May 10, 2002
TO: All UT Faculty and Staff
FROM: Emerson H. Fly, Acting President
SUBJECT: Higher Education Funding

Yesterday, House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh decried the lack of support for tax
reform among legislators who represent college communities. As part of his
challenge, he called on supporters of higher education -- alumni, faculty
and students -- to communicate their feelings about tax reform and adequate
funding for UT to their local legislators.

During my tenure as Acting President, I have taken every occasion to make
my feelings known. It is also important for you to do so as well. This is a
critical time for higher education. We CANNOT sustain the "no new revenue"
budget; we must have new funds this year. You need to urge your local
legislators to fix the problem now and thank them in advance for doing so.