» What We Have Accomplished:

Recognizing that continuing education is vital to the future success of the Texas economy, the Legislature has taken numerous steps to make continuing education a reality for all Texans. Additionally, the Legislature has implemented numerous initiatives that will allow Texas' institutions of higher education to remain competitive, both nationally and globally.

TEXAS Grant - Through the appropriations process, the legislature increased TEXAS Grant funding to $324 million, which will go to those students who show the greatest academic promise, but who lack the financial means necessary to continue their education. In addition, SB 1007 allows institutions to base TEXAS Grant awards on a high school student's seventh semester transcript, which will make the application process more efficient.

HB 1887 (Morrison - Author) abolished the state-imposed research tax that created an uneven playing field in the competition for valuable federal research dollars. By eliminating this tax, Texas' institutions saved $86 million and are now ensured that they will have a fair opportunity to receive the federal funding that was previously going to competing states.

HB 1890 (Morrison - Author) expanded the number of eligible candidates for the $1,000 tuition rebate program by exempting hours accumulated through AP courses.

HB 3526 (Morrison - Co-Author) consolidated the Texas Excellence Fund and the University Research Fund into the Research Development Fund, which will create a more equitable method for awarding research dollars to institutions of higher education.

SB 4 (Morrison - Sponsor) established the Texas B-On-Time student loan program, which forgives student loans for those students who graduate on time and with at least a 3.0 GPA.

SB 286 (Morrison - Sponsor) created the Baccalaureate Pilot Project, which will improve accessibility to 4-year degree programs by allowing certain junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in areas where accessibility is limited.

SB 976 (Morrison - Sponsor) expanded the innovative "Middle College" program to enable more students, especially those at-risk of dropping out, to acquire college credits while finishing high school.

» What We Need to Do:

SELECT COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

For the first time in more than a decade, a joint select committee on higher education has been established to develop a strategic plan for the future of higher education in the state of Texas. SB 1652 (Morrison - Sponsor) established the committee, which is co-chaired by Rep. Geanie Morrison and Sen. Florence Shapiro. The committee has been charged to study the financing, structure and organization of the state's systems of higher education. In addition, the committee is studying the equity in, adequacy of and accessibility to higher education in the state of Texas. Upon completion of the study, the committee will develop a strategic plan for higher education and will make recommendations to the 79th Legislature.

» What We Have Accomplished:

Many advances have been made in public education that will benefit both teachers and students alike. With an eye toward the future, the Texas Legislature has taken numerous steps to ensure that all Texas children receive the tools necessary for future success and continuing education.

HB 1844 authorized the Commissioner of Education to establish a pilot program to reimburse teachers for the cost of classroom supplies provided to students.

HB 1440 eliminated annual appraisals for Texas' most proficient teachers. Instead, consenting teachers will be required to undergo appraisal at least once every five years.

SB 396 created a technology immersion pilot project that will allow TEA to provide students in selected districts with laptops, accessibility software and other technologies.

SB 976 (Morrison - Sponsor) expanded the innovative "Middle College" program to enable more students, especially those at-risk of dropping out, to acquire college credits while finishing high school.

HB 3459 increased funding for the Foundation School Program by $1.2 billion in general revenue. The additional funds are to be distributed to districts based on $110 per student in weighted daily attendance.

» What We Need to Do:

Parental Involvement

Parents must partner with teachers to ensure that Texas schools are ready to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Technology has drastically altered the manner in which we educate our children. Unfortunately, due to a number of technical and financial limitations, technology is not readily available to all Texans. Whether geographic or socioeconomic, Texas must do more to ensure that every child has access to advancing technology, and that "No Child is Left Behind."

Technology has also allowed parents to play an active role in the accountability process. Through the use of the Internet, parents now have access to the annual accountability ratings and performance measures published by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). It is critical for parents to take advantage of this invaluable resource, because, as parents, we have a right to expect excellence in education and demand improvement where we find it lacking.

Safe Classrooms

As our culture continues to be infiltrated by images of violence, drug use and sexual promiscuity, the State of Texas must renew its commitment to safe schools and character development. While moral education rightfully begins at home, parents should be confident that their efforts are being supplemented in the classroom.

Texas schools should be safe bastions for both our children and our teachers. Research and testimony from veteran educators have proven that an environment conducive to learning can only be established through discipline and structure. To provide that environment, Texas teachers must be equipped with the resources necessary to take back control of their classrooms. By allowing teachers to remove violent and persistently disruptive students from the classroom we achieve an environment that encourages learning and instills discipline.

Texas Teachers

Texas teachers are the bedrock of the public education system. However, difficult working conditions and excessive government bureaucracy have led to a critical shortage of qualified teachers nationwide. Texas is no exception. A recent study conducted by TEA has shown that for the 2000-2001 school year, Texas lacked nearly 40,000 certified schoolteachers. This shortage has placed a tremendous strain on our already overcrowded classrooms, and led to numerous disciplinary incidents.

Flexibility in teaching, enforcement of the Paper Reduction Act, small class sizes and increased rewards for performance will be critical in Texas' recruitment efforts. These reforms, along with continuing education incentives, must be implemented if we are going to achieve our goal of employing Texas' best and brightest teachers.

» What We Have Accomplished:

The 78th Legislature made substantial changes in the way the State promotes economic development and tourism by consolidating, and making more efficient many of the existing government programs. To create a single point of contact for prospective businesses, the programs and functions of the agencies consolidated will now be administered by the Governor's office, similar to how they are performed in other states with which Texas competes.

SB 1771 created the Texas Enterprise Fund, which provides the State an important tool for recruiting new business by allowing for a rapid response to economic development opportunities.

SB 15 secured the funds that encouraged Toyota to build an $800 million factory in San Antonio. The initial project created 2,000 jobs, with an additional 5,000 future jobs anticipated for San Antonio and the surrounding area.

» What We Need to Do:

Texas has the 8th largest economy in the world. We are home to 45 Fortune 500 companies and 14 of the 100 Fastest Growing Businesses in America (Fortune Small Business Magazine).

For Texas to remain the leader it is today, state and local leaders must continue to work together to attract, retain and grow business opportunities. We must continue to tailor economic incentive packages that meet the needs of companies, communities and the state. We must continue to strive for a work environment that is absent unnecessary regulation, and one that promotes the principles of the free market.

As the Crossroads of South Texas, House District 30 is strategically located to reap the benefits of a strong Texas economy. With close proximity to four key metropolitan areas, access to a major barge canal, two exceptional institutions of higher education and a diverse business community, HD 30 has the right mix to thrive in the new world markets. However, to capitalize on our assets, it is vital for federal, state and local leaders to continue to implement public policy that benefits small business, big business and consumers alike.

» What We Have Accomplished:

Fetal Pain Protection Act

HB 15 (Morrison - Co-Author) requires that abortions performed at or after the 16th week of pregnancy be performed in a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical center. Additionally, this legislation requires that a mother seeking an abortion be provided with material containing information regarding pregnancy and adoption. Upon receiving this information, the mother must then wait 24 hours before an abortion can be performed. The bill also creates an offense for physicians who intentionally violate the law, and limits the number of abortions that can be performed in a facility without the facility being licensed as an abortion provider. In addition, SB 319 (Morrison - Sponsor) provides a wrongful death cause of action and criminal penalties for the death of an unborn child, such as resulted from the Lacey Peterson case in California.

HB 155 (Morrison - Co-Author) prohibits a registered sex offender from owning or working for a sexually oriented business and prohibits sexually oriented businesses from hiring registered sex offenders.

HB 236 (Morrison - Co-Author) enhances penalties for the offense of possessing obscene materials depicting a child under the age of 18.

HB 854 (Morrison - Co-Author) restricts eligibility for Texas Infrastructure Fund loans and grants to those public schools and libraries that have adopted and implemented an Internet safety policy that protects children from access to obscene materials.

HCR 13 (Morrison - Co-Author) urges congress to enact the Protect Children From E-Mail Smut Act of 2001.

HCR 14 (Morrison - Co-Author) urges congress to enact the Child Modeling Exploitation Prevention Act of 2002.

» What We Need to Do:

Texans are facing a new era, an era where information will be accessible to any and everyone with a click of a button. But with this access has come a new threat, a predator often referred to as a cyber criminal. Through the use of the Internet, sexual predators, kidnappers and con artists have almost unfettered access to our children. Therefore, our number one priority must be to protect Texas' children, and the only way to protect them is by getting involved in their lives and reaching them before the miscreants of our society can rob them of their innocence.

The ever-increasing trend toward glorifying violence, sexual promiscuity and casual drug use must be reversed. By allowing these images to permeate our society, we have created an environment that nourishes deviant behavior. To combat this proliferation, parents must return to the core family values that teach right from wrong and that we must take responsibility for our actions.

Additionally, Texans must promote the involvement of charitable and faith based organizations. These institutions should be welcomed partners in our efforts to build a better society. With a proven record of delivering morally grounded services, these institutions can provide the type of guidance that rejects government handouts and promotes self-reliance.

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Throughout my service in the Texas House, I have worked closely with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Rural Caucus to ensure that rural economic development received the attention it deserved. With the establishment of the Office of Rural Affairs and the Texas Capital Fund, TDA will now provide technical, on-site assistance to rural businesses, as well funding for infrastructure, real estate, and main street development. This initiative, along with a sound commitment to preserving rural Texas have laid the foundation on which numerous businesses can be built and on which numerous jobs will be created.

» What We Need to Do:

Texas and its leaders must prepare to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. With the diversification of our economy and the ever-expanding technology gap, it is more important than ever before that rural Texas not get left behind.

With over 50 percent of the representation in the Texas Legislature coming from major metropolitan areas, it will be critical that rural Texas continue to fight for a comprehensive legislative agenda that includes; improved education, enhanced economic development, protection of natural resources and better transportation.