Oct. 1, 2012    

Press Release    

For Immediate Distribution

Governor's Press Office:  512-463-1826

Gov. Perry Announces Initiatives to Meet Growing Demand for Higher Education

DALLAS – Gov. Rick Perry today outlined his initiatives for the upcoming legislative session to improve accessibility, accountability and affordability in higher education. The governor called for a four year tuition freeze, outcomes-based funding for institutions and increased fiscal transparency for students and families. He also renewed his challenge for institutions to create more affordable $10,000 bachelor's degree options.

"More and more young Texans of all backgrounds are thinking of college as a vital component of their personal success and they're taking active steps to get themselves there," Gov. Perry said. "Implementing these measures will meet the growing demand for higher education in a way that provides encouragement for students to complete their degree in a timely fashion and with financial certainty."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Candice Woodruff, 512-463-0367

August 17, 2012

REP. DAN BRANCH ALERTS DALLAS COUNTY RESIDENTS OF CONTINUED AERIAL SPRAYING TO COMBAT SPREAD OF WEST NILE VIRUS

(Dallas)- Aerial spraying commenced across Dallas County last night to combat the continued spread of the West Nile Virus.

Spraying took place in a 50,000 acre area that included Highland Park, University Park, parts of North and East Dallas, Richardson, Garland and parts of Mesquite. For more information on aerial spraying locations, follow the link below:

http://www.dallascityhall.com/westNile_aerial-spraying.html

August 10th, 2012

Press Release

(Dallas) - As of today, there have been 175 confirmed cases and at least nine reported West Nile Virus related deaths this year across Dallas County. To combat the increase in West Nile cases, Dallas County has requested that the Texas Department of State Health Services provide additional assistance to contain the spread of the virus. This afternoon, Dallas County officials hosted an emergency work session with state and federal officials, resulting in the request for aerial spraying in addition to current ground spraying efforts.

"While we shouldn't panic, it's imperative that we take precautions and better educate ourselves to prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus," said Representative Dan Branch (R-Dallas), Co-Chair, Dallas Area Legislative Delegation. "I urge all Dallas area residents to follow the 'Fight the Bite' campaign recommendations from the Texas Department of State Health Services, and I encourage more focus and collaboration of our local, state and federal leaders to eradicate this deadly outbreak."

June 18, 2012  

Press Release  

(AUSTIN) - Earlier today, the Texas A&M University System announced its successful bid to become one of three national biosecurity centers.

"This is big news for Texas A&M and the State of Texas," said Representative Dan Branch (R-Dallas), Chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education. "Winning this bid affirms the importance of our focus on Tier One level national research, and the critical role it plays for our students, faculty and economy."

May 25, 2012

Press Release

DALLAS- The State Auditor's Office has completed its audit and concluded that the University of Houston and Texas Tech University have met the requirements for distributions from the new state National Research University Fund (NRUF).

"I commend both Texas Tech and the University of Houston for reaching this historic milestone of success. The faculty and students, as well as the communities of Lubbock and Houston, should be proud of their accomplishments," said House Higher Education Chairman Dan Branch (R-Dallas). "Today, the state is closer than ever to elevating more universities to nationally competitive research status; an important goal set by the Texas Legislature and endorsed by the voters in 2009."

May 4, 2012  

Press Release  

AUSTIN-- The University of Texas System Board of Regents met this week to consider and decide on significant issues facing the system, including setting tuition costs for the next two school years.

Across the board, increases to UT System in-state undergraduate tuition rates were kept within the bounds recommended by the Texas House of Representatives in 2009. The resolution, HCR 288, called for minimal increases in yearly resident undergraduate tuition at Texas public universities through 2014, and was authored by Rep. Dan Branch, Chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education.