Texas Lobbyist News: Texas Interim Committee Studies Posted
The following is public information from the government websites of Texas. The Texas Lobby Group is making this information available as a public service for Texas Lobbyists, Texas Political Consultants and Activists, State Government Consultants, and any other interested parties.
House Committee on Appropriations *
June 12, 2012 – 09:00 AM
Capitol Extension Bldg., Room E1.030, Austin
Subcomittee on Article III The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III will meet in a joint hearing with the House Higher Education Committee to discuss post-secondary developmental education and the following joint interim study charge: Evaluate the funding, performance, and administration of the state’s adult basic education programs. If you intend to participate in public testimony, please contact the Committee Clerk at 512-463-1091.
Additional Information Contact: Rep. Scott Hochberg, 512/463-0492
House Committee on Higher Education *
June 12, 2012 – 09:00 AM
Capitol Extension Bldg., Room E1.030, Austin
The House Higher Education Committee will meet in a joint hearing with the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article III to discuss post-secondary developmental education and the following interim study charge: Evaluate the funding, performance, and administration of the states adult basic education programs. If you intend to participate in public testimony, please contact the committee clerk at 512-463-0782.
Additional Information Contact: Rep. Dan Branch, 512/463-0367
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations *
June 14, 2012 – 10:00 AM
Capitol Extension Bldg., Room E1.028, Austin
The Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations will meet on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Capitol Extension Room E1.028. The Committee will hear invited and public testimony on the following interim charges: Study the impact of recent court rulings regarding the determination of eligibility for property tax exemptions of community housing development organizations (CHDOs ) by local appraisal districts. Review how these decisions impact existing programs, and make recommendations for any necessary changes to ensure the provision of affordable housing and reduce any cost to the state. Study the possible implications for local government corporations to receive a non-profit tax exemption on property owned in the state. Specifically, consider the impact of property located outside of the taxing area of the parent local government. Public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per person.
Additional Information Contact:
Senate Committee on Higher Education *
June 20, 2012 – 09:00 AM
Capitol Extension Bldg., Room E1.012, Austin
The Senate Higher Education Committee will hold a public hearing to address three Interim Charges: Study and make recommendations regarding more effective means of using technology, including the effectiveness of online learning and online coursework for underprepared students. Examine the cost and funding of online education. Examine how electronic coursework and technology impacts students with disabilities, and make recommendations to ensure all students have access to electronic materials and courses. Review and make recommendations concerning statewide or inter-system cooperation for blended and online learning. Study developmental education programs in public higher education institutions. Include a demographic analysis of students who require developmental education, and identify alternative means of assessing the need for developmental education, the effectiveness of delivery of developmental education programs, and the role of P-16 councils in addressing solutions for better preparing students for higher education. Review alternative means of offering and financing developmental education courses and identify potential cost savings. Study and make recommendations regarding academic and non- academic barriers to non-traditional students, including students with disabilities. Focus on ways to restructure course and program delivery, student support services, financial barriers, and remediation and academic advising. Study and make recommendations to reduce time-to-degree, incentivize on-time graduation, and increase graduation rates to meet the goals of Closing the Gaps by 2015 and beyond. *Public testimony will be limited to three minutes. If submitting written testimony or distributing handouts, please provide 15 copies, with your name on each copy, to the committee when called to testify.
Additional Information Contact: Sen. Judith Zaffirini, 512/463-0121