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Texans readying for approaching hurricane seasonGovernor's Division of Emergency Management to host conference
Attendees of the fifth annual Texas Hurricane Conference will make landfall at Galveston May 8-10 to learn about hurricane preparedness by listening to a wide array of speakers and presenters and participating in workshops. The Governor's Division of Emergency Management is sponsoring the conference, in part to bring awareness to Texans that a catastrophic hurricane is the single greatest natural threat to the state. Recent natural disasters such as Hurricanes Rita and Katrina and the tornado in Eagle Pass have demonstrated the importance of emergency planning and preparation. 
Jack Colley, Chief of the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (DEM), said "As we have seen with hurricanes Rita and Katrina, a hurricane is not just an event affecting a coastal area. Katrina evacuees wound up in Texas towns hundreds of miles from New Orleans as well as cities throughout the United States. And that is why we invite public officials from throughout the state of Texas to attend the conference - both from coastal communities that may have to evacuate - and from inland communities where shelters will be located." Every year, DEM hosts a series of meetings, drills, conference calls, community events and planning sessions on the state and local level gearing up for hurricane season. The keystone event of all these efforts is the Texas Hurricane Conference, which provides a forum for as many as 1,700 members of the emergency management community - local, state and federal - "to get together and put a face with a name, before they wind up working together during a catastrophic event," said Colley. [more]UTIMCO chooses new leaderThe University of Texas Investment Management Company has chosen Bruce E. Zimmerman as its new president, chief executive officer and chief investment officer. Zimmerman is currently the chief investment officer and global head of pension investments for New York-based Citigroup. He takes over his new duties at UTIMCO on July 1 and will be responsible for the daily operations of the company, which manages more than $21 billion in endowment and operating funds for the University of Texas System. UTIMCO also manages some investments for the Texas A&M University System. Zimmerman follows Bob Boldt in the position. Boldt resigned last September and Cathy Iberg, the deputy chief investment officer and managing director of marketable alternative investments, has been running the company during the vacancy. Zimmerman has been with Citigroup since 2001 and has also held executive positions with JPMorgan Chase & Company, Chase Texas Retail Marketing, Chase Mergers & Acquisitions Group - Texas, and Texas Commerce Bank Financial Planning Group. He also sits on the Duke University Endowment Board. Zimmerman holds a bachelor's degree in public policy with high honors from Duke University and an MBA with distinction from Harvard University. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Dianna Flores Noble, P.E., director of environmental affairs, Texas Department of TransportationCareer highlights and education: Since 1993, have overseen the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) environmental programs as director of the Environmental Affairs Division (ENV). ENV develops and puts into action environmental policies and procedures; conducts environmental investigations, studies and reviews; and coordinates with other state and federal agencies to comply with more than 40 state and federal laws and regulations. I recently helped TxDOT adapt its environmental process to the challenges of financing and building projects in partnership with the private sector through Comprehensive Development Agreements and other new funding mechanisms. I represent TxDOT in local, state and national arenas regarding transportation and the environment. I graduated from the University Texas at Arlington with a degree in Civil Engineering. I am a licensed professional engineer. What I like best about my job is: The dedicated people I work with and the fact that my job is never boring. The best advice I've received for my current job is: This is an "extreme job," but the burden will seem light if you enjoy what you are doing. Advice you would give a new hire in your office: Pursue a career that you love and are passionate about. Meet your own high expectations instead of the low expectations of the world around you. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Motorcycling in the Hill Country or boating on Lake Travis with my husband, Mike. People would be surprised to know that I: Have an artistic side - I play the piano and worked my way through college decorating birthday and wedding cakes. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: "Stories from the Barrio: A History of Mexican Fort Worth" 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. Drought may be over in TexasDrought conditions that have plagued many areas of Texas in the past couple of years have been lessened considerably after recent storms across the state have dropped welcomed rain. Many parts of the state have been parched over the last 24 months, leading to wildfires that destroyed property and livestock and in some cases loss of human life. Agriculture also suffered as crops were lost to the heat and drought. Ranchers scrambled to find hay for their livestock as pastures became barren of grass. 
While recent storms have wreaked havoc to property and caused numerous weather-related deaths, lake levels in many areas of the state are rising. The state's total reservoir storage is 38,761,340 acre-feet. Texas Water Development Board figures from yesterday showed the total state storage at 31,547,240 acre-feet, or 81.39 percent of capacity. That compares to a low of 79.9 percent over the past 30 days, recorded on April 16, when the storage amount was 30,891,790 acre-feet. A number of lakes in the state are at 100 percent capacity or more - such as Lake Amon G. Carter near Bowie, Belton Lake at Belton, Canyon Lake southwest of Austin, Caddo Lake near Marshall in Harrison County, Lake Conroe near Houston, Lake Georgetown between Austin and Waco, Lake O' the Pines in Northeast Texas near Avinger, Lake Palestine in Smith County and Lake Texoma on the Texas-Oklahoma border. Many of the state's larger lakes and reservoirs' volumes are increasing. Lake Livingston in Polk County, with more than 1.7 million acre-feet of storage, is at more than 104 percent capacity. On the other hand, some other large reservoirs range from 63 to 98 percent of capacity. The Sam Rayburn Reservoir, near Jasper in East Texas, with a volume of more than 2.8 million acre-feet, is at 98.75 percent capacity; Toledo Bend, near the Texas-Louisiana border, with a volume of more than 4.4 million acre-feet, is at 95.84 percent capacity; Lake Travis in Austin, with more than 1.1 million acre-feet volume, is at 84 percent; and Lake Buchanan, on the Colorado River in Burnet County, with a volume of more than 885,000 acre-feet is at 63.78 percent. Richards in leadership role at Ag Department
Gene Richards, a member of the Texas Department of Agriculture leadership team since 2003, today was named Assistant Commissioner for Marketing and Promotion by Ag Commissioner Todd Staples. Richards has spent the last four years as deputy assistant commissioner in the Marketing and Promotion Division. In his new role, he will take on the primary programs in that division - GO TEXAN, the Wine and Shrimp Marketing Assistance programs, Texas Yes!, Square Meals, State Fair of Texas, Commodity Reporting, Texas Agricultural Statistics Services and Livestock Export Pens program. Prior to joining TDA, Richards served the Texas Department of Economic Development for 14 years in the Business Development Division, coordinating the agency's recruiting of new business to Texas and the expansion of existing industry. The new assistant commissioner is a graduate of Baylor University, where he earned a BBA degree. Senate passes bill to alter state contracting practices
The Texas Senate this week passed SB 769, which would alter the processes by which state agencies solicit, negotiate, enter into and manage contracts with vendors. SB 769 would subject major state contracts to a rigorous review process using Governmental in Nature (GIN) analyses. The bill would also expand the training processes for employees involved in contracting, improve contract reporting mechanisms for state agencies, require needed provisions to address amendments and address ethical issues specific to contracting. "Controversies regarding high-profile state contracts during the last several years have underscored the state's need for greater oversight and accountability in its contracting procedures," said Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, the bill's author. In 2004, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst directed Senate committee chairs to improve the accountability and provide stricter oversight of state outsourcing. SB 769 builds on SB 12, which was introduced two years ago, and includes additional reforms recommended by the Legislative Budget Board, various state agencies and the vendor community. This bill must still be passed by the House before it can be sent to the governor for his signature or veto. Bill would expand HUB certification to some veterans
Business owners who have a military service-connected disability could qualify as historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) if HB 1106 passes during the current legislative session. A program was created during the 74th Texas Legislature that encourages government entities to contract with businesses owned by certain minority class individuals. The program stipulates that any state agency with a biennial budget of more than $10 million must have a HUB coordinator, tasked with improving state relations with HUB businesses. The bill would add those with service-connected disabilities in the definition of an "economically disadvantaged person" relative to HUB certification. HB 1106, authored by Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, of Brownsville would allow service-disabled veterans who own family businesses to qualify as a HUB, and thus to receive all the benefits of the program. The bill as filed also included persons who have been awarded a Purple Heart as possible candidates for HUB certification, but that language was removed in the committee substitute. The bill as substituted has passed from the House Government Reform Committee and has been sent to Calendars. The companion bill, SB 381 by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, has been referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee but has not been scheduled for a hearing. TYC conservator issues 60-day reportSaying he had interviewed "parents, local and state leaders, TYC employees, law enforcement personnel, and experts in everything from criminal justice to mental health" during the last two months, Texas Youth Commission Conservator Jay Kimbrough this week issued a report to the state's leadership and the Texas Legislature. Kimbrough was appointed conservator of the agency after allegations of abuse and a reported cover-up by TYC officials led to the replacement of the agency's board president and the eventual resignation of the remaining board members. Kimbrough reported that numerous of his recommendations for the agency already have been implemented - from new background checks on TYC employees to naming of a new TYC Inspector General to reorganization of the agency's leadership to arrests, suspensions and firings of some TYC employees. "I have no doubt that today's TYC is much improved from just a few short months ago," said Kimbrough. He also recommended a cap on the capacity level the state is willing to support through funding available to TYC. Kimbrough offered 56 recommendations in six categories, ranging from recommendations that would implement immediate changes to those that make the best use of limited state resources. To view the report, click here. Earlier this week, the House Corrections Committee sent a bill to the House floor that would establish better controls at the TYC, tighten up admission qualifications and set a 12:1 staff-to-inmate ratio. Smart cards considered for healthcare coverage
The latest "smart card" technology could soon apply to Texans' health insurance coverage. The Texas House recently approved HB 522 by Rep. Beverly Woolley, which would provide for a pilot program in an undesignated area of the state in which health insurance companies would provide health insurance coverage information in readable formats such as on a magnetic strip on the back of an individual's insurance card or in the form of a smart card. Instead of uncertainty regarding a patient's healthcare coverage, health care professionals providing treatment would know in advance exactly what type of insurance coverage the cardholder has. And the cardholder would know exactly how much a co-payment would be and exactly what percentage the insurance provider would pay for certain medical procedures. Having information on a patient's healthcare coverage in advance would allow both patients and healthcare professionals to discuss treatments available through the patient's provider before service is provided. The bill now goes to the Senate for debate. Senate OKs extra pay for retired teachers
The Texas Senate this week passed a bill to increase benefits to the state's 239,000 retired teachers and other public school staff. The legislation, which includes a provision for an extra monthly check, would be the first boost of its kind since 2001. One of every 21 Texans is either an active or a retired member of the Teacher Retirement System. SB 1846 sponsored by Sen. Robert Duncan of Lubbock, also includes measures for future increases. The House has signed off on a one-time increase in benefits but must still approve other parts of the legislation. The estimated $410 million to cover the increase has yet to be funded in the state's two-year budget, currently being worked out in a House-Senate conference committee. Since 1995, the state has contributed 6 percent of employee payroll to the fund, which is the minimum allowed under the Texas Constitution. Based on projections, the state needs to increase its contribution to the system from 6 percent to at least 6.6 percent of payroll. The House version of the budget calls for a 6.7 percent contribution; the Senate's is 6.4 percent. AllianceTexas could become inland portAn inland port that could positively affect economic development in the Fort Worth area is drawing support from local leaders. SB 1693 was voted out of a Senate committee this week and is now headed to the Senate floor for debate. The legislation would allow city and county leaders to forge partnerships toward creating inland ports, drawing international shipments to the area. According to the legislation, ports could be established in an area with a municipally owned airport, a Class 1 railroad and a priority corridor highway - all of which Fort Worth has. It would also allow for other inland ports throughout the state. Local officials are looking at establishing a port authority that will allow AllianceTexas to become an inland port in the Fort Worth area. The port authority could tax itself to begin building up a fund roads, runways, security measures, etc. to eventually become a major international trade corridor. Lawmakers pass school bus seat belt legislationThe Texas House this week passed legislation that mandates school buses to have a three-point seat belt for each passenger, including the driver. 
Authored by Rep. Mike Hamilton of Mauriceville, HB 323 would require school districts to buy buses with seat belts starting September 2010, or retrofit with seat belts buses they already use. Last March, a chartered bus transporting 23 high school soccer players from Beaumont overturned, killing two of the girls and severely injuring others. The bus was not equipped with seat belts. Hamilton said that the bill is set take effect in 2010 to give lawmakers time in the next session (in 2009) to secure funding. Adding seat belts to new school buses will add $7,000 to $10,000 to the cost of each bus. If the bill passes without monetary appropriations from the state, school districts would be forced to finance the mandate. Two similar Senate bills were heard Thursday in the Senate Education Committee, but both were left pending. While HB 323 requires seat belts, there is no law that requires students to wear them. UT-El Paso benefits from $215 million computing center
The University of Texas at El Paso is among a group of a research firms and universities that will be positively impacted by $215 million from The U.S. Army Research Laboratory to manage the Army's High Performance Computing Research Center. The group includes High Performance Technologies, Inc. (HPTi), which is a private Virginia firm, NASA Ames Research Center, Stanford University, the University of Texas at El Paso, New Mexico State University and Morgan State University. UTEP will benefit with increased research activities for both undergraduates and graduates, and new high-performance computing systems, said UTEP Professor of Computer Science Patricia Teller (pictured), who guided the university through the competitive application process for the award. The program will focus on the following research areas: lightweight combat systems survivability, computational nanotechnologies and biosciences, battlefield network and information sciences, advanced algorithmic development and other high-performance computing technologies. TWC announces $2 million grant opportunityThe Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in conjunction with the Office of the Governor, recently announced a $2 million grant opportunity for the Meeting Industries' Critical Workforce Needs grant initiative, supporting the Governor's Industry Clusters, to meet industry needs and create opportunities for Texans. The six primary industries that form the Cluster Initiative are: Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing; Aerospace and Defense; Biotechnology and Life Science; Information and Computer Technology; Petroleum Refining and Chemical Products; and Energy. Proposals should outline the development of employer-driven education and training opportunities to meet the needs of a targeted industry cluster. The proposal deadline is May 10, at 4 p.m. Grant proposals should develop career opportunities for individuals at various skill levels, including upgrading the skills of incumbent and dislocated workers, youth entering the workforce for the first time, and workers interested in pursuing careers in the industry cluster occupations. For more information, visit the Texas Building and Procurement Commission Electronic State Business Daily Web site. Texas Tomorrow Fund could see rebirth
The Texas Tomorrow Fund could make a comeback for the first time since 2003 if legislation that passed out of the Texas House this week also passes in the Senate. Rep. Geanie Morrison's HB 3900 would allow families to lock in today's rates for college fees and tuition for their children. Morrison said the bill will benefit students, parents and institutions of higher education. "Under this plan," she said, "universities will be rewarded for making more judicious decisions regarding tuition and fees. This legislation will give Texas families more predictability about the cost of higher education while protecting the state from a shortfall." The bill would rename the program the Texas Tomorrow Fund II, and would allow families to purchase units worth 1 percent of one year's tuition and required fees. Once the child for whom the units were purchased enters college, the fund would pay the institution the money originally invested plus any returns on that investment. State Comptroller Susan Combs previously announced the fund was facing a shortfall - $3 billion by 2029 - but lawmakers are hopeful that if passed into law, the new fund would encourage colleges and universities to keep low their tuition costs and fees. The first program was created in 1996 and those who began participating in the first program before 2003 will still get the price guaranteed to them at the time. Southlake to build $200 million hospitalThe City of Southlake, a fast-growing Dallas suburb, is planning for a $200 million medical campus, including an acute-care medical and surgical hospital, medical office buildings, clinics and a long-term acute-care facility. The planned 60-bed hospital will be built to accommodate an expansion to 200 beds, and include medical services such as operating rooms, radiology, a CT Scan, MRI, pathology labs, a pharmacy, emergency room and physical therapy facilities. The center will specialize in cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology and family medicine. Richardson-based Rockwall Hospitals, which has similar projects under development in Pasadena, Houston and Mesquite, will manage the facility, which is set to break ground in early 2008. Once completed in 2010, the Southlake project could encompass 900,000 square feet and employ as many as 1,000. Texas businesses get 'fresh start' on taxes
Texas businesses that are behind on state taxes are being given a 60-day tax reprieve to get back on track as part of Project Fresh Start, a new program initiated by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. From June 15 through Aug. 15, business owners can come forward and file past-due tax reports with the Comptroller's Office and have the interest charges and penalties waived. Penalties can be as high as 60 percent of tax due, plus interest. The limited-time amnesty applies to all unreported or unpaid sales taxes, franchise taxes and all other local taxes and fees collected by the state, which were originally due before April 1. Combs also is offering a break to those businesses that may be operating without a tax permit. This waiver does not apply to assessments already identified by the Comptroller, taxpayers currently under audit or review, or taxpayers the Comptroller has already contacted about an audit or possible deficiency. For more information, visit the www.freshstart.texas.gov Web site. Company receives $5 million from Texas Enterprise FundTo facilitate Maxim Integrated Products' expansion in Irving, the company this week was granted $5 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund. This investment is projected to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs over the next seven years. In 2003, Maxim Integrated Products was awarded a $1.5 million TEF grant to secure a semiconductor facility in San Antonio. The company manufactures integrated circuits including, data converters, interface circuits, microprocessor supervisors, switches, battery chargers, fiber optic transceivers and semi conductors. It is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., with multiple fabrication and test centers around the world, including San Antonio and Dallas. The legislature, at Gov. Rick Perry's request, created the TEF in 2003 to help bring new jobs to Texas. To date, the TEF has funded projects generating more than 45,000 new jobs and $15 billion in capital investment in the state. Lawmakers pass bill to overhaul transportation policies
Texas lawmakers this week passed HB 1892 , which calls for major changes to the state's transportation policy, including the future of private investment in toll roads. HB 1892, which, among other provisions, enacts a two-year moratorium on privately financed toll road projects, is headed to Gov. Rick Perry's desk after passing on a 139-1 vote. The lone nay vote was Sen. Mike Krusee. While Perry may veto the bill, the legislature would have enough time before it adjourns May 28 to override such an action. Sen. Robert Nichols of Jacksonville (pictured), who has led the effort on passing the moratorium said, "This is landmark legislation for putting the needs of Texas drivers above the pockets of private shareholders . . . legislature sent a clear message, we will not sell our transportation system at bargain basement prices." Bill to increase state park funding passes HouseThe Texas House recently passed a bill that would redirect millions of dollars to the state's deteriorating parks system. In 1993, sporting goods sales taxes were earmarked for a parks fund, but legislators capped the amount to be spent on parks at $32 million and spent much of the remaining tax money elsewhere. Last year, only $20.6 million from the fund went to parks. The state now collects approximately $105 million in sporting goods sales taxes a year. HB 12 would remove the $32 million cap, but the amount that would ultimately go to the parks depends on House and Senate budget negotiations. Many legislators, including House Speaker Tom Craddick and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, support giving the parks more money. Parks officials would like to see all sporting goods sales taxes going toward the parks system, which has deteriorated over years of underfunding. In many parks, public access hours have been limited to cut costs. Several wastewater and drinking water systems have also failed due to lack of maintenance funds. Counties cite problems with voter systemAs early voting began this week, a number of voter registration officials in Texas counties have reported problems with a new Web-based voting-records system. The $14 million centralized database is used by 224 Texas counties. The Texas Election Administration Management System, or TEAM, was adopted in January to meet federal requirements for centralizing voter information statewide. Three counties that began using the system in January - Bastrop, Kerr and Rockwall - have already withdrawn from the system. Tarrant County commissioners will decide this week whether to withdraw and spend $700,000 for another system. At least 17 jurisdictions started early voting Monday without current lists of registered voters, the Secretary of State's Office said. County reports say that the system has kicked registered voters' names off the early voting lists and forced others to wait as long as 10 minutes while the system verified voter registration. The Secretary of State's Office said this week that it would review the system after the May 12 elections. Angleton receives trailers from TBPC for emergencies
Unused Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers from Mississippi and Louisiana are going to Angleton to be used as portable command centers during emergencies, as part of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission's Federal Surplus Property program. The program makes federal government surplus property available to eligible organizations such as political subdivisions, state agencies and some non-profits for a handling fee, said Diane B. Smith (pictured), director of business services for TBPC. The Angleton Police Department, the City of Angleton and the Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps each obtained 31-foot travel trailers, said Angleton Police Chief David Ashburn. The trailers, which cost approximately $25,000, could be set up for police to use as mini-stations during a hurricane or other natural disaster. More often, the police department plans to use its trailer as refuge while working long accident scenes, or as a place to complete paperwork during long crime scene investigations, Ashburn said. New board to be appointed at TSU, after regents resignAfter Texas Southern University's board of regents Friday announced a group resignation, Gov. Rick Perry this week decided to sidestep his call for conservatorship, and appoint five new members to the school's governing board. Perry is reportedly focusing on members of his TSU advisory committee to appoint to the board. With Perry expected to pick five nominees within days, the candidates include state NAACP President Gary Bledsoe, former state Rep. Glenn Lewis and former Dell executive Richard Selwen. Perry several weeks ago asked for the entire board's resignation immediately, so he could place the university under conservatorship, which is essentially a one-person board. Ted Royer, a spokesman for Perry, said the TSU resignations were not what the governor wanted, and asked the Senate to remove Regents Chairwoman Belinda Griffin. However, Griffin resigned before the Senate decided whether to remove her from the post, which would have required a two-thirds vote. State lawmakers last week introduced an alternative to Perry's conservatorship plan. The bill would allow Perry to dissolve a board of regents in times of financial or administrative crisis, and appoint a smaller board to organize a reform plan during a one-year term and submit frequent reports to the state. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said the Senate will move to confirm the new regents by the end of next week. Senate bill encourages worksite wellness programs
The Texas Senate this week approved a bill by Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. that encourages employee participation in wellness activities through incentives, such as allowing all state employees to dedicate 30 minutes, three times per work week, to physical activity. Participants would be allowed eight hours of additional leave time if they fulfilled certain health requirements, including a physical examination and health risk assessment. SB 72 ,now headed to the House for consideration, would create a 17-member Worksite Wellness Advisory Board, administratively connected to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and establish wellness councils at state agencies to generate employee involvement and identify inner-agency wellness policies. An agency with more than 5,000 employees would be required to hire a full-time wellness coordinator. Overweight and obesity costs for Texas adults that included healthcare expenditures, indirect lost productivity, costs of illness and premature death totaled $10.5 billion in 2001, and that amount is projected to rise to $39 billion by 2040. The state spends more than $3 billion annually for state employee health insurance. Texas could save an estimated $80 million in the first three to five years of the proposed wellness program. Four Texas' biolabs considered for federal facilityFederal officials are planning to visit four possible Texas sites for a new $450 million research laboratory. The National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility would study diseases that could threaten the nation's food supply or public health. The sites - Brooks City-Base, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research and the Texas Research Park, which are all in the San Antonio area, as well as Texas A&M University in College Station - are among 17 across the country being evaluated this month by teams from the Homeland Security Department, which wants a new facility to replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York. Scientists at the federal lab will focus on both potential biological terror threats and naturally occurring diseases that could affect the food supply or spread from animals to people, and work on potential vaccines and treatments. The 17 potential sites are expected to be narrowed down to three by the end of June, before final selection in October 2008. Construction is slated for 2010, and the new laboratory is scheduled to be operating in 2014. Texas scientists elected to National Academy of Sciences
Dr. Helen Hobbs (left), faculty member at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and biologist Mary K. Estes of Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston, were elected this week to the National Academy of Sciences. Membership in the academy, which advises the government in scientific and technical matters, is one of the nation's top honors for a scientist. Hobbs, who studies the genetic basis for blood cholesterol levels and heart disease, leads the Dallas Heart Study, a multimillion-dollar project geared to finding causes and treatments for heart disease. She earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland and joined the faculty at UT Southwestern in 1987. Director of the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development at UT Southwestern, Dr. Hobbs is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Estes, professor of molecular virology and microbiology and medicine at BCM, focuses her research on the field of viral gastroenteritis, and has conducted studies on viral gene function, molecular pathogenesis and vaccine development. Co-director of a graduate program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Estes was awarded the Cullen Foundation Endowed Chair in her department. She received her doctorate from the University of North Carolina and did her postdoctoral work at Baylor College of Medicine. Governor awards grants for public safetyAtascosa and Morris counties this week received $209,461 for equipment upgrades to enhance public safety and county jail services under the state's County Essential Services Program, which is administered by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD). The County Essential Services Program provides financial assistance to counties for public services including law enforcement, jail and court services, and reimbursement of major costs incurred for the investigation or prosecution of capital murder or crimes committed because of bias or prejudice. Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs. With the money, Atascosa County plans to purchase a new telephone system to improve communication with citizens during emergency and non-emergency situations. Funds will also be used to purchase a van to transport jail inmates. Morris County will purchase a new control board and intercom system for the county jail to improve staff security and communication. Texas A&M receives land for San Antonio campus
Texas A&M University System has recently accepted a donation of 696 acres of land to use for development of its new San Antonio campus, according to chancellor Michael McKinney. A&M is now waiting to see if the Texas Legislature will include $10.2 million in its finance appropriations request for the project. Of the land located on the city's south side, 581 acres will be used to house the main campus. A new Irrigation and Technology Center is planned for the remaining 104 acres. A&M-San Antonio must get its full-time equivalent student enrollment up to 1,500 before it can break ground on the project, which was the condition of receiving $40 million in tuition revenue bonds in 2003 by the Texas Legislature to use for development of the new campus, according to McKinney. A&M recently launched the A&M San Antonio Foundation to raise $8 million to provide scholarships to help the university meet the 1,500 goal. Texas A&M University-San Antonio has been operating locally out of space at the Palo Alto College campus since 2000. The university is leasing property from the South San Antonio ISD to temporarily hold classes there beginning in 2009. Austin to use money from land sale for new city libraryThe City of Austin is moving forward with a plan to use $10 million from the sale of a city-owned block north of City Hall to create an endowment for the new central library. Austin Public Library Foundation staff is finalizing a trust agreement with the city for approximately $20 million: $10 million from the city, $5 million from the foundation and $5 million anticipated from interest. The agreement will go before the city council for approval in the next several weeks. Austin voters in November approved $90 million to build a 250,000-square-foot central library west of City Hall. Although the new library has not been designed, plans are in the works for additional space for more books and materials, meeting rooms, an auditorium, a teen center, a children's area, an exhibit space and a cafe. The library is slated to open in 2012. San Antonio pilots solar-powered trash cans
The City of San Antonio this month will start a pilot program to evaluate the use of solar energy in the downtown area. The city will place two trash compactors in highly visible and high-pedestrian traffic areas for a 30-day trial. The receptacles, slightly larger than a normal corner trash can, will use solar power to compact trash that's pitched into the enclosed bins, allowing for more room for pedestrians to toss in additional trash. City officials say this effort should reduce the frequency of required trash collections and costs related to solid waste removal. If the trial proves effective for the city, San Antonio may place additional units throughout the downtown area. City Manager Sheryl Sculley said the trash compactor program demonstrates San Antonio's "continued commitment to keeping the downtown area clean through the most effective and efficient use of technology." New hospital planned for Marble FallsMarble Falls will get its first hospital in 2009, officials announced this week. The hospital, to be built on donated land, will eventually have 120 beds and employ 500 workers. The acute care hospital, which will include full cardiology care, labor and delivery, and trauma services, will be a partnership between two nonprofit health systems, Scott & White and Llano Memorial Healthcare System, which operates the 30-bed Llano Memorial Hospital. This project will also include medical office buildings, long-term care services, assisted living services and other health care services. Marble Falls is located in Burnet County, which has experienced a growth rate of 26 percent over the past six years, according to Mayor Raymond Whitman. The nearest hospital to Marble Falls, which has a population of 5,500, is Seton Highland Lakes in Burnet. Scott & White will manage the hospital and contribute more than half of the estimated $100 million cost. Scott & White is also preparing to open two new hospitals in coming months: a 50-bed continuing care hospital at Temple's West Campus and a 72-bed hospital at the University Medical Campus in Round Rock. State Bar of Texas announces new president-elect
State Bar of Texas officials this week announced that Harper Estes of Midland was elected by the state's lawyers to serve as president-elect. Sylvia Cardona of San Antonio was elected president-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA). Harper Estes has practiced with Lynch, Chappell & Alsup in Midland for 27 years with an emphasis in commercial trial work, oil and gas litigation, and as a mediator and arbitrator. He served the Midland County Bar Association in the capacity of president, president-elect, vice president and secretary/treasurer. Estes has also served on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors, as chair of a State Bar Grievance Committee, on the TYLA Board of Directors, and as secretary/treasurer of the Midland County Young Lawyers Association. Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he earned a B.A. from Texas Tech University and a J.D. from Baylor University School of Law. Estes will serve a one-year term as State Bar president-elect before moving to president in June 2008. Sylvia Cardona of Langley & Banack, Inc. in San Antonio will lead TYLA in 208. Cardona, who practices commercial litigation and international law, chairs the TYLA/ProBAR Unaccompanied Children's Project, and has chaired or served on numerous TYLA committees, including the Community Education Committee and Long-Range Planning Committee. She received a B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, and an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center. |
A Paperless World?
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. A Paperless World? Maybe not . . . But, watch for much less paper at least! Does anyone really believe we'll ever see a paperless world? Probably not. However, without doubt, Texans will soon notice much less paper. Both the private and the public sectors are making giant strides in moving into an electronic world where transactions and information-sharing no longer require paper. Government is now encouraging taxpayers and consumers to interact and communicate through online portals and e-mail communication. Information is transmitted and business is being conducted by governmental agencies via the Internet. Electronic systems allow users the comfort of interacting with government from any computer at any time. Millions of Americans file income taxes electronically. Even more participate in defensive driving classes online. Welfare benefits are dispensed electronically, drivers renew their licenses through governmental portals and requests for public information are handled through e-mail messages. Government has definitely "gone digital." [more]Upcoming SPI vendor seminar targets local government Round Rock makes new plans for city hallThe City of Round Rock has been planning a new 60,000-square-foot municipal building since 2001, but rising construction costs have forced city officials to develop a new plan. Six years ago, the project was estimated to cost roughly $15 million. The new plan calls for the city to use $4 million to buy a 20,000-square-foot building adjacent to the current city hall, and build a new city hall for approximately $7.8 million that would be 25,000 square feet and feature an open area for community events. Gaming bill dies in late night House voteThe only gaming bill that has made its way to the floor of either the Texas House or Senate, died on the House floor early Friday morning. The bill would have allowed poker, bingo and pull-tab games and the reopening of two Indian casinos in Texas that were ordered closed two years ago. While the bill would not have legalized gambling in the state, both the Tigua and Alabama-Coushatta Indian tribes would have been provided a defense against prosecution if they re-opened the tribal casinos. The bill died after a 66-66 tie vote. Alamodome to undergo $8.3 million upgrade
The San Antonio City Council recently approved spending $5.4 million for much-needed improvements, including a new roof for the 14-year-old Alamodome. The total renovation project will cost $8.3 million; the remaining $2.9 million has already been funded. The enhancement project will include updating the sound system, improving control systems and renovating the Plaza and Club levels. Bonds, which will be backed by the city's hotel occupancy tax revenues, will finance the renovations. Mayor Phil Hardberger (pictured) said that the revenue gained by Alamodome visitors attending events at the updated facility will far exceed the cost of the renovations. City officials said they hope the improvements are completed before next March, when the city hosts the 2008 NCAA's men's Final Four basketball tournament. Border security bill sent back to committeeA parliamentary maneuver on the floor of the Texas House this week sent a bill relating to border security spending back to committee. The bill, HB 13, lays out how the state would spend a proposed $100 million on border security issues that include such items as gathering and analyzing intelligence, sharing of information, protecting critical infrastructure, protecting the state's international border, ports and airports, detecting and defending against terrorism and coordinating of state and local agencies' warning and alert systems. The bill would allow the governor, on advice from a Border Security Council he appoints, how to spend the funds. It will likely be next week before the bill returns to the House floor. UT-Dallas makes plans for semiconductor centerThe University of Texas at Dallas has signed a preliminary agreement with a group from South Korea to establish a semiconductor research center at the college. The Consortium of Semiconductor Advanced Research from Seoul, South Korea, could invest as much as $8 million over the next four years to set up the center at UT-Dallas' engineering and computer science school. UT-Dallas would focus its research on materials science, nano-electronics and related efforts to make microchips smaller, faster and more energy-efficient. Stanford University and University of California at Berkeley also will have centers focused on chip manufacturing and microchip design, respectively. Strawser interim VP and provost at Texas A&M
Jerry Strawser, Mays Business School dean at Texas A&M University, has been named as the university's interim executive vice president and provost, effective June 16. He will replace David Prior, who has accepted the position of executive vice chancellor for academic affairs with the University of Texas System. Strawser has served TAMU as dean of the business school since 2001. Among his many accomplishments since serving as dean, Strawser has helped raise more than $40 million for chairs, professorships and faculty and graduate student fellowships. Strawser holds three degrees in accounting from Texas A&M: a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Science and a Ph.D. He has previously served at the University of Houston and at Louisiana State University. Kilgore says 'no thanks' to FEMA fundsThe City of Kilgore has said "thanks, but no thanks" to the federal government - deciding to withdraw its application for a potential grant of up to $3 million that could have helped finance a new civic center or community center. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has grant funds available for which the Kilgore City Council had applied. If awarded, the funds could have paid for up to 75 percent of the cost of a new center - but only if it were built to FEMA standards that would have ensured that the center also could serve as an emergency shelter. Kilgore city officials decided there likely would be too many stipulations and regulations with the federal grant. The city also withdrew its application for nearly $300,000 in funding from the Texas Office of Rural Community Affairs, which could have helped the city meet its $2.5 million match had it received the FEMA funds. Council member Donald Lawler said that although there is a definite need for a community or civic center, a partnership with FEMA would come with "strings attached." Pasadena receives grant for crime labTo purchase specialized crime lab equipment, the City of Pasadena this week was awarded $223,000 from the federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, which is distributed by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division (CJD). The city will purchase a Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer, Laboratory Management Information System and an analytical balance, which will allow the crime lab to maintain accreditation requirements and to ensure quality and efficient reporting. The JAG program provides support to state and local governments for a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and to improve the criminal justice system. Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim service programs. Brownsville to open psychiatric hospital
Brownsville city officials are planning to open a psychiatric hospital in September, to attract psychiatrists to the area. City Manager Charlie Cabler last week said the goal of the 37-bed facility, which will be located at the old Valley Regional Medical Center, is to give the city the kind of medical assistance it needs. Due to a lack of psychiatrists in the city, the Brownsville Independent School District has transported children to nearby Hidalgo County to receive mental healthcare. A Mental Health Task Force Committee recently advised the city that to be able to attract psychiatrists to Cameron County, it must create a clinic where they could treat patients. San Antonio vows to go greenThe San Antonio City Council recently passed a resolution supporting the development of a Green Building policy for newly constructed city-owned facilities. The resolution calls for city-owned facilities to be designed and constructed "to the highest possible Green Building aspects within budget project allocations." Green Buildings are designed and constructed in a manner that maximizes the use and life of the building, while minimizing that building's impact on the environment. By following the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ("LEED") rating system, facilities are built to conserve electricity, water and other natural resources, and therefore, entities should see utility cost savings. Gilmer to expand Civic CenterThe City of Gilmer is reviving plans to build an additional wing to the Gilmer Civic Center. Original plans included meeting rooms seating as many as 200 people, with folding walls to turn the space into one large room as well as a game area, kitchen, restrooms, storage area, covered entrance, lobby, offices and a workroom. The estimated cost for a scaled-back version of the project is at least $1.5 million, and the city still plans to seek architectural guidance. The project has already received a $625,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concordia receives $1 million gift for new campusConcordia University recently received a $1 million donation for renovation and construction of its new campus in Northwest Travis County. The anonymous donation, which comes in the midst of the university's $20 million fundraising campaign, is the largest donation ever received by Concordia's Austin campus. The new 389-acre campus includes a nature preserve and six buildings, approximately 200,000 square feet that will be renovated. The first phase of new construction, an additional 200,000 square feet estimated to cost $100 million, will be completed in time for fall 2008 classes. Concordia's current 22-acre campus in Central Austin will become a mixed-use residential and commercial development. By purchasing the new campus in March, the private university plans to increase enrollment from 1,300 to 2,000 students during the next several years. UT Tyler names interim student affairs VP
The University of Texas at Tyler has named Howard Patterson the interim vice president for student affairs and external relations. Patterson, who is currently the assistant vice president for student affairs, replaces Dale Lunsford, who left the university to become president of LeTourneau University in Longview. Patterson assumes the position May 9. He will oversee a wide range of university business, from enrollment and academic advising to athletics and governmental relations. The university is conducting a national search for the permanent position. Navarro College expands campusNavarro College in Waxahachie is experiencing a flurry of building activity. The walls of a new 20,000-square-foot academic building went up this week. The Ellis County campus is planning for a business information technology lab as well as laboratories for mathematics, physics and chemistry. A new fire academy is also in the works. The new building will allow the campus to increase its current student enrollment of 2,400 by 1,000, according to Provost Harold Nolte. A recently developed Master Plan calls for the campus to develop 33 acres of land, including nine buildings and more than 2,200 parking spaces for the pedestrian campus. Assistant to fill in as Keller city managerThe Keller City Council voted this week to appoint Assistant City Manager Kevin Lahner as interim city manager until a permanent replacement is found for Lyle Dresher, who resigned last month to take a job in Argyle. In August 2005, Lahner started working for Keller, a city of 37,700 that is in the Fort Worth area. He will begin as interim city manager June 9. Odem-Edroy ISD names superintendent finalist
Odem-Edroy ISD this week named Steve VanMatre, principal of Corpus Christi's Carroll High School, as the lone finalist in its search for a superintendent. VanMatre will replace Ricardo Chapa, who plans to retire Dec. 30. VanMatre started his career with Corpus Christi ISD as a custodian and worked his way up to teaching before becoming an administrator. At Carroll, VanMatre led CCISD's second largest campus with 2,405 students - more than double the size of Odem-Edroy ISD's 1,191 district enrollment. Alcohol monitor serves as portable prison sentenceSouth Texas judges are issuing offenders a high-tech bracelet, called the SCRAM, or Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor, as an alternative to jail time. More than 190 offenders in Texas are wearing the bracelets. Time behind bars sometimes does not stop an alcoholic's craving, according to Judge Al Alonzo, with the Bexar County drug court. When people are released, they are going to come out just as addicted as when they came in, he said. The bracelet monitors the wearer's sweat. A single drink of alcohol alters the body's chemistry, and the device sends a signal to a monitoring station to report the change. The manufacturer says 90 to 120 days are necessary to get a drinker to think sober thoughts. 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
Register now for workshop on state technology procurementStrategic 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 - 4/27/07 Resources
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Emergency training designed for small businessThe Texas State Small Business Development Center has scheduled an all-day workshop Thursday, May 10, in Austin to assist area small businesses in understanding the need for emergency preparedness planning, specifically how to protect information. Donna Childs, co-author of "Contingency Planning and Disaster Recovery: A Small Business Guide," will be the conference's keynote speaker. Area experts will present information through three panels, addressing emergency management resources, business continuity, and disaster recovery. To register or for more information, call 716-4800 or e-mail sbdc@txstate.edu. 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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