RP 63

Relating to the creation of the Texas Southern University Advisory Committee

WHEREAS, Texas Southern University provides educational opportunities for Texas residents and individuals from around the nation and the world; and

WHEREAS, Texas Southern University's excellence in higher education is essential to promoting long-term economic growth and ensuring a stable, long-term source of educated Texans; and

WHEREAS, Texas Southern University is one of two comprehensive Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Texas and one of the four-year colleges in Texas with an open enrollment policy, accepting all eligible students with a high school diploma or GED equivalent; and

WHEREAS, it is in the state's and students' best interests to improve excellence of academic programs and graduation rates at Texas Southern University; and

WHEREAS, the faculty and administrative staff at Texas Southern University have adopted a "Five Point Vision" that includes fiscal responsibility, service and accountability in administration, hospitable learning and living environment, commitment to community outreach and academic and faculty excellence; and

WHEREAS, with the rapidly rising costs of a higher education all across Texas, colleges and universities must implement fiscal and administrative practices to aid retention and graduation rates of students seeking a higher education;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas as the Chief Executive Officer, do hereby order the following:

Creation. The Texas Southern University Advisory Committee ("Committee") is hereby created. The Committee shall examine, evaluate, and make recommendations on relevant issues to the Board of Regents on the future fiscal needs of Texas Southern University.

The Committee should seek, consider, and evaluate reports on the overall administration and budget as it relates to ensuring a quality educational experience for Texas Southern University students, to include administrative governance, financial aid, technology in instruction, strategic planning, and exemplifying a culture of academic and professional excellence both internally and externally.

Composition and Organization. The Committee shall consist of members appointed by the governor. All appointees serve at the pleasure of the governor. The governor may designate a member of the Committee to serve as chair of the Committee. The Chair may appoint sub-committees to fulfill the purposes of the Committee. The Chair shall determine the meeting times and places for the Committee.

Administrative Support. The Office of the Governor, Texas Southern University, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, and other state agencies may provide staff and funding to assist the Committee as necessary. Institutions of higher education throughout the state are strongly encouraged to assist the Committee in their study and research.

Recommendations and Report. The Committee shall develop a set of recommendations to improve the fiscal management of Texas Southern University so that taxpayers are provided a transparent review of their tax dollars and so that students and their parents can be confident in the value of the cost of educational programming as the university continues to focus on increasing graduation and retention rates. The Committee shall submit a full report, including findings and legislative recommendations, to the board of regents, with copies provided to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives prior to March 15, 2007. Any subsequent work of the Committee may be addressed in supplementary reports as appropriate.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders on this matter that are in conflict or inconsistent with its terms and this order shall remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding governor.

Given under my hand this the 26th day of January, 2007.

Rick Perry, Governor

TRD-200700262

RP 64

Relating to the creation, composition, and operation of the Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center to provide objective analysis and assessment of State criminal justice programs and initiatives.

WHEREAS, establishing a statistical analysis center will result in more cost-effective criminal justice programs and initiatives; and

WHEREAS, establishing a statistical analysis center will increase the public safety of all Texans; and

WHEREAS, the State's involvement in criminal justice policy is critical for all levels of government to develop appropriate programs and policies related to crime, illegal drugs, services to victims, and the administration of justice; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for a statistical analysis center to maximize the resources available and continue to reduce crime in Texas; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Texas Statistical Analysis Center shall be to collect, analyze and report statewide criminal justice statistics; evaluate the effectiveness of state-funded initiatives; and disseminate analysis results to practitioners, policy-makers, researchers, and the public in order to enhance the quality of criminal justice and crime prevention at all levels of government.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas as the Chief Executive Officer, do hereby order the following:

Creation. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center, is hereby created and shall carry out the mission stated herein.

Designation. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is designated as the criminal justice statistical analysis center for the State of Texas and as the liaison for the state to the United States Department of Justice on criminal justice issues of interest to the state and federal government related to criminal justice data collection, analysis, information systems, reporting, and research.

Authorization to Contract. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is authorized to contract with qualified public or private entities for designated program evaluations, assessments, research projects, population forecasting, and general assistance. Contracts shall be monitored by the Texas Statistical Analysis Center for compliance, audited for accuracy, and evaluated for effectiveness.

Personnel. Staff may be employed as necessary to accomplish the mission stated in this executive order.

Funding. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is hereby authorized to seek available State and Federal funding to accomplish the mission set forth in this executive order.

Assets. The Texas Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center shall use the assets of the Office of the Governor to accomplish the mission and purposes set forth in this executive order.

Access to Data. The Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center is hereby authorized access to the data bases of the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, the Texas Youth Commission, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and any other relevant agencies as needed to accomplish the duties as set forth in this executive order and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws or regulations. The access authorized by this executive order does not grant the Center the right to add, delete, or alter data maintained by another agency.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders on this matter that are in conflict or inconsistent with its terms and this order shall remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding governor.

Given under my hand this the 29th day of January, 2007.

Rick Perry, Governor

TRD-200700263