TCCTA has been urging members to support SB 41, introduced by Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), which would preclude the use of proportionality in funding health benefits for community colleges. On March 9, a "companion" bill in the House was referred to the Appropriations Committee. The bill is HB 2083, by Rep. Burt Solomons (R-Carrollton).
At this point the two bills are identical, but this could change as they navigate their way through their respective chambers. Importantly, the list of co-sponsors is growing in both the House and Senate, as lawmakers declare their support.
Here's a link to the list of co-sponsors for SB 41.
Here's a list of co-sponsors for HB 2083.
If their names do not appear on this list, members are urged to ask their lawmakers to sign on as co-sponsors of these bills. Messages of thanks and support would also be appropriate for those whose names are included. The quantity of co-sponsors does not guarantee passage, of course, but the roster is a sign of support that may represent momentum. So far the bills have been endorsed by members of both parties and all political persuasions.
Please keep in mind that the House and Senate have refused consistently to adopt proportionality over the past several sessions, in contrast with the recommendations of the Legislative Budget Board and governor's office. Be sure to commend representatives and senators for their previous policy decisions.
Although the subject matter is the same, the status of these bills is independent of prospective activity of the Senate Finance Committee as it considers proportionality—the subject of the two previous posts.
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