Leaders of Texas’ 6 largest public university systems propose using $1 billion of the state’s $32.7 billion surplus to fund instruction, university operations, employee health insurance and a free tuition program for veterans and their children. In exchange, they pledge to hold undergraduate tuition flat for the next 2 academic years according to a Texas Tribune article which say,
“The leaders of the state’s six biggest university systems are seeking the money to fund instruction, university operations and employee health insurance and to cover a free tuition program for veterans and their children.
As Texas lawmakers consider what to do with an unprecedented $32.7 billion state surplus, leaders of the state’s six largest public university systems are pitching that nearly $1 billion be allocated toward higher education.
If lawmakers agree, these university chancellors pledge to hold tuition flat for all undergraduate students for the next two academic years.”
The Texas State Teachers Association is advocating for better funding for schools and keeping educators and staff salaries in mind, as the sector is facing widespread shortages according to a Local Profile article. They say,
“According to the Texas Standard, the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA), the state’s biggest teacher union, is advocating for better funding for schools, keeping educators and staff salaries in mind for a sector facing widespread shortages.
“We know that we have representatives on either side that are supportive of our public schools, especially in our rural communities, where they have seen school districts have to be really creative into ensuring that they have teachers in front of students, ensuring that they have the programs that need the funding,” Ovidia Molina, TSTA president, told the Texas Standard.”
The proposal outlined in the letter is for general academic institutions within the university systems, not health-related institutions. Chancellors also request similar funding increases for health-related institutions.
