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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Hundreds of Texas students are gathering at the |
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State Capitol on February 2, 2011, to mark Community College Day; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, In recent years, community colleges have played an |
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increasingly important role in higher education; the total annual |
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enrollment for Texas community and technical colleges today exceeds |
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one million students, who represent more than half of the state's |
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postsecondary student population; and |
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WHEREAS, The knowledge and skills students gain at community |
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colleges significantly enhance their career prospects and ability |
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to contribute to a vibrant economy; according to a recent study, the |
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average mid-career annual income for an individual with an |
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associate's degree is 35 percent higher than that of an individual |
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with only a high school diploma; these earnings expand the tax base |
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in Texas by about $4.25 billion annually, while saving the state an |
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estimated $190 million each year due to the improved health and |
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economic well-being of persons who are college-educated; and |
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WHEREAS, Demonstrating their deep commitment to |
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community-based higher education, leaders of the Texas Junior |
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College Student Government Association, including President |
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Anthony Najar, are joining with community college students, |
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community college trustees, and members of the Texas Association of |
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Community Colleges in the delegation coming to the Capitol for |
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discussions regarding the essential contributions their schools |
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make to the state; and |
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WHEREAS, Community colleges are a critical component of the |
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Texas system of higher education and make an immeasurable |
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difference in the economic vitality of the Lone Star State, and it |
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is indeed fitting to recognize this special day and to welcome these |
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notable community college advocates to Austin; now, therefore, be |
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it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 2, 2011, as Community College |
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Day at the Capitol and extend to all the participants best wishes |
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for a memorable and meaningful visit. |