State Rep. John Smithee, Dist. 25, Amarillo, says the prime consideration entering January’s legislative session is securing operational funding for the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. Officials said incorporating the operational funding component into Appropriation Committee efforts within the House and Senate will be key, with an overarching goal of having the request included in the first draft of the proposed budget. The Amarillo City Council previously approved an arrangement supporting an Amarillo Economic Development Corp. pledge of up to $69 million toward the completion of the $90 million project in partnership with Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University System. –Amarillo Globe-News Read more…