Tier-One Funding Bill Joint-Authored by Lubbock State Representative Passes

Texas Tech University is getting closer to achieving Tier-One status. House Bill 1000, joint-authored by House District 84 State Representative John Frullo, was passed Thursday in the Texas House of Representatives.

The bill is the second step in establishing the National Research University Fund, which was created in 2009 to help emerging research institutions join the ranks of the state’s two public tier-one research universities.

The funds would be distributed equally among the qualifying institutions, while ensuring the fund’s sustainability for future recipients.

Frullo discussed the bill with KFYO, saying that “It’s a great avenue for Texas Tech to have a seat at the table, and participate in getting the funds through the Tier-One status program. Right now, it looks like Texas Tech and the University of Houston are leading the race, and of course, that’s pretty exciting for us.”

The bill also received no real opposition, according to Frullo. “I think they realize how important it is for the individual universities, as well as the State of Texas. We need more Tier-One universities, and this is a way to do it. The money is there, and we need to pursue it,” Frullo elaborated.

Rep. Frullo also said he does not expect much opposition in the Senate version of this bill.