Texas House Bill HB141

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Promise Grant Program for certain students at two-year public institutions of higher education.

Impact

By implementing the Texas Promise Grant Program, the bill intends to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students, thereby promoting a more educated workforce in the state. It establishes a clear pathway for funding that assists students who may otherwise struggle to afford college education, contributing to the overall workforce development in Texas. However, the program imposes specific limits on grant allocation, including a cap on the number of credit hours for which grants can be issued, which ensures that funding is directed towards students who are working toward completing their degrees efficiently.

Summary

House Bill 141 seeks to establish the Texas Promise Grant Program, aimed at providing financial assistance for students attending two-year public institutions of higher education. This initiative is designed to alleviate the burden of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students, therefore promoting access to higher education in Texas. Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be residents of Texas, have recently graduated from high school or obtained a high school equivalency certificate, enroll in qualifying associate degree or certificate programs, and apply for available financial aid.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards increasing access to education, concerns have been raised about the eligibility criteria and potential limitations on grant amounts. Some critics argue that the residential requirement could exclude deserving students who might have recently moved to Texas or those who face other barriers in meeting the requirements. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the sustainability of funding for this program and how it will adapt to changing economic conditions as demand for such financial aid grows.