Texas lawmakers could give billions to universities for research

[Coach Andy Mac]

The Texas House approved two measures this week that would create the Texas University Fund and allocate billions for higher education research to certain universities, including The University of North Texas.

On Tuesday, the House gave its final approval in a 136-11 vote to House Bill 1595 to change the name of the National Research University Fund, which currently provides funding to "emerging research universities," to the Texas University Fund. A day earlier, in a 132-10 vote, the House approved House Joint Resolution 3, which proposes a constitutional amendment to enact the bill and allocate $3.5 billion to the fund.

Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, filed both proposals in the House.

The two bills are part of the Legislature’s effort to support higher education research and expand funding to Texas State University, Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and other higher education institutions. The Senate bill is one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's priorities this legislative session.

"As Texas’ economy and population continue to grow rapidly, so do our workforce needs. Cutting-edge research and innovation are occurring at Texas universities, adding fuel to our economic engine" Patrick said in a statement after the Senate legislation passed. "The new Texas University Fund will provide funding for our non-Permanent University Fund universities so we can continue powering the Texas and American economy forward for decades to come."

read more:  https://www.statesman.com/story/news/education/2023/04/19/texas-legislature-lawmakers-ok-creating-texas-university-fund/70104917007/