AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Months after state lawmakers elevated a quiet feud with University of Texas System regents into a public spat, the Texas Senate is set to hold a confirmation hearing for new board members with just a week left in the session.
The Senate must approve regents appointed by Gov. Rick Perry. Monday’s hearing will include testimony from nominees Jeff Hildebrand of Houston and Ernest Aliseda of McAllen.
Hildebrand is a major Perry campaign donor and Texas alum. Aliseda is a former judge who is a graduate of Texas A&M.
The Senate is also considering the reappointment of regent Paul Foster of El Paso.
Any new board members are considered critical to the future of University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers, who is believed to be fighting for his job.