» 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.
HB 1056 - (Morrison Author) During the 81st Legislative Session
we enacted House Bill 1056, which allowed for the downward expansion
of the University of Houston - Victoria. Prior to the passage
of House Bill 1056, there was not a four-year institution within
100 miles of Victoria. With the support of the community, this initiative
will significantly improve access to continuing education for Victoria
and our surrounding communities.
Through the appropriations process last session we increased
financial aid funding by $250 million, which will provide an
additional 35,000 students who show the greatest academic promise,
but who lack the financial means necessary to continue their education.
We also put seed money into a new research fund, we laying the
framework to increase the number of Tier One universities in our state.
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 maintain 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.
HB 14 (Morrison - Co-Author) Prior to the enactment of HB 14,
there was no cancer institute in Texas that provided grant money for
cancer research. The Texas Cancer Council focuses on cancer prevention
programs, but operated on a much smaller scale and did not grant funding
for research projects. H.B. 14 re-designated the Texas Cancer Council as
he Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The bill authorized the
institute to issue general obligation bonds for grants to create and expedite
innovation in the area of cancer research and prevention to enhance the potential
for a medical or scientific breakthrough in the prevention of cancer and cures
for cancer. To implement this initiative a Constitutional Amend was required
to be approved by Texas voters. The amendment was approved overwhelmingly.
» 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 was 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 was co-chaired by Rep. Geanie Morrison and Sen. Florence
Shapiro. The committee was charged to study the financing, structure and
organization of the state's systems of higher education. In addition, the
committee studied the equity in, adequacy of and accessibility to higher
education in the state of Texas. Upon completion of the study, the committee
developed a strategic plan for higher education and made recommendations
to the Governor, Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor.
» 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 524 (Morrison - Sponsor) Expands, in a limited and prescribed amount, the area in which the Texas Department of Transportation may authorize the Port of Victoria (Port) to issue oversize/overweight permits for the overland transportation of goods, an arrangement already provided for under current law. SB 524 plays an integral part for the Caterpillar plant and its future auxiliary businesses, as well as existing industry.
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. Since
its' inception, the Texas Enterprise Fund has had tremendous
success attracting businesses to the state, providing good,
high-paying jobs for Texas residents.
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.
HB1765 (Morrison - Author) Prior to the creation
of Emerging Technology Fund, local and state economic development
initiatives were in place, but none provide the funding necessary
to provide incentives and foster emerging technology concepts
that in many instances result in marketable products.
If immediate and aggressive steps had not taken to
secure a strong position in emerging economic sectors,
Texas stood to lose its status as a leader in technological
advancement. H.B. 1765 established the Texas emerging
technology fund to cultivate economic and technological
opportunities that has allowed Texas to remain competitive
in both national and global markets.
The emerging technology fund is a general revenue dedicated
fund used for research and development activities in emerging
technology industries. The fund is used to expedite innovation
and commercialization; attract, create, or expand private sector
entities that drive a substantial increase in high quality jobs;
and increase higher education applied technology research
capabilities.
» What We Need to Do:
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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