State Relations

State Relations

Advancing UTA’s Interests in Texas

State Relations promotes the interests of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) with elected officials, state agencies, and other higher education stakeholders across Texas. We increase support for UTA’s mission by highlighting the University’s contributions to research, workforce development, health innovation, public service, and the Texas economy.

State Relations monitors the state budget and major legislation—including higher education formulas, research funds, and statewide initiatives—and builds relationships with members of the Texas Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and state agencies. We also collaborate closely with higher education associations and peer institutions across the state to strengthen UTA’s advocacy.

State Legislative Appropriations Process

UTA’s state appropriations process is coordinated through the Office of Government Relations in partnership with campus leadership.

In September, UTA launched its process for the 90th Texas Legislative Session (FY 2027–28) by releasing the Appropriations Process and Advocacy Timeline. add Link to document here Appropriations requests identified during this process will be advanced through UTA’s state legislative delegation, many of whom actively champion funding requests or directives for state-supported programs through the appropriations process.

UTA has created a State Appropriations Requests Submission Form guidlines that faculty, department heads, and deans may use to submit priorities. These submissions help assess readiness and viability, highlight areas of research and education aligned with state priorities, and identify potential legislative champions. Requests are due November 15. Please submit all requests to [email protected].

Setting UTA Legislative Priorities

Once consolidated, the priorities are reviewed and approved by University leadership before being advanced to the Texas Legislature and state agencies for consideration.

Faculty and staff interested in submitting budget or capital requests should work through their dean’s office . Government Relations provides strategic guidance and advocacy but cannot independently approve budget or capital requests. Only proposals formally adopted by University leadership will be supported in legislative advocacy.