Relating to excellence funding for health-related institutions of higher education.
Impact
The bill mandates that eligible institutions must make a one-time initial transfer of at least $2.5 million from their appropriations to qualify for annual distributions from the fund. Funding will be allocated based on a points system that evaluates institutions on various performance metrics, including sponsored research, faculty achievements, doctoral degrees awarded, and commercialization of research. This competitive funding model aims to incentivize institutions to excel in their missions and contributes to the overall quality and effectiveness of healthcare education in the state.
Summary
House Bill 2753 aims to establish an Excellence Fund for health-related institutions of higher education in Texas. This fund is intended to reinforce and enhance the educational, clinical, and research missions of the state's medical schools and health institutions. The bill defines eligible institutions, which include recognized health science centers and medical schools, and outlines the criteria for their participation in the excellence funding program. The purpose is to support the development of a highly skilled healthcare workforce capable of addressing healthcare challenges in Texas and beyond.
Contention
While the bill is largely supportive of advancing health-related education in Texas, there may be concerns regarding the financial obligations imposed on institutions. Some may question whether requiring an initial transfer of funds is practical for all eligible institutions, particularly those that may already be facing budget constraints. Additionally, reliance on performance metrics could lead to uneven funding distributions, sparking debate over the criteria used to measure institutional success and efficiency.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.