AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick made the following statement regarding the upcoming University of Texas System (UT) Board of Regents meeting where they will discuss a framework for potential tuition rate increases:

“It is my understanding that the University of Texas System board is discussing the framework for how they may raise tuition and fees in the future.

“Texas higher education institutions are currently funded at historic levels. The Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP) funding was increased by more than $100 million over the previous biennium which provides a state match to private donations for research. The budget increased overall higher education formula funding. The legislature also passed over $3 billion in tuition revenue bonds (TRBs).

“It is my hope, instead of looking at ways to potentially raise tuition in the future, they will look for ways to make college education more affordable for students and families across Texas. I encourage them to remember that we must keep the cost of college tuition at a level that is within reach of all Texans. With the dramatic increase in funding from the legislature this session, I am surprised that they are already looking at ways to raise tuition on students.”