OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Action Urged on Rangel Pharmacy School

By: Al Green
By: Al Green
Date: Feb. 16, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Higher Education Health and Health Care


Action Urged on Rangel Pharmacy School

02/16/06

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz today released a letter, signed by several members of the Texas Delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives, urging Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick to convene the Legislative Budget Board to set aside at least the $5 million needed to open up the Rangel School of Pharmacy, in Kingsville, in the fall of 2006. Signatories included Reps: Ortiz, Hinojosa, Doggett, Gene Green, Johnson, Jackson-Lee, Al Green, Charlie Gonzalez, and Chet Edwards. The text of the letter follows:

February 7, 2006

Honorable Tom Craddick
Speaker, Texas House of Representatives

Dear Speaker Craddick,

As leaders and advocates for the Texas education system we, the undersigned Members of the Texas Delegation, are writing in support of the newly founded school of pharmacy in Kingsville, Texas.

As you know, the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy is in dire need of state funding for its operating costs in order to open up for students in the fall of 2006. We understand that scheduling conflicts have resulted in further delays in the Legislative Budget Board meeting thus far. However, with the upcoming deadline to secure funding for the pharmacy school, we respectfully urge you to convene this meeting with your colleagues in the upcoming days to consider Gov. Perry's budget proposals to set aside at least the $5 million needed to open up the school in the fall of 2006. Not only is the reputation of the school in jeopardy, but the educational future of over 70 potential Texas pharmacists rests on this meeting.

The Texas Legislature had a sound vision when it established the A&M Kingsville Pharmacy School in July of 2001, and the promise from Governor Perry to fully fund the school last year was a step forward in the process. Now is the time for the state of Texas to come through with its promise of education for our students. The 1000 applicants to the pharmacy school are counting on this meeting, and the 70 students who will be admitted look forward to starting classes in the fall.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this request. We look forward to your continued support of the Texas education system.

http://www.house.gov/ortiz/releases/pr_021606.html

arrow_upward