CPRIT still struggling

"When the Texas House votes on a new two-year state budget this week, the proposal includes no new research money for CPRIT — a sign that lawmakers are still not convinced that the agency is back on the right track" (Dallas Morning News). 


More information has been uncovered about under the radar dealings between CPRIT and other companies. The House Committee on Transparency, whom Senator Wendy Davis appealed to all those months ago, is still deliberating how to deal with CPRIT. The Houston Chronicle believes that the House and the Senate's continuing consideration is a good sign that CPRIT will survive, "but if it's to survive, radical treatment is needed to restore the public trust." They suggest "tougher new operating rules," "no private foundation," and "a new board." New rules would ensure that nepotism and cronyism do not enter the foundation. By turning CPRIT into a state-run foundation, money would not be wasted on high salaries and would be subject to transparency. A new board would allow for the foundation to start new, away from the past year's allegations and tribulations (Houston Chronicle).

On April 3rd, the Texas Senate "unanimously passed a bill, authored by Jane Nelson of Flower Mound, to reform the agency." During this hearing, arguments were also made to completely eradicate CPRIT. Some believe the foundation has ruined Texas' credibility: "For many Texans, the scandal is evidence [...] that the state's leadership isn't reliable" (Texas Monthly).

Avery Ruxer

CPRIT
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