Texas House Bill HCR288

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 6/1/09

Caption

Directing the governing boards of general academic teaching institutions to limit increases in total academic costs charged to resident undergraduate students for certain school years.

Impact

The resolution directs the governing boards of general academic teaching institutions to limit the increase in total academic costs for resident undergraduate students for specified academic years. It proposes that increases in costs should not exceed 3.95% or $280 compared to the previous year for the years 2010-2011 through 2012-2013. For the following academic year, 2013-2014, it suggests similar constraints based on the average increase in the consumer price index and potentially relevant higher education price indices. This approach is designed to balance the need for affordable education with the requirement of maintaining institutional quality.

Summary

HCR288 is a concurrent resolution aimed at addressing the rising costs of tuition and fees at public four-year universities in Texas. The resolution recognizes that the increasing academic costs have made higher education less accessible to Texas families, particularly during times of economic downturn. It emphasizes the importance of holding college costs stable to ensure that students can pursue their education without incurring excessive debt. By limiting tuition increases, the resolution seeks to support the overall economic vitality of Texas, which relies on an educated workforce.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HCR288 may arise from concerns regarding how such limitations could affect the funding and operational capacities of universities. Critics might argue that imposing caps on tuition increases could undermine the institutions' ability to provide quality education and maintain competitive programs, particularly in the face of rising operational costs. Proponents, however, would likely contend that these measures are necessary to shield students from unpredictable financial burdens and promote greater access to higher education across the state.