In anticipation of the historic and complicated issues facing the next Regular Session of the Legislature, TCCTA has updated its collection of Talking Points.
Included are a host of constructive assertions our association makes when discussing pertinent issues with public officials. Members may find them useful in communicating with lawmakers while they are “at home” in the districts.
The Talking Points are designed for individualized and selective use by educators who may also possess expertise or interest in a particular topic.
Subsequent Talking Points on other subjects, including performance funding, will be posted here soon.
As pointed out in the TCCTA Guide to Political Participation, Capitol insiders have long maintained that form letters and petitions are not nearly as effective as individually written correspondence from constituents. Members are encouraged to consult the Guide (under “Legislative Resources” at www.tccta.org) for useful strategies. The site also contains a convenient link to find out “Who Represents Me?”
IMPORTANT: Do not use college equipment, e-mail addresses, or stationery when communicating with state policy makers. Also, it is crucial to be constructive at all times when communicating with public officials. Be sure to thank them for their hard work on behalf of the people of Texas.
On General Appropriations
- Community colleges now enroll over 70 percent of new students under the Closing the Gaps initiative. They also enroll over 75 percent of the state’s freshmen and sophomores.
Community college faculty salaries during the last decade have consistently lagged behind the cost of living, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. - Community college faculty teaching academic transfer courses are required to possess the same minimum credentials as university faculty in order to be certified by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Teachers in workforce disciplines must also meet the rigorous standards of accrediting agencies.
- The state is now funding 51 percent of the instructional formula, despite principles in the Coordinating Board’s Master Plan of 1969, which projected local funds and tuition to be reserved for construction and maintenance of facilities.
- The gap between the cost of instruction and the funds provided by the state results in deferred maintenance of infrastructure, increased local taxes, and increased tuition and fees.
- The average age of community college students is 25. Sixty-three percent attend part time. Fifty-eight percent are female.
- Seventy-eight percent of minority freshmen and sophomores attending public institutions of higher education are enrolled at Texas public community colleges. These students almost precisely mirror the ethnic diversity of Texas, making these schools crucial to the success of the Closing the Gaps initiative.
- Community and technical college educators are full participants in the higher education Group Benefits Program administered by the Employees Retirement System of Texas. These individuals were hired with the understanding that, while salaries may be lower than what is often offered in the private sector, health benefits would be guaranteed by the state. These benefits must remain competitive in order to attract and retain talented faculty.
- Community and technical college employees participate in the Texas Teacher Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program. It is important for the state’s contribution to these programs to remain consistently robust, to allow educators to plan for a secure retirement.
- Most community and technical college faculty members teach at least five classes a semester, and many are required to add extra “overloads,” without proportionate increases in pay.
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