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Perry threatening to call special sessionSays transportation bill could have 'stunning impact' on state
The last two words members of the Texas Legislature want to hear 17 days from the end of a grueling 80th Legislature are - "special session." But Gov. Rick Perry has indicated if that's what it takes to iron out the kinks in a transportation bill passed by both chambers of the legislature, HB 1892, then he'll call a special session to address it. The bill, which includes provisions for local toll road agencies and limits long-term toll road leases with private companies, made its way to Perry's desk on Monday. Although the bill includes a two-year moratorium on private toll road contracts, Perry says that is not the issue. "I'll sign the moratorium bill right now," he said. "This isn't about a moratorium." Instead, he noted, he is more concerned with other parts of the bill that are "incredibly onus." [more]BRAC to impact Texas by billionsStudy: Fort Bliss expansion will pump major green into economyWith the Base Realignment and Closure process on the horizon, several Texas regions will be impacted tremendously and gain thousands of new jobs while benefiting from billions of dollars in new construction. Even though federal lawmakers are still negotiating funds necessary to carry out the statewide BRAC recommendations, officials are already planning for an influx of activity - most evident at Fort Bliss. 
University of Texas at El Paso researchers recently released a study on the monster impact of Fort Bliss's expansion on the local economy. The El Paso base, growing to an estimated 30,500 soldiers by 2013, is projected to generate $21.7 billion over the next seven years, with another $3.7 billion annually for many years following.
The economic impact study, using recent data provided by Fort Bliss and the Pentagon, predicts new construction totaling $2.6 billion in El Paso and more than 40,000 new jobs, including as many as 2,000, high-skill technical jobs, during the next seven years. The figures are based on the probability that hi-tech defense contractors will be drawn to El Paso by the Army's Future Combat Systems program, which is being tested at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range. "What's most significant is the sheer size of what's going on. Our most recent data shows that there are [currently] 339,000 jobs in El Paso. By adding 40,000 new jobs, we are talking about growing the workforce by 15 percent in not a lot of years. That's huge," said Mathew McElroy (pictured), associate director of UT-El Paso's Institute for Policy and Economic Development. [more]Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Donald W. Patrick, M.D., J.D., executive director, Texas Medical BoardCareer highlights and education: Graduated from Baylor Medical School, finished neurosurgical residency in Baylor Affiliated Program, began neurosurgery practice in Austin in 1969. Chief of Neurosurgery, 24th Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh, Vietnam 1967-68 - received Bronze Star Medal for Achievement. Chief of Staff, Brackenridge Hospital, Austin, 1984. President of the Pflugerville School Board, 1987-88. President, Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons, 1988-89. Graduated from the University of Texas Law School, 1996, passed the bar in 1997. Distinguished Alumnus, Texas A&M Kingsville (formerly Texas A&I), 1984. Executive Director, Texas Medical Board, September 2001-present. What I like best about my job is: that decisions made by the medical board benefit thousands of patients in Texans, while practicing neurosurgery allowed me to affect only one patient at a time. The best advice I've received for my current job : came from Mike Levy, publisher of Texas Monthly, who advised me to be more concerned about being effective than being popular. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: would be the same I was given when I was a DeBakey straight surgery intern: you can be forgiven for making a mistake by working too hard, but never for not giving your best. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: playing my violin. People would be surprised to know that I: am a runner and mountain climber. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: When I had been in my job three months, the Dallas Morning News wrote a series of accurate articles about what a mediocre job we were doing at the Medical Board in both licensure and enforcement. Within months, with the help of a grant from the Governor, the agency aggressively caught up with a multi-year backlog in enforcement and later cut the time to licensure for low complexity applicants from 180 to 30 days. 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. Key assumes additional duties at OAG
Alicia Key, Deputy Attorney General for Child Support at the Office of the Attorney General, has assumed oversight for two additional divisions at the agency and now becomes a part of the agency’s executive management team. “I have been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Child Support Division since December ’04,” said Key, who also has served as Title IV-D director since January 2006. Her new responsibilities include overseeing the Division for Families and Children, which not only includes the Child Support Division, but also the Office of Family Initiatives and the Office of Medical Support Initiatives. Prior to becoming Child Support Division director, Key served as administrative director of the Office of Court Administration for two years, from 2002-04. From 1992 to 2002, she worked in the OAG Child Support Division in various roles. She also was an assistant district attorney in Wichita County and was an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department of Midwestern State University. Key holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law. Key is a board member of the National Child Support Enforcement Association and a member of the Formbook Committee for the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. She also serves on the board of the Western Interstate Child Support Enforcement Association. ACLU's Harrell named TYC ombudsman
Will Harrell, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, has been named to fill the newly created position of ombudsman at the Texas Youth Commission (TYC). The agency has been under a legislative microscope since allegations of abuse of residents and a reported cover-up of those activities by TYC staff recently came to light. The result was the demotion by the governor of the TYC board president and the naming of a Jay Kimbrough as conservator to oversee rehabilitation of the troubled agency. The remainder of the board eventually resigned. The ombudsman office will be responsible for ensuring youths not only receive proper treatment while in custody of the facility, but that they also are adequately supervised. While Harrell will begin work immediately, his job becoming permanent is contingent on passage of TYC reform legislation being studied by the legislature. He has served the local ACLU since 2000. Harrell previously was executive director of the National Police Accountability Project in New York City and was director of a human rights legal action center in Guatemala City. He holds undergraduate degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from American University's Washington College of Law. The naming of an ombudsman comes on the heels of news yesterday that a former TYC guard was indicted by a Brownwood grand jury on 15 counts of sexual assault alleged by a female resident in his care. This action reverses previous action last month in which the guard was no-billed. Bill calls for creation of Office of Contract Management
Legislation creating a state Office of Contract Management within the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) is headed to the Texas Senate, after being passed with amendments by the Texas House earlier this week. HB 2733 is the result of recommendations by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) that a contracts management office be created to review and approve state contracts of more than $10 million. The Texas Department of Transportation contracts related to highway construction or engineering would be exempt. The office also would be charged with reviewing and approving other state contracts meeting high-risk criteria established by the office. An amendment by Rep. Dan Gattis (pictured) changed the language of the bill to assign the task of establishing the contract management office to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) instead of to TBPC, and it also changes language so the OAG instead of the TBPC would be responsible for adopting the criteria for waiving the review and approval requirements. The newly created office also would have the authority to recommend cancellation of a high-risk contract at any stage of the management process, if approved by the LBB and the governor. Among the duties of the new office would be developing a criteria for identifying high-risk factors in contracts; reviewing and approving actions related to high-risk contracts; providing recommendations and assistance to state agency employees in the contract management process; and coordination and consultation with quality assurance teams on high-risk contracts dealing with major information resource projects. Additionally, agencies would be required to have approval from the office before publicly releasing solicitation documents on high-risk contracts, or before executing a final contract or before making payments equal to half the value of a high-risk contract. Non-compliant counties could face jail monitors
Counties whose jails are consistently deemed to be out of compliance for standards enforced by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards could face having to pay for private jail monitors if Rep. Sylvester Turner's HB 2699 passes this legislative session. Any jail found not in compliance three times would be required to hire a private monitor at the jail for 90 days. The monitor would report either problems or progress regarding compliance, and would be paid for by the county. More than a dozen county jails are currently non-compliant with state jail standards. Another Turner bill, HB 2244, would require one officer for every 48 inmates in county jails. That could play out as an expensive proposition for counties such as Dallas and Harris. Dallas would need an additional 42 guards to meet that new standard. DPS names new Chief Information OfficerJames Brubaker, 30-year veteran of the Texas Department of Public Safety, was recently named Chief Information Officer for the state agency. He replaces Ed Kelly who left in March to work in the private sector. Most recently, Brubaker served as a commander in the Narcotics Service of the DPS Criminal Law Enforcement Division. He began his career with DPS "a little more than 30 years ago" as a Highway Patrol Officer, working in Plainview, Victoria and San Antonio. "I have just worked my way up the ranks," he said. Brubaker has spent the last 27 years in the Narcotics Service, serving in Laredo, Del Rio, San Antonio, McAllen and Austin. He attended the University of Texas and the Texas DPS Academy. As CIO, Brubaker will be responsible for management and support of all systems, networks and databases for DPS and also manage and ensure daily delivery of critical information to all law enforcement organizations throughout the state. House bill would temporarily suspend gas taxWith the summer driving season right around the corner and with Texans thinking things couldn't get any worse at the gas pump, the Texas House has stepped up to the plate. House members this week gave approval to a bill calling for a three-month break from the state's gas tax of 20 cents per gallon. Gas prices in Texas have been steadily increasing for the past three months, with the state's regular gasoline averaging $2.87 per gallon. The three-month break in the tax would mean that price would drop to $2.67 per gallon. Officials say the three-month tax break could cost the state up to $700 million in tax revenue. That may mean bad news for the bill, as legislators are currently in conference committee hammering out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget bill. The tax break bill will have to next pass the Senate by a two-thirds majority as it did in the House and be signed by the governor to become effective immediately, in time for the annual increase in summer driving. Perry appoints TSU Board of Regents
A former member of the Texas House and a former Texas Assistant Attorney General are among five individuals appointed this week by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Southern University (TSU) Board of Regents. All five appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. "I have great faith that these individuals will provide the leadership and accountability that TSU needs and taxpayers demand while lawmakers are working on legislative solutions," Perry said. The appointees include:
Bill would level playing field for small contractorsSmall contractors in Texas could benefit from Sen. Eddie Lucio's SB 704, which would expand the Texas Building and Procurement Commission's Small Contractor Participation Assistance Program. Since the program was initiated in 1993, small contractors have improved their ability to compete for public projects. However, finding and securing both bonding and insurance coverage has proven to be an obstacle. Lucio's bill, which passed the Senate this week and is scheduled for a House committee hearing Monday, would add safety training and in-depth technical assistance in insurance and bonding. "It is more difficult for small contractors to secure insurance and bonding than to find work," said Lucio. "Public works contracts tend to be huge multi-million dollar agreements, and few small contractors win these contracts because they lack adequate bonding coverage to handle these large projects." Contracts of more than $1 million would be eligible under the program. If passed, expectations for the bill are that it will save the state money by increasing competition and allowing more businesses to bid on projects. The program would also implement a centralized system of purchasing certain coverage and bonds. Feds allocate $445 million in security grantsThe ports of Galveston, Beaumont and Port Arthur suffered funding cuts in security grant funding allocated this week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Some $445 million was divided among states to secure seaports and mass transit, bus and rail lines and critical infrastructure. The grants are used for strengthening infrastructure against explosive attacks, preparedness, planning, equipment purchase, training, exercises, security management and administrative costs. The Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington area received an allocation of $910,000 for 2007 for transit security while the Houston area was allocated $800,000 for '06 and $1.5 million for '07. The San Antonio area received $377,000 for '07. Regarding port security, Galveston received no funding for '07 while Houston received $13 million and Texas City received $2 million. Other port allocations for '07 include: Beaumont - $2.8 million; Port Arthur - $2.3 million; Corpus Christi - $3.4 million; Brownsville - $3.6 million; Freeport - $2.6 million; and Harlingen - $111,000. For the buffer zone protection program, Texas was allocated $2.8 million for '07. Perry's HPV vaccine order reversed by legislatureFacing the promise of a veto override, Gov. Rick Perry this week instead chose to let HB 1098 become law without his signature. The bill, in effect, rescinded the governor's February executive order calling for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations for sixth-grade girls. "I'm pleased that Governor Perry will allow parents - not policymakers - to exercise their right to make medical decisions for their children," said Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst after Perry announced he would not veto the bill. "While I respect the voice of the legislature, this issue has never been about separation of powers," the governor said in a news conference this week. Instead, he said, his order was about "protecting women's health." Legislators opposed the order, even though it did allow parents to opt-out of the vaccine for their children. The bill that passed ensures a moratorium on such vaccinations for four years. House passes bill to improve border homeland security
The Texas House of Representatives this week approved HB 13 by Rep. David Swinford (pictured) of Dumas to improve the coordination of homeland security operations along the Texas border and reduce criminal activity. Before becoming law, the bill must pass the Senate and be signed by the governor. HB 13 creates the Border Security Council whose members will be appointed by the governor to oversee the distribution of $103 million to border law enforcement agencies. A legislative committee would be created to report on the effectiveness of these programs. Concurrently, state funds could be leveraged with federal funds under legislation currently pending before Congress. The legislation also encourages cities and counties to cooperate with federal agencies in immigration matters, allowing for the withholding of homeland security funding in the event they actively disregard federal laws. "This is one of the most important pieces of legislation that we will pass this session as it affects the safety of every citizen of this state and country," said House Speaker Tom Craddick. LoanSTAR funds $2.7 million for energy savingsThe Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District plans to save $291,000 annually by installing $2.7 million of new energy-saving equipment on its campuses. The funds come from LoanSTAR, a loan program run by the State Energy Conservation Office, and will be used to replace air conditioning equipment, upgrade temperature and humidity control systems, and install motion detectors for lighting. "This comes at no new cost to the school district," said Comptroller Susan Combs. "After the loan is paid off, the district will continue to reap the benefits of cutting nearly $300,000 a year in energy costs. That's money that could be used to meet other needs if necessary." LoanSTAR is an energy-efficiency loan program for public buildings. Loan funds come from the federal government's petroleum violation escrow funds. SH-121 bid approved by tollway authorityThe North Texas Tollway Authority board this week approved a $3.3 billion proposal to build and operate the State Highway 121, a 26-mile toll road in Collin, Dallas and Denton counties. The NTTA plans to pay the state an initial payment of $2.5 billion, and an additional $833 million in payments scheduled annually. The Texas Transportation Commission earlier this year approved a development agreement with the privately-owned Cintra Concessiones de Infrastructures de Transporte to build the toll road, but Texas lawmakers raised concerns about the deal and asked that the tollway authority submit a new bid. The Regional Transportation Council, an alliance of local governments, will review the NTTA proposal before it goes to the Texas Transportation Commission. Texas Emerging Tech Fund goes to laser manufacturerTo fund further development of its advanced laser technology, Photodigm Inc. of Richardson last week was awarded a $749,829 grant through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF). The money will enable the progress of affordable and efficient laser systems necessary for equipment used in communications, digital imaging, defense and medical devices. Photodigm lasers are currently being used in defense systems, including ultra-high performance sensors for airborne detection of submarines. Since the initiative was created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor's request, The TETF has allocated $76.4 million in grant funds to Texas companies and universities in areas promoting: research collaboration between public and private sector entities; matching research grants provided by both federal and private sponsors to help innovators acquire needed capital; and more top-notch research teams from national universities to help Texas universities with cutting edge of technology research and development. Defense department awards UT grant for ROTC project
The University of Texas at Austin is one of four universities this week to receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense as part of the new Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Language and Culture Project. The funding, totaling $2 million, also went to Indiana University, San Diego State University and the University of Mississippi. "The department's goal is to expose ROTC cadets and midshipmen to the study of languages and cultures of the world critical to national security," said David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. The University of Texas at Austin will purchase material and curriculum to expand their programs in Arabic and Farsi. Additional components of the project include study abroad opportunities and scholarships, distance learning and other technology, and additional tutoring and mentoring. Coastal Bend College selects six president candidatesPresidential candidates for Corpus Christi's Coastal Bend College have recently been announced. The six candidates, who all have administrative experience at the community or technical college level, are competing to replace John Brockman, who will leave the position Aug. 31. The final candidates include: Jo-Carol Fabianke, district director of the Achieving the Dream program for the Alamo Community College District in San Antonio; Thomas Baynum, vice president of academic affairs at Palo Alto College, San Antonio; Glendon Forgey, vice president of administrative services and chief financial officer at Florida's Tallahassee Community College; James Martin, vice president for student affairs at Florida's Pensacola Junior College; Robert Musgrove, president of Pine Technical College, Pine City, Minn., and Philip Shirley, president of Southeast Arkansas College, Pine Bluff, Ark. UT System names new vice chancellor
The University of Texas System this week named Keith McDowell vice chancellor for research and technology transfer. Currently vice president of research and vice provost at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, McDowell will start with UT on June 1, and succeed Robert E. Barnhill who resigned last year. In his new role, McDowell will oversee research fundraising and grant development for the UT System's 15 campuses, assist the universities with research, technology development and commercialization, and collaborate on state economic development programs, including the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Technology Fund. While at the University of Texas at Arlington, McDowell was credited with helping to launch the Arlington Technology Incubator. He received his bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University and his doctorate from Harvard University. Technology development company receives state fundsLynntech Inc. of College Station this week was awarded $600,000 through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), for further development of its hydrogen fuel cell technology, which will be used for electrical power generation in machines such as wheelchairs, forklifts, and military and commercial aircraft support vehicles. The award will accompany an additional $600,000 received from the U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovative Research program to accelerate the commercialization of this technology. Created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor's request, the TETF allocates millions in grant funds to Texas companies and universities in areas promoting: research collaboration between public and private sector entities; matching research grants provided by both federal and private sponsors to help innovators acquire needed capital; and more top-notch research teams from national universities to help Texas universities with cutting edge technology research and development. New committee to advise TDA on nutrition
The Texas Department of Agriculture recently announced the creation of the Healthy Students = Healthy Families Advisory Committee, which will advise the agency and Commissioner Todd Staples on all aspects of nutrition policy for Texas and its public schools. "Since more than 60 percent of our state's schoolchildren receive one or more of their meals at school, we must ensure they have access to healthy, nutritious and appealing food choices," Commissioner Staples said. Beginning this month, the advisory committee will meet quarterly and make recommendations on initiatives to increase participation in school lunch and breakfast programs; to coordinate nutrition education and physical fitness components in the overall school nutrition environment; and to improve communication among food and service companies, schools, parents, students and TDA's Food and Nutrition Division. The 12-member committee includes: Dr. Louis Stoerner, Alief ISD superintendent; Dr. Roel Gonzales, Rio Grande City CISD superintendent; Dr. Joanne Lupton, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University; Kelly Helland-Cline, school health specialist, Region IV ESC; Sue Withers, first grade teacher, Gonzales ISD; Carey Dabney, parent and chair of the Austin ISD School Health Advisory Council; Dora Rivas, director, Food and Nutrition Services, Dallas ISD; Carolyn Watson, director of Child Nutrition, Montgomery ISD; Traci Robertson, executive director, Purchasing Contract Services, Lubbock ISD; Regina Abanathy, child nutrition specialist, Region IV ESC; Dr. Kim Edwards, pediatrician, Austin; and Marissa Rathbone, director of Health and Physical Education, Texas Education Agency. Collin College plans new administration site
Collin County Community College District attorneys are currently reviewing a contract with McKinney Economic Development Corporation for a 5.5 acre site to build a new administration building. The land for the new administration building is worth about $1.5 million and the total cost of building a parking structure is estimated at $4 million, according to MEDC President David Pitstick. Construction of the new building could begin in two to three months, after grading and storm water improvements are made, Pitstick said, and be completed in 16 to 20 months. The college district is also considering the purchase of 75-100 acres of land to create another campus. The goal of the property search is to create campuses 11 to 12 miles from each other, said Cary Israel (pictured), Collin College president. TWC grant to create 650 jobs in Northeast TexasThe Texas Workforce Commission has recently awarded a $729,751 job-training grant to Paris Junior College to help create more than 650 jobs in Northeast Texas. The grant, administered by TWC's Skills Development Fund, will be used to generate or upgrade jobs including maintenance technicians, network, personal computer and software technicians, manufacturing engineers, power plant operators, human resource professionals, controllers and quality department managers. Campbell Soup Co. will work with the school on training. The Texas Legislature has appropriated $40.5 million to the TWC's Skills Development Fund for the 2006-07 biennium. UH System seeking new chancellor/president
A search advisory committee has been named to conduct a nationwide search for a new chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston. The search follows the resignation of UH Chancellor and President Jay Gogue, who will take over the presidency at Auburn University. UH System Board of Regents Chair Leroy Hermes (pictured at right) said the group hopes to complete the search during the fall semester and have a new chancellor/president in place by January 2008. Hermes will serve as chair of the search committee and fellow regent Michael Cemo (pictured at left) will be vice chair. The committee will also include other regents and a number of higher education officials from various branches of the UH campuses, UH faculty and members of the Houston community. Hospital-led $438 million project may come to KyleKyle City Council members this week drafted a letter of intent, supporting the $438 million hospital and retail center planned for 205 acres in the Hays County community. The 210-bed hospital complex would open in 2010 and nearly double its capacity by 2020. The project, developed by Seton Family of Hospitals and SCC Development Co., would also include two medical office buildings and 1 million square feet of retail. Under the agreement outlined in the letter of intent, the City of Kyle and Hays County would build and improve roads, maintain stormwater detention and extend utilities to the undeveloped land. While officials hope the complex will bring 4,600 jobs to the city, Seton has yet to gain approval for the development of the project from its board of directors. Bellaire pursues master plan for city facilities
The Bellaire City Council this week voted to hire consultants to develop a facilities master plan to develop options for the reconstruction, renovation or relocation of the fire station, municipal court, police station and library, according to Mayor Cindy Siegel. The city has already funded $10 million for the improvements, about half of which came from a November 2005 bond election. Bellaire - a Houston suburb - is also planning to construct traffic signals at 11 intersections. The city received a $2.5 million grant for the project, which includes Texas Department of Transportation engineering services. State works to improve 911 service, new technologyThe Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) recently released a report on statewide efforts to provide 911 service to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone subscribers. The majority of Texas' 544 emergency call centers now receive 911 calls from customers using VoIP telephone service, which transmits voice communications over a digital data network using Internet protocol technology. The Federal Communications Commission in 2005 began requiring VoIP companies to provide their customers with Enhanced 911, or E911. Enhanced 911 means that a 911 call is routed to the correct answering point along with the caller's telephone number and location information, which improves emergency response. Texas 911 entities have formed a working group with the industry to expedite deployment in response to the FCC order. CSEC is a state agency charged by the Texas Legislature with oversight of 911 services in 224 of Texas' 254 counties. UTB/TSC establishes new degree program
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College recently announced that it will offer a Master of Arts in History degree this fall semester. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the new graduate degree primarily because of a strong student demand for greater historical knowledge in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. "I personally see the establishment of a new graduate program as another sign for the 'coming of age' of our university," said Dr. Helmut Langerbein (pictured), an assistant professor in the Department of History. The new master's program will offer up to 23 courses, which will also provide students with a myriad of career and education options, Dean of Graduate Studies George Lackey said. |
Economic prosperity is tied to education and talent
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. It seems difficult to imagine that the Texas economy could ever fall behind that of some third-world countries, but a recent study suggests it might happen if stringent efforts are not made to promote and strengthen higher education. The reality is that either the state has a skilled, trained and educated workforce with an ability to compete well in the global marketplace, or the economic prosperity currently being enjoyed by Texans may begin to crumble. To keep pace with economies in other states and other countries, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) developed a plan to enroll more students in Texas colleges and universities, increase graduation rates, improve general excellence and strengthen research in the state. The plan is called Closing the Gaps by 2015. A recent THECB study, showing the economic benefits of higher education, estimates that Texas' gross product - a measure of the state's economic output - will increase by $194.5 billion annually by 2030 if the state meets the goals of Closing the Gaps by 2015. More than a million permanent jobs will be created and personal income in Texas will cumulatively increase by $122 million annually, according to the study. While such statements are very positive if the goal is met, the reverse is pretty grim if this effort fails. [more]Local government seminar registration deadline nears UTMB appoints new president
Dr. David Callender this week was officially appointed by the University of Texas System Board of Regents to the presidency of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Following a national search, he was named on April 16 sole finalist to succeed Dr. John D. Stobo, who plans to retire by Aug. 31. Most recently, Callender served as chief executive officer and associate vice chancellor of the University of California at Los Angeles Hospital System. He holds a bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University, a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Houston. Callender will begin his new duties at UTMB July 1. Temple hires firm to study civic centerLooking to expand or renovate the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, the City of Temple recently spent $89,300 to hire a firm to develop a market analysis and feasibility study for the proposed work. So far, the city has estimated at least $410,000 for the capital improvements. The Mayborn Center began operations in 1982, and has hosted business meetings, conventions, trade shows as well as tourism and local events. City officials said a study should determine if improvements made to the center would attract new users. Mainframe computer courses return to classroomSan Jacinto College this fall will join Houston Community College in re-introducing mainframe computer courses to the classroom, after its high-volume processing was traded for smaller client-server operating systems in the 1990s. Emerging markets such as China and e-commerce have revived the demand for companies to use mainframes because of the reliability and flexibility, said Robert Vanya, communications coordinator in San Jacinto College's marketing department. According to IBM's most recent earnings statement, revenue generated by mainframe-related business is up 9 percent compared with the first quarter of 2006. Fort Worth city manager to retire
Fort Worth City Manager Charles Boswell announced this week that he would retire in January after spending 30 years working in the city's government. Boswell, a Fort Worth native and graduate of Texas Christian University, was hired in 1977 as a city budget analyst and was promoted to budget administrator three years later. He was named assistant city manager in 1991, overseeing Fort Worth's budget and finances, human resources and information technology. During Boswell's three-year tenure as city manager, Fort Worth has become one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States. Mayor Mike Moncrief and council members said they plan to conduct a nationwide search to replace Boswell. An internal candidate has not been ruled out. TxDOT grants millions to airportsThe Texas Department of Transportation recently awarded $2 million and $1.5 million to Gladewater Municipal and Wood County airports, respectively. The grants will enable the airports to build new hangars, access ramps, terminal aprons and taxiways and to resurface and restripe runway. Earlier this year, Rusk County Airport received a TxDOT grant to purchase an automated weather observation system. West Texas A&M studies entry into Amarillo
West Texas A&M University in Canyon has contracted with a national consulting firm for a feasibility study to determine if the university should extend its presence to Amarillo. Gary Barnes, WTAMU vice president for business and finance, said the university will use the study "to determine how having a physical presence in Amarillo would impact potential students, area employees and their employers." He said the study, which is expected to be completed in September, will be used to determine if there is a need for additional enrollments that would complement programs already in Amarillo - upper or master's level courses - and where any facilities should be located. Comfort ISD selects superintendent finalistComfort ISD last week selected John E. Chapman III to become the district's next superintendent. If hired, Chapman will replace John Rouse, who is leaving to supervise a Colorado district. Chapman is currently the superintendent of the Chillicothe ISD in Hardeman County. A San Antonio native, Chapman earned his bachelor's degree from McMurry University, and his master's from Wayland Baptist University, and has worked as a science teacher and coach, as well as a high school vice principal and principal. Comfort ISD, which is in Kendall County, has approximately 1,200 students. Water district proposes $10 million bondWest Harris County Municipal District Saturday will present voters with a $10 million bond package to replace its outdated sewage treatment plant with a new system and rehabilitate other existing facilities, including a water plant. This is the first bond election since 1984 for the district, which includes 173 acres north of the Katy Freeway. The 20-year-old treatment system and facilities need to be repaired to meet standards. If the bond proposal is approved, the district will seek approval for the projects. Montgomery welcomes new city administrator
Brant Gary, Kerrville's director of administrative services, on May 16 will become the new city administrator of Montgomery, a city northwest of Houston. Gary, a graduate of the University of Houston who has worked for the City of Shenandoah and Piney Point Village, replaces Vicky Rudy, who resigned last month to accept a job with Rollingwood, an Austin suburb. In Kerrville, Gary managed the finance, city clerk, municipal court, information services and human resource departments. No plans have been announced for his replacement. Burton ISD receives TEA grant for enrichmentThrough the Texas High Schools That Work Enhanced Design Network program, the Texas Education Agency recently awarded a $60,000 grant to Burton ISD to implement new plans to improve its high school's academic performance. Funds can be focused directly on some of the unique local issues that Burton is facing. The grant encourages the school to work to create stronger relationships between students and adults. McKinney considered for new hospitalThe Dallas-based hospital management company announced this week that it is considering building a new specialty hospital and physician office in McKinney. The project, in the planning stages, has yet to receive approval from Methodist Health System's directors, according to Leslie Barden, senior vice president of planning and marketing for Methodist. No other details have been released at this time. Methodist has recently opened an imaging center and medical office complex as well as an 80-bed acute care hospital in the area. The company has also started several facility expansions and construction on a 40-bed acute rehabilitation hospital in southwest Dallas. Alton city manager resignsAlton City Manager Larry Rincones this week resigned after more than two years on the job. Steve Peña, the city's finance director, will serve as the interim replacement and the city commission will pay Rincones as a consultant for three months. The city is constructing a $2.5 million city hall. San Antonio to install cameras on metro busesUsing a $3 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration, San Antonio's VIA will install security cameras on all of its 431 buses, trolleys and vans. The goal of the project is to improve safety for passengers by preventing crime on and off the metropolitan buses. The security measure will also be useful in the event of a traffic accident, according to said VIA spokeswoman Priscilla Ingle. "It's an investment worth making for our passengers." Grants at a Glance SPI announces job opportunitiesSales trainersStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is actively involved in training corporate sales executives throughout the country who seek to better understand all levels of the public sector marketplace. SPI is now hiring subject matter experts and individuals with governmental backgrounds who are interested in assisting in the training. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter explaining your background and qualifications to jobs@spartnerships.com and type "Training" in the subject line. Federal expertsSPI is conducting a search to find subject matter experts who have a high level understanding of the Federal Government procurement process. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter explaining your background and qualifications to jobs@spartnerships.com and type "Federal" in the subject line. Research analystsSPI is seeking additional part-time research analysts with experience in Texas government. Ideally, candidates should have an understanding of procurement processes and concepts and is familiar with budgets and legislative process. Tasks will vary depending on clients' needs. Applicants may send a cover letter and resume to jobs@spartnerships.com. Please include “Researcher Analyst” in the subject line. K-12, healthcare and local government consultantsSPI is looking for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has an immediate need for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena and in the healthcare arena in Texas. SPI also is seeking part-time consultants who have strong connections to local government in the state, particularly the Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston areas. To apply for these part-time consulting position at SPI, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for (either) K-12 Consultant, Healthcare Consultant or Local Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address. Recent Reports
State technology procurement workshop to be held ThursdayStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is working with the Texas Department of Transportation on a HUB conference, titled "Information Technology Small Business Development Workshop." This all-day workshop, held in Austin on May 17, focuses on state technology procurement and how small businesses can participate. Speakers from SPI as well as TBPC, DIR and TxDOT will be present. Presentation topics will include Marketing Technology to the State; CMBL and CISV programs; IT Commodity Purchasing; and TxDOT's IT Forecast. Those seeking more information or wishing to register may contact Desta Simon at 512-486-5540 or dsimon@dot.state.tx.us. Event Links
Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 5/4/07 Resources
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Learn dos, don'ts of dealing with local governmentStrategic Partnerships, Inc., will host two half-day seminars for vendors seeking to increase revenues with either state government, cities, counties, law enforcement organizations, COGS, health clinics, river authorities, universities, community colleges and K-12 public schools. Participants may attend June 14 or June 21. To view the seminar agenda, which will be the same for each day, click here. Among the presenters will be local government executives and Billy Hamilton, former Deputy State Comptroller. Friday, May 18, is the registration deadline, and cost of the seminar is $125 per person. To print a registration form, click here, or for more information, e-mail rstluka@spartnerships.com. Texas B2G conference to be held at Texas StateThe Texas State Small Business Development Center, a program of the McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University-San Marcos and the Texas Association of Public Purchasers, will host a Central Texas Business Procurement Conference (Texas B2G) on Wednesday, May 30, at the LBJ Student Center, Texas State University-San Marcos. The conference will include an expo where attendees will be able to access multi-million dollar government and private sector markets for potential supplier and subcontracting opportunities. Additionally, training for sales in the procurement market will be presented by prominent government, corporate and business leaders. Early registration for the all-day event ends May 15. For more information, call 512-716-4800, e-mail sbdc@txstate.edu, or view the conference Web site. NASCO to host transportation conferenceMore than 350 transportation, logistics and economic development specialists from Mexico, the United States and Canada are expected to meet in Fort Worth, May 30 to June 1, for The NASCO Conference 2007: Moving North America Forward. The conference will focus on trade and transportation issues and opportunities for improved cooperation and economic partnership among the three North American countries joined by Interstate 35, along the NASCO Corridor. The event is co-hosted by the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and Texas Department of Transportation and developed in partnership with NASCO (North America' s SuperCorridor Coalition. For more information, visit www.nascocorridor.com or call Rachel Connell at 214-744-1006. |
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