FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
STEPHENVILLE, Texas—An appropriations bill sent by the Texas Legislature to Gov. Greg Abbott over the weekend could provide a net operating general revenue increase of just more than $4 million for Tarleton State University and $10 million to replace storm-damaged buildings at the school’s agricultural center.
The Texas comptroller must certify that there is enough revenue available to cover all appropriations in the state’s total $217 billion, two-year budget before Abbott can sign the bill into law.
The Legislature faced a fiscal challenge of $3 billion in reduced general revenue to create a budget that will meet the state’s needs. In reaching a balanced budget, the final version of Senate Bill 1 limited proposed reductions for state-supported universities to a maximum of 10 percent and provided increases for the fastest-growing schools, including Tarleton, which has experienced an 11.7 percent enrollment growth (1,371 students) since the Legislature met in 2015.
“We appreciate the commitment of our legislators to higher education and the support of alumni, friends and parents who spoke up in favor of maintaining funding,” said Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio. “Rep. J.D. Sheffield, Sen. Craig Estes and many others played a major role in helping us obtain this much needed funding.
“I also am very grateful to Chancellor John Sharp and The Texas A&M University System leadership team for their understanding of Tarleton’s special needs because of enrollment growth and storm damage. Their support was important in obtaining the funding we need to provide a high-quality, student-focused education that meets the state’s growing need for a professional workforce,” Dottavio said.
Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow’s professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.
Contact: Harry Battson, Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Communications
254-968-1602
[email protected]
