85 th Texas Legislative Session Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Welcome & Thank you!
History Accomplishments from the 84th legislative session (2015): Capital Construction Bonds The bill authorizing $3 billion in UH Day at the Capitol originated in 1995 with only • bonds for the construction of much-needed buildings at alumni, faculty, administration and staff at the wheel. universities throughout the state was approved by both the House Eventually, other system campuses joined in, and soon and Senate and was sent to the governor for his approval. Seven students were encouraged to participate and it became UH System project requests were included in this crucial bill. UHS Day at the Capitol. • This is the first year we will be attending as UHS/UH & Higher Education Fund Increase The state’s Higher Education UHV and UHD, UHCL will be attending on their own Assistance Fund (HEF), which funds building maintenance and days. infrastructure improvement, received a 50 percent increase, which went into effect in FY 2017. • Every trip since has included over 200 faculty, staff, alumni and students. Governor’s University Research Initiative At the governor’s • This allows student voices to be heard and humanizes request, the legislature created the new University Research UHS & UH. Initiative, which provides matching funds to recruit the top research professors (Nobel Laureates, members of the National Academy of Sciences and Engineering, the Institute of Medicine and their equivalents) to our state universities.
Dress for Success! • Business/Professional Attire Professional Decorum •
Know Your University Mission Mission The mission of the University of Houston is to offer nationally The University of Houston System provides, through the competitive and internationally recognized opportunities for complementary missions of its four universities, access to learning, discovery and engagement to a diverse population comprehensive higher education programs and services to the of students in a real-world setting. The University of diverse community of students in the Houston metropolitan Houston offers a full range of degree programs at the area and beyond. The UH System's research and scholarship baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and professional levels are globally significant, nationally competitive, and serve as an and pursues a broad agenda of research and creative engine for economic development, while its public service activities. As a knowledge resource to the public, the activities enhance the quality of life in the region. university builds partnerships with other educational institutions, community organizations, government agencies, and the private sector to serve the region and impact the world.
March 1 st 2017 Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a time when many prepare for Easter by • observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. So called because on that day at church the faithful have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, • he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.“ The Season of Lent, is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection • on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.
Day of Itinerary 5:45 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast, and break up into teams to load bus O’Quinn Great Hall at the UH Athletics/Alumni Center 6:30 a.m. Buses depart for Austin 9:30 a.m. Arrive at Capitol 10:00 a.m. Visit Senate and House Chambers 11:30 a.m. Load buses for Scholtz Garten 11:45 a.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Head Back to Capitol 1:30 p.m. Photo will be taken and Band will play in Open Air Rotunda 2:00 p.m. Visit with legislators 3:30 p.m. Board buses on the East side of the Capitol to return to Houston 4:00 p.m. Buses depart Austin to return to the UH Athletics/Alumni Center 7:00 p.m. Buses arrive at the UH Athletics/Alumni Center
Capitol Building Map
How To Speak to Legislators Identify yourself Mention your affiliation (student, faculty, staff, alumni, friend of the UHS) when talking with your Texas Legislator. • Be yourself This includes speaking about topics that you are comfortable with. Your elected officials represent you and would like to know your opinions • and advocacy agenda. Be informed Convey that you are interested when speaking with legislators and their staff. It is just as important to leave a positive impression with the • staff as it is with the elected official. Limit yourself to discussing the UHS 2017 Legislative Agenda Personal information and small talk will establish a comfortable environment, but raising too many additional subjects may dilute your key • messages. Remember that you are an advocate You are a volunteer sharing your concerns with the legislators; do NOT use the term “lobby” or “lobbyist.” You’ll want to set yourself apart from • the groups that interact with the legislators day to day. Stay away from making any intimidating or judgmental comments. Inevitably, there will be some issues which you and legislator may disagree • on. However, don’t take it personally and don’t let it affect your advocacy role at the Capitol. This is not an opportunity to discuss additional issues for which you are passionate about.
UHS/UH Priorities ü Avoid 4% base budget cuts for FY18-FY19 (Possible $2.5 million system wide reduction) ü Increase base formula funding to 2011 levels ($55.39 -semester credit hours to $62.19) ü More Investment in financial aid, specifically Texas Grants ü Full Coverage of Hazelwood benefits (Veterans tuition) ü Equalize Funding between health and non-health institutions ü Increase research funding to strengthen national competitiveness ü Funding for Small Business Development Center
Share Your Experience If you take photos, use any combination of the • Hashtags: recommended hashtags and/or tag University of Houston. We will repost top photos and tweets to our #UHDayAtTheCapitol followers. Remember, hash-tagged photos are not viewable unless your account is public. #UHATX #PaintATXRed Tell us the story as the day unfolds! Use your photos • to chronicle all the major events, to share your reactions and reflect on this exciting day!
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