Group calls for more higher-ed funds

Today, members of the Save Our Community Coalition and the Texas State Employees Union will join UT employees to lobby for public higher education at the Texas State Legislature. According to a press release on the topic, the group will address a range of issues, including “re-regulation of tuition, stopping privatization and downsizing of staff, and ensure that hardworking university employees receive a long-overdue pay raise.” It continues: “If the (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s) proposal passes, there would be an increase of 11.8 percent, or $516 million. At the same time, the cash infusion would translate into a $5,300 grant for each eligible student. An investment into higher education is a long-term investment for all Texans, by keeping higher education affordable and being able to attract and retain qualified staff to make our state more competitive and our economy stronger. We believe that money must be spent to maintain the culture of excellence and the quality of life for both students and staff at all Texas colleges and universities.”