On December 6, the TCCTA Executive Committee approved the Legislative Program for the 2009 Regular Session. The brief statements, reflecting prior recommendations of the Legislative Committee, represent the official published positions of the association.
For a more complete discussion of issues important to community and technical college educators, please review the "Talking Points," which may be more appropriate in communicating with individual lawmakers. These are located on the Legislative Resources Page, along with other useful information, including the Guide to Political Participation.
The Legislative Committee is chaired by Mark Jordan, Odessa College.
Below is the Legislative Program for 2009:
(1) Support the funding goals of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, including the New Community College Compact with Texas.
(2) Support approaches to incentive funding that are based upon valid measures, recognize the primary role of faculty in upholding academic standards, and do not diminish base formula appropriations or penalize workforce training.
(3) Support the Legislature’s historical commitment to full participation of community college educators in the Group Benefits Program for state and higher education employees under the Employees Retirement System of Texas, including adjustments for rising costs.
(4) Support efforts to improve funding and benefits for community and technical college employees and retirees in TRS and ORP.
(5) Support institution-based funding for developmental education while encouraging review and implementation of successful programs.
(6) Support efforts to address the cost of textbooks that do not restrict the professional judgment of faculty in selecting academically appropriate materials for students.
Comments