In the wake of the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that stole almost 3,000 American lives, we reflect on the selfless courage of the first responders who rushed into harm’s way to save countless others. Though we mourn the fearless men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice that solemn September morning, we reaffirm our gratitude to all of the brave men and women who wear the uniform and badge today. Together, we can reclaim the spirit and unity that followed 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives. God bless their sacrifice; God bless their memory; and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
With that, we’ll dive back into our examination of House interim charges. . .
House Interim Charge: Higher Education
The House Committee on Higher Education has jurisdiction over matters related to post-secondary education at public colleges and universities across Texas. The Committee also has jurisdiction over the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board, and many other agencies.
Over the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of many bills including House Bill 8, Senate Bill 25, and Senate Bill 412. HB 8 established a public junior college state finance program that ensures community colleges across Texas can access foundational levels of funding for instruction and operations and establishes a program to provide financial aid to certain high school students enrolled in dual credit courses. HB 8 incentivizes public junior colleges to focus on graduating students who are ready to enter the workforce with a certificate or degree or plan to transfer to a four-year university.
SB 25 dramatically increased funding and resources for nursing education and training programs. Among its many provisions, the bill made part-time nursing faculty eligible for loan repayment assistance and extended the Nursing Innovation Grant Program, which provides grants to institutions to promote the education, recruitment, and retention of nursing students and qualified faculty. SB 412 ensures that pregnant and parenting students are granted certain accommodations and excused absences at higher education institutions so that they can attend to family responsibilities while pursuing their degrees.
Additionally, the Committee will evaluate the alignment of postsecondary success incentives across all education systems in Texas, as well as interagency collaboration for the “Building a Talent Strong Texas” plan. This initiative seeks to increase the attainment of postsecondary credentials, postsecondary credentials of value, and research, development, and innovation.
Finally, the committee will review the status of “Name, Image & Likeness” (NIL) across the state and the country and decide what, if any, action is needed to update state law as it affects our colleges in this policy area.
The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on September 18 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11 AM and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 PM.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
