Legislative Priorities

The Legislature has clearly defined the role and mission of the state's 50 community college districts.

Each college shall be a two-year institution primarily serving its local taxing district and service area and offering vocational, technical, andacademic courses for certification or associate degrees. Continuing education, remedial and compensatory education consistent with open admission policies, and programs of counseling and guidance shall be provided. Each college shall insist on excellence in all academic areas. Education Code, §130.0011

The Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) appreciates the continued support provided by the Texas Legislature to public community colleges. Over one million Texans benefit each year from the instruction at the state's community and technical colleges. The following Legislative Priorities will help community and technical colleges provide access to higher education services to the citizens of Texas.

o Appropriations. The Legislature should maintain the current level of funding for the formula plus provide an adjustment for enrollment growth and inflation. TACC supports the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board exceptional item request for Closing the Gaps.

o Workforce Development. As the primary provider of workforce development and training, Texas public community and technical colleges' efforts to meet this
critical need should be enhanced by increasing the appropriation for the Skills Development Fund and funding the High Priority Program Development Fund.

o Annexation. The 78th Legislature should provide community college boards with an additional method to pursue annexation of their legislatively designated service areas.

o Deregulation. The 78th Legislature should pass legislation to ease certain regulatory burdens on the colleges in order to enhance the ability of the colleges to function more efficiently in meeting the needs of students and taxpayers.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, GO TO: www.tacc.org/pdf/lpd03.pdf