Gov. Greg Abbott says the state will invest an additional $94.6 million in federal funds to support higher education. Last year, the governor allocated $175 million to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to support Texas higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Investing in our higher education system is the single best way to bolster the workforce that Texas has become known for and accelerate our state’s economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19,” said speaker Dade Phelan. “We know the value that a post-secondary degree, certificate or credential can provide in one’s life, and we want that opportunity to be as widely available as possible. This strategic investment will go very far to help return our economy to its former heights and get Texas students the education they need to succeed.”

This additional funding in higher education is an investment in job opportunities and the state economy, said Abbott. “As we move forward from the pandemic, it is critical that we continue to support higher education to ensure more Texans are trained to face dynamic and unique challenges that will set them apart from others, and make them more competitive in their field,” he said.