In 2021 during the 87^th Texas Legislature, the Texas Commission on Community College Finance (TCCCF) was formed. The TCCCF’s aim was to establish a state funding formula and finding levels that support the state’s community colleges and workforce training. It is estimated that 60 percent of jobs in Texas over the next decade will require at least an associate degree, so it’s vital to the state’s economy and workforce that our community colleges are operating efficiently.

Many of the TCCCF’s recommendations were included this session in House Bill 8, which includes the following highlights:

• Establishes a public junior college state finance program through base tier funding plus performance tier funding
• The performance tier funding is tied to outcomes such as credentials awarded, transferring credits to a four-year institution of higher education, and emphasis on high-demand occupations
• Creates the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program for educationally disadvantaged high school students to take dual credit courses through a local community college

The recommendations of the TCCCF and HB 8 have widespread support from the education community. This broad support was reflected in the 146-1 vote in favor of HB 8 taken on the floor of the Texas House this week, sending the legislation to the Texas Senate.

The Fort Worth Chamber will continue to monitor the progress of this bill, as well as other legislation related to education and workforce issues.

Advocacy at Work

The Fort Worth Chamber registered in support of HB 5 on Monday, which was heard by the Ways & Means Committee. The Chamber is signed onto a coalition letter of support for HB 5 with 245+ other Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, and other trade associations. No vote was taken by the committee.

The Fort Worth Chamber testified in support of HB 4419 and HB 4539, two bills related to film incentives, in the House Culture, Tourism & Recreation Committee on Thursday. If passed, the legislation would position Texas as a more competitive and attractive place for film productions to locate, bringing tourism and jobs that are currently mostly going out of state.

TOP HEADLINES

National

• CBS News | Federal Reserve predicts "mild recession" later this year
• The Hill | What the end of the COVID-19 national emergency means
• ABC News | EPA proposes strict vehicle emission standards
• The Hill | White House issues reforms to regulatory process

State and Local

• Tribune | Texas House approves $300 billion budget with tax cuts and teacher raises
• Tribune | Texas House OKs performance-based funding for community colleges
• FiscalNotes | Texas Broadband Development Office Charging Ahead
• Tribune | Texas Sen. Kelly Hancock opens up about lifesaving kidney transplant
• Star-Telegram | Franchise business owners in Fort Worth share success stories
• Star-Telegram | Tarrant County considers new law enforcement training center
• Fort Worth Report | Fort Worth Chamber’s new economic development leader ready to ‘hit the ground running’
• Star-Telegram | Child Care Associates plans to expand access to child care

UPCOMING DATES

• April 18: Fort Worth City Council Work Session, 1 p.m.
• April 21: Government Affairs Committee Meeting
• April 24: Early voting begins for May 6 Local Entity Election