Texas Government Insider
Volume 8, Issue 14 - Friday, April 9, 2010
Texas entities recipients of federal health IT funding
 
Texas State University earns lion's share of funds to train professionals
 
Denise TrauthA big share of health information technology (health IT) funding from the federal Recovery Act is making its way into Texas.
 
Texas State University-San Marcos is one of nine university-based programs, including such educational luminaries as Johns Hopkins University and Duke University, to share $32 million in funding to train professionals for highly specialized health IT roles. Texas State garnered the largest award at $5,421,205.
 
"This is an opportunity for Texas State University to lead the way in expanding educational opportunities and establishing new methods to prepare students for careers in health information technology," said Texas State President Denise Trauth (left).
 
Four other Texas entities are among 28 nonprofit organizations to share more than $267 million in Recovery Act funds that will be used to establish Health Information Technology Regional Extension Centers (RECs). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is administering the funds, which are geared toward helping the fledgling health information technology (health IT) industry prepare to support a multitude of industry-related jobs nationwide. 
 
Jack Smith"Our school has been a leader in interdisciplinary innovation in clinical and public health informatics, and now we will lead in the ambitious national goal of implementation of an electronic health record for every citizen," said Jack Smith (right), M.D., Ph.D., dean of The University of Texas School of Health Information Sciences at Houston, which was awarded almost $15.3 million. "The RECs are a touchstone for achieving this goal and are the HIT equivalent of agricultural extension services. They will train and field the army of HIT implementation agents which will sweep through primary practice settings in Texas to bring the best HIT technology to bear," said Smith, the Gulf Coast REC's principal investigator.
 
The other three Texas entities and the amount they are being funded include: the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center Research Foundation at College Station - $5,279.970; the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Education and Research Foundation in Irving - $8,488,513; and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock - $6,666,296.
 
 
Build America Bonds save state, local governments $12B 
 
Forty-five Texas entities issue $8.02B; highways projects total $1.2B
 
State and local governments across the country have saved more than $12 billion in borrowing costs thanks to the federal Recovery Act's Build America Bond (BAB) program. The U.S. Department of the Treasury reports that $900 billion in BABs have been issued through March 31. 
 
Bond ConstructionThe state of Texas and local governments in Texas have accounted for $8.022 billion of those bonds. Forty-five bond issuances, including multiple issuances by some entities, were recorded in the state through the end of March. The largest share of the bond issuance was by the State of Texas, where $1.208 billion was issued for highway improvements.
 
Dallas Rapid Transit issued $830 million in BAB bonds for transit improvements and the North Texas Tollway Authority issued $825 million for highway improvements. Bexar County's $51 million in BABs was issued for correctional facility and parking facility improvements. The City of San Antonio used $103 million of the bonds for sewer and water utility improvements. Some public schools using the bonding funds for school improvements were Houston ISD ($184 million), Plano ISD ($87 million) and the Lindale ISD ($25 million). 
 
 
Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
 
John SepehriJohn Sepehri, general counsel to the Texas Secretary of State
 
Career highlights and education: BA with Honors from The University of Texas at Austin - 1993 (Plan II Honors Program); JD with Honors from The University of Texas at Austin - 1996; judicial clerkship with United States District Judge Paul Brown; employment as an associate attorney at the Dallas offices of well-regarded regional and national firms from 1996-2008 including Haynes and Boone, LLP; Hughes & Luce, LLP (now KL Gates); Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP and Patton Boggs, LLP.
 
What I like best about my job is: Monitoring and working with the legislature.
 
The best advice I've received for my current job is: Listen to the long-time staff.
 
Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Listen to the long-time staff.
 
If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: jogging at Town Lake.
 
People would be surprised to know that I: am a native Austinite who lived here from 1979-1996 before returning in 2008 to work at the Capitol.
 
Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: Statecraft is Soulcraft: What Government Does, by George F. Will.
 
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
 
Commission authorizes bond sale for new DPS facilities
The Public Safety Commission recently authorized the Public Finance Authority to sell bonds to support construction of new Texas Department of Public Safety facilities.
 
Almost $131.6 million will finance construction of a new regional office and crime lab in Lubbock, new offices in McAllen and Rio Grande City, crime lab expansions and an emergency vehicle operations course.
 
Another $6.1 million will be used for construction of a crime lab in Laredo.
 
TABC issues badge commemorating anniversary
TABC Badge Commemorative badges for certain current and retired employees of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be issued as the agency kicks off its 75th anniversary year. Current personnel who carry badges were given the opportunity to purchase the new badge. Other anniversary items available for purchase include boots, money clips, key chains, pendants and pins.
 
Those who could purchase the commemorative badges include agents and investigators, retired agents and special agents, ports of entry tax compliance officers, compliance supervisors and division directors.
 
The badge will be worn during 2010 only. TABC employees will resume wearing the standard badges in 2011.
 
The TABC was established in 1935 to regulate the alcoholic beverage industry in the state after the repeal of prohibition. It continues today to regulate the retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers of alcoholic beverages. Investigators also work with local, state and federal authorities on other cases, from alcohol-related fatalities to organized crime.
 
Sales tax revenue declines moderate, but still down
Sales tax collections for March were down 7.8 percent compared to the same month last year, according to figures released this week by the State Comptroller Susan Combs. Combs said she expects further declines in the near-term, but a return to growth in sales tax revenues later this year. So far this year, monthly sales tax allocations to local governments are 7.4 percent lower than in 2009.
 
Cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts will receive $394.1 million in April sales tax allocations. That is down 3.9 percent compared to April 2009. So far in 2010, monthly sales tax allocations to local governments lag 7.4 percent behind 2009. Texas cities will receive $265.7 million in sales tax allocations for April, 7 percent lower than last year. County allocations are down 7.7 percent compared to a year ago, and will receive payments of $24 million.
 
Some 164 special purpose taxing districts will receive $15.7 million in sales tax, down 1.8 percent compared to last April. Ten local transit systems will receive $88.6 million in sales tax rebates, down 3.9 percent compared to a year ago. To view the allocations by city, click here. To view the allocations by county, click here.
 
Tucker sworn in as governing board member for TDRA
Bryan TuckerThe Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) has named Bryan K. Tucker to its governing board.
 
Tucker, owner of a construction company, serves as city manager of Childress. He volunteers for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Project Rio job-training program.
 
In the accompanying photo, he is shown being sworn in by Sen. Robert Duncan (left) while Wallace Klussman, chairman of the TDRA governing board, holds the Bible for the swearing-in ceremony.
 
Tucker holds two bachelor's degrees from Texas Tech University. 
 
TEA launches live chat for teacher certification questions
The Texas Education Agency's Division of Educator Credentialing has launched a live chat program designed to address questions related to teacher certifications. The system should "alleviate some of the frustrations that result when phone lines are congested," said Texas Commissioner of Education Robert Scott.
 
The chat can be accessed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
The system allows the TEA division to answer questions, chat with several clients at one time and create a post-chat survey for customers to evaluate their online experience.
 
Texas Forest Service signs MOU with NRCS
MOU SignedThe Texas Forest Services (TFS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes a long-term commitment to the conservation and stewardship of the state's natural resources. NRCS State Conservationist Donald W. Gohmert (left) and TFS Director and State Forester Tom Boggus signed the document in Temple. The two agencies have worked together for years to assist Texans while addressing natural resource management concerns.
 
The MOU will strengthen cooperation between the two by coordinating interagency delivery of forestry-related conservation assistance to private landowners with a goal of sustaining the health, diversity and productivity of the private working lands in the state. Those lands include forestland, cropland, pasture and rangeland.
 
Houston approves pact for new $95M Dynamo Stadium
Annise ParkerHouston City Council members recently approved an agreement to join in a public/private partnership project for a new $95 million stadium for the Houston Dynamo soccer team and the Texas Southern University football team. 
 
The owners of the soccer team will pay $60 million for construction costs of building the new stadium located on a $15.5 million site owned by the city of Houston, noted Houston Mayor Annise Parker (pictured). The stadium, however, will be jointly owned by the city and Harris County, she said.
 
Harris County Commissioners are expected to vote next week on the agreement which calls for the county to pay about $20 million toward infrastructure improvements needed for the stadium and to pay the city of Houston $7.5 million, or half of the purchase price to cover half of the cost of buying the site for the stadium.
 
Texas City receives $2.6M to rebuild dike
Matt DoyleTexas City has received $2.6 million from the federal government to rebuild the city dike damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008. The amount marks about half of the anticipated funding the city expects to receive, according to officials.
 
After many delays and much frustration, "Now we can finally move forward," Mayor Matt Doyle (pictured) said. "We couldn't move forward until we had the money in hand."
 
Last week officials opened bids to reconstruct the road leading to the dike. Commissioners are expected to award those bids this week.
 
Austin city manager announces line-up changes 
Stephen Elkins Veronica LaraAustin City Manager Marc Ott has named Stephen Elkins (left) chief information officer and Veronica Lara (right) as director of the City's Communications and Technology Management Department (CTM). Elkins and Lara previously served as director of CTM and acting director of the City's Department of Small and Minority Business Resources (DSMBR), respectively.
 
Elkins previously worked as manager of the Technology Projects and Development Division at CTM and has served in various information technology roles for both the city and the private sector.
 
Lara, who joined the city 11 years ago, previously served as assistant director of DSMBR in addition to posts as council aide and agenda coordinator in the city manager's office.
 
Schools to purchase kitchen equipment with funds
The Texas Department of Agriculture will award almost $4 million in funding to 122 Texas schools to be used to purchase new kitchen equipment. The funding is from the federal Recovery Act and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2010 School Food Equipment grants. These funds were made available when equipment costs from the first round of funding - a total of $11.5 million - came in lower than expected.
 
Schools will use the funds to purchase more energy efficient appliances to help save school districts on energy costs and appliances that will provide equipment that will better allow schools to increase the nutritional value of the meals that are served. Equipment expected to be bought from the funds includes new ovens, freezers, steam tables, tilt skillet and other kitchen equipment.
 
Of the $4 million being made available, more than $895,000 is Recovery Act funds. The remaining amount - more than $2.9 million - is from the USDA School Food Equipment Grants. These are one-time appropriations for 2010 and are awarded to schools operating under the National School Lunch Program, but did not receive Recovery Act equipment grants. Funds must be used to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of delivering school meals and can be used to either replace or upgrade food service equipment. To view a complete list of the recipients and the equipment to be purchased, click here and look under "Recent Reports." 
 
CPRIT evaluating requests for $620 million in funding
Cancer Research
The peer review committee of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) is currently evaluating more than 140 applications for funding for three cancer research and four cancer prevention programs. The funding requests total more than $620 million. The review of the applications is expected to be completed by late May and funding recommendations for the grants will be presented to the Oversight Committee at its June 18 meeting.
 
There were nine applications seeking more than $28.7 million in Training Grant Awards.These grants support research training programs to reach promising individuals who seek specialized training in cancer research. Forty-two applicants seeking more than $413 million in Multi-Investigator Research Awards are sought by institutions, universities and governmental and non-governmental organizations proposing collaborative approaches that lead to translating scientific discoveries into tools to impact the incidence of cancer, detection, treatment and mortality. Twenty-four applications seeking more than $129 million in funds from the Company Investment Awardare sought by companies of limited partnerships in Texas or willing to relocate to Texas for development of products for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of cancer, establish infrastructure needed to develop the industry or to fill a treatment or research gap.
 
Other applications received: 15 applications totaling more than $35 million from the Community Collaborative Prevention Programs and Services For Breast, Cervical and Colorectal Cancers; 10 applications totaling more than $1.4 million from  Innovation Award for Cancer Prevention Programs;26 applications for more than $7.2 million from the Health Promotion, Public Education, and Community Outreach; and 15 applications totaling more than $4.2 million from Health Care Professional Education and Training. 
 
Button joins Parkland in infection prevention, control post 
Tom Button Tom Button (pictured) has been named director of Infection Prevention and Control for Parkland Health and Hospital System. In his director position, he will be responsible for programs and processes that help prevent the spread of infections and control their spread if they occur.
 
Button brings three decades of experience in nursing and health care management to his new post. Prior to joining Parkland, he was employed by McKinney Medical Center, where he held a number of positions over his tenure, including having served as director of infection prevention and control for the last seven years. He also previously held nursing and nurse management positions at Baylor Medical Center at Garland.
 
Button holds a bachelor's degree from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He also is a registered nurse with certifications in infection control, nursing administration and health management. He is also a former U.S. Navy hospital corpsman.
 
Socorro, Ysleta school districts contend for major award  

The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has selected Socorro Independent School District and Ysleta Independent School District, both in El Paso, as two of five finalists for the 2010 Broad Prize for Urban Education. The distinction guarantees each district at least $250,000 in college scholarships for students and marks the first time two adjacent districts are vying for the honor of most improved large school district.

With $2 million in prizes - the largest education prize in the country - the Foundation awards recognize districts that have demonstrated performance improvement in student achievement while reducing gaps in achievement among poor and minority students.

For more information about the Broad Foundation, click here.
 
County Government Month being observed in Texas
Gene TerryAcross Texas and its 254 counties, April is being observed as County Government Month. The previous one-week observance of promoting services counties provide to their citizens this year was expanded to a month-long observation. These services include everything from operation of the criminal justice and courts systems to law enforcement, emergency management, infrastructure maintenance and maintaining public records. All of this has to be done while at the same time providing an equitable property tax system and providing quality of life services and services to citizens who are most in need.
 
"Faced with ever-increasing service demands and state mandates, county governments in Texas are constantly on the lookout for ways to do more with less," said Gene Terry (pictured), executive director of the Texas Association of Counties (TAC).  "We want our citizens to know that their county government is there for them in these tough economic times." Terry extended an invitation to citizens to visit their county courthouses during the month-long observation of the oldest form of local government in the United States.
 
TAC has a number of resources available highlighting county services, including brochures and a DVD video that address structure and history of Texas county government and the roles and functions of various county offices. A special Web site (www.TexasCounties4U.org) ties for the public features videos on how to access county services, a map and list of all county Web sites, information about each county government office and data on each county, including demographic profiles.
 
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More detailed plans released regarding Bush center at SMU
Bush CenterPlans for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas (pictured) were recently released, showing a single building housing a museum, the library and the Bush policy institute. Construction is expected to begin toward the end of the year, with an anticipated completion date of February 2013.
 
No information has been released regarding the interior of the building, which is housed at Southern Methodist University. In addition to the center, the plans include two parking lots north of the library.
 
These plans show more detail than in previous plans. There are numerous photos of the different views of the facility. For more information and to view architect's renderings, click here.
 
Mitchell announced as new Tech HSC president

Tedd Mitchell, M.D., has been approved by the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents as the new president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Mitchell was chosen by Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance from a group of candidates chosen by the Presidential Search Committee after a national search. As the institution's eighth president, he will begin his duties on May 17.

 

Mitchell currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, an internationally recognized center of excellence for preventive medicine. He became medical director there in 1991 and president and CEO in 2006. Mitchell holds a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch. He is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American College of Physicians.  
 
Quinn to serve AACOG as public safety director 
Mike Quinn

Mike Quinn, a veteran of more than 25 years in law enforcement, has been named Public Safety Director for the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG). Before joining AACOG, Quinn was vice president for Facilities and Construction for the Brooks Development Authority and facilities manager for the City of San Antonio.

 

From 1974 to 2000, he served with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. Quinn holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Houston.

 
Central Texas school districts apply for $30M grant
The Investing in Innovation fund, otherwise known as i3, is set to award $650 million in competitive grants to overhaul middle school education nationwide. A number of Central Texas school districts known as the Central Texas Stimulus Education Collaborative (CTSEC) are applying for $30 million in awards. The consortium includes the Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, Austin, San Marcos, Eanes and Hays districts.
Money from the awards, part of the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, will be used to develop a new instructional model for sixth through ninth grades.
 
The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires districts to match 20 percent - $6 million in CTSEC's case - of the awards with private-sector donations. Funds will be distributed Sept. 30.
 
DOL to award $125M to community, junior colleges
The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is geared to award $125 million in Community-Based Job Training Grants, which will help fund community colleges and career centers across the nation. The awards, funded competitively, will support workforce training for high-growth and high-demand industries.
 
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said the ETA is "delighted to be able to create opportunities for working Americans to train for high-demand occupations."
 
The awards will range from about $1 million to $3 million each with the exception of consortium applications that include three or more community, technical or tribal colleges, which may receive up to $5 million in grants. For more information about the awards, click here.
 
McKinney ISD close to agreement on $44M natatorium
Brian LoughmillerBudget concerns slowed down a decision by the McKinney Independent School District trustees to partner with the city of McKinney to build a proposed $44 million aquatic center. However, school board members may reach a decision on the proposed natatorium this month, Lewis Isaacks, president of the McKinney ISD board of trustees, recently said.
 
Final design plans for the natatorium, which would be used by both the school district and McKinney residents, are not yet available. But preliminary plans call for indoor and outdoor water parks, a 50-meter pool and a gym or fitness room component to be built on a 12-acre district-owned site adjacent to land dedicated to development of a new city park, said Mayor Brian Loughmiller (pictured).
 
The McKinney Community Development Corporation has approved $19 million toward the aquatic facility. The city of McKinney has pledged $10 million and school district officials have discussed contributing $15 million. Those funds would come from a previously planned bond election in May that board members recently decided to delay. District officials also have said they would pay half of the expected $3 million design cost with the city paying the other half prior to the bond election to keep the facility on a faster track. No decision has been made whether or when to ask voters to approve the bonds needed for the district's share of the cost of the aquatic facility.
 
CPRIT application for 2011 awards approaching

Applications will be taken by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) on May 10 for the first round of funding from the 2011 Research Awards. The deadline for applications will be June 10. Awards are expected to be announced by the Oversight Committee in November. Applications are available on the CPRIT Web site, www.cprit.state.tx.us.

 

This round of funding will come from the Individual Investigator Award, the High Impact/High Risk Award and the Recruitment Grants (New Investigator, Rising Star and Superstar).

 

The Individual Investigator Award is for innovative research proposals by a single investigator that will help advance knowledge of the causes, preventions and/or treatment of cancer. The awards are three years or less with an annual limit of $500,000 per award. The High Impact/High Risk Award, granted over two years or less with a $200,000 maximum funding, is for short-term projects that target new avenues of cancer research that could contribute to new insights into the etiology, diagnosis, treatment or cure of cancer. The Recruitment Grants are open continuously and support recruitment of top cancer research talent to Texas.
 
The different awards target researchers at various experience levels
.
 
 
Dallas city mgr. holds off on police chief pick for now
Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm said she is nowhere near selecting the city's next chief of police after two days of candidate interviews. She said she will travel to the applicants' cities for some "one-on-one time with them, which I haven't had much of yet."
 
Suhm, who said the candidates all hold qualified educational and experience backgrounds, looks to have her selection made by the end of the month.
 
Carroll ISD first to showcase personalized license plates
Craig Rothmeier
Trustees for Carroll Independent School District recently approved a five-year marketing agreement to offer personalized Texas license plates featuring a Carroll Dragon design. While several Texas colleges participate in the personalized license plate program, Carroll ISD is the first school district to use the program, said a spokeswoman for the Austin-based company authorized to design and market full-color specialty license plates.
 
Under terms of the agreement, Carroll ISD will receive a 10 percent commission on each plate sold, said trustee Craig Rothmeier (pictured). The state receives the majority of the revenue generated by the agreement, said district officials who also agreed to split the $5,000 cost to implement the program. Company officials agreed to reimburse the district's $2,500 share of the implementation cost once the program is approved to market.
 
District officials have not yet finalized the design for the Dragon logo design and hope to begin marketing the Carroll Dragon license plates this fall through a Web site.
 
DOE to pump $338M into Texas schools
The U.S. Department of Education is set to infuse nearly $338 million into Texas' lowest-performing schools through the School Improvement Grant program.
 
The funds, part of a $3.5 billion package that will be made available to states this spring, are designed to turn around the nation's worst-performing schools, or ones that have failed to meet annual yearly progress for two years. The monies arrive as part of the Education Department's 2009 budget and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
 
School districts must adopt one of four strategic models before they are eligible to receive the funds. These models include a turnaround option in which schools adopt a new governance structure; a restart model, which calls for schools to convert or close and reopen as a charter school or under an education management organization; a closure model, which would send children to higher-performing schools in the district; and a transformation model, which would replace the school's principal and implement comprehensive curriculum reform.
 
Energy grants awarded to county, university
Cameron County recently won a $1.7 million grant to install solar panels in four county buildings. The county will be required to contribute $428,331, or a 20-percent match, to qualify for the federal stimulus funding directed through the State Energy Conservation Office to fund alternative energy projects.

The county also received a grant for $1.5 million for a $1.8 million project to install a 206-kilowatt hybrid system that includes solar panels and a 106-kilowatt, 110-foot wind turbine at the International Technology, Education and Commerce Center of University of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost College.
 
The $1.7 million grant will pay to install solar panels at the county courthouse/administration building and the Oscar C. Dancy Building in Brownsville, and on county annex buildings in Harlingen and San Benito, said Robert Lopez, director of administrative services for the county. The new solar panels are expected to reduce energy costs for those buildings by about 35 percent, Lopez said.  However, the turbine and solar panels are expected to offset energy costs at ITEC by about 5 percent, said a spokesman for UTB-TSC.
 
League City approves priority projects for next four years

Mick PhalenAt the urging of the city's new finance director, city council members in League City recently approved a priority list of capital improvement projects to be completed during the next four years.

 

Near the top of the approved priority list is a new criminal justice facility that will include the police station, emergency operations office and administrative offices, said Councilman Mick Phalen (pictured). City officials have discussed building a joint facility with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, but no decisions have been made on the proposal, Phalen said.

 

City officials also placed high priority on building about 212 miles of hike and bike trails to eventually connect schools and main areas of League City, adding canoe ramps along Clear Creek, constructing the 40-acre Eastern Regional Park with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, soccer fields and recreation building, and constructing the $10 million FM 518 bypass to ease congestion at the intersection of FM 518, FM 270 and FM 2094. Also planned to break ground this summer is the construction of concrete curbs, sidewalks and enclosed gutters on a section of Coryell Street and a section of Houston Avenue.
 
Oak Point studying options for abandoned city hall

Oak Point City Council members currently are studying options for handling its former city hall left uninhabitable because of mold caused by poor drainage and structural issues. The current city hall is located in a temporary building situated on a parking lot. 

 

City Manager Doug Mousel gave council members four options to consider. At a cost ranging from $94,300 to $141,000, option one is to renovate the existing city hall building, repair drainage and structural concerns and remedy environmental issues. Option two, is to repair and renovate the existing building in addition to building a 750-square-foot addition at an estimated cost of from $173,800 to $221,600, Mousel said.

 

Option 3 is to demolish the existing city hall and build a new 2,500-square-foot city hall on the same site at an estimated cost of $248,300, including architectural and engineering fees. Option 4 is to build a new 5,000-square-foot city hall on FM 720 at costs ranging from $625,000 for residential-grade construction to $1.2 million for high-grade commercial construction. Council members asked the city manager to gather more information and present all the information concerning options for the city hall to residents at a town hall meeting and to listen to learn what residents think about the city hall issue.

 

San Benito ISD mulling construction of first 'green school'

San Benito Superintendent Antonio Limon recently recommended that school trustees build the first "green school" in the Rio Grande Valley to feature alternative energy sources and recycled building materials.

 

District officials have set aside $7.8 million to build a new elementary school, but adding alternative energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels could add to the project's cost, Limon said. Voters in 2007 approved a $37 million bond issue to pay for the new elementary school and other district improvements.

 

Architects have completed about 75 percent of the design for the new elementary school, but may need to revise some plans to make the building a "green school," said the superintendent, who added the facility will have high-efficiency air conditioning and heating systems. He also urged using recyclable metals for the roof and that the building feature many windows to increase natural light to reduce energy costs. Tanks will be used to capture rainwater to irrigate lawns and water-efficient fixtures will be installed in all restrooms. While several trustees commented favorably on the recommendation to build a "green school," board members took no action on the superintendent's recommendation.
 
Jim Ned CISD seeking $26.4 million bond approval in May
Brant Myers 

Officials of the Jim Ned Consolidated Independent School District recently agreed to place a $26.5 million bond proposal on the May 8 ballot.

 

If voters approve, the bonds would build a new, $22.5 million high school and renovate two elementary schools, said Superintendent Brant Myers (pictured). The new high school will feature specialty classrooms for science and computer labs, a fine arts center, career and technology shops, a cafetorium and gyms for competition and for practice, Myers said.

 

District officials also plan to move the fifth grade into the current high school building and renovate Lawn and Buffalo Gap elementary schools rather than consolidating the two elementary schools as originally proposed. Plans call for updating the elementary schools for new technology and limiting access points to improve safety.

 
Mansfield ISD approves $8.5 million technology upgrade
Trustees for the Mansfield Independent School District recently approved $8.5 million for a three-phase plan to upgrade interactive classroom technology.
 
District officials plan to provide a document camera, mounted short-throw data projector and interactive white board in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms. A document camera, mounted standard data projector and interactive tablet will be installed in grades five through 12. The three-phase technology upgrade should be completed in one year to 18 months, district officials said.
 
Board members had previously discussed purchasing mobile presentation carts and interactive slates, but a survey of teaching staff and librarians indicated that an integrated presentation system in each classroom would significantly benefit teaching and learning.
 
Wharton City Council to apply for pass-through program
The Wharton City Council has voted to apply for pass-through state funding to finance the extension of FM 1301 and construction of an overpass over the Kansas City Railroad track.
 
The council was recently denied federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant program for the projects.
 
The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Yoakum District Office has so far committed more than $2 million to the project. The city has also reserved possible bond funding for the estimated $18 million needed to see the initiative through.
 
Willis ISD citizen group urges upgrade of facilities
Jim SchulzeThe Willis Independent School District Capital Improvements Committee recently presented a list of the district's most needed capital improvement projects following a year of studying each facility in the district.
 
The projects were classified as short-term, medium-term and long-term needs, said Chairman Jim Schulze (pictured). The short-term needs include improving security at entrances to Barabham Middle School, Parmley Annex and Stubblefield Academy; adding security cameras and lighting improvements to facilities throughout the district; adding a nurse's office and clinic at two elementary school, a generator at the technology building, and adding dumpster pads at two schools, Schulze said.
 
Committee members recommended equalizing technology and improving technology and infrastructure throughout the district during the next year, or before the next bond issue. Long-term needs include a new technology building, expanding maintenance and transportation buildings, expanding core facilities at the high school to include cafeteria and career and technology education and improving accessibility for the disabled throughout the district, Schultz said. To pay for most of the long-term facilities needs, the district may need to ask voters to approve bonds to pay for the projects, he added.
 
Tyler ISD joins UT-Tyler to improve student performance
Trustees for the Tyler Independent School District recently approved a partnership agreement with the University of Texas at Tyler to improve student performance at three middle schools where students have a record of struggling with math and science courses.
 
District officials plan to implement a campus-wide, pre-engineering program at Boulter Middle School, while the programs at Dogan and Stewart middle schools will be directed into more project-based activities. Student teachers from UT-Tyler will partner with middle school teachers to provide more support. District officials will use grant funding to pay for some of the program. The district is expecting to spend about $36,000 for student computers and to pay half of the cost of the additional personnel to staff the program.
 
Arlington plans $30M in firehouse upgrades, street repairs
Arlington City Council members recently approved $30 million in capital improvement projects to be completed this year. 
 
Included in the approved projects are $3.2 million to move Fire Station No. 9 to a side street with less traffic, $2.1 million to acquire right-of-way to widen Abram Street, $3.5 million to rebuild residential streets, $4.6 million to repair Park Row Drive and $425,000 for new sidewalks. Voters in 2008 approved $140.8 million in bonds to pay for these and other capital improvement projects. City officials also plan to sell $500,000 in certificates of obligation to pay for upgrades to information technology.
 
Arlington Water Utilities plans to issue $9.9 million in revenue-backed bonds to upgrade several water and sewer lines and for a new, elevated water storage tank in southwest Arlington.
 
ACC moves closer to building Bastrop campus
The Austin Community College Board of Trustees has certified petitions from Bastrop residents who want to have an annexation election, moving ACC one step closer to bringing the Bastrop school district into its taxing territory. If voters approve the annexation, ACC officials have pledged to build a campus in the Bastrop district.    
 
ACC officials will prepare a plan outlining services and programs the school plans to offer. Trustees are expected to call for a November election open only to voters in the Bastrop school district. 
 
Conroe ISD OKs land contract for junior high campus
The Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees has approved a $1.52 million, 32-acre land-purchase contract to build a junior high campus.
 
The contract with a Houston-based development company marks the third time officials have sought to purchase land for a campus in the Oak Ridge feeder zone, near Texas 242 and Needham Road.

The campus is anticipated to open by August 2012 and house up to 1,200 students. A 2008, $527 million bond referendum will provide $48.22 million for such a project.  

 
Houston charter school utilizes federal bond program
Chris Barbic Officials at Houston-based charter school YES Prep are tapping into a federal bond program to build two new schools, moving the school closer to its goal of 10,000 students by 2020. The event marks the first time in the school's history that officials have borrowed money to build.
  
School founder Chris Barbic (pictured) said that with an interest rate of less than 1 percent, the move to borrow was a "no-brainer," adding the new additions will give the school "a booster shot to continue growth." 
 
Using $22.1 million in bond money made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the plan calls for the renovation of one campus and the addition of 1,600 classroom seats to two new sites. 
 
TDRA awards Friendswood $367K to fortify fire station
The Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) has awarded the City of Friendswood approximately $367,000 in disaster-recovery funds for repairs to Fire Station #3, located in the Forest Bend subdivision.
The money arrives as part of a $2.5 million disaster recovery grant following Hurricane Ike in 2008. Friendswood Fire Marshal Terry Byrd said city officials are going to use the funds to make the structure "more hurricane-proof." The City will also use those funds to purchase natural gas generators for other fire, water and lift stations. 
 
Fort Bend ISD implements strategies to curb deficit
Fort Bend Independent School District officials are implementing a number of measures designed to curb the district's current deficit and balance the budget by the 2010-2011 school year. Chief Auxiliary Services Officer Ben Copeland recently presented board trustees with a number of cost-saving strategies to be implemented this school year. Those measures include: shifting schedules to improve routing efficiency between bus runs; increasing the number of students per bus run; decreasing overall bus route mileage; and fewer pick-up and drop-off stops for buses. 
 
San Marcos pilot includes apartments in recycling efforts
David CotherThe City of San Marcos and a local disposal company have initiated a pilot program that makes San Marcos one of only four cities in the nation to offer a recycling program for residents of apartments. Eight multi-unit apartment facilities in the city this week were given on-site access to recycling for the first time.
 
The pilot program will last six months and include some 600 units at eight complexes. The program is in response to repeated requests from Texas State University students, senior citizens and others for recycling services at multi-family dwellings. Each unit in the program will receive a six-gallon recycling bin like the one held by Texas State student David Cother (pictured) to collect recyclables. They will then empty their recycle bins into larger carts near the outdoor trash containers at their respective facilities. The program allows recycling of glass bottles, aluminum and tin cans, certain plastic containers, cardboard and boxboard, newspaper, junk mail, magazines and office paper. The program will be evaluated after six months to see if it should be extended to all apartment dwellers in the city. San Marcos would join Portland, San Diego and Seattle as the only cities offering recycling at apartments.
 
FEMA allocates $59K to Sutherland Springs VFD
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, has awarded Sutherland Springs Volunteer Fire Department $59,779 in grant funding. The money will be used to train and support firefighters in their work as emergency first-responders and provide for safety and rescue equipment. 
 
Outside developer may be considered for rail project
An outside developer could being sought to assist with the Cotton Belt Corridor commuter rail project that would connect Fort Worth, Grapevine, north Dallas, McKinney and other cities along a former freight line track. Officials say outside help could put the project 20 years ahead of schedule. The Regional Transportation Council is kicking around the idea but has not yet voted on it. Another alternative would be creating a tax investment zone along the proposed route. Developers would bid on how they could provide initial funding, with future tax revenue the method of repayment.
 
 
Last BOP session with TxDOT is announced
The last session of the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Business Outreach and Program (BOP) Services Small Business Briefing conferences has been announced for June 15 in Texarkana. The conference goal is to provide small and minority-owned business communities an opportunity to learn more about contracting opportunities with TxDOT. Information will be available to help them do business with the agency and the State of Texas. The sessions not only allow small businesses to be introduced to TxDOT and other state agencies, but also allows them to learn more about the economic development opportunities in their regions. It also allows the agencies to show the myriad of opportunities available for small and minority businesses in the state. For more information, click here or call 1.866.480.2518, Option 2.
 
Workshop to address fighting cancer in the community
A two-day workshop, "Tools for Texans: Helping Communities Fight Cancer," is planned for Thursday and Friday, April 22 and 23, at the Doubletree Hotel in Houston, near Intercontinental Airport. The workshop was developed for community stakeholders, health care professionals, cancer survivors, volunteers and anyone who wants to work toward fighting cancer in the community. The workshop is intended to enhance the capacity of participants to implement cancer prevention and control programs in communities throughout the state. The conference is presented by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Cost of the conference is $50 per person, which includes meals both days and Cancer Control Toolkit materials. For more information, click here and look under "Resources." Travel scholarships are being offered.
 
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Note to Media
 
Advance hurricane planning  should include vendors, too
 
Mary Scott NabersBy Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
 
Most people do not think about stormy weather when the sun is shining and spring is in the air. But, many Texas firms should be thinking about such things because the Texas hurricane season begins June 1 and statewide planning has already started.
 
A grim prediction was announced this week from Colorado State University's expert team of forecasters. They have predicted 15 named tropical storms in 2010, eight of which will become hurricanes and four will be Category 3 or higher hurricanes carrying sustained winds of at least 111 miles per hour.
 
The Texas Division of Emergency Management is gearing up for its annual Hurricane Conference, which will be held in McAllen next month. This is a time when public entities have an opportunity to network with potential private-sector partners. One important conference topic will be about private sector procurement. Companies that offer products and/or services needed before and/or after a hurricane should consider attending. 
 
Private sector firms can be important players during any disaster situation. Governments rarely can meet all needs and demands when disaster strikes. They rely on outreach to private-sector partners.
 
 
Mattis resigns post as
city manager in Kyle
Tom MattisCity Manager Tom Mattis (pictured) of Kyle recently resigned from the post he held for eight years. Mattis said he has applied for the position of city manager in Harlingen. He said, however, that he does not know when Harlingen city officials will select candidates as finalists or select a new city manager.
 
Council members also authorized $200,000 to $250,000 in termination pay for Mattis. City officials expect to select an interim city manager to replace Mattis at a meeting next week.
 

Halff

 
Cibolo to spend up to $300K to upgrade event center
Cibolo City Council members recently agreed to spend up to $300,000 to add permanent public restrooms and dressing room facilities to the city's new $1.6 million, 4,000-seat multi-event and soccer center. They are hopeful the venue will attract more tournaments and games to the city.
 
The city will use a design/build process to construct the restroom and dressing room facility between the plaza and the grandstands. That way the venue can accommodate more high school and college tournaments, said City Manager Bruce Pearson. City officials also will increase marketing efforts to attract more soccer clubs to play in the facility and to host tournaments, Pearson said.
 

ADP

 
Eustace to use grant funds for software, equipment  
City of Eustace officials will allocate $12,000 in recent grant money for new training and equipment, including a credit card machine for city hall and new, compatible software for the police department and city hall. Residents will now be able to pay for utility bills using credit and debit cards and police will be issued new laptops with software designed to work in tandem with city hall computers.
 
About $4,400 of the funds, designated by the state for technology use, will remain in the coffers for future use.
 
Former LISD superintendent
lands job at Cedar Hill ISD
Larry LewisFormer Lancaster Independent School District Superintendent Larry Lewis (pictured) has joined Bessie Coleman Middle School in Cedar Hill ISD as interim assistant principal.
 
Kim Lewis, spokesman for Cedar Hill ISD, said Lewis was hired to "fill out the rest of the semester" and did not have any more details regarding the hire. Lewis resigned from his Lancaster post last year after years of district financial problems and accusations of misappropriated state funds. He joined the district in 2004.
 

Maximus

 
Sealy approves projects for $6M bond election in May
Sealy City Council members recently agreed on a list of projects that might arise from a successful May bond election, including a new police station, new sidewalks, walking trails and the I-10 frontage road paving project,
 
Council members also proposed funding for new communication equipment for police and emergency management, but omitted previously discussed water and sewer improvements and construction, said City Manager Chris Coffman. The list is broad so if some projects come in under budget, other projects on the infrastructure improvement plan can be added, he said.
 
Where are they now?
 
Where do folks go when they leave government? Some go to work in the private sector or for nonprofits. Some transition to executive-level positions in higher education while others may seek elected local government positions. And some just retire and spend a lot of time with their grandkids at the fishin' hole. This column focuses on where former state government officials and private sector employees are now.
 
Brian NewbyBrian Newby is former chief of staff to Gov. Rick Perry and also served as the governor's general counsel. He is a former partner in a prominent Fort Worth law firm and a lieutenant colonel in the Texas Air National Guard, where he served as staff judge advocate for the 136th Airlift Wing. Newby also served on the Board of Regents at Texas Tech University from 1999 to 2004. Newby recently announced plans to launch a law firm with a sitting member of the Texas Senate.
 
Joe BernalJoe Bernal is a former assistant superintendent of the Harlandale ISD. He was elected to the Texas House in 1964. He served one term before being elected to the Texas Senate, where he served from 1966 to 1971. In 1996, he was elected to the State Board of Education, which he also served as vice chair, and was re-elected in 2000 and 2002. Bernal has served as an adjunct professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake College and Trinity University and does educational consulting work.
 

Strategic Edge

 
Brenham selects Brinkmeyer community service director

Brenham City Council members recently selected Wesley Brinkmeyer as the new director of community service for the city, effective April 26.
 
Brinkmeyer, who previously served as projects manager for the Brenham Economic Development Foundation, will work with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Main Street Board, the Brenham Community Development Corporation and a wide range of city operations, said City Manager Terry Roberts. Brinkmeyer has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University.
 

Absolute Software

 
Houston confirms five new transit authority members
Gilbert GarciaHouston City Council members recently confirmed five nominees made by the mayor to the Metropolitan Transit Authority board. The new MTA board members are Gilbert Garcia (pictured), an asset management executive who will chair the board; Dwight Jefferson, an attorney; Carrin Patman, an attorney; Allen Dale Watson, an engineer; and, Christof Spieier, an engineer.
 
The Colony awarded $67,000 emergency services grant

The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently awarded a $67,000 grant to The Colony Fire Department to buy new hardware for emergency services.
 
Fire department officials plan to buy three new heart defibrillators at an estimated cost of about $35,000 each, said Assistant Fire Chief Van Weese. The new defibrillators will replace older units that are near the end of their lifespan and will allow the department to have a spare unit to use if a unit is damaged and needs repair, he said.
 
 

LeFleur

 
Fort Worth approves $1.8
million for streetcar study
Fort Worth City Council members recently authorized spending $1.8 million for a three-phase study to determine whether to return streetcars to downtown. Once the first phase of the study is completed, council members will need to vote again to authorize work on phase 2 and again on phase 3, said Mayor Mike Moncrief. The city also formed a task force to examine transportation issues for the next year.
 
Houston selects new city attorney, housing director
Houston Mayor Annise Parker recently selected David Feldman as the new city attorney and James Noteware as director of the Housing and Community Development Department. Parker also appointed Jessica Michan as the mayor's new press secretary. Both the city attorney and housing director are expected to reorganize their departments. Council members are expected to vote on the mayor's selections in the coming weeks.
 
Noteware, who has worked in real estate development for 35 years, has a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School for Business. Feldman is a former Army officer who earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law. 
 
 

HDI Solutions

 
Friendswood selects Welsh as new city secretary

Friendswood City Council members recently selected Interim City Secretary Melinda Welsh as the new City Secretary. She had served in the interim position for a month.
 
Vivian Baker to retire as superintendent of Belton ISD
Vivian BakerDr. Vivian Baker (pictured), superintendent of the Belton Independent School District, recently announced she plans to retire from that position in December.
  
Baker, who has served as superintendent in Belton since 2002, previously served as a principal and acting curriculum director in Belton, as an assistant superintendent at Waco ISD and as a counselor at Temple ISD.
 

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Duval County sheriff's office awarded $75K grant
The Texas Criminal Justice Division recently awarded a $75,000 grant to the Duval County Sheriff's Office. Proceeds from the grant will be used to purchase communication equipment, said Sheriff Romeo Ramirez.
 
Missouri City announces
several capital projects
The Missouri City director of public works recently outlined several capital projects the city is scheduled to begin soon. To go out for bid in April and May are a $5.7 million project to improve South Gessner from Beltway 8 to Cravens Road and $1.5 million in improvements such as new sidewalks and upgrading landscaping and drainage at Texas Park.
 
City officials also plan to begin a transportation project to synchronize all 48 traffic signals and enable the signals to communicate with each other to adapt to different traffic patterns, to make roadway improvements and install raised medians along SH 6 and add dual left-turn lanes from Dulles Avenue onto SH 6 and Dulles into Cartwright Road.  
 
Henderson ISD tags Boles finalist for superintendent
Keith BolesTrustees for the Henderson Independent School District recently chose Keith Boles (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. Boles will replace Superintendent Bobby Brown, who is retiring in June, 2010.
 
Boles currently serves as superintendent of Connally Independent School District, located near Waco.
 
SPI announces Larios as
new client services manager
Chasity LariosChasity Keen Larios recently joined Strategic Partnerships as a client services manager. She brings to SPI experience in communications, administration and management as well as a background in both the public and private sectors.
 
Before joining SPI, Larios worked in local government as part of the Travis County District Attorney's team, where she honed her research and analysis skills while also working with representatives of the criminal justice system, nonprofits and governmental agencies. She also worked in the private sector for a law firm, where she again performed both research and communications work.  
 

Procurement Edge

 
Houston ISD hires Bobadilla
as new chief business officer
Leo BobadillaSuperintendent Terry Grier of the Houston Independent School District recently selected Leo Bobadilla (pictured) as the new chief business officer to replace Dick Lindsey, who resigned in March.
 
Bobadilla previously served as chief operations officer for Guilford County Schools in North Carolina. He holds a bachelor's degree from Warner Southern College, a master's degree from Webster University and a jurist doctor degree from Florida A&M University-College of Law.
 
Itasca ISD asking voters to approve $6 million in bonds
Trustees for the Itasca Independent School District are asking voters to approve $6 million in bonds on May 8 to add classroom space at the high school and elementary school.
 
District officials also plan to enlarge the lunchroom and band hall if voters approve the bond issue. Superintendent Glenn Pittman cited the district's 3.5 percent growth in student population in each of the last three years as the reason for the recommended expansion.
 
Bowie Co. seeking $11,000 to track juvenile offenders
Bowie County commissioners recently agreed to apply for an $11,000 grant from the Juvenile Accountability Systems program of the Texas Governor's Office to improve the county's ability to keep track of juvenile offenders.
 
If the state grant is approved, county officials plan to use the funding to pay for equipment for global positioning services, fingerprinting and scanning materials and juvenile criminal histories.
 

HID

 
Borger ISD selects Welch as lone superintendent finalist
Chance WelchBorger Independent School District board members recently selected Chance Welch (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent. Welch currently serves as superintendent of the Graford ISD. He is expected to begin his new job this summer.
 
Welch served as principal at Meridian High School from 2002-05. He also has worked at Amarillo High School as an assistant principal, as an English teacher for Travis High School in Amarillo and as a teacher and coach for Canyon ISD, Whitesboro ISD and Granbury ISD. Welch holds a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University. He also holds a master's degree from West Texas A&M University.
 
Midland ISD whittles list of superintendent candidates  

Trustees for the Midland Independent School District recently selected six finalists in their search for a new superintendent. All six applicants have agreed to visit Midland and interview with board members, said Jay Isaacs, president of the board of trustees.

 

All six of the finalists have a Ph.D. and are sitting superintendents, Isaacs said. Board members expect to complete interviews by April 26 and have a new superintendent under contract by May 17, he said.

 
Calhoun Co. wins $4.1 million grant for airport upgrades

Calhoun County recently won a $1.4 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to pay for resurfacing the runways, taxiways and apron of Calhoun Air Center.

 

The project will create a ramp extension to accommodate an additional 12 planes, said Ann Brinkman, airport manager. Currently the airport has tie-down areas for six planes and the upgrade will provide space for three large planes and 15 smaller planes, Brinkman said. Plans call for work on the airport improvements to begin this summer, she said.

 

Job Board

 
San Juan selects Rodriguez as new city manager

J.J. RodriguezSan Juan City Commissioners recently selected J.J. Rodriguez (pictured) as the new city manager. Rodriguez, who had served as city manager in Edinburg since August 2006, replaces former San Juan City Manager Tony Garza, who resigned in November.

 
McKinney OKs $600,000 for sports complex, clubhouse
McKinney City Council members recently authorized $600,000 for construction of a sports complex with eight playing fields and a clubhouse. The McKinney Community Development Corporation previously approved the application for the funding, but requests for more than $100,000 require approval by city council. 
 
 
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Little Elm ISD selects Lynne  Cleveland superintendent
Lynne ClevelandLittle Elm Independent School District board members recently selected Lynne Cleveland (pictured), who currently serves as superintendent of Galveston ISD, as the lone finalist for superintendent.
 
Cleveland took the helm in Galveston in 2006 after serving as an assistant superintendent for Clear Creek ISD. She will replace former Little Elm Superintendent Steve Murray, who left the district in January to become superintendent at Bastrop ISD. Galveston ISD trustees are expected to discuss finding a new superintendent to replace Cleveland on April 14.
 
Bowie seeking $46,570
grant for courthouse security
Bowie County commissioners recently agreed to apply for a $46,570 grant from the Courthouse Security System Grant program of the Texas Governor's Office. If approved, grant funds will be used to purchase digital indoor and outdoor security cameras and electronic door control systems for courtrooms located in the courthouse, county officials said.
 
 
The Texas Government Insider is a free weekly e-newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.
 
Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers
 
The Insider is published by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI), a research and consulting firm. 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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