18 billion more for hurricane work
President George W. Bush's fiscal 2007 budget proposal will seek $18 billion more for hurricane relief. The proposal is expected to be submitted to Congress on Monday.
Friendswood searching for next city manager
Friendswood in Galveston County is faced with having to hire a new city manager for the first time in 15 years. City Manager Ron Cox submitted his resignation to the City Council on Jan. 24. His last day will be April 30.
ACC wants San Marcos
San Marcos-area residents could join the Austin Community College taxing district if they approve a proposed annexation that would include portions of Hays, Caldwell and Guadalupe counties. ACC's Board of Trustees will vote on March 6 whether to hold a May election on the annexation. Barring overwhelming opposition, board approval is likely because expanding its taxing district is part of the college's master plan.
UTMB has raised $128M
The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has passed the halfway mark in a campaign to raise $250 million to finance research, education and patient-care programs. More than 270 volunteers on 12 regional teams throughout Texas have raised $128 million since 2003.
UTSA picks leader
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) named Juan Gonzalez the new associate dean for the College of Business. Gonzalez will handle all administrative operations for the business college at the UTSA Downtown Campus. He has taught courses at UTSA since 1983.
HHSC seeks help for kids' summer food program
Millions of low-income children have nutritious meals during the school year through the federal school breakfast and lunch program, but now is the time of year that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission begins looking for organizations to help make sure those children don't go hungry once school lets out for Summer. Click here to learn about HHSC's Summer Food Services Program, and how you can help.
Councilman proposes free parking for hybrid drivers
San Antonio City Councilman Roland Gutierrez is proposing that the city develop a new pilot program that would grant drivers of hybrid vehicles free parking at the city's meters. If approved by his peers, the city would give hybrid drivers free meter access for one year. After that, the city would conduct a cost-benefit analysis.
Houston airports upgrade Web site
Houston Airport System's (HAS) three municipal airports have a revamped Web site. The new and enhanced site, at www.fly2houston.com, offers increased interactivity to travelers and clients of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Field. Visitors can check flight information on the Web site and access interactive maps that guide them on getting in and around the airports.
| Ask the experts |
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Q: As a vendor that has contracts with the federal government and other states, can my clients in the Texas public sector utilize any of these contracts?
A: Although there are other contract vehicles that allow this practice, the State of Texas established the Texas Multiple Award Schedule (TXMAS) contracts program in 2001. The TXMAS Program adapts existing competitively awarded government contracts (by the federal government or any other state government) to the procurement needs of the state.
The contract most commonly referenced for TXMAS eligibility is one of the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule contracts that cover a variety of commodities and services. The prices indicated on these GSA contracts reflect the maximum price allowable in the TXMAS contract. So with a TXMAS contract, a purchasing entity can not only take advantage of the prices reflected on these GSA contracts, but also negotiate a lower price for the goods or services being sought.
The TXMAS program provides viable contract options for state and local government entities because of the efficiencies it offers. When the TXMAS program is used as the purchasing method by state entities, no bidding is required and delegated purchasing authority is not required. Both vendors and purchasers appreciate the time, convenience and cost that is saved by utilizing a TXMAS contract. A listing of current TXMAS contracts is available online. To receive a TXMAS offer packet, fill out an online form here.
-Mariann H. Morelock,
director of information services at Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Have a question for one of SPI's government affairs experts?
Drop us a line!
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Procurement articles online
Click here to view recent articles on government procurement authored by Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships Inc., and published in the Austin Business Journal and Houston Business Journal.
[Editor's note: Mary Scott Nabers' procurement columns run regularly in the Austin Business Journal, Houston Business Journal, San Antonio Business Journal and the Dallas Business Journal]
Event Links
HUB Forums in February
Law Enforcement Regional Workshops - 2/3/06-3/8/06
Bid fair for state agency vendors - 2/10/06
DIR briefing on Shared Success: Building a Better Texas through Shared Responsibilities - 2/14/06
DIR's Internet Security Forumn - 3/28/06
TASSCC Technology Education Conference - 3/29/06
TCEQ's Environmental Trade Fair and Conference - 5/9/06-5/11/06
Texas Government Insider Archives
Volume 1, 2, 3 and 4 Archives - 11/7/03 - 2/3/06
Resources
2006 Election Calendar - NEW!
Summary of 79th Legislature enactments by Texas Legislative Council - NEW!
Texas Fact Book '06-'07
LBB's Fiscal Size-up '06-'07
2005 State Strategic Plan for Information Resources Management
SAO report on full-time state employees for fiscal 2005
Texas Human Resources Management Statutes Inventory
TBPC Vendor Guide
State Budget Resources
HUB Forms Library
State Contract Management Guide
State Procurement Manual
Who Represents Me? Texas Districts By Address
Diagram of Texas' Biennial Budget Cycle
Strategic Partnerships adding more local government experts
Strategic Partnerships, Inc., is seeking additional local government affiliates in metropolitan areas of the state outside of Austin. The ideal candidate, which will work on a part-time basis, will have spent at least 10 years working in and around local government. Candidates should have an extensive knowledge of local government political, budgetary and procurement processes, and should have actively participated in development and oversight of major RFPs or proposal responses. SPI's affiliates serve as the point person for a team that delivers to clients services that include strategy, research, positioning and the presentation of unique opportunities. Click here for a job description. Applicants may send a cover letter and resume to pmaugham@spartnerships.com.
Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is a research and consulting firm offering business development and public affairs services.
Founded in Texas in 1994 by former government executives and public sector experts, SPI has developed a national reputation as the premier marketing partner dedicated to helping companies secure contracts in the $1.5 trillion state and local government marketplace.
To learn more about SPI services click here or contact our sales department at 512-531-3900.
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