In these waning days of the Regular Session of the Legislature, there are more questions than answers for community and technical college educators. Bills on several key issues of concern (please consult previous posts for background) must pass soon or they will be dead for two years—absent their inclusion in any prospective Special Session. On the critical issue of proportionality, the outcome will also depend upon the revenue numbers included in the appropriation bill in its final form, as well as any amendments and riders added from the floor.
TCCTA Lobbyist Beaman Floyd is at the Capitol day and night as the Session draws to a close. He will inform the state office of any important developments as they occur. Adjournment is scheduled for June 1.
Much of the logjam of bills (especially in the House) is due to partisan issues that are unrelated to matters affecting two-year schools directly. Some of these controversies have been, at least temporarily, resolved, so the floodgates have now opened. Even though the official deadline for consideration of many bills has passed, it is very common at this point for language from "dead" bills to be pasted into "live" bills that still have a chance. (One transportation bill, according to media reports, grew so quickly and became so gigantic that staffers were unable to print it in time for House consideration.)
Please consult the TCCTA Web site frequently for updates.
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