Update on State Legislative Session
M. Katherine BanksPresident
June 26, 2023
Faculty and Staff,
On Monday, June 19, Gov. Greg Abbott approved a record $1.19 billion in new spending for The Texas A&M University System. This includes new funding of $277.6 million to Texas A&M University, $4.8 million to Texas A&M University at Galveston and $90.8 million to Texas A&M Health Science Center for the upcoming biennium (Fiscal Years 2024-2025), which begins on Sept. 1. These funds will enable us to advance important work that supports our faculty, staff and students.
The Texas Legislature committed historic funding levels in support of higher education, and we thank Chancellor John Sharp as well as the Board of Regents for their leadership throughout this legislative session.
Additionally, Texas A&M University is working with The Texas A&M System Office of General Counsel to address Senate Bill 17 (legislation regarding diversity, equity and inclusion) and will implement necessary changes accordingly. The President’s Office is working with deans and vice presidents to communicate these changes in a timely manner. Also, the Office of General Counsel is reviewing Senate Bill 18 regarding tenure to understand if changes are needed to our existing policies.
Thank you for your commitment to this university and its future.
Gig ’em!
M. Katherine Banks
President, Texas A&M University