Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.
Impact
The amendment will introduce significant changes to the Texas Constitution, particularly in Article VII, to create the university research fund. This fund will be primarily sustained through portions of the annual distribution from the permanent university fund that remain after deducting bond obligations. The legislature is tasked with establishing the eligibility criteria for universities to receive distributions from this fund, ensuring that funds are allocated based on an equitable formula. Through this initiative, it is anticipated that emerging research universities will gain enhanced financial resources to improve their research outputs and educational programs.
Summary
SJR49 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a university research fund aimed at supporting emerging research universities within The University of Texas System and The Texas A&M University System. This fund is designed to provide a dedicated and independent source of funding, enabling these universities to enhance their research capabilities and achieve national prominence as major research institutions. Additionally, the bill disqualifies all components of these university systems from receiving financial support from the national research university fund, thus directing resources specifically to Texas institutions.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment surrounding SJR49 appears to be supportive among proponents who believe that it will strengthen Texas's higher education by better supporting emerging institutions in their quest for research excellence. Advocates assert that this targeted funding is crucial for developing a competitive research environment in Texas, particularly when compared to established research universities in other states. However, some concerns may arise about the implications of disqualifying existing institutions from the national fund, as this could limit certain competitive benefits that could be harnessed from broader funding sources.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the restriction on component institutions of The University of Texas and Texas A&M University Systems from accessing national research university fund resources. Critics of this section may argue that it could hinder collaboration and resource-sharing among universities within Texas and nationally. Additionally, skepticism may emerge regarding the long-term management and allocation of the university research fund, particularly in ensuring that funds are distributed fairly and effectively. As the bill progresses, it will be essential to monitor discussions around the fund's governance and the establishment of fair allocation criteria.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund.
Proposing constitutional amendments limiting the public taking of private property, establishing the national research university fund to fund emerging research universities, and eliminating the higher education fund.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas university fund to provide funding for research activities conducted by public institutions of higher education in the Texas Tech University System or the University of Houston System.
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.
Relating to measures to enhance and maintain the quality of state universities, including funding and incentives to support emerging public research universities, to the abolition of the higher education fund, to the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system, to the independent status of Lamar Institute of Technology, to research conducted by public universities and other state entities, and to the authorization of revenue bonds for certain institutions of higher education.
Relating to university funding, including university funding for excellence, the national research university fund, the abolition of the higher education fund, and the institutional groupings established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Relating to the national research university fund and the allocation of amounts appropriated from the fund, the abolition of the higher education fund, and the institutional groupings established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.