Athletics Program Update

Dear Members of the A&M-San Antonio Community,

As the Texas Legislature's 86th Regular Session closed at the end of May, one of the remaining issues that had not reached full resolution was the bill authorizing A&M-San Antonio to introduce a student fee to fund athletics. With the high level of interest in the outcome of the athletics bill, I want to keep you apprised of its status.

House Bill 1439 by Rep. Leo Pacheco (Dist. 118), successfully made its way through the legislature and was forwarded to Governor Greg Abbott. The governor had 20 days after the conclusion of the legislative session to either sign, veto or allow the bill to become law without his signature. HB-1439 received final passage without the governor's signature, effective May 27. The next step is to seek final approval by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

Please join me in thanking, once again, the entire Bexar County Delegation and especially representatives Leo Pacheco (Dist. 118), Philip Cortez (Dist. 117), Ina Minajarez (Dist. 124), Lyle Larson (Dist. 122) and John Zerwas (Dist. 28); and Senators José Menéndez (Dist. 26) and Pete Flores (Dist. 19) for their tireless efforts on our behalf. System Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations Jenny Jones and Assistant Vice Chancellor Luis Gonzalez were also instrumental in helping us throughout the legislative session.

I am excited that we are one-step closer to enlivening our campus with the introduction of intercollegiate athletics and look forward to sharing news of our progress as it becomes available.

Warm regards,

Cynthia Teniente-Matson
President