Texas Border Business
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recognizes the value that Laredo College and other community colleges across the state contribute to our community. Hence, Texas community colleges are among the few institutions that were exempted from the governor’s directive to enact a 5% budget cut for most state agencies.
In a recent letter sent to state agency board and commission chairs, state agency heads, executive directors, appellate court justices and judges, chancellors, presidents and directors of institutions and agencies of higher education, the governor outlined how these cuts would be implemented.
The letter, also signed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, states that this preemptive 5% discretionary budget cut is meant to prepare the agencies for an economic shock due to the mounting financial strain the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on state agencies and institutions.
However, community colleges were among the select group of institutions exempted from this mandate due to their importance in “the state’s response to COVID-19 and the continuity of critical government functions,” according to the letter.
Laredo College President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis pointed out that since the college serves over 10,000 students each semester and plays a critical role in workforce training and expansion, every bit of funding counts.
“It is reassuring to see that our state leaders understand the significance of community colleges,” he said. “Our students need every available resource at their disposal to be able to complete their education. It’s great to hear that we have been excluded from the list of institutions ordered to reduce their budget. This will allow for us to keep all essential programs and departments within our college fully funded.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, Laredo College has been cutting any unnecessary spending and being fiscally conservative to maximize budget funds and bring in new sources of funding through grants and partnerships. Our intent is to continue providing all our services to our students and community members.
