As a new school year begins, TCCTA lobbyist Beaman Floyd shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities from his Capitol perspective. His remarks are posted below:
The recent Regular Session of the Texas Legislature involved a number of difficult issues for us. Performance Funding. An assault upon developmental education as we know it. Textbook selection. And, of course, our old friend “Proportionality” in the funding of health benefits.
Some of these issues “died” in bills that failed to pass, but all of them are likely to return.
I genuinely believe in the social good of your profession, and promise to continue engaging lawmakers and their staffs urgently and constructively. Naturally, when visiting with clients, I am asked, “What can I do?”—especially in the “off-season.”
First, you can join TCCTA. Your association is respected in Austin, and policy makers pay attention when your professional voices speak in unison, from every campus—and legislative district—in Texas.
Next, get informed. Pay attention to the information and commentary TCCTA provides. Read the Messenger. Visit the Web site and contribute to the discussion on the “Blog” feature of the site. Communication is indispensable.
Third, get to know your representative and senator now, while they are “at home.” Follow the TCCTA Guide to Political Participation (available in printable form under “Legislative Resources” at www.tccta.org.) It’s the best document of its kind.
Fourth, invite your representative and senator to visit your campus, ideally in a joint meeting with faculty, administration, and board members. It’s always impressive when all stakeholders are on the same page. As someone who represents clients in public education, I can tell you that such unity is very rare.
Finally, participate in TCCTA events—especially the Fall Conference for Faculty Leaders on October 16-17 in Austin and the Annual Convention on March 4-6 in Houston.
I hope to see you there!
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