The Role of Texas Community Colleges

The governor and his staff are sleeping in the college classroom back row. They slashed $154 million in requested funds for the state’s community colleges.

Perry obviously does not understand or care about the pivotal role which community colleges play in educating Texans. Half of all today's Texas college students are currently enrolled in community colleges. While finishing up my own undergraduate degree, I took transient summer session courses at a local community college.

Finishing those academic basics through summer school subsequently allowed me to concentrate on completing both my TASP program and undergraduate degree in the traditional four-years that so many other Texans now find themselves unable to do. This proactive strategy also saved me a lot of money because community college tuition and fees were comparatively low.

No longer the sole ‘final stop’ for Texans who had been unable to enroll at four-year institution whether because of their finances and/or prior academic record; community colleges definitely serve an important role in this State. What does the Governor have against affordable and accessible education options? Supposedly, his motive behind the veto was the ‘deception’ being used by some of these institutions on fund allocation. Perry envisions himself as a fiscal watchdog!

In theory, it is admirable. The public sector is ethically obligated to use public resources wisely. But his staff now seriously suggests adding an additional $50 million to the same budget request! Now what political deception had the Governor been talking about? It’s just more of his same double-speak.

The Legislature is so riled up that Democratic Caucus Chair Jim Dunnam and Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick put aside their political differences to work on providing access to quality higher education.

More Texans should be able to receive the benefits of a community college education. These institutions are critical community resources. Contrasting with my high school summer school sessions, I found that my community college instructors and classmates were sincerely interested in both the course material and class participation. Everybody wanted to participate in our class. Nobody honestly perceived themselves stigmatized for taking an academic class during the summer or at a community college.

Each student and graduate's consequent career success will help the State succeed. Isn’t success also what the Governor wants?