Earlier this month, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce joined with other leading business organizations from across the state to submit a report of policy recommendations to the Texas Commission on Community College Finance (TxCCCF). This Commission was formed during the 87th Texas Legislature to make recommendations on a state funding formula and funding levels sufficient for sustaining community college and workforce related training offerings throughout the state. These policy recommendations are vital to improving the state’s community college system and the overall economy through strengthening funding and improving outcomes for the 650,000 students currently attending a Texas public community or technical college.

Texas is a leader in job creation, but we don’t have the skilled talent to fill our workforce. Only 22% of Bexar County public school students who graduated from 8th grade in 2009 went on to achieve any type of postsecondary credential 10 years later. A postsecondary credential is essential to participate in the 21st century workforce, but that doesn’t mean only a four-year degree. The fastest growing areas for jobs in our region are dominated by middle-skill employers - good-paying careers that require skills beyond high school, but less than a four-year degree. Without significant action by the state, our current system will not be able to provide Texas employers with the skilled workforce we need and could lead to many Texans be unable to fully participate in our economy.

Your Chamber was proud to join with other business organizations to increase the emphasis on career outcomes to help sustain our economic growth. As our state leaders consider the finance structures for our community colleges, we encourage them to recognize the crucial role they play in our workforce development efforts. The report’s recommendations are designed to fundamentally reform community college finance in Texas to reflect the needs of the 21st century. They are intended to build upon, support, and advance the state’s new “Building a Talent Strong Texas” goals. The TxCCCF is expected to release its own findings this fall.

Click here to see the San Antonio Express News story about the report and the Chamber's support.