Legislative Update – Monday, January 24, 2022 – The University of Texas at Arlington

Monday, January 24, 2022

Greetings,

We start off the new year with good news regarding the search for a new UTA president. The UT System Board of Regents has named Jennifer Evans-Cowley, currently the provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of North Texas, as the sole finalist for the position. In state leadership news, Senator Joan Huffman has been named chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, replacing retiring state senator and UTA alumna Jane Nelson. At the federal level, President Joe Biden's Build Back Better plan has a challenging path ahead in the U.S. Senate.

Cases of the Omicron variant increased exponentially in schools through the end of 2021 and are expected to peak in late January.

As February approaches, we look back on the Texas freeze of 2021 and what might be causing such extremes in weather patterns.

We will be following legislation at the state and federal levels that pertains to higher education and its impact on UTA. As you receive updates, please let us know if there are any topics you would like to hear more about from Government Relations.

Thank you for your dedication to UTA and Go Mavs!

— UTA Government Relations

Sole finalist

Arlington native Jennifer Evans-Cowley named sole finalist for president of UT Arlington.

Replacing Jane Nelson

Senator Joan Huffman named chair of the Texas Senate Committee on Finance.

Slimmed-down version

How the White House hopes to save Biden's Build Back Better bill.

Inflation surging

Soaring prices are fueling congressional pressure on the Fed chief.

Child receiving a COVID-19 test nasal swab.

Semester shakeup

Current cases of Omicron causing change of plans for the start of the spring semester.

Snow covered subdivision seen from above.

Understanding 2021 freeze

Climate change messing with Texas weather, emerging science suggests.

Appointed positions

The Office of the Governor is always looking for people to apply to various boards, including higher education. If you need assistance in applying, please contact Jeff Jeter at jeter@uta.edu. See a full list of available positions.

Your input helps UTA

The University needs the support of its faculty, staff, and alumni to ensure we continue to receive resources to serve our students, conduct research, and expand our programs. For more information on how you can support the University and its legislative goals, contact:

Jeff Jeter, vice president of Government Relations, at jeter@uta.edu
Martin Lujan, director of Government Relations, at martin.lujan@uta.edu
Bogan Pollock, director of Public Policy, at bogan@uta.edu
Trevor Simmons, senior budget analyst, at trevor.simmons@uta.edu
Beth Robinson, administrative assistant, at beth.robinson@uta.edu