Tax reform plan slows in the Senate
After a two-week joyride through the House, the various bills that comprise Texas' tax reform proposal hit a few bumps this week on the road through the Senate. With a little more than a week to go in the special session, legislators remained confident on Thursday that they will hammer out a plan to revamp the public school finance system, but the mood was noticably different this morning when the  Senate Finance Committee tried to continue progress.
Much of the controversy at this hour revolves around Sen. Florence Shapiro (pictured) and Committee Chairman Steve Ogden. Shapiro this morning attempted to pull down her committee substitute to House Bill 1 and called for a vote on HB 1 in its original form. After Ogden refused to recognize her for such a motion she walked out of the meeting. Ogden is now using all the authority at his disposal to bring her and other commission members back to the table after 1 p.m. Click here to monitor the committee's action online this afternoon.
McDaniel joins Moseley in Houston
 Tracye McDaniel, executive director for the governor's Economic Development and Tourism Division, has been named the new chief operations officer for the Greater Houston Partnership. "Tracye will undoubtedly be a driving force in operational matters as the partnership moves forward to position Houston as a business magnet and gateway to global markets," said CEO Jeff Moseley, who until last year held the position McDaniel is leaving. McDaniel has worked under the past three gubernatorial administrations. She was named Tourism Director in 1996 and assumed the executive director  position in July 2005 after Moseley left.
"I am very excited about this opportunity and to be back working with Jeff Moseley and the partnership to assist with elevating Houston on the global business stage," McDaniel said. "I am impressed with the depth of leadership, the energy and enthusiasm of the partnership board, its membership and the first-class staff. It will be great to be a part of this dynamic team and an integral part of achieving the regional initiatives outlined in the 2005-2015 Strategic Plan."
 El Paso leaders in state of bliss
To say that El Paso leaders are optimistic about their area's future would be an understatement. They're ecstatic. The source of their enthusiasm: The mighty Fort Bliss.
Due to last year's Base Closure and Realignment Commission's (BRAC) decisions, Fort Bliss will grow by 11,500 troops, making it the largest gainer in military personnel. On top of that, the Army has announced that it will move additional troops to Fort Bliss over the next several years as bases are closed in Germany. By 2011, Fort Bliss is expected to grow by 28,000 new troops, which translates to about 60,000 soldiers and family members in all.  "These troops and their families will have a huge positive impact on our community," said U.S. Rep Silvestre Reyes (pictured). "New jobs will be created to support these new families, and it is estimated that the potential boost to the El Paso economy is over $4 billion annually."
As if that weren't enough to please local leaders, they got word earlier this year that their three-year courtship for the Army's Future Combat Systems team was successful. The futuristic unit will test and develop unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, armed robotic vehicles, smart mortars and cannons and the next generation of communications equipment. The Army has proposed spending $21 billion on the project, and wants to have a combat-ready Future Combat Systems unit by 2014. Technology companies that can support the initiative are expected to flock to the region, and city officials expect at least 300 high-tech jobs to be created in just the first stages.
El Paso Mayor John Cook (pictured) said each of the city's council districts has about 70,000 people, and over the next five years, Fort Bliss would be adding the equivalent of an additional district. City and school officials in the area are already planning for the growth. Cook said it hasn't been an easy task to accommodate that growth, but the city is making great progress. Sites for new schools are being scouted, a desalinization plant to bring more water online is in the works, and monumental highways for the region are close to breaking ground.
Galveston may shutter school, cut jobs
The Galveston school district, confronted with declining enrollment and rising costs, is considering closing one of its eight island elementary schools and cutting at least 10 Ball High School teaching jobs. A 2000 study projected district enrollment at well over 9,000 this year. Average daily attendance now stands at 7,765. Interim school superintendent Ann Dixon told trustees that next year's revenues are predicted to be about $64.4 million but said $67.7 million will be needed to maintain the current status.
Overcrowded jail ordered to make changes
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards Thursday ordered Harris County to begin easing its crowding problem by sending prisoners to other county jails in the region. The commission, concluding for the third consecutive year that the Harris County Jail has failed to meet state standards, told county officials to outsource all prisoners who do not have regular bunks - about 500 inmates altogether. Details on how such an operation would be carried out, and where the prisoners would go, were not immediately available.
During a four-day on-site review in April, commission inspectors found that jail officials have failed to maintain the required inmate-to-guard ratio of 48-1. State inspectors also found problems with the jail's two-way communication system between inmates and guards, as well as a lack of documentation that all jail personnel have been participating in quarterly fire drills.
Report details hurricane's impact on state budget
Texas' Fiscal Year 2006 budget has been impacted to the tune of $1.5 billion, according to a new report by the Legislative Budget Board. About 62 percent of the costs are associated with Hurricane Katrina and 38 percent attributable to Hurricane Rita.
Storm plan considers felons
Felons and registered sex offenders would be held in separate shelters during hurricane evacuations, state officials announced this week as they unveiled more details about how Texas would clear its coast if a storm approaches. Steve McCraw, the governor's director of homeland security, said there is an "obligation to make sure those individuals are segregated" and a database is in place to identify people as they walk into an emergency shelter.
Another city may turn landfill into electric, revenue generator
San Angelo City Manager Harold Dominguez is excited about a plan to build a power plant that might one day generate an annual profit of $12 million. Earlier this week, the San Angelo City Council agreed to work with a private company toward building the plant. The city, as others have done in the recent past, would take methane from the landfill and water treatment plant and use it to burn trash from the landfill to create electricity. Estimates put the cost to build the plant between $24 million and $100 million, depending on the plant's size. San Angelo City Hall believes it could be the best solution to fix a growing methane problem in the landfill - and save space there. Add the potential revenue from electric sales and from charging other communities to dump trash, Dominguez said, and it's a project worth trying.
State's 2-1-1 system expanded for hurricanes
Gov. Rick Perry this week announced that the state's 2-1-1 service has been expanded to allow Texans who cannot evacuate themselves to register for transportation assistance should their community be ordered to evacuate. Coastal Texans who will require transportation assistance during an evacuation are urged to call 2-1-1 as soon as possible to relay their special transportation needs, and not wait until a storm is approaching the coast. By registering in advance, state and local officials will be better able to coordinate transportation needs.
Highland Park schools launch $100M endowment
Highland Park's school district just north of Dallas plans to build up a $100 million endowment. To put the daunting task into perspective, the University of North Texas, for example, only has about $58 million in its endowment fund and Texas State University in San Marcos has less than $39 million. District officials, who run schools in an affluent part of the Metroplex, said they need the financial security of an endowment of that magnitude, in part, because of the school funding dilemmas on the state level. As public schools nationwide struggle with funding cuts, many see endowments - more common for private schools and universities - as unavoidable, said Cathy Bryce, Highland Park's superintendent.
Abilene welcomes new assistant city manager
David A. Vela this week began overseeing Abilene's water, community services and administrative services departments, which were formerly under the supervision of Mike Morrison. Morrison left in January to become the city manager of New Braunfels. A pool of more than 50 applicants was whittled to about six finalists for the assistant city manager job. Vela was chosen based on his experience with municipal and state government, and his education. He served three years as assistant city manager in Alice and worked for state agencies during the previous six years.
Willis ISD to float bond proposal in November
The Willis Independent School District Facility/Bond Committee unanimously approved a $39.985 million bond proposal that will go before the WISD Board of Trustees next week. The committee will present the proposal to the board May 10 and if approved, WISD voters would decide on the bond during the November 7 general election. The committee crafted a proposal that addresses growth, capacity, equalization and security district-wide after meeting seven times to discuss the issue, WISD Superintendent Brian Zemlicka said.
UT invests in Texas Advanced Computing Center
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has established a three-year partnership with the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) in hopes of significantly expanding research programs and increasing external research funding at its institutions. The partnership, which includes Dell Inc. as the leading technology provider, will invest $7 million over three years to increase the capabilities of the Lonestar high-performance computing cluster at TACC, and make it available to UT System researchers. The Board of Regents approved a $3 million investment in equipment to upgrade Lonestar's technological capabilities.
Dallas mayor rejects requests for Wright meeting
Dallas Mayor Laura Miller told the Dallas Morning News this week that she has no plans to meet with a coalition of leaders from across the state requesting her ear on the controversial Wright amendment. Her comments were in response to a letter mailed to her and Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief on Monday by 10 mayors and one county judge. Miller said that she and Moncrief are extremely busy seeking a compromise on the Love Field flight restrictions - one that works for constituents in Dallas and Fort Worth. Although she hasn't talked to Moncrief or any of the letter's signatories about the meeting request, finding a local solution is the top priority right now, not having a meeting with cities across Texas.
Texas schools put cap on soda companies
The nation's largest soda companies - Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo and Cadbury Schweppes - agreed Wednesday to stop selling nondiet soda and other sugary drinks at most public schools by the end of the decade. The voluntary agreement is intended to help curb childhood obesity and comes amid growing pressure from consumer and medical groups and efforts in some states, including Texas, to restrict youngsters' access to sodas that are high in calories and have no nutritional value.  The new deal won't change the rules in Texas elementary schools, where soda is banned, but it will expel soda from middle schools and nondiet soda from high schools.
While most school officials praise the measure, for the sake of kids' health, there is a downside for some, as Neta Alexander, principal of Fort Worth's Arlington Heights High School, points out. She notes the $20,000 that her school receives annually from Coca-Cola's exclusive campus contract. The money has helped pay for tutoring, attendance incentives and even bottled water for a charity run.
Bush nominates UT professor for post
President Bush on Thursday nominated a University of Texas professor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. If confirmed by the Senate, mechanical engineering professor Dale Klein will become chairman of the commission, which regulates nuclear reactors, materials and waste. The group oversees nuclear policy, legal issues and licenses. Klein is on leave from UT as a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Defense, where he is an assistant to the secretary of defense. Klein's position covers nuclear, chemical and biological defense programs.
UT journalism school joins national initiative
The journalism school at the University of Texas has received $250,000 as part of a larger national effort to improve education in the subject. Given by the Carnegie Corp. of New York, the money allows UT to join seven other U.S. journalism schools in the Carnegie-Knight Initiative on the Future of Journalism. Other participating universities include Northwestern University, Columbia University, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Missouri. UT will use part of its money to develop curriculum in partnership with its other departments. The journalism school will offer specialized courses in three areas: the Latino community, technology and media literacy.
Gatesville names interim manager
Gatesville Assistant City Manager Luis Lobo was named interim city manager this week, effective after City Manager Brandon Emmons leaves for Trophy Club. Emmons' last day will be May 26. He assumes his new duties as town manager in Trophy Club on June 1. Lobo is in his 25th year with the City of Gatesville. He moved there in 1981 as a grants administrator and was later promoted to assistant city manager.
Ag Commissioner to visit S. Texas
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs will meet with community leaders from South Texas on Tuesday, May 9, to discuss rural economic development and other issues facing Texas. The meeting will be held at 9:45 a.m. at Cuero State Bank, 121 East Courthouse in Cuero. Combs will meet with local officials and business representatives to discuss rural economic development issues facing the area. She will discuss various Texas Department of Agriculture programs, including Texas Yes! and the Texas Capital Fund.
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Going green way to go
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Recently, the Austin Independent School District made an impressive announcement. Of all purchasers of "green power" in the United States, AISD ranks #18. The fact that AISD buys more "green power" - electricity generated by the sun, wind and other natural resources - than giants such as FedEx Kinkos or even the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania represents an outstanding commitment and sets an example for others to follow.
It also indicates an important trend in energy consumption. Governmental entities everywhere are trying to cut costly electric bills. The Governor asked all governmental entities to consider ways to reduce electricity needs. State agencies, as a result of the governor's decree, are now expected to show significant improvement. Changes are coming in the form of purchasing more energy-efficient products, contracting with energy conservation experts, implementing alternative energy sources and moving toward green building standards.
Many cities, counties and school districts are working hard to reduce energy usage. Here are some examples of changes that are beginning to emerge:
- Upgrading to more energy-efficient street and traffic lighting;
- Installing specialized energy-efficient heating and cooling systems;
- Offering incentives to taxpayers who will install energy efficient solutions;
- Installing energy recovery systems and renewable-energy equipment;
- Regulating procurement practices to ensure that purchasers buy energy-efficient products; and
- Procuring hybrid vehicles.
If ever there was a good time for contractors to approach governmental entities with energy solutions, the time is now.
Snider appointed to Finance Commission
John Lewis Snider has been appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to be a member and presiding officer of the Finance Commission of Texas. Snider is a resident of Center, Texas, and works for Shelby Savings Bank.
SMU names interim provost
Southern Methodist University has named Associate Provost Thomas Tunks interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective June 1. Robert Blocker said that he would be leaving the post at the end of the month to return to his former position at Yale University as dean of the School of Music.
Dallas Co. Community College chancellor resigns
The Dallas County Community College District said this week that its chancellor, Jesus "Jess" Carreon, has resigned. Trustees plan to appoint an interim chancellor soon and Carreon will remain a district employee until June 1 to ensure a smooth transition. Carreon has served as chancellor since June 2003.
Senate, House honor Horns
The Senate and House of the State of Texas recognized the University of Texas football team for its National Championship on Monday afternoon at the Capitol. The resolution was presented by Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos and Rep. Terry Keel.
NASA space pioneer retires
Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a space shuttle, has announced she will leave NASA to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests. Collins, 49, also led NASA's harrowing first flight in space after the Columbia disaster in 2003. The mission required her to perform a series of unprecedented twist-and-flip maneuvers so the shuttle's belly could be photographed for damage.
Procurement articles online
Click here to view recent articles on government procurement authored by Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships Inc., and published in the Austin Business Journal and Houston Business Journal.
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Has the price of gas prompted you to alter your personal or professional life?
(Non-scientific results next week)
Last week, 56% of respondents said they support the tax changes passed by the House. 44% said they don't support it.
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| Ask the experts |
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Q: I own a software company with solutions that could possibly save hospitals money. How should I approach hospital administrators? Will this be a hard sell?
A: The prudent hospital administrator wants value for their investment, a problem solution or compliance with third party mandates. If the solution addresses these concerns then the next set of issues have to do with implementation risks, costs and connectivity with other back-office products. The wise salesperson will address these issues before the questions are asked using product demonstrations and testimonies from product users. Then as the sales cycle moves forward it will include additional evidence supporting reasonable costs, manageable risks and data feeds into other systems. If the evidence is there, then the buyer will welcome an opportunity to examine a money saving solution. Simply stated, the question has nothing to do with a "hard sell," it concerns doing your homework and being prepared to answer questions before they're asked.
-George McElvain,
Healthcare Consultant at Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
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Event Links
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Top 100 Federal Funding Sources in Texas State Budget
Texas Statutes Granting, Prohibiting, or Restricting the Power of Eminent Domain
Higher Education Graduation Rates
Presiding Officers of the Texas Legislature 1846-2006
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Senate Interim Charges
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Texas Fact Book '06-'07
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Texas Human Resources Management Statutes Inventory
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State Contract Management Guide
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Who Represents Me? Texas Districts By Address
Diagram of Texas' Biennial Budget Cycle
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