El Paso's six-member legislative delegation appeared shoulder-to-shoulder at a news conference this morning in which they said that while each member has individual goals, and the shared goals are many, getting UTEP to Tier 1 university funding status is at the top of the list.

The legislators, all Democrats and led by state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, each made brief comments in which they touched upon individual goals. But they all opened by saying they agreed upon the importance of UTEP.

Speaking in order of seniority -- Shapleigh first, then state Reps. Joe Pickett, Norma Chavez, Chente Quintanilla, Marisa Marquez and Joe Moody (although Moody and Marquez are both newcomers, Marquez did not have an opponent in the general election) -- the legislators said that UTEP's future is key to the city's future.

"Tier 1" funding goes to two public Texas Universities -- UT Austin, Texas A&M -- as well as the private university Rice, in Houston. UTEP is competing with seven so-called "emerging" universities to be called up to Tier 1 status, which brings with it increased state funding. The other emerging universities are Texas Tech, UT Dallas, UT San Antonio, UT Arlington, University of Houston and University of North Texas.

In September, reporting on a meeting of university presidents regarding the issue, the Daily Texan reported this: University administrators and legislators have offered no precise definitions of a tier-one university. Among the criteria proposed are membership in the Association of American Universities and successful attainment of federal research grants. [link]

In a May 2008 report to the Texas Senate, UT Dallas President David Daniel wrote that increased state funds ought to be matched by communities: these recommendations are made on the premise that state funding alone cannot make a university Tier One – private and community support are essential. The proposal avoids the need to choose among universities. The proposal motivates and empowers communities and private supporters to back their university if they see the benefit of a Tier One university. [link]

In a Houston Chronicle commentary on why Tier 1 universities are important, and why the University of Houston has a head start, columnist Lisa Falkenberg wrote: Texas has only three nationally competitive research universities, if you count Houston's private Rice University, while California is generally considered to have nine and New York, eight. Such institutions are considered vital to a region's economic growth, in staving off a brain drain and maintaining a skilled, well-paid work force. And well-funded, cutting-edge research and development attracts employers and generates startups. [link]

Shapleigh called UTEP "vitally important," and Pickett said that "people don't realize what UTEP brings to the city."

There's no clear method by which the next Tier 1 school or schools will be picked, the legislators said, and creating a process with criteria is vital.

Shapleigh argued that there ought to be "a competition, not a coronation," in regards to which school or schools rise in status.

Richard Adauto, UTEP's executive vice president, said the state needs "create a process to move everyone up."

Other issues

Pickett added that he would be keeping an eye on attempts to cut mental health funding, while Chavez said that securing ongoing funding for Texas Tech's medical school and finding a way to re-open the Speaking Rock Casino are also priorities.

Quintanilla said he wanted to enhance the presence of Texas A&M in the valley areas, where its research supports farming, and Marquez spoke of improving public education formulas to bring more funding to El Paso, and to increase funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Moody said the gathering shows that "we are a unified delegation," and added the impact of Fort Bliss will accelerate, something the state is partially responsible to helping to deal with.

In a news release (see attachment below this article) sent by Shapleigh's office after the event, which also included state Sen. Carlos Urtesti, who represents a part of El Paso County, other major items were listed as being:

-- Texas Tech Medical School - fund $48 million base budget for new medical school

-- Texas Tech Medical School - fund $17 million for new clinical faculty

-- Tiguas - restore Tigua gaming in El Paso

-- Ft. Bliss/BRAC—recruit and retain new health professionals for 67,000 new troops and dependents

-- Increase funding to Texas mental health system; support El Paso state center

-- Reform Central Appraisal District governance structure, appraisal process, appeal process, accountability and transparency to the public

-- Improve public education funding formulas regarding basic funding elements

-- Increase funding for CHIP program