Restoration of community college funds applauded

Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Tom Craddick jointly announced Tuesday that they had pulled together an agreement to restore the $154 million in state funding in hopes of staving off college tuition and tax hikes.

The announcement was not a total surprise because since June community college representatives like Valek and legislators have been lobbying furiously to restore the money.

"This is something we had been struggling with since the veto was announced," Valek said. "The veto had created a great hardship for the state and for colleges. So, we worked diligently with many, many legislators to make this happen. We recognize their dedication in getting this resolved."

The veto had a very real financial impact on community colleges throughout the state. Some colleges implemented tuition and fee increases. Others planned to cut programs. Some college districts were considering property tax increases to cover the lost funding.

In announcing the agreement to release the funds, Perry, Dewhurst and Craddick called on community colleges to rescind any tuition, tax or fee increases that were imposed because of the veto.

Many colleges that had implemented such increases already are working to rescind them, but most schools had tuition and fee increases that would have gone into effect during the 2008-09 school year, Valek said.

"As we worked with Lt. Governor Dewhurst, we acknowledged that we would look at all increases that had been implemented and get them rescinded. This is not going to be a problem for community colleges," she said.

Legislators who were angered by the veto and had been working to get the school funds released applauded the governor for reaching an agreement with Dewhurst and Craddick.

"I am especially pleased that the agreement includes a compromise that will rescind those increases of tuition, taxes and fees adopted by community colleges because of the vetoed funds," said Sen. Judith Zaffirini (right) of Laredo, chair of the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee.

"I will continue to work with my colleagues, state leaders, and community college officials to ensure that community colleges and higher education remain accessible and affordable for all students."