Texas Senate Bill SR217

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Celebrating February 23, 2015, as University of Houston System Day.

Impact

The University of Houston System, comprising several campuses and teaching centers, plays a critical role in providing higher education and thereby investing in the state’s future workforce. With a service area encompassing about a quarter of Texas's population and generating almost a third of the state's gross product, the resolution emphasizes the importance of such educational institutions in sustaining and enhancing the economic and social vitality of the state. The annual economic impact cited exceeds $3.2 billion, showcasing how central this educational body is to the region.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 217, adopted by the Texas Senate, recognizes and celebrates February 23, 2015, as University of Houston System Day. This resolution serves to honor the various campuses and their contributions to the educational landscape of Texas, as well as the substantial economic impact the University of Houston System has on the state. The resolution highlights that the student body includes approximately 68,000 students and that the system has produced nearly 350,000 graduates over the years, many of whom continue to enrich Texas with their skills and contributions.

Contention

Although the resolution is celebratory in nature, it exemplifies underlying themes of state funding and support for higher education. The mention of dedicated faculty and administrative bodies suggests ongoing concerns about resource allocation and institutional integrity. The resolution also implicitly calls for ongoing engagement and support from legislative action to ensure such institutions can continue to thrive and meet the educational demands of Texas residents.