Before the pandemic hit, some lawmakers were positioning the 2021 legislative session to be a “higher education session,” with big plans to overhaul funding for colleges and universities. COVID-19 has pushed some of those conversations to the side. But Texas Higher Education Commissioner Harrison Keller and House Higher Education Committee chairman Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, told Texas Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey that higher education needs to remain a priority next session.

In this conversation, Keller argued research institutions and university health centers haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve for their pandemic response. He said they’ll continue to need funding, as will community colleges and regional public universities that will help unemployed Texans learn new skills and reenter the workforce. Both Turner and Keller insist more investment in higher education will help Texas’ economy recover from the pandemic. As Texas works toward a goal of ensuring 60% of 25- to 34-year-olds have some kind of degree or credential by 2030, Keller said the state must also consider how it's helping older Texans who need access to training and development. — Kate McGee

This session is supported by Texas State University System, Texas Association of Community Colleges, TEXAS 2036, Raise Your Hand Texas, Educate Texas and Philanthropy Advocates.