Top Issues in the 87th: Support for the TTU System
As the 87th Legislature begins to pick up steam, the Chamber will conclude its “Top Issues in the 87th” series this week. To learn more about other key issues, you can find them all here. Last but certainly not least in our top issues series is support for the Texas Tech University System.
Not only is Texas Tech the largest employer in our region, every semester it welcomes thousands of new residents to Lubbock while thousands more complete their education and begin a career. Texas Tech students bring energy, jobs, and commerce to Lubbock and if we’re lucky, many will stay and plant their professional roots in West Texas as well.
While there are several issues related to higher education and workforce initiatives that will be discussed during the session, we will highlight three main points of focus for the Texas Tech University System this session.
Addition of Midwestern State University
Last August, the TTU System board of regents and Midwestern State board of regents both approved a memorandum of understanding supporting a partnership between the two entities. Midwestern State is currently one of just four remaining independent public universities in the state of Texas and would be the fifth member institution of the TTU System. Legislation has been filed by both the Texas House and Texas Senate for the formal addition of Midwestern State to the TTU System is fully supportive of.
School of Veterinary Medicine Funding
During the 86th Legislature, Texas Tech secured funding for the School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo – a monumental accomplishment for the agricultural and livestock industries in our region. Construction is underway and going well, but Texas Tech is seeking about $6 million more from the Legislature (it received $17.4 million last session out of $23.2 million total that was sought out). The vet school project will be a tremendous asset to rural Texas, which is facing a shortage of large animal veterinarians.
Other Funding
The final main priority related to the TTU System is support for maintaining formula rates, research funding formulas and the Texas Research Incentive Program as well as non-formula support for items such as continued start-up funding for the Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine in El Paso. While legislators will face tough budgeting decisions this session, the Chamber is hopeful and supportive that higher education institutions like those composing the TTU System are adequately funded.
