Senator Judith helping out Valley colleges to the tune of $160M

Well, at least they don't need a new Chimney

Three Rio Grande Valley colleges could receive more than $160 million combined in state construction funds meant to tackle rising enrollment if a proposed bill passes the Texas Legislature next year.

State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D – Laredo, filed legislation Friday that could fund several expansion and renovation projects at the University of Texas-Pan American, Texas State Technical College in Harlingen and the University of Texas at Brownsville.
“You can’t offer outstanding classes if you don’t have the necessary space,” said Zaffirini, who heads the higher education committee. “The space issue is inextricably linked to academic success…institutions continue to grow but haven’t built enough buildings to keep up.”

Senate Bill 272 would authorize colleges to issue much-needed construction bonds in order to cushion a rising stream of students.