AUSTIN, TX — Today, Senator Jane Nelson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance appointed Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa to the Higher Education Workgroup. The workgroup will submit recommendations to the Committee regarding funding for special items.

Senator Hinojosa offered the following statement regarding his appointment:

“Investing in our institutions of higher education is key to the future growth and success of Texas.

Funding for special items in the state budget play a critical role in ensuring that our universities are providing our students with the tools they need to successfully complete their degrees. They also allow universities to collaborate with their communities to help address local challenges and respond to workforce needs. More importantly, they push the state forward to achieving our 60X30TX goal."

Higher education special items are items in the state budget that are not supported through formula funding and support the special mission of the institution. Special items can also be used to support new academic programs or address geographic disparities and other inequities among institutions.

These items are categorized into four objectives (instructional support, research, public service, and institutional support) and five objectives at the health related institutions (residency training, research, health care, public service and institutional support).

Other members of the workgroup include: Senators Kel Seliger (Chair), Lois Kolkhorst, Larry Taylor, and Kirk Watson.

###