This is one of a series of posts examining the results of the recent Regular Session, in terms of the major effects upon two-year colleges. Members are urged to consult the Blog frequently for updates.
First, the Good News
The 2009 appropriations bill, which covers state spending for the 2010-11 biennium, provides for unreduced coverage of health benefits for community college educators, with no provision for proportionality.
By way of background, the concept of proportionality rests upon an assumption that the state is obligated to fund benefits based only on its relative "share" in funding community colleges generally. If the concept were implemented, the result would cost these schools millions of dollars, since local funds would be needed to replace the lost revenue. It would inevitably damage the instructional mission of these institutions. TCCTA has consistently opposed proportionality.
Fortunately, as the appropriations bill worked its way though the House and Senate, community college leaders reached a novel understanding with the governor's office. This is a remarkable milestone, since Gov. Perry, in 2007, vetoed funds for such benefits (money that was restored subsequently by legislative leadership). Furthermore, the driving force for proportionality came originally from the governor's office, along with the Legislative Budget Board staff.
In basic terms, the governor has agreed in principle to accept full budgetary inclusion in the state benefits system for community college educators, provided that any growth in dedicated appropriations for these benefits (due to new hiring) is linked to equivalent enrollment growth. In other words, colleges must grow in enrollment to qualify for added state support for new hires.
Community college officials viewed this approach as a reasonable solution and are relieved that the issue can be put aside, at least for the next two years.
TCCTA Lobbyist Beaman Floyd urges members to keep in mind that such delicate understandings can sometimes deteriorate, and to take extra care in any public comments or communications.
Now, the Not-So-Great News
As members are aware from numerous posts on this subject, key bills were introduced this Session that would have precluded the use of proportionality by law. In principle the passage of such a statute would have eliminated the entire concept as a matter of policy (with the understanding that no current Session of the Legislature can obligate a future Session under the Texas Constitution). TCCTA and the Texas Association of Community Colleges urged passage of HB 2083, by Rep. Burt Solomons (R-Carrollton), which passed the House with no opposition.
The Senate, however, proved more problematic, as HB 2083 was held pending in the Finance Committee. This is where the issue stood (a frequent graveyard for bills) until the final evening of the Session, when Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), the author of a companion measure, attempted to resurrect HB 2083 within the framework of a different bill. Unfortunately, the Senate adjourned sine die without taking up the matter.
TCCTA members are grateful to Rep. Solomons and Sen. Zaffirini for their efforts to end proportionality as a matter of state policy, and for their untiring support for the community colleges of Texas.
Unfortunately, some senators remain convinced that proportionality should prevail. Therefore, the issue could surface again. Absent unforeseen developments, the concept will not come up until preparations are underway for the 2011 Regular Session.
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