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| 76th Legislature (1999) |
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Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG)
Policy Position: ICUT advocated a $50 million biennial increase in funding for the TEG program based on a projection that student need for TEG would equal $99.5 million in fiscal year 2000 and $104 million in fiscal year 2001. This projection was based on the assumption that student need would grow by 4.5% per annum. At the time the projections were made, TEG need was approximately $95 million and the program was funded at $47.2 million per year.
Result: The Legislature increased TEG funding by $30 million for the biennium. At that level, the program will meet about 55% of student need for TEG.
Other Student Financial Aid Programs
Policy Position: ICUT advocated the creation of a need-based grant program to assist the state's neediest students enrolled in both public and independent institutions of higher education.
Result: The Texas Legislature established the Toward EXcellence Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant program providing grants equal to the average amount of tuition and fees charged by state universities. The program will assist the state's neediest high school graduates who complete the recommended or distinguished high school curriculum, enroll for three-quarters of a full course load at a Texas public or independent college or university, and meet other requirements. The legislature appropriated $18 million for freshmen enrolling in academic year 1999-2000 and $35 million for freshmen and sophomores enrolling in academic year 2000-2001.
TexShare
Policy Position: ICUT advocated increased funding for TexShare, the state's electronic library consortium. ICUT also supported legislation including the state's public libraries in the TexShare consortium.
Result: The legislature increased funding for TexShare to $4.1 million for the biennium and passed legislation to expand the consortium.
Planned Giving
Policy Position: ICUT advocated passage of two bills, HB 3276 and SB 333, to clarify that charities may serve as trustees of charitable trusts and may issue charitable gift annuities.
Result: Both bills were passed, signed by the governor, and took immediate effect.
Student Debit Cards
Policy Position: ICUT advocated legislation to authorize independent institutions to operate student debit card programs.
Result: HB 2664 was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor.
Other Issues — Centers for Teacher Education
Centers for Teacher Education at ICUT's historically black colleges were created by the 74th Legislature. Funding for the centers was increased to $75 million for the biennium.
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