Texas House Bill HCR124

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Directing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to conduct a study to examine the jobs that college graduates are able to attain in their degree field within two years of graduation and how effective it may be to use this information to reappropriate funding to colleges.

Impact

If implemented, HCR124 could significantly influence how funding is allocated to colleges and universities across Texas. By identifying which degree plans yield better job placement outcomes, the resolution suggests that future funding could be directed more effectively towards programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. This could lead to a more skilled workforce that aligns better with the needs of the state’s economy, ultimately benefiting both students and employers.

Summary

HCR124, introduced by Representative Farney, is a concurrent resolution that seeks to address the employment challenges faced by college graduates in Texas. It calls upon the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to undertake a study examining the job placements of college graduates within two years of their graduation. The aim is to gather data on which degree programs have the highest employment rates, thereby offering insights that could enhance the relevance of higher education funding in relation to actual job market outcomes.

Contention

Opposition to the resolution may arise from concerns regarding the implications of tying funding to specific degree outcomes. Critics might argue that this approach could unfairly penalize programs that are essential for societal development but do not lead to immediate job placements, such as the humanities and arts. Additionally, there may be apprehension about the methodology used in the study and how it might be leveraged to influence policy decisions regarding higher education financing in Texas.