Dear Representative, Dear Senator, The fear of the impact of the proposed budget cut for public education in the state moves me to write this petition. A shortage of support means aggressive educator layoffs, limited enrollment of new and continuing students and a long-term decrease in tax revenue. Texas ranks among the lowest on quality of education. As your constituent, I urge you to vote AGAINST any bills that include cutting the budget for public educational institutions statewide. A cut of the education budget would weaken Texas' economy even more.

Please review the following facts extracted from the TACC Community College Day Handbook:

Community College – A Wise Investment:

• 735,000 students enrolled in Texas public Community Colleges during the fall of 2010 - compared to 560,000 at public Texas universities and 123,000 at Independent College and Universities.

• 70% of all first-time college students in Texas begin their college education at a community college. Community Colleges educate 52% of all Texans enrolled in postsecondary education Community College transfer students succeed at universities.

• Compared to students who enroll in universities their freshman year, community college students are more likely to graduate, and are more likely to graduate in less time.

• Community Colleges serve a broad cross section of Texans helping our state in Closing the Gaps to make college accessible to more Texans.

• Average earnings for someone with a 1-year certificate are $26,353 or 16% more than someone with just a high school diploma. Average earnings for someone with an associate degree are $30,974 or 36% more than someone with just a high school diploma.

• Texas taxpayers see a 6.9% rate of return on their investment in community colleges. Students earn 15.4% return on our investment with a payback period of 9.6 years. Students expanded earning and spending will contribute to an ever larger tax base for the remainder of their career.

• Community College Students are hard workers who are already working and stretching their dollars as far as they can.

• 72% of community college students work while attending college.

• 95% percent of community college students remain in the state, therefore keeping the return on the taxpayers investment in the state.

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