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John Keel

State Auditor Receives Bob Bullock Award

State Auditor John Keel was awarded the Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship during the 2005 Government Technology Conference held in Austin this week. The award was presented to Keel by last year's winner, Health and Human Services Commissioner Albert Hawkins. Past recipients also include Rep. Harvey Hilderbran and Sen. Steve Ogden.

Recipients of the Bob Bullock Award must demonstrate leadership skills; must inspire others who serve the public to rise above the norm; must seek to improve the future well-being of all Texans by opening the door to innovations; and must demonstrate an untiring participation, understanding and commitment to a more effective government.

Regarding Keel, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst said: "As director of the Legislative Budget Board and now State Auditor, John has not only risen to the challenges presented, but has far exceeded the expectations of his position. John is a true leader, and the state of Texas is a better place because of his service."

Keel became the new State Auditor in December 2004 after spending 10 years as the Director of the Texas Legislative Budget Board (LBB). Prior to his employment with the LBB, Keel also worked at the Comptroller's Office, the Texas Attorney General's Office, and was self-employed as a tax accountant and consultant. He holds a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin and MBA from St. Edward's University.


Alberto Gonzales

Senate Confirms Texas Native as New US Attorney General

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Alberto Gonzales, a native of San Antonio, to succeed John Ashcroft as Attorney General of the United States. Gonzales will be the first Hispanic to serve as the nation's top law enforcement officer.

Gonzales was commissioned as Counsel to Bush in January of 2001. Prior to serving in the White House, he served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. Before his appointment to the Texas Supreme Court in 1999, he served as Texas' 100th Secretary of State from December 1997 to January 1999. Among his many duties as Secretary of State, Gonzales was a senior advisor to then Governor Bush, chief elections officer, and the Governor's lead liaison on Mexico and border issues. He previously served as General Counsel to Governor Bush for three years.


David Dewhurst

Dewhurst to Address Texas Teachers

Lt. Gov. Dewhurst will address Texas public school teachers at the Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) 50th Annual Convention next month. Also at the convention, Dewhurst will be honored for his selection as the TCTA's 2004-05 Friend of Education in the public official category. TCTA presents this award annually to honor a public official who has shown extraordinary commitment to public education in Texas. Past recipients of the award include Speaker of the House Pete Laney and Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock.

The convention will be held March 3 - 5 at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin. More than 500 delegates are expected to attend the conference. For more information on the convention, click here.

TCTA is an independent, nonunion association for Texas teaching professionals. The association, which was founded in 1927, has 50,000 members across the state.


International Center for Nanotechnology Created

Scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin and at Mexican research institutions will collaborate in nanotechnology and materials research with the formation of the International Center for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (ICNAM). The center will organize workshops in nanotechnology and materials science, create networks of researchers and promote the participation of industry in Texas and Mexico. It also will provide training courses on new techniques available within the facilities of UT-Austin, particularly those of the Texas Materials Institute. The Mexican institutions involved include the Center on Advance Materials (CIMAV) and CONACYT.


State Government in Texas Gets a B Rating

Texas received a B in Grading the States '05, a government performance project undertaken by Pew Charitable Trusts. Texas received a B in three areas: money, people and information and a B- in infrastructure. Financial controls/reporting, managing employee performance, infrastructure maintenance, strategic direction and budgeting for performance were cited as Texas' chief strengths. Capital planning for infrastructure projects was cited as a weakness. For more information, click here.


Texas Libraries to Get $10 million

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is giving Texas libraries more than $10 million to help improve information technology, expand community access to educational institutions and help underserved residents. In all, the federal agency is giving $160 million in grants to library systems across the U.S.

TMA Supports President's Push Toward Electronic Medical Records

President Bush's plan to increase the usage of electronic medical records has the support of the nation's largest state medical society, the Texas Medical Association (TMA). According to TMA president Dr. Bohn Allen, electronic medical records improve the quality of care, enhance patient safety, streamline physician office operations and reduce redundant services.

A January 2005 study found that a well-designed system linking patient records among physicians, hospitals, health plans, and others could yield $77.8 billion annually, or approximately 5 percent of the projected $1.661 trillion spent on U.S. health care in 2003, according to Allen.


Pharmacy School Won't Open Until 2006

The opening of the Irma Rangel College of Pharmacy at Texas A&M University-Kingsville has been pushed back from Fall 2005 to Fall 2006. In January, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Board reviewed A&M-Kingsville's proposal and progress report on the program. The board felt additional time was needed to fully execute all plans for the pharmacy program. The board noted the delay would enable the dean to hire key personnel and acquire resources to support the program and secure adequate and continued funding for its success. The board also recommended that deans for the pharmacy programs be involved in the creation of the program for at least two years prior to its start date to allow time for development.

Since receiving initial funding in September 2004, the College of Pharmacy has developed a curriculum, hired three faculty members, acquired more than $800,000 worth of laboratory equipment, received more that $105,000 in research grants, raised $135,000 for scholarships and is in the process of developing clinical sites. The pharmacy building is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy this spring.


UTHCT Must Make $5 Million in Cuts to Meet State Budget

Due to a $5 million decline in patient revenues, The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler (UTHCT) will soon begin the process of identifying ways to cut $5 million in expenses in order to meet the state budget by the closing of the fiscal year, which ends Aug. 31.

In addition to seeking input from the management staff, UTHCT President Dr. Kirk Calhoun has created an institutional budget committee charged with considering efficiency, quality, productivity, financial good sense and alignment with the health center's mission. Calhoun has said reductions in management and staff will be needed to meet the budget.


DIR Establishes New Communication Channel

The Department of Information Resources (DIR) has established a new communication channel, the DIR Policy listserv, as a means to distribute information on DIR initiatives, policy review and related research. The goal of the DIR Policy listserv is to make Texas IT policy development and implementation easily accessible to agencies, universities, legislators and the public. To subscribe, click here.


DHS Releases Procurement Projections for FY05

The Department of Homeland Security has released FY 2005 Advanced Acquisition Planning Data, which includes projections for anticipated contracts over $100,000. To view the data, visit: www.dhs.gov.


Bill Wants Feds, not Texas, to be Responsible for Bioterrorism Along US/Mexico Border

A concurrent resolution filed this week by Sen. Todd Staples asks the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to provide for federal deployment of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) within Mexico to protect U.S. border states. Currently, if an act of bioterrorism occurs within Mexico near the United States border, it is up to each U.S. border state, including Texas, to request and deploy the SNS across the border to protect the citizens of the state.

Created in 1999 to help state and local jurisdictions prepare for a national emergency, the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is a repository of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies administered jointly by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


Trends Affecting Texas Taxpayers

Here are some of the most important, ever moving current trends to watch. These are significant trends that will certainly have an impact (one way or the other) on Texas taxpayers. Watch this space weekly as new trends to watch are added.

  • Tuition increases at almost every institution of higher education
  • A major focus on economic development in Texas
  • Hundreds of bond elections throughout the state at local levels
  • Some of the largest transportation efforts ever mounted
  • A concentrated focus on educational institutions and educational programs
  • Health care costs being pushed to local governments
  • Less state funding for prison operations

Texas Enterprise Fund Receives Criticism

The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) is coming under fire from numerous directions. More scrutiny is being urged by legislators, questions are being raised abut the types of jobs being created as a result of funding, the press is criticizing a ban on the release of what they consider to be public information and some parts of the state yet to receive economic development funds are demanding attention. All this controversy at a time when the Governor is asking for additional funding for the TEF.


Lens on the Legislature: Bills in Committee

Last week's Lens on the Legislature column described how to find bills by author, subject, date, and other parameters. At that time, bills had been introduced, but because committees had not yet been appointed, no bills had been referred.

Legislative committees are actually required by Article 3, Section 37 of the Texas Constitution which says no bill shall be considered, unless it has been first referred to a committee and reported thereon... Last week, the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker appointed Senate Committees and House Committees respectively. A day later, bills began to be referred.

Here are a few ways to track referrals:

  • The House Journals and Senate Journals show referrals made on any particular day.
  • The actions section of the Bill Status inquiry shows referrals of specific bills. A companion bill section was added to this inquiry this year, which is helpful in tracking an identical or very similar bill in the other chamber.
  • The Bills In/Out of Committee inquiry shows bills that have been referred to each committee.
  • Individual House and Senate Committee pages show bills that have been referred to those committees.

Committees can meet in work sessions to discuss legislation, but formal actions can only occur in public hearings or formal meetings. Senate rules and House rules dictate how public notice is given of these meetings. While a public hearing is not always required before a bill is reported from committee, they are nearly always held. Here are some ways to monitor hearing schedules:

While the preceding links were for access on the Internet, the legislature is increasing the amount of information that can be downloaded to PDA devices. For example, information about House and Senate Committees and their meeting notices is available. Additionally, technology was recently installed to allow the public to have access to wireless Internet at the capitol complex.

In addition to these online services, there is also a toll free bill status phone number (877-824-7038) that is staffed by the Legislative Reference Library and available to the public.

Finally, there are a number of good legislative references:

News From Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Focus on SPI Consultants

Don Rogers

Don Rogers oversees education issues for SPI's clients and directs much of the research undertaken by the education budget and policy analysts at SPI. With over 45 years of experience in public education, Don has been at the forefront of every major education issue in Texas for the past two decades and has held a variety of positions in education. Over the years, he has served as a Teacher, Principal, Programs Director, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent and the Executive Director of a statewide educational association. To read Don's full bio, click here.

Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards

Strategic Partnerships, Inc. is pleased to be one of the supporters of the Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards luncheon ceremony on March 18 with the State Agency Council. The guest speaker is Texas Supreme Court Justice Harriet O'Neill. The Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards recognize women who have helped shape Texas by contributing their talents and skills to state service.

The luncheon will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Doubletree Hotel located at 6505 Interstate 35 North. Complimentary parking is provided at the hotel. The cost to attend the luncheon is $25 per person. For more information, contact Lesley Guthrie at 512-475-2615 or lguthrie@governor.state.tx.us.


Recent Reports

The following reports have recently been released:

Summary of LBB Budget and Policy Recommendations for FY 2006-07

Proposals to Change Workers' Compensation

Budget 101: A Guide to the Budget Process in Texas

TxDOT 2004 Bridge Report

Financing Higher Education in Texas, Legislative Primer—Second Edition, a report by the Legislative Budget Board

M.D. Anderson Web Site Ranks as 4th Most Visited

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's Web site has been recognized as the fourth most visited hospital Web site in the country, according to Modern Healthcare magazine. More than 1.8 million visitors came to M.D. Anderson's Web site and viewed more than 39 million pages in 2004, says Alan Powell, director of M. D. Anderson's department of Internet services. Internal studies show that the number of patients who refer themselves through M.D. Anderson's Web site results in more than $100 million in revenue annually.


Event Links

Texas Computer Education Association 25th Annual Convention & Exposition - 02/07/05 - 02/11/05

40th Annual Association of Mayors, Councilmembers and Commissioners Institute - 02/12/05 - 02/13/05

Texas Municipal League Legislative Briefing - 02/14/05

3rd Annual RFID World Conference and Exhibit - 3/1/05 - 3/3/05

Texas Classroom Teachers Association 50th Annual Convention - 3/3/05 - 3/5/05

25th Annual Association of Texas Professional Educators State Conference - 3/31/05 - 4/2/05

Texas Library Association Annual Conference - 4/5/05 - 4/8/05

5th Annual Internet Security Forum for Texas State Government - 4/13/05

Texas Public Health Association's 80th Annual Education Conference - 04/24/05 - 04/26/05

TASB Summer Leadership Institute - 06/23/05 - 06/24/05

WIN BUSINESS WITH TEXAS GOVERNMENT

For a FREE TRIAL of SPI's Future Opportunity Analysis and Bid Monitoring services click here.

SPI has a dedicated Information Services (IS) Division that monitors governmental entities and analyzes data for future and current business opportunities. Our team studies and reviews strategic plans, funding requests, and budgets to identify potential contracting opportunities. IS provides these key services and products:

  • Future Opportunity Analysis - email notification of new opportunities as they are discovered and updates to opportunities as new information becomes available


  • Bid Monitoring - timely email notification of current procurement opportunities for over 500 state agencies, institutions of higher education, cities, counties, school districts, airports, and ports.


  • Customized Research - specific intelligence on entities, opportunities, markets, trends, products, competitors, etc.


Please contact Crystal Kuhs at ckuhs@spartnerships.com for more details.

Past ABJ articles by Mary Scott Nabers

Government agencies often look outside for training help - 1/14/2005

Texas' open records laws can offer wealth of information for contractors - 12/17/2004

Texas Government Insider Archives

Last Issue - 1/28/05

Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3 Archives - 11/7/03 - 1/21/05


Resources

A Guide to the Fiscal Note Process for Legislative Staff and Committees: 79th Legislative Session

Using the Fiscal Notes System: Committee Quick Guide

Rules and Precedents of the Texas House

TxDOT's 2006 Project Selection Process

Budget Resources

Diagram of Legislative Process

HUB Forms Library

State Contract Management Guide

State Procurement Manual

TBPC Facilities Master Plan

Who Represents Me? Texas Districts By Address

Diagram of Texas' Biennial Budget Cycle

Texas Fact Book 2004


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Sourcing in the Public Sector Seminar

The Texas Association of Public Purchasers will present a three day seminar, Sourcing in the Public Sector, March 8 - 10 at the Clarion Inn and Suites Conference Center located at 2200 S. IH-35 in Austin. Course participants will be provided a comprehensive overview of the sourcing process within the public sector. Essential elements, including pre-sourcing planning, needs assessment, specifications, scope of work, deliverables, procurement strategies, value analysis, and internal control processes are explored. Determining the appropriate sourcing method, preparing the relevant sourcing invitation document, managing the acquisition process, evaluation of response submissions, and contract awards will also be explored. In addition, trends and technology developments and their effect of processes will be discussed. The registration deadline is noon on February 11. For more information or to register, click here.


25th Annual Association of Texas Professional Educators State Conference

The 25th Annual Association of Texas Professional Educators State Conference will be held March 31 - April 2 at the Austin Convention Center. Speakers include U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and ATPE’s first executive director, Mike Morrow. Professional development sessions will be offered on topics such as Best Practices Frameworks. The registration deadline is March 2. For more information, visit www.atpe.org.