Proposing a constitutional amendment discontinuing the authority to issue bonded indebtedness on behalf of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Impact
The proposed amendment would amend Section 67(c), Article III of the Texas Constitution, placing restrictions on the financial mechanisms available to CPRIT. Previously, the authority could issue bonds up to $3 billion, with an annual limit of $300 million, to gain the resources necessary to fund cancer research initiatives. By revoking this authority, CPRIT may face challenges in securing financial support for ongoing projects and research, which could hinder its impact on cancer treatment and prevention efforts in the state.
Summary
HJR64 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that aims to discontinue the authority of the Texas Public Finance Authority to issue bonded indebtedness on behalf of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). If approved, this amendment would effectively end the state's capacity to raise funds through bonds to support the activities and initiatives of CPRIT, which is designed to combat cancer and enhance research throughout Texas. This action has significant implications for the funding and operational capabilities of CPRIT moving forward.
Sentiment
Sentiments around HJR64 are mixed, reflecting significant concerns from various stakeholders about the potential consequences of limiting CPRIT's funding mechanisms. Proponents of the amendment argue for fiscal responsibility and the need to eliminate debt obligations that they believe may not align with the state's priorities. Conversely, opponents express worries about the future of cancer research funding in Texas, emphasizing that restricting CPRIT's funding could negatively affect research efforts, patient care, and innovative treatments for cancer.
Contention
Key points of contention include the debate between fiscal conservatism and public health priorities. Supporters of HJR64 contend that discontinuing the bond issuance authority will promote prudence in state financial management. Meanwhile, detractors argue that this could significantly undermine the fight against cancer in Texas by reducing available funds for vital research and clinical trials. The resolution points to a broader discourse about how best to balance financial management with the state's responsibility to address pressing public health issues.
Identical
Proposing a constitutional amendment discontinuing the authority to issue bonded indebtedness on behalf of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas and establishing the Mental Health and Brain Institute Research Fund for the purposes of scientific research of all forms of mental health and human brain disease and disorders.
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.
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 providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
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.
Relating to prohibitions on the use of grant money awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to procure or obtain organs from a hospital located in China.
Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent university fund.
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 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.