This week legislators remained focused on the departmental budget presentations moving through the committee system; therefore, none of our TSEA legislation or bills to watch were heard in committees this week. TSEA continues to monitor these budget hearings, which will go on into the coming weeks, and we will let you know about anything of concern.
There are several Higher Education budget presentations we will monitor this week. The good news so far is that after the TBR and UT updates last week, it appears we are emerging from last year in much better shape than expected, and cuts at the Universities could be minimal or not necessary at all.
Next week we plan to discuss several items with legislators to prepare to enter the legislative process with some of our bills. Items up for discussion include legislation on Burden of Proof, the 401(k) match, pension transfer, childcare legislation, the reorganization of the DHS childcare division, the proposed voluntary separation/buyout for state employees, and other matters addressed in our legislative agenda.
Monday, TSEA is scheduled to meet with DOHR for our quarterly meeting, where we will discuss many of the same topics, including the buyout. TSEA will also meet with DCS to discuss a bill to address a problem with the average caseloads as uncovered by the Comptroller’s audit.
Please continue to check our weekly legislative emails for updates on these and other important legislative actions.
