Updates to Telecommunications Discounts

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) has announced a review of state required telecommunications discounts for libraries, schools, and institutions of higher education. These discounts (originally a part of the broad legislation that created state support mechanisms for distance education and the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund back in 1995) were continued through 2012 last summer. We urge library stakeholders to participate in this process by responding to the list of PUC questions (pdf).

Background information from the Public Utility Commission:

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (“Commission”) is required by Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) Section 58.032 to issue a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Lieutenant Governor by November 15, 2006 regarding a new funding mechanism for private network services and discounts provided to entities identified in Chapter 57- Subchapter B, Chapter 58- Subchapter G and Chapter 59-Subchapter D.  Project No. 31925 - Commission Review and Evaluation of Distance Learning Discounts and Private Network Services For Certain Entities has been established for this purpose.

As one of the first steps in providing the Speaker and Lt. Governor with this report, the Commission is holding a workshop on June 28, 2006 and is seeking comments, in advance of the workshop from interested parties for discussion at the workshop [please go to link provided above]. Comments are due May 31, 2006, and reply comments are due June 14, 2006.

The Commission would like to hear from a broad range of participants. Parties are encouraged to track developments in this proceeding at the Project’s website. The Workshop Notice is available for download at the project's website. In addition, all documents filed in this proceeding may be obtained, free of charge, at the Commission’s document retrieval website. [In the Control Number field, type in 31925, then click the Search Now button to retrieve all documents].

For additional information, contact Rosemary McMahill, senior policy analyst, Public Utility Commission of Texas at(512) 936-7244; fax: (512) 936-7208; e-mail:  rosemary.mcmahill@puc.state.tx.us.

State Library Sunset

Staff members of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission are currently seeking input on the mission and function of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Stakeholders are invited to respond to the following series of questions and to submit responses to Amy Trost, Sunset Advisory Commission, P.O. Box 13066, Austin, Texas, 78711; fax (512)463-0705. Please submit your response by May 31, 2006.

Questions

1. What changes, if any, should be made to the mission or functions of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission?
2. What changes, if any, should be made to the current structure and size of the Commission?
3. Does the Commission effectively:
   • assist libraries
   • collect and maintain important historical documents
   • manage state and local government records
   • administer the Talking Book Program for people with visual, physical, or reading disabilities?
4. What changes, if any, should be made to the Texas Library Systems?
5. Does the Commission fairly and appropriately distribute grants to libraries?
6. What key challenges does the Commission face in the next 5 to 10 years?
7. Outside of additional funding, how can the Commission do a better job of meeting the needs of the public and the library and archives communities?
8. Should the Texas State Library and Archives Commission be continued for 12 years? Why or why not?
9. Please add any other comments about the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. If you suggest any changes, please provide:
   • background information on how the current systems works and a description of what you would like to see changed,
   • benefits of your recommendation, and
   • any potential difficulties that may arise from implementing your recommendation.

Special Session Wrap-Up

The Third Special Session of the 79th State Legislature adjourned sine die yesterday. The Legislature passed several tax measures including bills to lower school property taxes and generate state funds through a revised business tax as well as other measures. The Legislature also passed a pay increase of $2000 for teachers, librarians, nurses, and counselors and a stipulation that schools must begin in the last week in August.

The 80th Regular Session convenes on January 9, 2007.