Higher Education Needs Business Backing this Legislative Session

On November 18, 2008 four area higher education leaders gathered for the Chamber’s annual Higher Education Luncheon and began what we hope will be a dialogue for how the business community can play a larger role in making changes to the higher education system in the region.

These leaders included:

• Dr. David Daniel        
  President
  University of Texas at Dallas
• Mr. Lee Jackson
  Chancellor
  University of North Texas System
• Dr. Wright Lassiter
  Chancellor
  Dallas County Community College District
• Dr. Ann Stuart
  President & Chancellor
  Texas Woman’s University

Clint McDonnough with Ernst & Young moderated the discussion which began with each panelist describing the impact their institution of higher education (IHE) has on the regional economy.  From there, biggest challenges and ways that the business community can support these issues were discussed.  All four of panelists agreed that one of the main issues impacting their IHE was adequate funding at the state level.  They discussed the need for a full formula funding to be implemented, particularly in critical needs areas for the region. 

The 81st Texas Legislature will begin meeting for their next session on Tuesday, January 13, 2009.  We encourage you to play a role in this session by contacting your area legislator via e-mail, postal mail or setting up a meeting to show your support of these critical issues.

Below is a list of the Chamber’s position statements for higher education. 

The Dallas Regional Chamber Supports:

• Sufficient funding of all our institutions of higher education including general academic institutions, community colleges, and medical schools, specifically focusing on achieving regional equity for the North Texas area in special item funding;
• A long term policy to address funding for institutions of higher education including full formula funding relating to operations, infrastructure and growth with consideration of additional funding for degrees granted, particularly in critical areas;
• Providing meaningful incentives for competitively awarded research for all academic and medical institutions;
• Resources for the development of the emerging national research universities from among those listed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;
• Maximum funding for financial aid to under-represented students including the TEXAS Grant, the B-On Time Loan programs, Texas Opportunity grants and the Texas Equalization Grant programs;
• Retaining tuition deregulation to provide flexibility for universities to develop excellence.

Access the Texas Legislature’s website by visiting:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us.

Write to your legislator:

The Honorable (SENATOR)
Texas Senate
P.O. Box 12068
Austin, TX 78711

The Honorable (REPRESENTATIVE)
Texas House or Representatives
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768