Policy Priorities

Building the Next Generation Workforce: Policy Priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature

Texas community colleges are at the heart of our state’s workforce development strategy. As engines of economic mobility and innovation, they play a critical role in preparing students for in-demand careers and driving regional economic growth. The 89th Texas Legislature presents an opportunity to build on this momentum by advancing policies that strengthen student success, foster collaboration, and ensure our colleges remain agile in a rapidly evolving economy.

Explore our key initiatives and see how we’re working to shape the next generation of opportunity for students, communities, and businesses across the state.

2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITES

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS REQUEST - Advocate for a supplemental appropriations request for the current biennium (FY 2024-2025), fully supporting the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s final recommendation. This funding will reinforce the outcomes-based model, enabling institutions to sustain real-time progress and deliver measurable results for Texas students and the workforce.

FORMULA FUNDING FOR FY 2026-2027 - Support the formula funding recommendation made by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for public junior colleges for the next biennium (FY 2026-2027). This investment will empower institutions to adapt to the evolving needs of students and the workforce, solidifying Texas community colleges as leaders in providing affordable, high-quality education statewide.

INCLUSION OF PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS IN PERFORMANCE TIER - Amend the State Funding Performance Tier to include students who transfer to one of Texas’ private or independent institutions of higher education after completing 15 semester credit hours at a public junior college. This adjustment ensures the model fully reflects and recognizes multiple student success transfer pathways.

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LEGISLATIVE FOCUS AREAS

This resource presents a broader set of key issues affecting the community college sector, extending beyond House Bill 8. It is designed to facilitate comprehensive discussions with legislative delegation members on topics that support student success, workforce development, and the long-term sustainability of community colleges.

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