Honorable J. M. Lozano, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1007 by Alonzo (Relating to the establishment of veterans resource centers at certain institutions of higher education.), As Introduced
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1007, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($2,606,274) through the biennium ending August 31, 2019.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
Fiscal Year
Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2018
($1,307,537)
2019
($1,298,737)
2020
($1,298,737)
2021
($1,298,737)
2022
($1,298,737)
Fiscal Year
Probable Savings/(Cost) from General Revenue Fund 1
Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2017
2018
($1,307,537)
17.0
2019
($1,298,737)
17.0
2020
($1,298,737)
17.0
2021
($1,298,737)
17.0
2022
($1,298,737)
17.0
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would amend the Government Code relating to the establishment of 15 regional veterans resource centers at certain institutions of higher education. The regional veterans' resource centers would provide a centralized place for veterans to find assistance and information regarding veterans' education. The bill would require institutions of higher education to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Veterans Commission, requiring the institutions to provide office space, equipment, computers at their respective locations.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Methodology
The bill would require the Commission to employ one program manager to administer the veteran resource center program and employ 15 regional veterans resource counselors for each higher education region. The Veterans Commission has also indicated the need for one staff services officer to assist with the operational control, transition and training of the regional counselors. Based on the analysis of the Veterans Commission, there would be a cost of $1,307,537 in fiscal year 2018 and an ongoing cost of $1,298,737 in each following year for 15 regional veteran resource centers.
This analysis assumes the following for on-going annual costs: annual staff costs of $891,068 for 17.0 new FTEs (1 Program Manager, 15 Program Specialists and 1 Staff Services Officer), $50,000 for travel, $326,309 for agency payroll contribution costs and employee retirement, $30,160 for other operating expenses (phones, promotional items, and postage) and $1,200 for office equipment. The Veterans Commission has also indicated one-time start up costs of $8,800 for office equipment, computers and associated software.
Based on the analysis of information provided by the Higher Education Coordinating Board and institutions of higher education, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
403 Veterans Commission, 710 Texas A&M University System Administrative and General Offices, 720 The University of Texas System Administration, 758 Texas State University System, 768 Texas Tech University System Administration, 769 University of North Texas System Administration, 781 Higher Education Coordinating Board