Today is the 95th day of the 80th Session of the Texas Legislature. Since regular sessions run 140 days, that means the 2/3 milestone was passed on Wednesday.

Sometimes the question comes up about calendar days vs. working days. The 140-day length of the session and all the major milestones driven by Senate and House rules are based on calendar days. During the early part of session, when committees haven't yet been appointed, both chambers typically take off long weekends. During the latter part of the session, on the other hand, evening and weekend sessions are not uncommon. Thus, planning around the presumed number of working days would be difficult.

Because bills must be heard in committee and it takes several weeks for the committees to be named and organized, bills are just beginning to come out of committees and into the full chambers of each house. After passage in the originating chamber, bills then must go through a similar process in the other chamber. Of the 4,105 bills introduced in the House so far, only four have been passed by both the House and Senate. Ten of the 2,015 Senate bills have now passed both chambers. Those numbers will begin to increase dramatically in the next 10 days.

After bills have been "enrolled" by the legislature, they are sent to the governor. So far, the governor has signed two House bills and three Senate bills. The first bill to be signed by the governor was SB 378 relating to the use of deadly force to defend oneself. It becomes effective on September 1.

The Senate Thursday passed its proposed appropriations bill. Since the House had already passed its version, the two bills will now be reconciled in a conference committee. The conference committee will be comprised of five senators appointed by the lieutenant governor and five representatives appointed by the House Speaker. The conference committee's deliberations will likely take several weeks and its final report will need to be approved by both chambers.

If the last half dozen regular sessions are any guide, the number of bills that will ultimately become law will be somewhere in the 1,400-1,600 range. That means the remaining 45 days will be quite busy. The legislature adjourns sine die on May 28.

Further details about the legislative process are available on the SPI Web site.

Governor touts statewide radio communications

Gov. Rick Perry this week praised the progress of the state's radio communications capabilities since local officials have collaborated with the state's 24 regional councils of government to improve radio communications interoperability.

"Radio interoperability in Texas is particularly challenging because of its size and geographic diversity," Perry said. "As a result of local leadership, I am proud to report to you today that Texas has achieved level four radio interoperability throughout the state, and in some areas, it is as high as level six."

Level four radio interoperability allows fire fighters, emergency medical responders, police officers, deputy sheriffs and state troopers to travel anywhere in the state and have immediate radio communications with each other using their own equipment on established channels. Perry said the importance of interoperability was demonstrated last year when statewide first responders battled wildfires and floods, and were able to communicate with one another using their own radios.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Wanda M. Thompson, Ph.D., deputy executive commissioner for System Support Services, Health and Human Services Commission

Career highlights and education: I received my Master of Public Affairs and a Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, and a BA in Psychology from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. In my current role, I am responsible for the planning and delivery of administrative services, including human resources, civil rights, ombudsman office, procurement, regional administration, and facilities management in the most efficient and effective manner possible to the five health and human services agencies. Additionally, I serve on the board of Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG), an organization that promotes leadership in service to Texas by offering professional development opportunities for women.

Prior to joining the executive team at HHSC, I held the positions of Associate Commissioner for Operational Support and Bureau Chief for Support Services at the Texas Department of Health. I also served as the Chief of Staff to the Interim Commissioner of Health.

What I like best about my job is: The extraordinary people I get to work with on a daily basis. Administrative services exist to support the programs and activities of health and human services. The folks I work with take customer service very seriously and strive for excellence in all they do. I am proud to represent them.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: Never forget why you are here - to serve. That means listening to our employees and stakeholders and working diligently to support the missions of our agencies.

Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Take your job seriously; strive for excellence, but don't forget to have fun.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Hanging out with my daughter, Veronica.

People would be surprised to know that I: really do have a sense of humor.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking:: We Don't Make Widgets: Overcoming the Myths that Keep Government from Radically Improving by Ken Miller. This book provides a fresh perspective on how to improve performance in government by focusing on systems and operations. One area particularly interesting to me was a discussion about customers and measuring their satisfaction.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a “Lone Star,” please email us at editor@spartnerships.com.

State agency expenditures available online

Comptroller Susan Combs this week announced 12 more state agencies have made their expenditures available on the Comptroller's Web site. The postings are an effort to provide taxpayers with transparency and accountability in state spending.

"State agencies have embraced the idea that we must better inform taxpayers about how the government spends their hard-earned dollars," Combs said. "We will work with state agencies to upgrade technology or do whatever it takes to enable them to report their expenditures to post online."

The agencies most recently posting expenditures on the Comptroller's Web site, include the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Public Finance Authority, Employees Retirement System of Texas, Texas Department of Insurance, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Department of Information Resources, Texas Water Development Board and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The following agencies have previously posted expenditures: the Comptroller's office, Texas Education Agency, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and Texas Department of State Health Services.

TDHCA creates new disaster recovery division

The Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs recently announced that it will create a new division to administer the more than $500 million in federal disaster funding the state will use to rebuild Southeast Texas communities affected by Hurricane Rita.

Kelly Crawford, director of Portfolio Management and Compliance, was appointed Deputy Executive Director of this new division.

TDHCA in December 2005 received $74.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds for disaster recovery. An additional $428.6 million CDBG allocation is in the works, awaiting approval of the department's action plan for allocating the funds. In addition, Texas received a $16 million FEMA alternative housing demonstration fund grant for affordable single family homes requiring a much shorter construction period.

Texas may move primary election date

The Texas House this week passed HB 2017,which would move the General Primaries from the first Tuesday of March to the first Tuesday of February in even-numbered years. The bill will now go to the Senate for its consideration.

A companion bill (SB 1843) was introduced in the Senate, but is still in the Senate State Affairs Committee. A number of states are considering moving their primaries to the first Tuesday of February, which will dramatically change the dynamics of the presidential primaries process.

Senate, House approve high school steroid tests

The Texas House and Senate this week approved a bill that would require high school athletes across the state to be randomly tested for steroids each year.

The program, which would be one of the largest student drug testing programs in the nation, would start during the 2007-08 school year, requiring an estimated 22,000 student athletes to submit to steroid testing.

The Senate's version of the bill mandates that a positive result would lead to a 30-day minimum suspension from play. A second positive test would bench the student for one year, and a third would result in a permanent ban from extracurricular sports. The House version directs the University Interscholastic League to decide the punishment. Funding for the tests is yet to be decided.

Sen. Kyle Janek of Houston, who authored SB 8, said the proposed law will make high school athletics safer, and stressed that steroids cause an array of serious health problems, some causing lasting damage.

Forensic crime labs receive funds for upgrades

Six Texas forensic crime labs received a total of $756,520 for new equipment, training and staff. The funds come from the federal Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act fund and are distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division.

Senators want fund used for job retention

State Sens. Kevin Eltife (left) of Tyler and Rodney Ellis (right) of Houston recently filed SB 1979 to allow the Texas Enterprise Fund to be used to help retain or expand manufacturing jobs in the state. Currently, the fund, which is administered by the Governor's Office, is used only to attract new jobs and companies into Texas, but not keep them from departing.

Eltife said in a written statement that "while the state has used the Enterprise Fund to bring jobs in the front door, we are losing manufacturing jobs out the back door because we do not have the tools in place in this state to make sure we retain these important jobs." He also stressed that manufacturing jobs are the "backbone of our economy."

Ellis' statement claimed this legislation is "vital to providing real economic security for Texas."

The Texas Legislature created the Texas Enterprise Fund in 2003 at Gov. Rick Perry's request. According to information from the Governor's Office, the fund has allocated approximately $335 million to 37 projects that are expected to create more than 44,000 jobs and more than $15 billion in capital investment in Texas.

Mexia-Limestone County airport receives $3.7 million

The Texas Department of Transportation announced this week that the state has approved approximately $3.7 million of funds for improvements at the Mexia-Limestone County Airport.

The funds, through TxDOT's Aviation Facilities Grant Program, are earmarked for airport improvements, including pavement and electrical upgrades. Project costs will also be supplemented by Limestone County. A contract for the project is expected to be awarded this spring.

TxDOT officials have said that they expect to allocate approximately $60 million in funding for planning, constructing and maintaining community airports this year. Approximately 275 community airports in Texas are eligible for funding.

Bataille formally installed as UNT president

Gretchen Bataille will be formally installed as the 14th president of the University of North Texas today, Friday.

Bataille became the university president in August 2006, but tradition at American universities dictates that the ceremonial endowment of presidential powers takes place during the year following the official appointment.

Prior to coming to UNT, Bataille was the chief academic officer at the University of North Carolina, also serving a year as the interim chancellor of the North Carolina School of Arts.

She holds a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in English education from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. She received a doctoral degree in English from Drake University and has completed management development programs at Harvard University and the University of California.

April 16 tax rendering deadline looms for businesses

Texas businesses have until Monday, April 16, to render their property with county appraisal districts, which use the information to set property values. Businesses may list taxable inventory, furniture and fixtures, machinery and equipment and other property it has owned or managed as of Jan. 1, 2007.

"Rendition helps county appraisal districts appraise business property fairly and accurately," Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said. "If some businesses are not paying their fair share of property tax, it places a greater tax burden on other business owners and homeowners."

For more information, e-mail the Comptroller's property tax division at ptd.cpa@cpa.state.tx.us, or call the property tax hotline at (800) 252-9121. The Comptroller's rendition forms and decreased value report forms are available on the Web at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/02-forms.html.

Texas City pursues citywide Wi-Fi

Texas City has sent out a survey to residents with their recent water bills to gauge the support of citywide wireless Internet access, according to Mayor Matt Doyle. City officials have also talked to vendors who install wireless networks.

Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks allow people to connect to the Internet from laptop computers and other wireless devices. Currently, Texas City only offers wireless Internet access at one library. Doyle has suggested that the city could fund the installation of a wireless network, one section of the city at a time, then run the network - and possibly charge for services - like it does for water and electric utilities.

The City of Houston has proposed a wireless network to cover 95 percent of the city, costing $2.5 million over five years, and charging residents approximately $22 a month.

Laredo will build new college, business training facility

Government and school officials are anticipating the construction of The Zapata County Higher Education Advanced Technology Center, the first college and business training facility in the county.

The center, which will offer training for industries like oil and gas, recently received a $1 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration. Working with Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University, the Zapata County Economic Development Center will manage the center.

Funding will also come from Zapata County, Zapata Independent School District, and the South Texas Workforce Development Board. The project should be completed in 18 to 24 months.

Guadalupe County may install cameras in jail

Guadalupe County Sheriff Arnold Zwicke recommended this week that the county install more surveillance cameras in the jail. Zwicke is requesting that the county replace 15 cameras in the jail and add 45 more to its existing 59 surveillance cameras.

In February, commissioners approved seeking bids for new surveillance cameras to be placed in hallways, visitation areas, outside the jail and in parking lots. Because of privacy issues, the county has no plans to put surveillance cameras in inmate cells.

The new cameras will be able to record and store data, enabling the sheriff's office to review incidents, if needed.

A&M Health Science Center appoints new VP

P. David Romei has been chosen as the new vice president for external affairs and development at the Texas A&M Health Science Center.

In his new position, Romei will oversee institutional development for the center, which includes the Health Science Center Foundation and the President's Council. Romei will also serve as the center's representative to businesses, donors and community leaders.

Romei received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a doctoral degree in history, with a specialization in medieval history, from Texas A&M University.

Ennis receives funding for airport

The Texas Department of Transportation announced this week that it will fund the City of Ennis' master plan for a new airport to be built during the next few years. A contract for the project is expected to be awarded by the end of the year.

Ennis City Manager Steve Howerton said that previously an upgrade of the existing facilities was considered, but consultants determined that the plan was not practical.

The proposed airport replacement is 90 percent state funded and 10 percent funded by the city. Grants will fund airport improvements, airport needs assessment and airport site selection.

Residential development has increasingly spread in the area surrounding the existing airport, which is located two miles west of the city. City officials hope that when the existing airport is decommissioned, it will free up property, as much as 1,200 acres, for growth.

UTA provost stepping down

The University of Texas at Arlington announced last week that Provost Dana Dunn is stepping down at the end of August to return to teaching.

On the UTA faculty since 1987, Dunn plans to return to teaching sociology after nearly three years as provost. Prior to becoming provost, Dunn served the university as vice president for academic affairs, senior vice provost, vice provost, associate dean of liberal arts and director of women's studies.

Ron Elsenbaumer, the university's vice president for research, will serve as interim provost while search for a permanent replacement is conducted, according to UTA President James D. Spaniolo.

Spaniolo said he would be appointing a search committee within the next several months.

DHS announces 2007 firefighter grants

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Grants and Training is accepting applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. DHS will distribute a total of $492.3 million in this round.

The grants enable fire departments to purchase equipment and to fund training, health and fitness programs and facility needs for those programs. According to homeland security records, Texas fire departments last year received grants totaling approximately $17.4 million.

May 4 is the deadline to apply for the grants. Applications and more information are available at www.firegrantsupport.com.

Corpus Christi ISD names superintendent finalist

Corpus Christi ISD trustees have selected Scott Elliff as the sole finalist for the district's superintendent position. Elliff, a 16-year district veteran whose career has ranged from elementary school teacher to public affairs director, is currently the acting superintendent.

This week's announcement brings an end to the third search for a CCISD superintendent. During the first search, finalist names were leaked to the media and candidates withdrew. A sole finalist was named during the second search, but the parties failed to negotiate a contract. During the state-mandated 21-day waiting period before hiring, CCISD trustees will negotiate Elliff's contract and salary.

CAPCOG helping school districts with Achieve Texas

School districts in Central Texas are receiving help in an effort to prepare students for the workforce. The Capital Area Council of Governments and the Rural Capital Area Workforce Development Board have partnered to assist districts with Achieve Texas implementation.

A Texas Education Agency initiative, Achieve Texas requires school districts statewide to redesign their career and technical education (CTE) programs by 2012. Redesigned CTE curricula will encourage high school students to take course sequences that provide necessary skills for employment in specific industries.

CAPCOG's Center for Regional Development is using its database and research resources to provide school districts with customized labor market information for the 10-county region. The project's goal is to help school districts prioritize career tracks, such as Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Health Science, Information Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics, based on expected industry growth.

Mathis to build $10 million health-care complex

A proposed $10 million medical complex in Mathis with a state-of-the-art clinic, shopping center and helipad will provide convenient health care for residents in a 30-mile radius, according to a North Texas developer. Construction likely will begin in January 2008, and the center may open as early as 2010.

City officials plan to build a new EMS building with four bays adjacent to the three-story outpatient clinic. Still in the early stages of development, costs and funding sources have not yet been decided. That building would be city-owned and operated separately from the clinic.

The proposed 60,000-square-foot clinic will include several examination rooms, a 24-hour lab, pharmacy and possibly a cafeteria. Health-related businesses that provide services such as family practice, optometry, dental or chiropractic care would fill the 10,000-square-foot shopping center.

Arlington ISD superintendent to retire

Longtime Arlington ISD Superintendent Mac Bernd recently announced that he is stepping down from his post in February to begin a new career in law. He said he plans to apply to Texas Wesleyan University and Southern Methodist University to earn a law degree.

While leading Arlington ISD since 1998, Bernd has seen the school district enrollment grow from 55,000 to 63,000 students with seven new campuses built.

Bernd privately gave notice to school trustees last month and has been meeting with administrators and staff this week, visiting principals of the district's 74 campuses.

State selects San Antonio for desalination project

The Texas Water Development Board awarded San Antonio Water System a $205,000 grant to test technology to turn highly salinated groundwater into a potable water source for the region.

Working with the Evergreen Underground Water District, the research study will determine the feasibility and costs of the processing technology at SAWS' proposed desalination plant.

This filtration method is expected to reduce waste of the desalination process, which would lower the cost of the conservation effort. If the project is successful, regional water suppliers could process as much as 22,000 acre-feet of water per year.

Houston CC begins $26.3 million construction projects

Houston Community College Southwest College's Missouri City Center and Stafford Campus are each scheduled to start construction this month on new buildings. Both projects are funded by the $150.8 million bond passed by the college district voters in 2003, and are expected to be completed for fall 2008 classes.

In Stafford, a 120,000-square-foot learning hub, including 35 classrooms, laboratories, a student service area, a food court, a library, faculty offices and extra parking, is estimated to cost $20 million.

Missouri City's 45,000-square-foot academic center, which will include 22 classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, student service areas and a parking lot, is estimated to cost $6.3 million during its first phase.

After HCC Southwest starts its development, construction of a $10 million library located on the campus is scheduled to begin. The 43,500-square-foot library would serve both the campus and Fort Bend County, and include large meeting areas, two computer labs, a children's area, self-check-out machines, Wi-Fi service and a service desk for reserve course material for the college.

Austin ISD likely to join performing arts center plans

Austin ISD trustees are expected to approve an agreement with the City of Austin and the Long Center for the Performing Arts to explore adding the district's planned center to the Long site, which is under construction on land leased by the city.

The Long Center, located along the southern edge of Town Lake, is expected to open next year with a 2,200-seat hall and a 240-seat venue. The proposed 700-seat auditorium at the Long Center is on hold indefinitely because of limited funding, but this agreement would allow the three entities to formally look into building the auditorium.

Austin ISD officials budgeted $8.8 million for their center, part of a $519.5 million bond package voters passed in 2004. Officials hope to raise an additional $7 million in private donations, but are also considering a bond vote in the next two years that would include approximately $15 million to fund the project at the Long Center site.

Alamo Community College to gain $43.5 million building

Alamo Community College recently approved a $43.5 million contract to build a new three-story building at St. Philip's College campus. The new building will house the school's Nursing and Allied Health Career Center, Learning Resource Center and an enrollment center.

Preliminary construction has begun; the project is slated to be complete by fall 2008. The project is part of the community college district's $450 million bond package passed by Bexar County voters in November 2005.

Fruitvale ISD names superintendent finalist

Fruitvale ISD trustees this week named Bruce Congleton as the lone finalist for superintendent of the school district, which is located in Van Zandt County. Congleton, who currently serves as principal at Canton Junior High, will replace Stan Surrat who recently accepted a superintendent position with Lindale ISD.

Congleton has spent 21 years of his 22-year education career with Canton ISD. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master's in education administration from Texas A&M Commerce.

Following the state-mandated 21-day waiting period, Congleton's first day on the job will be May 25.

Funds available for telemedicine, distance education

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of nearly $128 million for distance learning and telemedicine grants and loans. Through telemedicine technology, rural residents can access medical specialists that are not available in their area. Doctors can examine patients and direct their treatment from remote treatment centers.

Distance learning funds finance equipment to expand educational resources in isolated rural areas.

"Telemedicine and distance learning are the foundation on which the quality of education and healthcare in rural America can and will improve," said Thomas C. Dorr, the agriculture department's Under Secretary for Rural Development. "With these systems in place, rural residents will be able to take advantage of the wide variety of health care services and education programs available now and into the future."

The $127.9 million is divided into $62.9 million for loans, $50 million for loan and grant combinations, and $15 million for grants.

Willis considers options for new police station

Though the City of Willis has yet to decide on a permanent site for its police station, City Administrator Jim McAlister recommends remodeling City Hall to accommodate the police department. Construction of a new building is estimated at $750,000, while the projected cost to reconstruct City Hall is $550,000, he said.

City officials, now operating out of City Hall's first floor, would move to the second floor of the two-story structure, now used for equipment and file storage. The police station would occupy the first floor.

Renovating the current police building, which is small, outdated and damaged with mold, has been discounted by city officials. The city's police department has leased a site temporarily, while city planners are still researching their options.

Legislative Session enters home stretch

House, Senate have introduced more than 6,000 bills so far

Governor touts statewide radio communications

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Wanda M. Thompson, Ph.D., deputy executive commissioner for System Support Services, Health and Human Services Commission

State agency expenditures available online

TDHCA creates new disaster recovery division

Texas may move primary election date

Senate, House approve high school steroid tests

Forensic crime labs receive funds for upgrades

Senators want fund used for job retention

Mexia-Limestone County airport receives $3.7 million

Bataille formally installed as UNT president

April 16 tax rendering deadline looms for businesses

Texas City pursues citywide Wi-Fi

Laredo will build new college, business training facility

Guadalupe County may install cameras in jail

A&M Health Science Center appoints new VP

Ennis receives funding for airport

UTA provost stepping down

DHS announces 2007 firefighter grants

Corpus Christi ISD names superintendent finalist

CAPCOG helping school districts with Achieve Texas

Mathis to build $10 million health-care complex

Arlington ISD superintendent to retire

State selects San Antonio for desalination project

Houston CC begins $26.3 million construction projects

Austin ISD likely to join performing arts center plans

Alamo Community College to gain $43.5 million building

Fruitvale ISD names superintendent finalist

Funds available for telemedicine, distance education

Willis considers options for new police station

Have you heard about M2M?

SPI welcomes Nancy Reed to research team

Harrison County to buy election equipment

Giddings joins national labor committee

Rusk County to build walking, jogging trail

Harmony ISD selects superintendent finalist

Technology chief leaves Houston ISD

Alamo Community College District builds new campus

Ellis County to study annexes

Euless city manager to retire

Tyler ISD names superintendent finalist

Pearland officials hope to double library's size

Sugar Land to build new animal shelter

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