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Texas Business Community’s Call to Preserve In-State Tuition

Below is the sign-on letter that will be distributed to the members of the Texas Legislature to reaffirm Texans for Economic Growth and the Texas business community’s support of preserving the current Texas in-state tuition law, established in 2001 under then-Governor Rick Perry, which allows all students who have lived in Texas for three years and graduated from a Texas high school to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, regardless of immigration status. This policy has been instrumental in fostering educational and economic growth for over two decades.

As in nearly every legislative session, several bills have once again been introduced aiming to repeal the 2001 law.

To sign the letter, please complete the form below.

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February 3, 2025

The Honorable Members of the Texas Legislature
Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

Subject: Ensuring Texas Remains a Leader in Economic Growth and Opportunity

Dear Members of the Texas Legislature,

As members of Texans for Economic Growth and representatives of Texas’s business community, we write to reaffirm our commitment to fostering policies that recognize and support immigrants' significant contributions to our state’s economy. Texas has long been a beacon of opportunity, attracting individuals from across the globe who fuel our industries, expand our workforce, and strengthen our communities.

The Texas Compact on Immigration—launched in 2019 and endorsed by business leaders, chambers of commerce, and organizations statewide—outlines the principles necessary to ensure Texas remains competitive in a global economy. These principles emphasize the importance of smart immigration policies that uphold our values, enhance economic growth, and maintain public safety. Central to these efforts is preserving access to in-state tuition for long-term Texas resident students, a policy that has played a vital role in developing a skilled and competitive workforce.

For over two decades, Texas’s in-state tuition policy has empowered thousands of Texas high school graduates to pursue higher education, leading to:

  • A Stronger Workforce: Graduates contribute millions to our state economy annually, filling critical roles in industries like healthcare, education, and technology.

  • Increased Economic Activity: Long-term Texas resident students with college degrees generate billions in additional wages, spending, and tax contributions.

  • Global Competitiveness: Ensuring access to education helps Texas attract and retain talent, bolstering our standing as a top destination for businesses and innovation.

Repealing in-state tuition would have severe economic consequences. Research shows Texas stands to lose $461 million annually in economic activity, including $244.4 million in lost wages and $216.9 million in diminished spending power. Such outcomes would not only harm affected students but also negatively impact businesses and communities across the state.

We urge the Texas Legislature to champion policies that harness the full potential of our state’s diverse population. Supporting pro-business policies, including access to in-state tuition, is essential to maintaining Texas’s reputation as an economic powerhouse.

As Texas business leaders, we understand the importance of pragmatic policies that strengthen our economy and workforce. By prioritizing smart, results-driven solutions, we can secure Texas’ position as the best state to live, work, and do business.

Respectfully,

[signatories to be added periodically]

  • ABC Home & Commercial Services
  • Alexis G. Reza, Director, Border Trucking Compliance Group
  • American Business Immigration Coalition
  • Asian Chamber of Texas ACT
  • Atlantic Partners Group, LLC
  • Borderplex Alliance
  • Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Brownsville Chamber of Commerce
  • Byron Cook, Former Texas House Representative
  • Cardenas Development Co., Inc.
  • Children at Risk
  • Elizabeth OHara, Chairwoman, El Paso Chamber
  • El Paso Hispanic Chamber
  • Employment & Training Centers, Inc (ETC)
  • ETSZONE
  • Fort Bend Chamber
  • Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Foster LLP
  • Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Houston Partnership
  • Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Laredo Chamber of Commerce
  • Leatherface Tree Service, LLC
  • Longview TX Chamber of Commerce
  • Luis Rodriguez, President and CEO, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • MAREK
  • Marcelo Alvarado, Texas Bank
  • McChesney Kolly PLLC
  • McKinney Chamber of Commerce
  • Metro SA Chamber
  • Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • North Texas Commission
  • Plano Chamber of Commerce
  • Precision Task Group (PTG)
  • Proficiency Testing Service
  • Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA)
  • Ricardo Mora, President and CEO of the El Paso Chamber
  • San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Texas Association of Business (TAB)
  • Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC)
  • Texas Business Leadership Council (TBLC)
  • Texans for Economic Growth (TEG)
  • The Hat Store / Rewards / Superior Trophies
  • The Perryman Group

For more information on Texans for Economic Growth, visit www.txcompact.org.


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