BRANCH SEEKS REELECTION TO TEXAS HOUSE
Campaign will focus on creating jobs and a 21st century Texas Workforce

DALLAS—Representative Dan Branch (R-Dallas) announced today that he will seek reelection to the Texas House of Representatives for the heart of Dallas, District 108.

"This is a critical time for the Texas economy. The decisions we make in Austin today, will affect Texans for decades to come," Branch said. "I'm running for reelection because I want to provide thoughtful, conservative leadership for North Texas, the major economic engine of a state leading the way in job creation."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

Oct. 12, 2011

JOINT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

GOVERNANCE, EXCELLENCE AND TRANSPARENCY

LAUNCHES COMMITTEE WEBSITE

AUSTIN-- A new website to promote transparency and keep Texans informed in real time was launched at the first hearing of the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency.

The website, http://heget.posterous.com, features key hearing dates and agendas and allows for real-time posting of written testimony during committee hearings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2011

STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN DAN BRANCH REGARDING THE RELEASE OF THE FRAMEWORK ACTION PLAN BY UT SYSTEM CHANCELLOR, DR. FRANCISCO CIGARROA

"Congratulations to Chancellor Cigarroa for developing a detailed action plan to further advance excellence and productivity throughout the UT System," said Chairman Branch. "In recent years, I have encouraged our university leaders to create dashboards of key indicators in order to keep our universities focused on increasing attainment and completion of our Closing the Gaps initiative. The UT Chancellor, presidents and regents are to be commended for this united effort to advance thoughtful improvements, prioritize key indicators of success and hold themselves accountable. I look forward to observing the Chancellor's implementation and seeing the results."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2011

JOINT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION GOVERNANCE, EXCELLENCE AND TRANSPARENCY TO HOLD FIRST HEARING

AUSTIN --Today the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency posted notice for its first public hearing, which will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, in Room E1.036 of the Texas Capitol.

Co-Chaired by Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Representative Dan Branch, R-Dallas, the committee was created by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus to ensure that governing boards follow best practices when developing and implementing policy; look for major policy decisions to be adequately vetted and discussed transparently; and protect the excellence and high quality of our state's institutions of higher education.

Senator Zaffirini and Representative Branch also chair the standing higher education committees of their respective chambers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 15, 2011

STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN DAN BRANCH REGARDING POSTPONEMENT OF HEARING TO DISCUSS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE REALIGNMENTS

"The August 16, 2010 hearing of the House Higher Education Committee on collegiate athletics has been postponed.

"Yesterday, Dr. Bernie Machen, on behalf of the Southeastern Conference Presidents and Chancellors, stated that the member institutions have, at least for the time being, reaffirmed their satisfaction with the „present 12 institutional alignment.?

"While events may continue to evolve in the coming weeks, at this time, there is no immediate need to evaluate the merits of an athletic conference reconfiguration involving Texas A&M University and, potentially, other Texas public universities. If the current situation changes, our Committee is prepared to convene.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 15, 2011                  

STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN DAN BRANCH REGARDING

THE TEXAS A&M BOARD OF REGENTS NAMING JOHN SHARP

THE SOLE FINALIST FOR CHANCELLOR

"I congratulate the Honorable John Sharp on being selected as the sole finalist for Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. John has a long history of service to the university and the state dating back to his days as an A&M student body president. He showed his commitment to transparency in government as our State Comptroller of Public Accounts with the creation of the Texas Window on State Government, and more recently, his willingness to reach across party lines as the Chairman of the Texas Tax Reform Commission. Once the waiting period is concluded, I look forward to working with him, and better understanding his vision for one of our state's most prestigious higher education systems."

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HOUSE BILL 9 HEADED TO THE GOVERNOR
The "Higher Education Outcomes-Based Funding Act" Will, for the First Time,

Tie a Portion of College Funding to Graduations

(Austin, TX) -- Earlier today, the Texas Legislature sent House Bill 9, The Higher Education Outcomes-Based Funding Act, to the Governor's desk. This landmark legislation incorporates, for the first time, graduations and other student outcomes into the main formula funding mechanisms for public colleges and universities in Texas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Ryan Trimble
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512) 463-0367

BRANCH, DAVIS TO CO-CHAIR DALLAS AREA LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION

Rep. Dan Branch (R- Dallas) and Rep. Yvonne Davis (D- Dallas) Elected by Peers to Lead Multi-County Delegation

AUSTIN, Texas—Texas House members from north Texas elected Rep. Yvonne Davis (D- Dallas) and Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas) to Co-Chair the Dallas Area Legislative Delegation (DALD), at the delegation's first meeting of the 82nd Session. Davis replaces Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas), who chose to step down after serving as Democrat Co-Chair during the 80th and 81st legislative sessions; Branch is returning for his second term as Republican Co-Chair of the delegation.

The 28 member House delegation meets regularly to discuss major issues facing the Texas Legislature. In the coming weeks, DALD members will meet to hear from representatives from key area institutions and finalize strategies. The delegation has planned meetings with the Tarrant County Delegation to advocate for Metroplex interests. The DALD consists of 22 Republicans and 6 Democrats.

"I thank my colleagues for their vote of confidence, as well as the opportunity to serve our region," Rep. Branch said. "The legislature is facing substantial budget and infrastructure challenges this session," Branch continued, "and it will be critical that north Texas members take a coordinated approach to serve the 4th largest metro area in the nation. I look forward to working with Chairman Davis, as well as our Senate and Tarrant County counterparts to find creative solutions and advance our region's interests."

Rep. Davis said, "I look forward to working in partnership with Rep. Branch, as well as, all 27 members from the DFW and North Texas area. While we represent diverse regions, it is critical that we take a regional and bipartisan approach in addressing the various issues important to our collective constituents. Faced with the enormous budget shortfall, we must work together to minimize cuts in education, transportation, and health care. In addition, we must continue to encourage economic development and job growth in North Texas. By working together, I am confident that we can improve the quality of life for all Texans."

Rep. Davis was first elected to represent district 111 in 1992, which encompasses part of the Southwest Dallas region, including the city of Duncanville and part of the city of DeSoto. She currently serves as the chair of the House Urban Affairs Committee and as a member of the Transportation Committee.

Rep. Branch is in his fifth term representing House District 108, which includes Downtown, Uptown, Near East and North Dallas, including the Town of Highland Park and the City of University Park. In addition to serving as Delegation Co-Chair, Branch serves as Chair of the House Committee on Higher Education, and is a member the Legislative Budget Board and the Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee.

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