WESLACO — John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, honored Rio Grande Valley-area members of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives for their “commitment and outstanding work” during the 83rd legislative session during a reception March 18 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco.
“We all share the desire for Texas to lead the nation in excellence in education, service and research,” Sharp said. “And the 83rd Legislature was critical for higher education and the A&M System in particular in our continued efforts to do our part to transform higher education in Texas and provide a number of services to the citizens of this state.”
Legislators from the Rio Grande Valley include Texas state Sens. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio Jr., and state Reps. Terry Canales, Bobby Guerra, Ryan Guillen, Oscar Longoria, Eddie Lucio III, Armando “Mando” Martinez, Rene Oliveira and Sergio Munoz Jr.
The members of the 83rd Legislature worked tirelessly to tackle problems and make investments in higher education and the A&M System, Sharp said. As a result, Texas students will have access to more financial aid at universities statewide, including the restoration of nearly $120 million in general revenue for TEXAS grants, while student military veterans and their dependents will benefit from a sustainable Hazlewood program.
The Legislature also provided new funding to the Competitive Knowledge Fund, which provides a major source of support for the state’s comprehensive research universities, including Texas A&M University, he said.
“Thanks to these and other key funding decisions, the A&M System will address a multitude of needs, from providing an educated workforce and advancing research, to improving access to healthcare, managing natural resources and providing support in the wake of natural disasters,” Sharp said.
Dr. Ruben Saldana, district director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at the center, said the legislators’ work on behalf of the A&M System is crucial.
“The important work our agencies do on a daily basis on behalf of Texans and agricultural producers would not be possible without the extraordinary and insightful efforts of our legislators in Austin,” he said. “It is only fitting that we recognize their diligence on behalf of all Texans.”
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $3.8 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, seven state agencies, two service units and a comprehensive health science center, the Texas A&M University System educates more than 125,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through serve-and-outreach programs each year. Externally funded research expenditures exceed $780 million and help drive the state’s economy.