University of Houston outlines legislative goals ahead of Austin visit

A group from the University of Houston, including leaders, students, and alumni, will travel to Austin on February 11 for UH Day at the Capitol. This event aims to highlight the university's legislative priorities and its impact on Texas.

"UH Day at the Capitol is a powerful opportunity for us to engage directly with state legislators, celebrate our achievements and educate them about the key priorities that will drive the University forward," stated Jason Smith, vice president for government and community relations at UH. "By working together, we can ensure continued success for our students, faculty, staff and the entire UH community."

The University of Houston has outlined several legislative priorities for 2025:

- Increased Formula Funding: The UH System supports recommendations from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to alleviate financial pressures due to inflation and maintain affordable attendance costs.

- Equal Funding for Health-Related Programs: The university backs a health care workforce program supplement recommended by the board to equalize funding across General Academic Institutions.

- Higher Education Fund (HEF): The UH System requests prioritization of HEF funding by adopting allocation methods suggested by the coordinating board.

- Financial Aid/TEXAS Grants: The university stresses increased investment in state-supported financial aid to help students facing financial challenges complete their degrees.

- Capital Construction Assistance Projects (CCAPs): The system seeks authorization for new CCAPs to support educational needs not fully addressed in previous legislation.

- Hazlewood Exemptions: The UH System asks for maintained or increased funding for veterans' education under the Hazlewood Legacy Program.

The 89th Texas Legislative Session began on January 14 and will continue until June 2.