Deep Budget Cuts Could Threaten Texas’ Ability To Compete, UT Advocates Say (Watch)

By Tim Taliaferro in Association, Blog, Promote & Protect, TXEX on February 1, 2011 at 8:35 pm | No Comments

Steep cuts to The University of Texas’ budget could reverse decades-long progress on attracting bright students, renowned faculty, and corporate jobs to the Lone Star State, members of the UT Advocates say.

In a new video released today, J.J. Baskin, chair of the Texas Exes public affairs committee, warns legislators that cutting too deeply the state appropriations for public higher education would make college unaffordable for many more students, reduce services for those who do attend, and put the state at a disadvantage in the race to attract big companies and good jobs.

In the long run, the state would feel the effects of a less educated workforce, as well as the opportunity costs of not reaping the economic benefits that investments in higher education return.

Every dollar invested in The University of Texas returns $18 to the Texas economy.

“No one will be getting out of the legislative session without taking some cuts,” Baskin says. “We understand that. But frankly, The University of Texas has already stepped up to the plate.”

Baskin points out that of the first round of budget cuts last year, 41 percent came from higher education.

On Feb. 15, the UT Advocates will partner with members of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students for Orange & Maroon Legislative Day at the Capitol.

Their goal will be to persuade legislators that there’s no better investment in Texas than an investment in UT or A&M.

Join the UT Advocates here, and sign up for Orange & Maroon Legislative Day here.