Texas higher education institutions are expected to receive a significant increase in state funding totaling $4.3 billion during the 88th Congress, according to state information. report.
The Association of State Higher Education Executive Officers has allocated $13.7 billion for higher education in fiscal year 2024 despite facing a 50% rate. decrease With federal funds.
As highlighted by Higher Education Secretary Harrison Keller, this funding is expected to improve college affordability for Texans.
This funding is subject to conditions. The approval of these funds is SB17 The Legislature bans diversity, equity, and inclusion officers at public universities.
moreover, SB18Legislation would also need to be passed to increase government oversight of tenured professors and employees.
Texas universities must comply with SB 17 and SB 18 before accessing the new funds. If you do not agree to the terms, all funding will be cancelled.
Kelsey Kungel, state higher education funding policy analyst, said final numbers won't be released until after the 2024 fiscal year. She expects the numbers to change minimally.
Commissioner Keller held discussions with Governor Greg Abbott and various Texas policymakers during the session. Their discussion centered around the current legacy of state funding and the urgency of higher education in Texas.
The funding is deemed necessary to address increased competition for jobs due to the influx of new residents to Texas, making it increasingly difficult for locals to compete without a degree.
“The majority of these new jobs in Texas require at least some level of educational training beyond a high school diploma, so we need to act quickly to educate more people to higher standards than we have achieved in the past.” We have to,” Keller said.
This funding will significantly improve the affordability of higher education in Texas. “These are positive indicators from all parties working to make the university more accessible to students,” Kungel said.
“This was a truly historic Congress, united in the vision of building a talent-rich Texas,” Keller said. “There was thorough discussion and policy design leading up to this meeting, and the investments made will certainly expand opportunities for Texans across the state.”
