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Trans-Texas Corridor-35 hearings ending
More than 2,000 comment on proposed route from Oklahoma to Mexico

Trans-Texas Corridor

Reaction has been mixed from the more than 2,000 Texans who have voiced their opinions at public hearings on the proposed TTC-35 portion of the Trans-Texas Corridor, according to Gabriela Garcia, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation. The hearings, which are being held in more than 50 cities throughout the state to allow citizens to comment on the proposed development of the roadway, will end Aug. 10.

The Trans-Texas Corridor is a proposed statewide network of transportation routes that will link old and new highways and railways. The TTC-35 proposal would complement the existing highway system and provide an alternative to the heavily congested I-35.

Trans-Texas Corridor

Those who support the project, said Garcia, see the need for increased capacity on the roadways from the Texas-Oklahoma state line to the Texas-Mexico border. "They recognize that something needs to be done in terms of congestion relief." Many of those who are opposed to the project are basing their opposition on "misinformation on what it is and what it isn't," said the TxDOT official. Some of the questions being asked at the public hearings relate to when the roadway will be built and where it will be built, and are "questions we can't answer yet," she said.

The environmental study associated with the project is a two-step process, explained Garcia. The first step focuses on identifying and narrowing the study area, not how or where the road is going. The "how" and "where" are part of step two. Once the environmental study is completed and the project is approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), "Then we'll start talking about where it is, how to connect, how many access points there will be, and how to connect rail, light rail, bus lines and existing infrastructure." The goal of the environmental study, said Garcia, is to look at "where do we eventually develop the project - border to border and river to river."

Going forward, the environmental process must be completed and comments from citizens will be analyzed over several months. A decision from the FHA is expected next summer. Those unable to attend the TTC-35 public hearings may comment online through Aug. 21 at keeptexasmoving.com.


Videoconferencing used for disaster response meeting

Facilitated by videoconference equipment, officials from several Gulf Coast states met in Dallas both in person and by video hookup this week for a disaster response meeting. The meeting's goal was to open communication lines between providers who respond to mass casualty events that might occur in states along the Gulf Coast. Officials from North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and New Mexico were invited to participate.

The group reviewed communications opportunities and discussed the use of standardized data links. Other discussions included the development of common terminology across the states, documentation standards for evacuees and possible development of standard contact and e-mail lists.

Some of the issues addressed included the top 10 mass casualty principles, casualty long-term health care coverage, disaster response plans, planning initiatives and overviews by representatives of participating states. Planning Committee members include: Chair, Ronny Stewart, M.D., COT Region 6 chair from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Eileen Mederos, RN, HRSA Coordinator from New Orleans; Eric Epley, executive director of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council; and Jorie Klein, RN, director of trauma and disaster services at Parkland Health and Hospital System in Dallas.


O'Brien to become president of NALFO

John O'Brien

John O'Brien, deputy director of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), will be installed as president of the National Association of Legislative Fiscal Offices (NALFO) during its annual meeting, which begins on Aug. 15. The purpose of the association is to improve the quality and effectiveness of legislative fiscal staff and the services they provide to state legislatures. O'Brien has served on the executive committee since 2003, progressing from treasurer to secretary to president-elect.

O'Brien was featured in the Texas Government Insider's Leadership Spotlight series in May. He has been in charge of the LBB since 2004. In addition to his responsibility for managing the entire agency, he personally oversees many of the agency's functions, including preparation of budget and policy recommendations, analysis of the fiscal impact of proposed legislation, and production of agency publications. He joined the LBB in 1989 after spending seven years with the City of Austin in various positions, including finance and budget.


Cornyn offers $3.9 billion border security measure

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn

Additional border patrol agents, more detention beds and strategic barriers are among the funded items in a $3.9 billion proposal by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas to beef up security and immigration enforcement along the United States border. Many of the items that would be funded have either been previously authorized but not funded by Congress or called for by President George W. Bush.

Cornyn said his amendment is a "necessary and essential step" toward providing economic and national security. Included in the amendment are:

  • $173 million to hire 500 border patrol agents;
  • $45.5 million for 1,300 detention beds;
  • $400 million for an employer verification program;
  • $2.15 billion for physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border;
  • 461 miles of vehicle barriers and infrastructure support for new border patrol agents;
  • $60 million to accelerate the development of a database to determine eligibility of aliens for admission and benefits;
  • $151 million to hire 800 additional agents and support staff and training for alien smuggling investigations and worksite enforcement of immigration laws;
  • $976 million for Coast Guard improvements in vessels, aircraft and equipment; and
  • $7.8 million for additional U.S. attorneys and legal support activities related to increased enforcement activities on the border.

"This amendment will allow us to find common ground on visa reform and ways to address the 12 million illegal aliens here in the U.S.," said Cornyn.


Media panel announced for Legislative Conference

The sponsors of the 5th Biennial Pre-session Legislative Conference today announced a panel of three highly respected media professionals who will share their perspectives on issues facing the 80th Legislative Session and the key players who will deal with them.

  • Patricia Kilday HartPatricia Kilday Hart has covered politics in Texas for 25 years. She is a Texas Monthly writer-at-large and has contributed to its "Ten Best, Ten Worst Legislators" stories since 1989. Before joining Texas Monthly, Hart worked for The Dallas Times Herald, both in Dallas and at the State Capitol bureau and for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. She also served as managing editor of the student newspaper, The Daily Texan, while pursuing a journalism degree at the University of Texas at Austin.


  • Harvey KronbergHarvey Kronberg was a contract writer for Quorum Report before buying the publication in 1998. He initiated the Web site which now receives more than a million hits per month. Kronberg is also a political analyst for News8 Austin - a 24-hour cable news channel. A February 2005 Texas Monthly article co-authored by Patricia Kilday Hart declared him one of the 25 most powerful individuals in Texas politics.



  • Ross RamseyRoss Ramsey is the editor of Texas Weekly, the leading newsletter on politics and public affairs in Texas. Before taking the reins there in 1998, Ramsey was Associate Deputy Comptroller of Public Accounts. Prior to his 28-month stint in government, Ramsey spent 17 years in the media, reporting for The Houston Chronicle and The Dallas Times Herald, among others. He also worked for seven years covering news for radio stations in Denton and Dallas.



The conference is sponsored jointly by SPI and UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs and will be held on October 10th at UT's J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin. Registration information will be available in next week's issue of the Texas Government Insider. For further information, contact lriley@spartnerships.com.


Legislative Conference registration to open next week

The sponsors of the 5th Biennial Pre-session Legislative Conference have announced that registration will open next week. The agenda is currently available online and the registration link will be provided in the August 11 Texas Government Insider.

To more effectively include audience participation in panel discussions, early registrants (through September 8) will be invited to submit suggested questions by e-mail. While panel moderators must reserve the flexibility to combine similar questions, keep the discussion focused, and prioritize questions to accommodate the broadest audience interest, they will attempt to include these e-mailed questions in the panel discussions. In addition, all of the presenters will be shown the e-mailed questions to enable them to better gauge areas of audience interest.

The conference is sponsored jointly by SPI and UT's LBJ School of Public Affairs and will be held on October 10th at UT's J.J. Pickle Research Campus in Austin.


Nuclear power plant in Amarillo?

A multi-billion dollar nuclear power plant could be in Amarillo's future. Officials there indicate an Amarillo developer is proposing the facility. Pending regulatory approval, the plant could be online within 10 years.

The proposal is for a two-unit, 2,700 megawatt advanced boiler reactor that would generate enough electricity for 2.7 million homes. Each megawatt of energy produced could power 1,000 homes. The developer notified the National Regulatory Commission of the proposal in March. The NRC must ensure the company proposing the project meets financial qualifications to construct and operate a plant before the company seeks financing and licensing.


Davidson joining TYC as chief of staff

Kerri L. Davidson

Kerri L. Davidson, chief of staff for Rep. Edmund Kuempel, has been named chief of staff at the Texas Youth Commission, replacing Joy Anderson, who is retiring after seven years with the agency. TYC Executive Director Dwight Harris said Davidson will begin her new job in mid-August.

Davidson, who has worked for Kuempel for 10 years, earned a bachelor's degree with honors in international studies from Austin College and her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She was admitted to the State Bar of Texas last year. Davidson has worked as a law clerk for a local law firm in its Legislative and Environmental sections as well as in the Environmental Law Division of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She also was an editorial assistant for the American Society of International Law in Washington, D.C., and a coordinator for the Symposium in American Foreign Policy there as well.


Perry announces $3 million for workforce development

Five workforce development programs are the beneficiaries of $3 million in grant funds announced this week by Gov. Rick Perry. The funds will be used to build a skilled workforce for the growing biotechnology and life science industry. These funds are the first from the Meeting Industries' Critical Workforce Needs grant program targeting the six Texas industry clusters.

Recipients of the grants include:

  • Numedon, Inc. - $230,800 to expose Texas youth to careers in biotechnology through education and activities;
  • WorkSource, Greater Austin Area Workforce Board - $401,620 to promote science education interest among students and to provide entry-level training in a WorkSource and Austin Community College collaboration;
  • Texas Business and Education Coalition - $750,000 to establish a web-based portal of biotechnology career information;
  • University of Houston - $1,022,336 to develop an innovative, hands-on education and training program in biotechnology;
  • San Jacinto College District - $514,614 to train 500 persons for employment in occupations within the industry.

Perry said the grant funds will help the state produce a "competitive workforce" that can lure biotech business to Texas. "These grants are more than a wise investment in our growing economy," said the governor. "They are an investment in Texas families."


UT-Arlington plans procurement summit

Dallas-Fort Worth area small, disadvantaged, woman- and veteran-owned businesses will have a chance to meet with procurement specialists at the 10th Annual Government Procurement Conference hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington. The Wednesday, Aug. 30, conference will address state and federal contracts of $2,500 to $100,000 that are reserved for these types of businesses.

Those attending will attend workshops to learn the basics of government contracting, how to register in federal procurement databases and how to recognize public sector business opportunities. Procurement workshop topics include conducting business with the government; how to write a winning proposal; drawing up a successful marketing plan; veterans' business opportunities; and more. For details, and to register, click here.


UTSA department earns national accreditation

Dr. Jesse Zapata Dr. Jerrell Coggburn

The University of Texas at San Antonio's Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree has earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration through the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation. Offered by the Department of Public Administration in UTSA's College of Public Policy, the university launched its master's degree in public administration in 1982, but began its quest in 2003 for national accreditation.

Of the more than 250 member institutions offering master's degrees in public administration with the seven-year accreditation, the UTSA program accreditation is the first in South Texas, according to Dr. Jerrell Coggburn (left), chair of the Department of Public Administration, who called the accreditation a "milestone for the program and UTSA."

Dr. Jesse Zapata (right), vice provost of the UTSA Downtown Campus and dean of the College of Public Policy, says the accreditation will give the program national visibility and assures the community and UTSA students of "the delivery of a high quality program."


Bill would provide for tracking federal grants, contracts

A bill that would create a search engine and database for tracking the nearly $1 trillion in federal grants, contracts, earmarks and loans is being proposed in Congress. The bill, S 2590, was passed out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs earlier this week. The U.S. House has passed similar legislation that is limited only to grant disclosure information.

The legislation stems from allegations of numerous abuses in recent homeland security contracting. The authors of the bill say Americans should know where their money is being spent and that the database will help create more transparency - exposing and eliminating waste while revealing where most federal agencies spend their money.


Former SFA president headed to Texas A & M

Dr. Tito Guerrero III

Former Stephen F. Austin State University President Dr. Tito Guerrero III has been named vice president and associate provost for diversity at Texas A&M University, effective Sept. 1. Guerrero will replace James Anderson, who resigned last year to take a similar job at the University of Albany.

Guerrero, a 1970 graduate of TAMU, resigned from the SFA presidency in May. Prior to his association with SFA, he was a professor and later a provost and vice president at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and was president of the University of Southern Colorado at Pueblo. He holds a master's degree in education from the University of North Texas and a doctorate in administration, planning and social policy from Harvard University. He was among 70 applicants for the TAMU job.

Sunset Commission to discuss State-Fed Office

Testimony regarding the staff report on the Office of State-Federal Relations will be heard when the Sunset Advisory Commission meets on Tuesday, Aug. 8. The meeting will be at 9 a.m. in Room E1.036 at the State Capitol in Austin.

In their report, the Sunset Commission staff recommended moving its functions into the Governor's Office. Staff will discuss their recommendations and public testimony will be heard.


TEA names task force on test security

A five-member Commissioner's Task Force on Test Security has been named by Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley to examine security issues and oversee investigations of public school campuses and districts with alleged testing irregularities. A recent review of the state's education data found data irregularities, prompting the investigations.

Members of the task force include: A.J. Rodriguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Carol Francois, a Dallas education consultant; Bill Hammond, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce; Sylvia Hatton, veteran educator and former executive director of the Region I Education Service Center in Edinburg; and George McShan, former president of the Texas Association of School Boards and the National School Boards Association. Olga Garza has been hired to serve as coordinator.


UT-Permian Basin adding academic departments

Dr. Bill Fannin

With a predicted enrollment of 3,500 students in the fall, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is adding more academic departments to better enable university personnel to meet the needs of its growing enrollment.

Dr. Bill Fannin, provost and vice president for academic affairs, called the academic department additions "a significant step" for UTPB, and one that will "improve the quality of our programs."

There are currently three departments under the College of Arts and Sciences -- Humanities and Fine Arts, Department of Science and Mathematics and the Department of Behavioral Science. This will expand to 11, including a range of additions from visual and performing arts to public administration to kinesiology. The School of Education is also moving toward departmentalization, and seeking accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.


Fort Bliss - a $2.6 billion city

Calling it a "major, complex operation," Col. Robert Burns is overseeing the building of a $2.6 billion city - Fort Bliss.

More than 45,000 new residents (staff, family, civilians) are headed to the El Paso encampment, which will bring the Fort Bliss population to more than 76,000. It will become the home of the 1st Armored Division now based in Germany. And officials there must coordinate building efforts with the arrival of troops.

That means the addition of the largest commissary and post exchange in the Army, the laying of water, sewer and electric lines, training range makeovers and expansion and update of other existing facilities.


Hutchison defends Wright amendment bill

A recent memo from the U.S. Justice Department regarding Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's bill to repeal the 1970s Wright amendment has drawn the senator's ire. The legislation would repeal in eight years the law that prohibits long-haul flights from Love Field in Dallas. It also would allow immediate connecting flights and cap the number of gates at the airport at 20.

The memo from the Justice Department raised concerns about the possibility of antitrust and competition issues in the bill that represents an agreement signed off on by the cities of Dallas and Forth Worth as well as American and Southwest Airlines. In her letter to U.S. Attorney General Al Gonzales, Hutchison called the memo "factually and legally inaccurate," and an "uninformed opinion" on a complex issue. She further stated that the memo was clearly intended to "lead the reader to a position of opposition to the local parties' agreement." The Texas senator called the memo "unfortunate, unfair and very biased" and asked that the Justice Department recuse itself from further consideration of the bill.

Dallas Mayor Laura Miller is expected to make another trip to Washington, D.C., in September to lobby a U.S. House committee for passage of the amendment.


South Texas College to address nursing shortage

The local shortage of skilled, Hispanic registered nurses will be addressed by South Texas College through a nearly $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funds will cover a three-year period as the college uses its Transition Program for Licensed Vocational Nurses to enroll in a one-year program to help them get through course work and pass the national licensing exam to become RNs.

The grant will allow South Texas College to provide more intensive advice and counseling for these students as well as hire more faculty to increase the number of students in the program. The goal is for more LVNs in the area to enroll in the program and become RNs, to help meet the increasing medical needs of the Rio Grande Valley.

With the grant funding, the college is expected to expand enrollment in the transition program to 60 students per year. The current average enrollment since the program began is a little over 20 per year.


Former Baylor leader Sloan is finalist at HBU

Dr. Robert B. Sloan Jr.

Former Baylor University President Dr. Robert Sloan Jr. is the lone finalist for the presidency of Houston Baptist University. Sloan would replace Dr. E.D. Hodo, who retired last month after 17 years at HBU.

Sloan, who gave up the Baylor presidency 14 months ago, has since served the Waco university as chancellor, where he assisted with fundraising, recruiting of students and the university's efforts to land President George W. Bush's presidential library and museum. HBU's governing board is expected to vote next week on the search committee' recommendation of Sloan.


Pine Tree ISD considering bonds for gym

Possibility of a $5 million bond issue to construct a new high school gym is being considered by the Pine Tree ISD. However, board members are wary of voter support for a gym and are now calling the structure an "all-purpose facility." District voters approved a new gym in their last bond election, but that $1.8 million in revenues will have to be supplemented to get that figure closer to the approximately $4 million more that will be needed to build the facility. A board decision on whether to call a bond election will probably be made during an August meeting. Deadline for getting a bond issue on the November ballot is Aug. 29.


$1 billion contract awarded for LNG terminal

Mark Domingue

A $1 billion contract has been awarded for the building of a liquefied natural gas terminal near Sabine Pass. The announcement of this upcoming plant comes on the heels of another LNG terminal already under construction across the ship channel from Sabine Pass in Cameron Parish, La. The project near Sabine Pass is expected to take three years, with a scheduled opening in 2009. It will have the capacity to process 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. The plant could employ as many as 75 individuals with approximately 1,000 temporary jobs related to plant construction.

Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Domingue said the LNG plant is necessary to "keep the refineries competitive" and that it will have a positive effect on the "future economic climate of Southeast Texas" for the next two decades. Some of the LNG processed at the plant will stay in Southeast Texas to be used as fuel for other industries.


Joint committee to study medical peer review process

A new Joint Select Committee to Study the Medical Peer Review Process has been named by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick. The Senate appointees are Sens. Kyle Janek of Houston, Robert Deuell of Greensville and Royce West of Dallas. House appointees include Reps. Glenda Dawson of Pearland, Burt Solomons of Carrollton and Patrick Rose of Dripping Springs. Janek and Dawson will serve as co-chairs.

One focus of the committee will be to ensure the financial strength of the health insurance risk pool. Medical peer review includes the evaluation of medical and healthcare services and evaluation of the qualifications of healthcare practitioners and the care they provide - from accuracy of diagnoses to quality of care. This review process occurs in hospitals, among physician organizations and within health plans. One of its goals is to be proactive in dealing with medical errors in the health care system.


Perry to speak at Nacogdoches event

Gov. Rick Perry will be the keynote speaker for next week's Lone Star Legislative Summit in Nacogdoches. After the Thursday, Aug. 10, luncheon at which the governor is to speak, officials with Stephen F. Austin State University will conduct tours of campus construction, the Early Childhood Laboratory, and biotechnology, pharmaceutical crops and poultry research facilities. On Friday, Aug. 11, the summit will include a panel discussion on higher education that will include Rep. Jim McReynolds of Lufkin and SFA Provost Dr. Marlin Young. Sen. Todd Staples of Palestine will offer insight into state government. Senator-elect Robert Nichols will address immigration issues and Texas Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Robert Wood and Rep. Roy Blake, Jr. of Nacogdoches will speak on how communities can attract retirees. Addressing the state's economy will be economist Dr. Ray Perryman.


Dallas County Jail faces overcrowding

Overcrowding at the Dallas County Jail may have county officials revisiting a release program aimed at low-risk offenders. Officials say the increasing jail population is being fed by the ending of the county's low-risk offender release program, the state's delay in taking inmates sentenced to state prisons and a local policy that requires drug tests before cases move through the court system.

The increase in inmates means an increase in personnel to staff the jail, costing the county and county taxpayers millions in overtime pay. Officials note that the continued overcrowding might force them to revisit some kind of release program.


Ellis will seek to expand tax-free holiday

Sen. Rodney Ellis

Shoppers will hit the malls and other retail shops this weekend for the annual Tax Free Holiday, which started at one minute after midnight today and runs through Sunday. Tax free items during the holidays in past years have included only clothes, shoes and other apparel priced at less than $100. Now the original sponsor of the bill, Sen. Rodney Ellis, has announced that he will seek to have more items exempted from the sales tax in subsequent years and expand the length of the holiday to a full week.

Saying he wants to provide even more relief for Texas taxpayers, Ellis said he will push during the next legislative session to have items such as backpacks, children's safety items and bike helmets exempted.


Criteria listed for Angelo State presidential search

The search committee charged with finding candidates for the presidency at Angelo State University have released a list of criteria for prospective candidates, and this week are beginning to advertise for the position. The successful candidate will replace ASU President Dr. Jim Hindman, who announced his resignation last August. He will officially step down in August 2007 to teach full-time at ASU.

Among the criteria are a doctorate degree and a "significant record" of academic, administrative and fiscal experience." The candidates also must have a proven record of increasing student enrollment and retention and must be committed to diversity and the enhancement of student campus life. Once three to five finalists are recommended, the chancellor will recommend a lone finalist to the Board of Regents, who are expected to name a new president by June 1, 2007.


Lottery is a large revenue generator for Texas

Since the Texas Lottery sold its first ticket in 1992, the state has received more than $13 billion in revenue from the various games. Texas ranks third in sales among those states that have lotteries, behind only New York and Massachusetts. The Texas Lottery started with instant, scratch-off games and Lotto Texas, based on weekly drawings. In 2003, Texas joined the multi-state Mega Millions lottery game. Today, there are two instant games, Pick Three and Cash Five, two drawings-based games, Lotto Texas and Texas Two Step, and the multi-state Mega Millions.

In FY 2005, lottery revenue was the eighth largest source of revenue for the state, just behind the natural gas production tax. The FY 2005 revenue totaled almost $1.6 billion. When the Lottery was created, after prizes were paid out, the remaining lottery revenue was deposited in the state's General Revenue Fund. The legislature changed that allocation in 1997 so that post-prize lottery revenue is now credited to the Foundation School Fund. In FY 2005, the Foundation School Program received over $1 billion from lottery sales revenue. Today, 60 percent of lottery revenue goes toward prizes, 28 percent is deposited in the Foundation School Program, 5 percent is paid in retail commissions, 5 percent pays for administration of the Lottery and an average of 2 percent in unclaimed prizes is spent on other state programs as determined by the legislature.


Fuel costs alter bus route stops in Corpus Christi ISD

Don Davenport

Increasing gas prices have caused the Corpus Christi ISD to not only have to supplement its transportation costs for the upcoming year, but also to eliminate some bus route stops.

CCISD Transportation Director Don Davenport notes an additional $125,000 has been budgeted for this year's transportation costs. While the district spent $575,000 on transportation costs last year, that figure is expected to increase to approximately $700,000 this school year. The district expects the same number of miles for school buses to run this year, said Davenport, but some bus route stops have been eliminated. Last year, CCISD buses logged two million miles.


Grindstaff named San Angelo assistant city manager

Elizabeth Grindstaff, former planning director for the City of San Angelo, has been named the city's new assistant city manager. She was among more than 50 applicants for the post, which has been vacant for three months. Grindstaff will oversee planning and public works for the city. Before moving to San Angelo as planning director, Grindstaff worked as assistant planning director in Abilene.


This 'phishing' will net one you'll want to throw back

The federal General Services Administration has issued a warning to the public regarding a "phishing" scheme in which an e-mail asks for personal credit card information.

The e-mail is supposedly coming from the United States government's official web portal FirstGov.gov portal, from fraud@firstgov.gov. It asks the recipient to click on a link for Money Access Online and to then submit credit card information to confirm the account has not been stolen or hacked. The GSA warns that individuals should not respond to these e-mails, reminding that the GSA never asks for personal information online.


Len Riley

Lens on Government: Concluding the Agency-level Planning & Budgeting Series
By Len Riley, SPI Senior Consultant

This is the 8th article in the series that began on May 19th dealing with the State's planning and budgeting processes. It will wrap up the agency-level process descriptions. Later in the year, state-level processes will be further discussed as they become timely. Legislative budgeting processes will be discussed early next year as the 80th session of the Texas Legislature convenes.

Today's article discusses the "Information Technology Detail" that is due this month and the LAR staff hearings that will begin next week. It will also list some sites where agencies have already posted their new planning documents.

Click here to read the rest of the article.


Follow the trends to big opportunities

Mary Scott Nabers

By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

As trends converge there are almost always exceptional opportunities, and that is surely the case with community colleges in Texas.

With our economic prosperity as a state literally hinging on a skilled and well-trained workforce, huge resources are being devoted to efforts that ensure growing college populations. A majority of all new college-bound students begin at a community college.

With community college enrollments increasing at an alarming pace, and governmental appropriations declining, community colleges are being forced to look to technology, innovative funding sources, and dozens of cost-cutting measures.

Vendors and contractors with cost-cutting solutions should watch this specific public education sector carefully in the coming months for large opportunities. In Texas, there are 50 community college districts and most have multiple campuses. This number does not include other public institutions such as universities, technical college systems, health-related institutions or state colleges. Nor does this include all the privately funded junior colleges, universities, health-related institutions and commercial colleges.

Many community college systems have extremely large budgets and thousands of employees. There were approximately 400,000 full-time students at community colleges last year and thousands more that were enrolled in classes but did not qualify as full-time students.

Some of the larger community college districts in Texas include Dallas County Community College District, Alamo Community College District and the Houston Community College System. Austin, Tarrant County, and El Paso all have large districts as well.

Immediate community college needs that seem to be fairly universal include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Construction, renovation and development of mixed use facilities;
  • Providers of online education technology;
  • Foundation and board training;
  • Recruitment solutions;
  • Energy audits;
  • Transportation audits;
  • Software applications;
  • Marketing;
  • Audit and assessment services;
  • Payroll, benefits and HR services; and
  • Technology of all types.

In Texas, the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) has scheduled its quarterly meeting on Oct. 25 in Austin. TACC Trustees and Administrators will also meet in Austin this year. Dr. Rey Garcia is the president and CEO of TACC and is quick to say that he believes community colleges are on the move in Texas.


Bria is lone finalist for Corpus Christi superintendent

Rochonne 'Shonny' Bria

The head of a Washington state school district is the lone finalist for the superintendent's job at Corpus Christi ISD. Rochonne "Shonny" Bria, has more than a dozen years experience as a superintendent. She was named All Arizona Superintendent in 1997 while at Pendergast School District and was a finalist for Washington State Superintendent of the Year.

Her expertise is in teaching and curriculum and instruction. Bria would replace former Superintendent Jesuz Chavez, who resigned in January to accept a position with the Round Rock ISD. Scott Elliff, CCISD assistant superintendent of instruction, is serving as interim superintendent until the full-time position is filled.


LaMarque interim superintendent a no-show

Officials of the LaMarque ISD were poised this week to welcome former Katy ISD Superintendent Hugh Hayes as their interim superintendent. The school board voted last week to hire Hayes to replace LISD Superintendent Adrian Johnson, who left Monday to become an associate commissioner of education for the Texas Education Agency.

School officials voted to hire Hayes on the recommendation of consultants, but the consultants did not check Hayes' interest in the position before recommending him. Hayes was one of three candidates for the interim slot. The others were Paul Arnold, a former LISD superintendent and Glen Smith, a former LISD administrator. Assistant Superintendent May Carol Lieblong will likely stand in as superintendent until the board decides on an interim superintendent.


Farmers laud Gonzales biodiesel plant

A biodiesel plant nearing completion in Gonzales is creating a new market for farmers in the area. The $3 million plant is expected to be online in September and will produce three million gallons of biodiesel fuel per year. Although smaller than the average biodiesel plant, the Gonzales facility has the capability to double its output.

With talk of an additional plant in the area to turn soybeans, cottonseeds and sunflower seeds into oil, area farmers are expected to change their rotation to oil-based crops. The biodiesel produced will be sold to fuel distributors to mix with regular diesel fuel.


Pinto to become Seabrook city manager

Chuck Pinto, city manager at League City, is leaving that position to become Seabrook's new city manager. Pinto will be no stranger to the city, having served as city manager there for three years during the early 1990s. Contract negotiations are expected to be finalized this week and Pinto will then submit a 60-day notice to League City officials. League City officials indicate they will probably put someone from within the city administration in an interim position until a new full-time city manager is hired. One candidate for the interim post is Chris Reed, League City assistant police chief.


Taylor County approves jail addition

Taylor County officials are one step away from an addition to the county jail that will increase the jail's capacity by 212 inmates. The architect's design has been approved and lacks only a formal contract. The price tag on the addition is expected to be $7.5 million.

A little over $6 million of the project will be paid from unspent funds and interest from a 2000 jail expansion. The remaining $1.4 million is likely to come from certificates of obligation. The addition is expected to take 20 months and could be finished in the spring of 2008.


Governor makes statewide appointments

Governor Rick Perry recently made the following appointments:

  • Michael L. Coats of Houston; Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee;
  • Dr. Gabriel Holguin Ph.D. of San Antonio; TDCJ Advisory Committee on Offenders with Medical & Mental Impairments;
  • Evelyn M. Martinez of San Antonio; Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
  • Dennis D. Stuart of San Antonio; Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee.
  • Michael S. Ford of Amarillo; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
  • Odis Mack of Katy; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
  • Edward L. Summers of Austin; Texas Board of Professional Engineers;
  • Earl P. Erdmann of Midland; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
  • Michael T. Walsh of San Antonio; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
  • Troy Marceleno of Duncanville; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
  • Walter Kim Howard, M.D., of Longview; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
  • Nora Anita Janjan, M.D., of Navasota; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
  • Rosana G. Moreira of College Station; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;
  • Bobby J. Haley of Pilot Point; Texas Radiation Advisory Board;


Sheriff Cerliano named to state board

Maxey Cerliano

Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano has been named to the board of directors of the Sheriff's Association of Texas. Cerliano, who has served as Gregg County Sheriff since 2001, was appointed during last week's Sheriff's Association annual training conference in Lubbock.

The Sheriff's Association serves as a liaison among federal, state, county and municipal agencies and associations to promote cooperation, training, education and better service to citizens throughout the state.


Taylor County tentatively approves videoconference costs

"If the mountain won't come to Mohammed, then Mohammed will go to the mountain." That seems to be the stance of Taylor County Sheriff Jack Dieken and the county commissioner's court. This year's budget for the sheriff's office included funding for two additional employees and a new van to transport inmates from the jail to the county courthouse for hearings.

Instead, Dieken convinced the court that the purchase of videoconferencing equipment would allow those hearings to take place at the jail, eliminating the need for a new van and the two new employees. The court tentatively agreed to spend $100,000 on videoconferencing equipment. That figure is $8,000 more than the projected cost of the van and two employees, but commissioners expect to make up that difference in gasoline cost savings.


New committee to study health insurance risk pool

Improving the financial health of the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool (THIRP) is the charge for the newly appointed Joint Select Committee to Study the THIRP. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick made the appointments to the committee, noting the pool helps Texans with pre-existing health problems obtain health care coverage.

Senate members of the committee include Sens. Kip Averitt of McGregor, Robert Duncan of Lubbock and Eddie Lucio of Brownsville. House appointees include Reps. Larry Taylor of Friendswood, Gene Seaman of Corpus Christi and Rene Oliveira of Brownsville. Averitt and Taylor will serve as co-chairs.


Waxahachie ISD considering bond election

Officials of the Waxahachie ISD are considering a $59 million bond election. If approved for a referendum, the vote would be on the development of three new campuses and renovations and additions to existing facilities. School officials will host a public hearing on the proposed bond election on Aug. 8.


North Richland Hills opts for ticket-writing computers

The North Richland Hills Police Department has joined a growing number of city, state, county and collegiate law enforcement agencies who are turning to hi-tech to make their jobs easier. In North Richland Hills, the police department is using hand-held computers for writing traffic tickets.

City officials say the computers save time, cut down on paperwork and some can even take digital photos and record the voice of motorists stopped on traffic violations. In other states, officers can use the hand-held computers to scan a driver's license and get information immediately on motorists.


ONLINE POLL
Should the state's tax-free holiday be extended from a weekend to a full week and include more items such as school supplies, backpacks, bike helmets and children's safety items?

(Non-scientific results next week)

Last week, 61% of respondents said they would pay up to 15% more for electricity created from alternative or renewable sources such as wind, solar and geo-thermal if it would help reduce the nation's energy dependence on other countries.


The three R's…and homeland security, too

They're not just teaching reading, writing and arithmetic at the Carroll High School in Southlake. This year, students can opt to take "Introduction to Homeland Security," the first of its kind course in the Texas public schools. Students who take the course will analyze world and domestic terrorism.

School board members approved the course last week, but at least 10 students must sign up before it officially becomes a class. Those enrolled will have an opportunity to negotiate strategies and learn how government homeland security strategies are set. They could hear lectures from Homeland Security officials, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) personnel and weapons experts.


Cornyn introduces bill to protect courthouse officials

Judges, law enforcement officers and other courthouse officials would have better protection at work under a bill introduced in Congress by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. Not only does the bill provide additional protection, but it also provides for tougher penalties for crimes against courthouse workers. Among the provisions of the bill are authorization for federal judges and prosecutors to carry firearms and for qualified retired police officers to carry concealed firearms. It also toughens penalties for murder, kidnapping and other violent crimes against federal judges and federal law enforcement officers. Other provisions provide for greater protection from frivolous lawsuits for state and local judicial officers.


Railroad Commission Chair Jones gets award

Elizabeth Ames Jones

Texas Railroad Commission Chair Elizabeth Ames Jones has been named the recipient of the Texas Public Power Association's 2006 Public Official Award. The association represents municipal electric utilities, river authorities and other community-owned power companies. The award, said TPPA officials, was presented for Jones' contributions "to the energy future of Texas" and for her support of public power.


Port Arthur narrows superintendent pool to two

And then there were two… The Port Athur ISD has narrowed the pool of candidates for superintendent from 43 to two. Interviews with the top five started last week and today the list was cut to two following a site visit.

PAISD officials expect to have a lone candidate named by Saturday. By law, the district must wait 21 days to hire a potential candidate after the school board names the finalist(s). The new superintendent will replace Willis Mackey, who resigned in February after serving since 2003.


Job Opportunities at SPI:

Texas is a big state, with hundreds of public school districts and dozens of institutions of higher education. To complement our current consulting staff, Strategic Partnerships, Inc., is seeking additional consultants with statewide or regional experience and subject matter expertise in public school grades K-12 and in higher education.

For a full job description for the K-12 positions, click here.

To access the job description for higher ed consultants, click here.

SPI is also seeking a Communications Manager. The Communications Manager will be responsible for researching and writing editorial content, and for production and distribution of the Texas Government Insider. The individual will also be responsible for researching and writing articles for distribution to newspapers and other news outlets and expanding distribution. For a full job description, click here.


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TML to host Oct. annual conference, exhibition

"Cities, Citizens: Partners for the Greater Good" is the theme of the 2006 Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference and Exhibition. The conference - which draws a crowd of more than 4,500 municipal officials, spouses, and exhibitors annually - will be held this year at the Austin Convention Center on Wednesday through Friday, Oct. 25-27. Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has been invited to speak at Wednesday's Opening General Session, which will also feature the presentation of Municipal Excellence Awards to 10 deserving Texas cities. Five half-day workshops, which are separately ticketed events, are planned on Wednesday, before the conference officially opens. Other keynote addresses on Thursday and Friday will be presented by such nationally known speakers as Steve Gilliland, Bryan Dodge, Howard Prince, James Hunt, Dorothy Burton, John Alston, and Trudy Bourgeois. Educational sessions are scheduled to cover a number of timely, city-related topics, like ethics, grassroots advocacy, effective communication, leadership principles, technology resources, and strategic planning. TML is a voluntary association of more than 1,080 Texas cities. To learn more about the League and to register for the conference online, click here.


TWC annual conference slated in Grapevine

More than 1,700 state and national workforce professionals will be on hand for the 10th Annual Texas Workforce Conference in Grapevine on Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center. Vendor space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Vendors seeking to show their products and services must register for booth space by Sept. 15 for an early bird discount. To register and view the draft agenda for the conference, "Reaching New Horizons - Workforce and Economic Development," click here. For additional conference information and booth details, click here. To view the exhibitor's list, click here.