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TGI EXCLUSIVE:TAMU Health Science Center may expand to Round RockGattis: $9 million appropriation 'phenomenal' for Central TexasTucked away in the appropriations bill for the state's upcoming biennium is a line item for a $9 million special provision to "build and support" clinical facilities for a Round Rock campus of the Texas A&M University System Health Science Center.
Rep. Dan Gattis of Georgetown (left) said officials of Texas A&M came to him before the start of the 80th Legislative Session, explaining they were tasked by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) with expanding the number of doctors the Health Science Center produces as the state continues to face a shortage of physicians. The critical part of ensuring such numbers, he said, is having enough patient load for medical students in years three and four, the clinical part of their medical training.
Scott and White currently provides the clinical training site for the TAMU Health Science Center College of Medicine at its Scott and White Memorial Hospital and Clinic in Temple, the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System and at Darnall Army Community Hospital in Killeen. The partnership has allowed for the training of physicians for the past 30 years. The program offers third year clerkships in primary care specialties including internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, psychiatry and family medicine and fourth year rotations as student electives. [more]Phil Wilson named Texas' 106th Secretary of State
As Secretary of State, Wilson will serve as the state's chief elections officer, the governor's liaison on border and Mexican affairs, and Texas' chief protocol officer. He will continue to serve as the governor's designee on the Texas Enterprise Fund, a responsibility he has held while an employee of the Governor's Office. In that ongoing role, Wilson also will continue his leadership of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism. Perry said Wilson's new role will allow the Governor's Office to coordinate with the Secretary of State's Office "in a seamless way to expand trade, economic development, emerging technology initiatives in the private sector and higher education, and workforce development." Wilson has served as the governor's designee on the $200 million Emerging Technology Fund and the $185 million Texas Enterprise Fund which helps recruit business to Texas. Prior to becoming Perry's deputy chief of staff, Wilson worked as the governor's director of communications and also previously was state director for then-U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas. Wilson earned his undergraduate degree from Hardin Simmons University and an MBA degree from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business.
Williams managed a variety of responsibilities including: leading Texas to be among the first states in the nation to comply with the Help America Vote Act of 2002; serving as the chair of the Base Realignment and Closure Response Strike Force; acting as senior advisor and liaison to the governor for Texas border and Mexican affairs; and serving as Chief International Protocol Officer for Texas, hosting foreign officials and businesses from around the world. Pope to serve as TYC acting executive director
Dimitria D. Pope, previous acting chief of staff at the Texas Youth Commission, has been named the agency's acting executive director, according to TYC Conservator Ed Owens. Owens had previously served as acting executive director but last week was named by Gov. Rick Perry as Conservator of the beleaguered agency when Perry's first pick for Conservator, Jay Kimbrough, gave up the post after being named vice chancellor at Texas A&M University. As chief of staff, Pope oversaw the development and implementation of numerous policy changes and played a pivotal role in the reorganization efforts at TYC. Owens called Pope "the natural choice" for acting executive director because he said she had been involved "in every step" of the overhaul of the agency. Pope previously served the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as director of the Research, Evaluation and Development Division. Prior to her affiliation with TDCJ, she was part of the Texas Adult Probation Commission, which was consolidated with TDCJ in 1990. She was the first African-American female to be named to an executive level management position at TDCJ when she was selected as director of the Community Justice Assistance Division. Pope holds a bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University and a master's degree from Troy State University's European Division. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to Mary L. Camp, Executive Director, Legislative Reference LibraryCareer highlights and education: BLS in Public Administration from St. Edwards University, Austin, Texas. MSIS, Masters of Science in Information Studies from University of Texas at Austin. Over 20 years in legislative work experience for both the House and Senate. What I like best about my job is: The opportunity to work on the ever-changing range of legislative initiatives with so many intelligent and creative people. The best advice I've received for my current job: Listen to others and trust yourself. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Be curious. No two sessions are alike. Most of all keep your sense of humor. The business may be very serious at times, but we must not take ourselves too seriously. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Lost in my garden. People would be surprised to know that I: am a 6th generation Texan, native Austinite and was raised on a farm in south Austin. Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie. 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. TCEQ announces personnel changesTwo new division directors have been named at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and new deputies have been named for the offices of Administrative Services (OAS) and Compliance and Enforcement (OCE). The appointments are effective July 1.
Matt Baker (top right) will transition into his new role as Division Director for Enforcement. He has been Division Director for SBEA since 2005.
Replacing Steib as Deputy for OCE is John Sadlier (bottom right). He has been involved in many of TCEQ's air, water and waste enforcement issues for the past 10 years. TxDOT sees 89 highway plans as possible toll projectsThe Texas Transportation Commission has already begun moving quickly on implementing the transportation bill signed into law this week. The Commission Thursday initiated a new process authorizing the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to work with local officials and local toll road authorities to move quickly on projects that will help ease traffic congestion. As a result, TxDOT will begin working with regional tollway authorities, regional mobility authorities and counties to move forward on 87 projects statewide that officials say are years away from being fully funded. Commission Chair Ric Williamson said these are projects "that local officials have said are needed to reduce congestion but are waiting in line for funding." He said the goal of the Commission and TxDOT is to "help our local partners build the projects as quickly and efficiently as possible." These projects are being proposed by TxDOT for development, construction and operation as toll projects. The transportation bill signed into law this week gives local toll entities the first option to develop, construct and operate toll projects in their jurisdiction. But first the local entities and TxDOT must agree on the projects' terms and conditions, including rates and determination of the worth of the project by conducting a market valuation. Saying the state soon will have no other option than to shift the bulk of its resources to maintenance of the current infrastructure, Williamson said evaluating the toll potential of these projects will help determine choices faced throughout the state. Cook announces retirement from TPWD
After more than three decades in a variety of positions with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Executive Director Robert L. Cook (pictured) has announced he will retire at the end of August. Cook, who has been executive director of the agency since 2002, began his career there in 1965 as a recent graduate of Texas A&M University. His first job was as a wildlife biologist in Junction, and he was later promoted to program leader for the statewide white-tailed deer program. After a stint in the private sector beginning in 1979, Cook returned to TPWD in 1990 as chief of wildlife in the Fisheries and Wildlife Division. He became director of the Wildlife Division in 1994, senior division director for the agency's land policy in 1997, and was later named acting division director of the State Parks Division and then chief operating officer before being named executive director. Upon announcement of his retirement, Cook drew high praise from TPW Commission Chair Joseph Fitzsimons, who said Cook's leadership has "left the agency well-positioned for the future." An executive search committee will be named to search for Cook's replacement. The committee will interview candidates and make a recommendation to the commission for approval. Bids for Texas 121 toll road being studiedThe Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Thursday heard details of an independent report on two proposals to build the Texas 121 toll road in Denton and Collin counties. The report concludes that the deal offered by a private partnerships, Cintra/JPMorgan, would not be as risky as the deal offered for the same project by the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). In its offer, Cintra/JPMorgan pledged to pay $2.15 billion to the RTC and $716 million over 50 years in exchange for tolling rights. The NTTA followed with an offer of $2.5 billion upfront and $833 million over 50 years. The 40-member RTC will meet Monday to make its recommendation on the Texas 121 project. Final approval of the project and the bid award rests with the Texas Transportation Commission. Officials of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) have indicated it would be their recommendation that the award go to Cintra, as they feel it has the best value. Transportation bill signed into lawAfter vetoing the 80th Texas Legislature's first transportation bill, Gov. Rick Perry Monday penned his signature on a "do-over" compromise bill that he says ensures that "every planned road construction project will move forward as scheduled, local leaders will have more authority to build new toll roads and all toll revenue will be used for transportation projects in the area it was raised." Among its provisions are giving local toll authorities first option to build new toll roads, allowing toll authorities the same power as the Texas Department of Transportation in determining that necessary state roads be built as toll roads, limiting private toll contracts to 50 years and mandating that the toll revenue be used in the region in which it is generated, placing (with numerous exceptions, particularly for those already planned over the next two years) a two-year moratorium on some private toll contracts and allowing TxDOT to issue $3 billion in bonds to borrow against future gas tax revenues. Perry signs bills on foster care, cancer instituteGov. Rick Perry this week signed two important pieces of legislation - one affecting health care for foster children, and one addressing a proposed cancer research institute. HB 2702 affords children adopted from foster care quality health coverage irrespective of their adoptive parents' financial status. It calls for the distribution of $150 in monthly health insurance subsidies to children adopted from foster care who are ineligible for Medicaid. Health care benefits will also be made available to adoptive families whose income falls below 300 percent of the federal poverty limit. HB 14 involves creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and allocation of $300 million in general obligation bonds to fund cancer research. In November voters will decide whether to approve a constitutional amendment allowing $3 billion in research funds to be distributed over the course of 10 years. Funding for HB 14 is dependent on voter support for the amendment. If passed, grants will be available in 2010. Counties awaiting election reimbursement funds
"This election was very costly because we had been planning on spending zero and we had to eat one-half million," said Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir, who also chairs the Legislative Committee for the County and District Clerk's Association of Texas. "My best guess is that the county will be reimbursed for 50 percent of the damage done, and that amount will go straight back to our General Fund where we had to borrow it from." The May amendment gave seniors and the disabled a two-year property-tax break if their taxes were frozen previous to 2005. "What was never adequately explained to us is why it was necessary to hold an election in May and why they were not satisfied with putting it on the November ballot," DeBeauvoir said. Despite this unexpected financial setback, DeBeauvoir said she won't plan for other unfunded mandates in the future. "What I would really like done is what many legislators said they would do - refund the original cost." Last chance to learn to sell to local governmentsA few openings remain available for those who would like to attend SPI's half-day seminar, How to Do Business with Local Governments. The seminar is Thursday, June 21, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 5901 North IH-35 in Austin. Cost of the seminar is $125 per person. To register, contact Robert Stluka at rstluka@spartnerships.com or 512-531-3946. Vendors who sell to counties, cities, school districts or any quasi-local government can't afford to miss this program. Presenters include Mary Scott Nabers, former state elected official; Roy Hogan, former CFO; Tommy Huntress, former CIO; Mariann Morelock, director of research for SPI; Gay Erwin, vice president public affairs for SPI; Robert Stluka, former mayor; and Billy Hamilton, former Texas Deputy State Comptroller. To view the seminar agenda, click here. Workforce Commission announces debit cards
Texans used to receiving their unemployment insurance benefits by paper check can now opt to receive a TWC UI debit card. The Texas Workforce Commission this week rolled out its statewide plan to replace paper checks with the secure and convenient cards. Officials say recipients will receive their benefits faster and safer with the cards. The cards can both be used to make purchases and to receive cash back. Any business that accepts Visa cards will accept the UI debit card, and the card also can be used to withdraw money from automated teller machines (ATMs), Visa member banks in Texas and at Texas credit unions. Those who receive and activate their debit cards will have their monthly benefits deposited to the debit card account during each pay period. TWC Executive Director Larry Temple (pictured) will oversee the rollout of the program, which TWC officials say will be fast and secure, with no more waiting on benefits checks to come in the mail. The debit cards are a result of a partnership between TWC and JPMorgan Chase, the state's largest bank, for conversion of the debit card. Border security work group organized
Noriega also noted that the group, formed by the House Mexican-American Legislative Caucus, will monitor how the more than $100 million in border security funds appropriated by the State Legislature are spent. Legislation passed during the recently completed 80th Legislature calls for creation of a Border Security Council to advise Gov. Rick Perry on how homeland security funds are spent. Governor appoints TYC conservator, signs reform bill
Initiating an agency-wide overhaul to improve youth and correctional officer safety, the investigation and prosecution of alleged crimes and accountability at the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), Gov. Rick Perry recently signed SB 103 into law, which became effective immediately. Reforms, including improved staff-to-offender ratios, independent outside oversight and segregation of youth by age, are to "change the broken culture at the youth commission so that it can fulfill its mission of rehabilitating troubled youth," according to the governor. Ed Owens (pictured) has been appointed TYC Conservator, replacing Jay Kimbrough who was selected earlier this year to supervise a comprehensive investigation of the agency. Kimbrough was recently named deputy chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Both men were appointed by Perry. Owens has more than three decades of criminal justice experience. He has served as TYC acting executive director since March and created a long-term rehabilitation plan for the agency. TEA issues advanced test security planThe Texas Education Agency recently adopted a 14-point security plan to ensure that public schools are reporting valid results on state-mandated tests. The plan includes assigning test monitors to campuses with previous violations, using multiple versions of tests and mandating seating charts in testing sites. In addition, TEA plans to make unannounced visits to additional campuses on test days; develop a method to annually identify statistically irregular patterns of test answers that may indicate cheating; require school districts to provide information that links test administrators to students; and require test administrators to participate in a standardized online training program that addresses mandatory test security procedures, among other measures. Gibbons named to new post at UNT
Earl F. Gibbons, Jr., has been named to the University of North Texas' newly created position of vice provost and associate vice president for international education. Among his duties will be enhancing UNT's reputation as a leader in international education, fostering international awareness and diversity programming at the university, advancing goals in international research, curriculum and instruction and providing leadership for the university's International Studies and Programs. Gibbons comes to UNT after having served as vice provost for international and educational outreach at Eastern Washington University. He also has served as dean of the College of Business and Economics at Longwood University in Virginia and as associate vice president for overseas programs at Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona. He holds a bachelor's degree from State University of New York at Buffalo and a master's and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. Texas Tech announces two new appointmentsOfficials at Texas Tech University this week announced the appointment of J. Robert Shindell as the new associate vice president for recruiting and admissions and Carol D. Edwards as dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Edwards comes to Tech from Western Washington University's College of Fine and Performing Arts. She will begin her new duties at Tech on Aug. 1. She holds a bachelor's degree from Mississippi University for Women, a master's from the University of Alabama and her Ph.D. from Florida State University. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, the International Council of Fine Arts Deans and the National Art Education Association. Kinslow appointed at UT-Arlington
Kinslow earned his undergraduate degree from California State University at Sacramento, his master's from the University of Southern California and his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Before associating with Case University, Kinslow was director of employee relations at the California Institute of Technology, and also was executive director of human resources for Vanderbilt Medical Center and Affiliates and was director of human resources programs for Vanderbilt University. Kinslow will begin his job at UTA on Sept. 1. Bridgeport considers expo centerThe City of Bridgeport has hired a firm to study the economic impact and other effects of a new multi-purpose arena and event center under consideration. The feasibility study is slated to take 14 to 16 weeks to complete. Residents have said a facility in Wise County is needed to host meetings, banquets, concerts, social events and rodeos, according to Mayor Don Majka. A University of North Texas study determined that the project, including land acquisition, a 5,000 seat climate-controlled arena, a 200-stall covered show barn and parking for several hundred vehicles, may cost as much as $15 million. Guard participates in mock hurricane drillA hypothetical hurricane scenario brought special-needs residents of Pasadena to the city's convention center last week. They were part of an exercise to evaluate evacuation plans in the event of a Category 5 hurricane hitting the Houston area. The Waco-based 124th Cavalry of the Texas Military Force supplied 34 soldiers to aid in the mock evacuation of and accounting for those unable to escape the area by themselves. Evacuees were issued ID bracelets as tracking devices, which were fed into a computer program corresponding to a certain bus and GPS system. This information was transmitted to the State Emergency Operations Center. In the Guard photo at right, a 124th Cavalry Regiment soldier assists a senior citizen with her bracelet. The exercise, directed by the Texas Engineering Extension Service of the Texas A&M System and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, allowed civilian authorities in Pasadena, Lufkin and San Benito, together with Texas Military Forces, to test the evacuation plans. Bush Library designs point to SMUSolicitations to design the $200 million George W. Bush Presidential Library near Dallas' Southern Methodist University have recently been sent to several architectural firms in Texas and other states. Still, SMU officials and the library site selection committee say that a final decision on the library's location has not been made. The private university was announced as the lone finalist for the library in December and fundraising talks are already under way. Plans call for a 145,000-square-foot library and a 40,000-square-foot public policy institute to be located adjacent to the campus "on property that SMU recently acquired," and for the design to incorporate "the spirit of the presidency of George W. Bush." Architectural firms that are selected as finalists are scheduled to be interviewed the week of July 30 in Washington. Marquez new Clute interim city managerManuel Marquez recently took over as interim city manager of Clute, ending a succession of leadership transitions during the past several months. Two previous candidates were unable to accept the job and one interim replacement retired. Mayor Calvin Shiflet said there have been "unforeseen circumstances," but the city will continue its search to find a permanent city manager. Marquez is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Puerto Rico. He worked for the City of Schertz for 18 years, spending the last two years as its city manager before retiring. TxDOT to review interlocal projectThe City of Brenham, Washington County and the Texas Department of Transportation have recently been collaborating on funding for U.S. 290 improvements, which are estimated to cost at least $30 million. TxDOT officials are expected soon to approve the agreement for the proposed roadway work inside the Brenham city limits. City Manager Terry Roberts said the agency's Bryan office has been reviewing the agreement and seems to think it is "reasonable." The city and county would each finance $15 million and be reimbursed by TxDOT, using a formula based on the number of vehicles that travel the highway. TxDOT officials in the Austin headquarters have to review and agree to the city-county plan before it can be adopted by city and county officials, said Roberts. Alexander new city manager in Greenville
Alexander was chosen from a field of more than two dozen applicants. A Certified Public Accountant, Alexander began his work in Copperas Cove in 1997 as director of finance. He later was promoted to assistant city manager/director of finance. In 2002, he was named city manager. He also previously served as an executive in city government in Killeen. Alexander holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Texas and a master's from Tarleton State University. FBISD population growth could mean bond issueAn exploding population growth and an expectation that 95,000 students could be enrolled in the Fort Bend ISD by 2016 are leading educators and community officials to consideration of a future bond election. If those figures are correct, approximately 20 new schools will be needed in the next eight years to meet growing needs in the district. School officials project that the district will need 14 new elementary, four new middle and two new high schools to meet student needs through 2016. FBISD is now considering a possible bond election of up to $600 million that would include building new campuses and renovating existing facilities while also meeting the district's technology, transportation and safety needs. Carpenter new associate vice president at UTJeanne D. Carpenter is the new associate vice president for student affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. She replaces Dr. David Drum, who resigned last August. Carpenter has been serving as interim associate vice president since last September. Carpenter will continue as director of University Health Services and oversee the Counseling and Mental Health Center, the UT Learning Center and the Career Exploration Center. She has been involved with University Health Services since 1974 and was named director in 1997. The new associate vice president earned a master's degree in health professions from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University. Major donations at UT, Lamar, MidwesternThe University of Texas at Austin, Lamar University and Midwestern State University all this week announced major donations that will have long-term effects on the trio of Texas institutions. UT-Austin will benefit from a $5 million per year donation for the next five years from AT&T Inc. In exchange for the $25 million donation, UT will name its new 300-room hotel and conference center the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center. The state-of-the-art facility will not only allow the university to host seminars, conferences, etc., but also will allow for continuing education programs for academics and business professionals. One of Lamar University's former students has donated $1 million toward an undergraduate fellowship program. The David J. Beck Fellowship will ensure that fellows receive a full academic scholarship worth $15,000 for a year, including tuition, fees, books, room and board and a $10,000 stipend for summer research, international study or related projects. Beck, a Lamar graduate, is partner in a Houston law firm. A donation of $9.9 million has been received by Midwestern State University for its College of Science and Mathematics, a gift from Vicki and Jim McCoy and grants from the McCoy Foundation, the Bridwell Foundation and the Priddy Foundation. Part of the project made possible by the donation will be a $7.2 million reconstruction and reconfiguration of Fowler Hall on the MSU campus. The building will be renamed the McCoy Engineering Hall and will include offices, classrooms and laboratories. Bolin Hall will be renovated to provide additional faculty offices and labs. Additional funding will be made available for purchase of natural science and engineering equipment and support for advanced laboratory experimentation. Nowicki heads Texas State's Health Administration
Nowicki has been a professor of health administration at Texas State since 1986, after serving previously as director of process management in the hospital division of Humana. He has also held administrative positions at Valley Medical Center in Fresno, Calif., Hutzel Hospital in Detroit, Mich., Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and Lubbock Medical Center. Nowicki holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University, a master's from George Washington University and a doctorate from the University of Kentucky. He is board-certified in healthcare management and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Nowicki is also board-certified in healthcare financial management and is a Fellow in the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). S. Texas wind farm plans called offSaying the project is not economical, officials who leased acreage in the Gulf of Mexico to construct a wind farm are throwing in the towel. An Australian investment bank secured a 30-year lease on approximately 40,000 acres off the coast of Padre Island for the offshore project. The multi-billion dollar project would have been the nation's largest offshore wind farm, with plans for 170 wind turbines with a 500 megawatt capacity. The company's onshore wind farm in Kenedy County in South Texas is still on track. That facility, which includes 157 turbines and has a price tag of more than $700 million, is more economical, as onshore farms are much cheaper to build than offshore ones. The offshore project in Texas was through a lease agreement overseen by the Texas General Land Office and would have brought in not only an $80,000 annual lease payment, but also up to $100 million to the state as a percentage of production. Georgetown to get hotel, convention centerA six- to 10-story hotel with as many as 420 rooms and a convention center that could have a capacity of up to 2,500 is in the works in Georgetown. Officials there met this week to discuss the hotel and convention center as part of a package that might also include up to 240,000 square feet of office space, four office condominiums, two restaurants and parking garages. The Summit at Rivery Park would be built on nearly 30 acres of the Rivery development west of Interstate 35. Construction of the $80-$120 million facility is expected to begin in early 2008, with a projected completion date of 24-36 months. The addition would give the city approximately 650,000 more square feet of hotel, restaurant and office space to accommodate the rapidly growing city north of Austin. Finalists chosen for North Harris College presidentTwo educators - Dr. Myrtle Dorsey (left) and Dr. Stephen Thomas (right) - have been named finalists in North Harris Montgomery Community College District's search for a new president. The new president will be chosen by Chancellor-elect Dr. Richard Carpenter, subject to board approval.
Thomas is the current president of Vernon Community College, and began his higher education career as a part-time instructor and then full-time faculty member at Midland College. He also previously worked at Lexington (Kentucky) Community College and Victoria (Texas) College. Texas Tech regents to meet, discuss leadershipA Texas Tech University Board of Regents nominating committee meeting could be called as early as next week to select a chairman and a vice chairman. Frank Miller III, who had served on the board since 2003 and was elected chairman this year, died unexpectedly June 1. F. Scott Dueser, an Abilene bank president who has been named interim chairman, said he or any of his fellow Tech board members could fill the top leadership role. The regents' rules require a re-vote in an event such as a member's death. Dueser said no "big issues" immediately face the regents and "any situation that arises, the board can handle.'' Gov. Rick Perry and Texas Tech Chancellor Kent Hance are likely to have input in the selection, according to Dueser. |
Contract, procurement responsibilities may change
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. If you sell to state government, listen up!! The procurement environment in Texas is about to change dramatically and contractors will want to watch carefully what happens between now and the end of August. When the state's new fiscal year begins September 1, procurement processes will most likely be significantly different. Broad and sweeping changes affecting which state agencies are responsible for certain state contracts and procurements will occur if the governor signs HB 3560. This bill takes duties and responsibilities from the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC) and moves them to the Comptroller of Public Accounts and a new state agency, the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC). The new TFC will be responsible for:
Krampitz, Cunningham join SPI as new consultantsSPI this week announces two new additions to its team of veteran experts in public education, local and state government.
Krampitz began his legal career as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Caldwell County. He expanded his far-reaching local government contacts through his 15 years of service as executive director of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. Krampitz also has more than 25 years experience in legislative and government affairs. The new SPI consultant is a past president of Texas CASA, Inc., a statewide network of programs providing volunteer advocacy services for abused and neglected children. He has also served in leadership roles with the National District Attorneys Association and the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators. Krampitz is a member of the boards of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. He holds an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and his master's and Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees from The University of Texas at Austin.
Cunningham began her education career as a teacher in the Washington, D.C, public schools. In Texas, she began her public education work in 1974 as a teacher in the Alief ISD and later served as a department chair for the district. She was a graduate assistant at Texas Southern University while working on an advanced degree and later served as an education specialist with the Region IV Education Service Center. She now owns her own educational services business. Cunningham holds a bachelor's degree from Virginia State College and a master's and Ph.D. from Texas Southern University. She is active in numerous community and education groups, from the American Heart Association to the Howard University National Advisory Committee. DIR to host Go Direct vendor meeting in Austin June 22The Texas Department of Information Resources will host a meeting for Go Direct vendors on Friday, June 22, to clarify the role Go Direct contracts play in the Data Center Services (DCS) contract. The meeting will be from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on that date at the JJ Pickle Center, Commons Building, Room 1.102, 10110 Burnet Road in Austin. DIR officials will explain elements of the DCS contract to include:
Space is limited and registration is required. To register online, click here. Bill to keep computers, monitors out of dumpsHouse Bill 2714 aims to avert unwanted computers and monitors from ending up in Texas' garbage dumps. It passed the state House and Senate during the recent legislative session, and is awaiting Gov. Rick Perry's signature. The bill mandates that manufacturers mark their merchandise with brand names and create free programs to collect and recycle their products. Those failing to follow the new rules will face fines of up to $25,000. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will provide oversight, and retailers will be restricted to selling computer equipment compliant with the new regulations. Lynn named vice chancellor at San Jac
Lynn's previous positions include being deputy vice chancellor of finance and treasury at the North Harris Montgomery Community College District, chief officer of business services for the Region IV Education Service Center, chief financial officer for the West Orange-Cove Consolidated ISD and chief financial officer for the Jacksonville ISD. He has served as a director on the board of the Texas Association of School Business Officials, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Annual Financial Reporting Committee and was named the 2004 International Business Officer of the Community College Business Officers Association. Brewery includes state's largest solar energy projectSolar panels that will be used to provide power to office, retail and residential space at the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio will make the redevelopment of the site the state's largest solar energy project. Plans include the installation of more than 750 photovoltaic panels at a cost of $1.35 million. The panels can generate up to 200 kilowatts of power, the equivalent of 50 solar-powered homes. When completed, the site will replace Fort Sam Houston as the state's largest solar energy project. Fort Sam Houston uses solar panels in many of its facilities to supplement its energy needs. Federal interoperability grants availableThe ability of state and local public safety networks to communicate with each other across different jurisdictions during natural or man-made disasters should soon improve thanks to $960 million in interoperability grants from the U.S. Commerce Department's National Technology Information Administration. Grant guidance will be released in July and applications for funds are due in August. Details such as how prospective awardees will improve spectrum efficiency will be required in applications. Money will be awarded in September and released by the year's end, with approximately 80 percent earmarked for public safety entities. Denton ISD considering bond electionProjects totaling more than $270 million have been recommended to the Denton school board as the starting point for a possible bond election sometime next year. A bond advisory committee listed priorities for the district that include new construction, renovation of existing facilities and technology upgrades. Among the big ticket items under consideration are two new elementary schools with a combined price tag of more than $40 million, a new $43 million middle school, a new $3.5 million high school, $4 million in laboratory renovations, $4 million for new computers and printers, $4 million for new school buses, $3.6 million for instructional and non-instructional technology and $6.4 million for technology network and infrastructure. Port Arthur ISD exploring bond issue
The Port Arthur ISD, still looking at incomplete projects from a successful 2004 bond issue, could pursue yet another bond referendum as early as November. Board President Willie Mae Elmore notes that a 39-member committee has been named to study the current and future needs of the district, adding that those needs will not be able to be met without passage of a bond issue. The last bond election in the district was for $110 million and included construction of four new schools as well as repairs throughout the district and upgrades to district technology. Two of the four new schools for which funding was approved in the bond election are open. A third will be functional at the start of the next school year and the fourth should be completed in time for the 2008-09 school year. Texas Tech med school apparently a done dealAlthough Gov. Rick Perry has yet to sign the state's $152 billion budget bill and many speculate his line item veto power could trim considerable fat before he signs it, it appears that funding for a four-year medical school at Texas Tech University will survive possible cuts. In El Paso earlier this week, Perry heralded the work of legislators to put $48 million in the budget bill to hire faculty and obtain the medical school's accreditation. Perry said the border area faces "very unique challenges" that require a four-year medical school. A team already is recruiting leadership for the medical school and officials have filed the application for accreditation with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. The first class of students is expected to enroll in two years. Baytown considers $82 million bond packageTwo new fire stations and replacement or expansion of the city's Emergency Medical Services station are part of an $82 million bond package being considered in Baytown. The bond package also would include $30 million for street improvements, more than $9 million for aquatic facilities in the city and $2.5 million for streetscaping. The EMS renovations total nearly $1 million and another $9.5 million is called for to upgrade the 911 center. The cost of the two new fire stations total $8 million. The bond proposal also covers $4.25 million for radio system upgrades and $1 million for drainage facilities. Other items in the bond issue include sidewalks near parks and schools, public safety building improvements, beautification projects and siren replacement. New UNT program makes college attainable
The University of North Texas this fall will launch a new program that enables students who thought they could not afford college to pursue a postsecondary education. The Emerald Eagle Scholars program covers four years' tuition and fees for students whose families' annual income is $40,000 or less. UNT will dedicate a larger portion of its tuition revenue to help fund the program, which will begin with approximately 400 students. Gretchen Bataille, president of the University of North Texas, said the Emerald Eagle Scholars program will require students to join a mentorship program, learn about money management and work on campus. Northside ISD going totally wirelessThe Northside ISD in San Antonio will soon become the state's largest school district to go completely wireless. Thanks to a successful 2004 bond package, infrastructure upgrades in technology were approved, including an upgrade to Internet connectivity. The cost for wireless connection among the district's 100 buildings, including schools and ancillary facilities, will be approximately $6.7 million. The upgrades are expected to be completed by next fall and will include approximately 7,000 access points once wireless routers are installed. Friendswood tackling $85 million bondTaxpayers in the Friendswood ISD could soon be facing an $85 million bond package, and school officials are hoping for a bond election as early as November. Voters in the district previously approved an $8.25 million bond package two years ago that paid tax bills and renovated many campus buildings in the district. The bond issue likely will include construction of a new junior high, additional space at the high school and additional athletic facilities. It would also renovate the current junior high school and convert it into an early-childhood learning center. Additional classrooms would be part of the proposal, as well as a third gym and indoor pool at the high school. The high school library and cafeteria would also undergo expansion. The bond plans include creating room for an additional 2,340 students. The district's growth is anticipated at 2.5 percent for the next five years. SPI announces job opportunitiesFederal expertsStrategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) has immediate needs and is conducting a search to find subject matter experts with 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. K-12 and local government consultantsSPI has additional needs for individuals with well-established credentials who are interested in assisting its consulting teams throughout Texas. SPI has immediate openings for subject matter experts who can assist part-time in the K-12 education arena in Texas. SPI also is seeking part-time consultants who have strong connections to local government in the state, particularly the San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston areas. To apply for these part-time consulting positions 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 or Local Government Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address. Hospital consultantsSPI is seeking individuals with well-established credentials, healthcare industry expertise and strong connections and relationships at hospitals throughout Texas who are interested in assisting its consulting teams. To apply for this part-time consulting position, please send a brief cover letter and a copy of your resume to J. Lyn Carl at jcarl@spartnerships.com and put "Application for Hospital Consultant" in the subject line, or for more information, send an e-mail to the same address. Recent Reports
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Texas Government Insider ArchivesVolume 1 - 5 Archives · 11/7/03 - 6/7/07 Resources
Sales tax may fund roadsAt a recent Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting, officials discussed a sales tax increase as an alternative funding source to cover area transportation projects. The Bryan/College Station MPO regional agency coordinates transportation planning among state and local agencies. Recent federal funding cuts mean Texas will not receive the $1.2 billion officials were expecting for transportation improvements, according to MPO Director Linda LaSut. Therefore, regional leaders are exploring other funding options to pay for needed roads, bridges and transportation projects. The College Station City Council has signed a resolution in support of a sales tax increase, while Bryan and Brazos County officials have not yet committed to support the plan. Fort Bliss construction beginningConstruction is under way at Biggs Army Airfield as part of the Fort Bliss expansion that will bring an additional 20,000 new troops over the next six years as Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations are put into place. A recent economic impact study by University of Texas at El Paso researchers predicted that new construction in the area will total $2.6 billion. The work will be in preparation for the base's growth to 30,500 soldiers by 2013. To begin design and building of barracks as part of its $82.1 million contract with the Army, a contract of $6.7 million has recently been awarded, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported. The entire project is to be completed in July 2009. Another $6.1 million contract has been awarded to begin design and construction of brigade and battalion headquarters facilities at Biggs as part of its $20.5 million contract. The work is slated for completion in April 2009. Steps to ensure delivery of SPI weekly newsletter
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Learn insider secrets to local government procurementStrategic Partnerships, Inc. will host a half-day seminar 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. There are a few more openings for participants to attend the June 21 workshop. To view the seminar agenda, click here. Among the presenters will be Mary Scott Nabers, former state elected official; Roy Hogan, former CFO; Mike Sheridan, former agency director; Tommy Huntress, former CIO; Mariann Morelock, director of research for SPI; Gay Erwin, vice president public affairs for SPI; Robert Stluka, former mayor, and Billy Hamilton, former Texas Deputy State Comptroller. Cost of the seminar is $125 per person. To print a registration form, click here, or for more information, e-mail rstluka@spartnerships.com. 'Keep Texas Moving' focus of TxDOT forumLocal, regional and state leaders will join national experts to discuss ways to "Keep Texas Moving" during the second annual Texas Transportation Forum July 18-20 in Austin. The Texas Department of Transportation will host the three-day event, along with the Associated General Contractors of Texas, the Texas Good Roads Transportation Association and the Texas Transportation Institute. For more details, visit the Texas Transportation Forum Web site. Attorney General's Office hosts fatherhood conferenceThe Texas Attorney General's Office is hosting a national conference on "The First Nine Months of Fatherhood: Paternal Contributions to Maternal and Infant Outcomes" August 20-21 in Houston. The conference is designed to present a sampling of the emerging research findings on the impact of paternal involvement and promising field practices. Legislative and policy staff, Health & Human Services/Administration for Children & Families administrators, health, social science, and public policy researchers, public agency administrators and others are welcome. For more information, visit http://www.oag.state.tx.us/conferences/fatherhood/. |
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The appropriation is part of a $19 million allocation for expansion of the Health Science Center. The remaining $10 million is set aside for expansion of the Center's existing Temple campus, which is a cooperative effort with Scott and White in that city.
The $9 million appropriation, said Gattis, would initially provide a satellite campus for medical students doing their third and fourth year clinical studies. Because Scott and White already is partnering with the Health Science Center in Temple and because Scott and White has recently built a new healthcare facility in Round Rock, the Georgetown legislator said it only made sense to partner with them again.
Phil Wilson (left), Gov. Rick Perry's deputy chief of staff, Thursday was named by the governor as the state's 106th Secretary of State. Wilson, whose term will begin July 1, will replace current Secretary of State Roger Williams (below right), who announced Monday that he is resigning to pursue other interests. Perry called Wilson an "extraordinary leader and a strong manager."
Williams leaves the office with high praise from the governor. During his two-and-a-half-year tenure as Secretary of State, Williams worked with the governor to promote job creation and economic development throughout Texas, and served as the Chair of the Governor's Partnership Council on Economic Development. He also led missions to Mexico, Canada and Japan to promote trade and increase Texas' position as the leading exporting state in the nation.
Grace Montgomery Faulkner (top left), currently Deputy of OAS, will become the Division Director for Small Business and Environmental Assistance (SBEA). Faulkner has been with the agency since 1985 and has served as Deputy of OAS the last six years.
John Steib (bottom left) will become the new Deputy for OAS. He previously was Deputy for OCE for four years.
Counties across Texas are waiting to see how and when funding in House Bill 15 from the recently completed 80th Texas Legislature will be allocated. The bill makes numerous allocations of state funds, including $5 million that would be divided among all 254 counties whose budgets were stretched by the unanticipated constitutional amendment election in May.
Making sure "at the end of the day that Texans are safer" is the primary goal of a newly organized border security working group, said Rep. Rick Noriega (pictured) of Houston, the group's leader. The Border Security Task Force plans a series of public meetings in cities near the Texas-Mexico border and throughout the state, with input from Texans to be incorporated into recommendations the group will make to members of the next legislature.
Shindell is the former director of the Texas Tech Rawls College of Business and will be involved in new Tech Chancellor Kent Hance's goal of increasing the university's enrollment to 40,000 students by 2020.
Anthony Kinslow, current vice president for human resources at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, has been named the new vice president for human resources at the University of Texas at Arlington. He brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, health care and government to the UTA position.
Copperas Cove City Manager Steve Alexander will be giving up that post to take over the city manager position in Greenville, effective in August. He will replace Karen Daly, who resigned several months ago.
Following a national search, Texas State University-San Marcos this week named Michael Nowicki as director of the university's new School of Health Administration, the result of a merger of the Departments of Health Administration and Health Services Research.
Dorsey currently serves as chancellor of Baton Rouge (Louisiana) Community College. Her higher education career began at Bowie State University and the University of Maryland, where she was a reading specialist. She also has previously worked at Howard Community College, Baltimore City Community College, Georgia Perimeter College and Cincinnati Technical and Community College.
Tom Krampitz, who specializes in local and state government, is a partner with Eggleston, Flowers, Jenkins, Key, Dorman and Krampitz, L.L.P., a Fort Worth-based general practice law firm. Previous to joining the law firm, he served four years as general counsel and director of government affairs for the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
Long-time educator Lois Cunningham will assist as a subject matter expert in the K-12 arena. She has experience in the education field as a teacher, department chair, instructional leader, curriculum writer, administrator, staff developer and education specialist. She also is skilled in strategic planning and communications.
Ken Lynn will soon replace Brenda Hellyer as San Jacinto College District's vice chancellor of fiscal affairs. The job involves advising the college chancellor and Board of Regents on implementation of financial policies and procedures.