According to the February 1st Austin American-Statesman newspaper, Governor Abbott announced yesterday a freeze on new faculty hiring through August if the funds are from state appropriations. There may be some wiggle room for administrators to shift funds or request a waiver from the Governor’s Office. Additionally, the Governor asked the Legislature for full funding of the Governor’s University Research Initiative which pays one-time expenses of setting up facilities for new researchers.

Texas legislators in the House and Senate have begun one of their most important tasks, budgeting. As the early versions of each budget have been released, it is plain they have different goals in mind.

According to the Texas Tribune article, Analysis: Legislators start with a $5.3 billion difference of opinion, the Senate aims to make at least $690 million in cuts to higher education, while the House calls for legislators to find funding for programs or cut the programs altogether.