As the 8^th largest economy in the world and home to 55 Fortune 500 companies, Texas must continue to invest in a dynamic, skilled workforce that fuels innovation, attracts global business and cements the Lone Star State as the nation’s premier hub for economic opportunity.

Last session, the Texas Legislature made a bold move to reshape the future of our state’s workforce development with the passage of HB 8.

This landmark legislation introduced an innovative, outcomes-based funding model for community colleges, backed by an unprecedented $683 million investment.

TAB will continue to work towards refining and enhancing our community college finance program, including:

• Working to ensure the state’s community colleges incentive and reward structures are aligned with regionally based current and projected employer needs and lead to self-sufficient wage jobs.
• Local implementation and legislative enhancements that may further these efforts such as allowing community colleges to receive state funding for students who transfer to a university, including Texas private universities.
• Expanding access to programs and courses that support increased credential and postsecondary attainment including advanced coursework, career and technical education (CTE), dual credit, micro credentials, and access to credentials of value that align with regionally based high-wage, high-demand occupations.