October 2, 2009

Melissa Ludwig

It's not every day that Texas lawmakers, the governor and higher-education leaders agree on something.

But most will tell you that Texas needs more than three so-called Tier One research universities to compete on a national level with California, New York and other states.

That's why James Huffines, chairman of the University of Texas Board of Regents, and former Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby are traveling the state urging voters to go to the polls Nov. 3 and vote for Proposition 4, a constitutional amendment that will free up $425 million in state funds to

October 2, 2009

Christi Fish

(Oct. 2, 2009)--UTSA President Ricardo Romo delivered the "State of the University" address this week to more than 600 members of the UTSA and San Antonio communities, discussing UTSA's bid to become a tier-one research university and the notable advances made in support of that vision.

Dignitaries attending the address included state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio), whose advocacy has strengthened the economic climate for higher education in Texas by helping UTSA realize a 7.5 percent increase in its operating budget and $4 million in support of the San Antonio Life Sciences Institute (SALSI). Also present was state Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas), chairman of the House Higher Education

October 2, 2009

Jason Embry

On Thursday I talked to Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, who chairs the House Higher Education Committee. Branch is considering a run for attorney general next year, but like a lot of Republicans, he has not declared for the office because he is waiting to see whether a resignation from U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison triggers a series of moves among Republicans. As someone who may run for re-election or may seek higher office, he has a very interesting perspective on the waiting game going on right now. "It's like watching a car wreck in slow motion," he said.

Branch discusses how he's preparing for the upcoming election season, the battle for control of the Texas House, several universities' quest for top-tier status and recent changes to the top 10 percent rule. The podcast runs about 18 minutes, and you can download it to your MP3

October 4, 2009

AREA

Dallas' Free Night of Theater will run Thursday through Nov. 8. Reserve free tickets beginning at noon Monday at www.freenightoftheater.net for shows across the city. The complete list of release dates and the eligible performances for each can be viewed at the Office of Cultural Affairs Web site at www.dallasculture.org /freenightoftheater.

North Dallas High School Class of 1969 invites the Classes of 1968, 1970 and 1971 to join them for a 40-year reunion from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at VFW Post No. 6796, 9179 Garland Road. Call Helen Maldonado at 214-755-5557 or e-mail helenm62907@ yahoo.com.

DOWNTOWN DALLAS

It'll make Texas universities great and won't raise taxes

October 4, 2009

Opinion/Editorials

Of the 11 proposed constitutional amendments that Texas voters will face Nov. 3, the biggie is Prop. 4: the "national research university" proposition, the one that would encourage seven of Texas' public universities to propel themselves out of academia's minor leagues and run with the big dogs. We need to pass that amendment.

The ballot language is impenetrable, in the way that our constitutional amendments always are. But the plan itself is easy to understand.

The state has designated seven "emerging universities": The University of Houston — go, Coogs! — along with Texas Tech, the University of

October 4, 2009

Holly K. Hacker

Michigan and Ohio State. Indiana and Purdue. UT-Austin and Texas A&M.

They're not just college rivals – they're among the country's best research universities. And more Texas campuses could join that esteemed mix if voters approve a constitutional amendment in November, supporters say.

Proposition 4 would let seven schools – including UT-Arlington, UT-Dallas and the University of North Texas – tap into a half-billion-dollar fund to help them become research powerhouses.

Posted on Sunday, October 4, 2009

Opinion/Editorials

Texans have to be getting tired of lists that show their state ranking way behind others, especially when it comes to education. In the Nov. 3 constitutional amendment election, they have a chance to start making things right, at least in one crucial way.

Proposition 4, if approved by voters, will provide a way to help more Texas universities grow to become nationally recognized for their research, what's often called "Tier 1" among U.S. institutions of higher learning. That's important not only to provide more top educational opportunities for Texas students but because top-level universities can bring millions of dollars to the local economy through research grants, venture capital, spin-off companies and jobs.

This can happen without a tax increase. More on that in a moment, but Texans should jump at this opportunity.

October 4, 2009

Opinion/Editorials

Texans should vote yes on Proposition 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot to help propel more state universities to national prominence in lucrative research. Texas has been uncharacteristically uncompetitive in the national race for research dollars, and it's time to catch up.

Here's what passage would not do: raise taxes. Nor would it add to tuition at state colleges or universities. Nor would it add state bureaucracy.

Passage would take nearly $500 million that now sits in a dormant fund and create an endowment to reward universities for their successes in upgrading research programs. In other words, this is an incentive program, not a handout. Universities would have to earn grants by

October 9, 2009

Opinion/Editorials

All Texans have a stake in helping increase the number of Tier 1 research universities in the state and should support Proposition 4 on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Approval of the constitutional amendment would establish the National Research University Fund to provide a dedicated source of revenue for the seven emerging public universities, including the University of Texas at San Antonio, seeking to attain top tier status.

No organized opposition to the proposition has surfaced. Instead, the biggest obstacle facing the measure is voter apathy, James Huffines, chairman of the University of Texas System board of regents, said last week.

October 9, 2009

Harvey Kronberg

Low talk is the Senator will delay resignation until later in the year

Its been an eventful week in the U.S. Senate race that technically has not yet begun.

Low talk from outside the campaign is that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison will delay her resignation from the United States Senate until year end for two reasons. First, she does not want to give Governor Perry an opportunity to appoint a surrogate to snipe at her from inside the Senate. Second, although Republican primary voters may not appreciate it, hundreds of millions of dollars in federal appropriations destined for Texas could be put in jeopardy by a vacancy before the end of the term.

If all of this bears out, the inevitable musical chairs is put on hold.Lt. Governor David Dewhurst remains in place which prevents Greg Abbott