(AUSTIN) - "After hearing testimony from experts and representatives from the Governor's Office, community college districts, and local businesses and industries, I am optimistic that we will restore funding for group health insurance to community colleges and avoid unwanted tax hikes, tuition increases or reduced services.

"With the leadership of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and our Senate colleagues, we will find a solution that is fair, equitable and responsive to the many concerns raised today. The hearing provided community college leaders an opportunity to communicate how the veto will impact their districts and to recommend solutions to the members of the subcommittee. I know that their voices were heard not only by legislators, but also by the governor's staff, who presented their own proposal for remedying the situation.

"Though details regarding how to restore the funding still need to be negotiated, strong consensus emerged from the testimony we heard regarding the importance of providing a short-term solution to the problem caused by the veto while striving toward resolving long-term funding issues."

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