(AUSTIN) — Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, today (Wednesday) reminded Texas families to enroll their children in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, the state's prepaid tuition plan, before the current enrollment period ends on Sunday (Feb. 28). Enrollment will re-open on Sept. 1.

The plan allows families to lock-in current undergraduate college tuition by purchasing tuition units, each of which represents a fixed amount of resident tuition and fees at four- and two-year public colleges and universities in Texas.

"Participating in a prepaid tuition plan is a great way to make higher education more affordable for Texas families," Senator Zaffirini said. "As Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, I will continue to prioritize enhancing affordability and accessibility in higher education without sacrificing excellence."

Additional information regarding the Texas Tuition Promise Fund is available via 800/445-GRAD (4723), Option 5, or www.TuitionPromise.org. Parents can apply for the program online or may print an application and return it by mail, as long as it is postmarked by Feb. 28. Applications will be accepted through July 31 for children younger than one at the time the application is received.

Senator Zaffirini is chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and a member of the Senate Committees on Health and Human Services, Finance, Economic Development and Administration. She also is a member of the Legislative Budget Board. A communication specialist with 13 years of teaching experience, including at the college and university levels, Senator Zaffirini is a distinguished communicator, educator and leader who holds B.S., M.A. and PhD degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, each with a 3.9 grade-point average.

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