Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG)
 
Policy Position:  Since 1995 ICUT has advocated TEG funding at a level that would meet 70% of student need for TEG. The 79th Legislature appropriated $105.9 million for the TEG program for each year of the 2006-2007 biennium.  With those funds, ICUT institutions covered grants for their TEXAS Grant recipients whose grants were renewable during the biennium and awarded TEG grants to their students. The appropriation covered the institutions' TEXAS Grant obligations and met about 54% of students' need for the TEG program.

ICUT supports funding for the TEG program at the 2006-2007 biennial level for the 2008-2009 biennium. 

Result: The Legislature continued to fund the TEG program at the 2006-2007 level.

  
TEXAS (Toward EXcellence, Access and Success) Grant Program
 
Policy Position:  Since 1999, ICUT has supported the TEXAS Grant program, believing it to be an important tool for encouraging high school students to complete college preparation courses.  Although ICUT institutions no longer participate in the TEXAS Grant program, ICUT supports increased funding the TEXAS Grant program at the level recommended by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

Result: The Legislature increased funding for the TEXAS Grant program to $427.8 million for the 2008-2009 biennium.
 
Other Existing Programs
 
Texas College Work-Study:  Work-Study is one of the most effective retention tools available to colleges and universities. On-campus jobs bond students to institutions by providing jobs where employers recognize the demands that college enrollment places on students. ICUT supports the THECB's request for additional funding for this program.

Result: Funding for the Texas College work-study program was increased to $7.5 million per year for the 2008-2009 biennium.
 
B-On-Time Loan Program
 
Policy Position:  The B-On-Time Student Loan Program provides incentives for college students to graduate in 4 years with a 3.0 grade point average.  ICUT supports general revenue funding for this program at the level recommended by the THECB.

Result: The Legislature appropriated $77 million for the B-On-Time Program for the 2008-2009 biennium.
 
Proposed Legislation
 
ICUT will seek passage of the following bills during the 79th Legislature.

• HB 612 (Branch)  This bill makes the definition of institutions eligible to participate in the TEG program more precise by tying it to Section 61.003 (15)  of the Texas Education Code.  The bill clarifies that independent institutions must be accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to participate in the TEG program.

              Result: This bill did not pass. 

• HB 1358 (Gattis)  This bill adds the American Bar Association to the accreditors whose recognition causes an institution to be a “private or independent institution of higher education” under Section 61.003 (15).

           Result: This bill passed and was signed by the Governor.

• HB 1367 (Madden)  This bill expands the access of public and private institutions of higher education to criminal history background information on prospective and enrolled students when such information is necessary to determine if a student should be admitted or allowed to remain at a college or university.

              Result: This bill did not pass.

• HB 1614 (Gattis)  This bill allows church-related independent colleges and universities to create columbaria at a place of worship on campus.

           Result: This bill passed and was signed by the Governor.