Commission Recommendations Pave Way for Community College Finance Reform

New recommendations from the Texas Commission on Community College Finance (TCCCF) pave the way for comprehensive legislation to bolster the skilled workforce pipeline and Texas’ 50 community colleges.

During its final meeting, the Commission approved eight bold recommendations for consideration by the 88th Texas Legislature designed to improve state funding for outcomes, ensure affordability for students, and create targeted investments in college capacity. As Texas faces a growing skilled workforce shortage with almost one million job openings unfilled as of July 2022, the recommendations offer a clear path forward for Texas’ workforce and overall economy. The Commission’s final report detailing the recommendations formally approved today will be submitted to the legislature by November 1st.

By 2030, 62 percent of all Texas jobs will require a postsecondary credential – but small businesses are already struggling to find qualified workers. If strategically implemented, legislation based on the final TCCCF recommendations will:

1. Ensure community colleges prioritize programs that meet their regional workforce needs so that Texas businesses will have access to a regionally aligned skilled workforce
2. Ensure that every Texan has an equal opportunity to participate in our state’s prosperity via equitable access to an affordable, high-quality education
3. Ensure that state funds are spent efficiently and effectively
4. Resolve the underlying structural flaws of our current community college finance system

As Temple College President Christy Ponce recently made clear, “All 50 [community] colleges are really in support of [the Commission’s recommendations] because it can make a historic change.” In addition to Texas community college leadership, the recommendations also have the support of community college students themselves.