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 reflects a significant shift in how cancer research is funded within the state. Should SJR19 be enacted, it would restrict the financial resources available to CPRIT, which has played a pivotal role in funding cancer research projects and initiatives. By discontinuing the bond issuance authority, the state would essentially be limiting its capacity to invest in cancer research, which may have downstream effects on public health and research innovation in the state. This change catalyzes discussions regarding resource allocation and effective funding strategies for health-related initiatives.
Summary
SJR19 proposes a constitutional amendment to discontinue the authority for the Texas Public Finance Authority to issue bonded indebtedness on behalf of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). This resolution seeks to address the limits and regulations surrounding the issuance of general obligation bonds, which currently allows for substantial borrowing up to $3 billion for cancer research funding. Specifically, the amendment aims to restrict CPRIT’s ability to further increase or extend its existing bond authority, impacting future funding mechanisms for cancer prevention and research initiatives in Texas.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SJR19 appears to be notably mixed. Supporters may argue that tightening financial controls and accountability regarding how funds are spent is necessary and responsible governance. On the other hand, critics express concerns that restricting financial mechanisms could hinder vital cancer research projects that rely on these funds. The debate reflects broader themes in fiscal policy—balancing oversight with the necessary funding to support critical health initiatives.
Contention
A notable point of contention in discussions surrounding SJR19 is the underlying rationale for the proposed changes. Supporters emphasize the need for fiscal responsibility and fear potential financial mismanagement, whereas opponents warn that the discontinuation of bond authority could jeopardize ongoing cancer research. As a public health issue, the discussions highlight the challenges of ensuring adequate funding while maintaining rigorous oversight, showcasing the complexity of health policy in a legislative context.
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.