Since the Legislature adjourned on May 28, we have had 60 days to methodically evaluate the outcomes. Overall, The Texas A&M University System did very well during the 80th Legislative session.
The state funding for our universities and agencies was increased over 11 percent for FY 2008-09. In addition to the generous increase, the Legislature gave us stability in terms of funding for faculty reinvestments and research growth by incorporating the funding into the competitive knowledge formula and the research development formula. The clarification of the state’s contribution to agency infrastructure costs and to the A&M System employee health benefit costs has enabled us to more accurately budget future expenditures.
From the beginning of the session, we were aware of the difficulties we faced in asking for “special item” funding. The Legislature and the governor recognized that much of what is labeled “special item” is the funding for growth and the fulfillment of our basic missions of education, research and service. We were able to secure funding in a few additional areas such as Texas A&M International University’s student success program and the operating funds for the campuses in Killeen and San Antonio.
The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, through the hard work of Sen. Steve Ogden, Sen. Troy Fraser, Rep. Dan Gattis, Rep. Dianne Delisi, Rep. Fred Brown and many others, secured $33 million for the expansion of the medical school class size from 100 to 200. Dr. Nancy Dickey is committed to developing a class with all four years available at the Temple campus and the Bryan-College Station campus. In addition, the clinical years (third and fourth year) will be available at a Round Rock campus.
One of the most visionary changes was the establishment of a $100 million incentive fund for higher education. The criteria for the distribution of these funds will be developed by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the governor’s office. The A&M System and our member universities will assist the development of the criteria by providing data, information and opinions. We appreciate the commitment to hold us accountable for the results of our teaching. We are willing to earn a portion of our funding based on our graduates and not just our process. Even though we know the devil is in the details, learning assessment with accountability is an idea whose time has come.
The Legislature and the governor were very supportive of the A&M System and our member universities. We should tell them “thank you” every chance we get.
