Statement of Senator Ellis on Perry Plan on Higher Education

Author of TEXAS Grants law praises Perry for first step, raises concerns about certain provisions

AUSTIN -- Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) released the following statement regarding Governor Rick Perry's proposed overhaul of higher education. "Governor Perry deserves tremendous credit for making financial aid and higher education funding a top priority for the session because it is absolutely vital that we do more to help students and families better afford the costs of college," said Senator Ellis. "We do, however, have some very serious concerns about the governor's plan when it comes to student aid, both in terms of funding levels and relying more and more on loans.

"Many of these issues were debated at length last session, and there was a consensus in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle that we cannot add more restrictions and rely on more loans if we hope to close the gaps and open the door to college to more Texans," said Senator Ellis. "But, again, Governor Perry deserves praise for starting this conversation, and we look forward to working with him on this issue throughout the session."

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