A delegation of Austin Community College District (ACC) students took their voices to the Texas State Capitol on Monday, February 3, joining hundreds of community college students from across the state for 2025 Community College Day. The event, held every legislative session, asks students to engage directly with lawmakers on issues shaping the future of higher education in Texas.

Thirteen ACC students met face-to-face with local and state legislators to advocate for policies that impact their lives and communities. They were joined by ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Board of Trustees members Sean Hassan and Steve Jackobs, as well as faculty and staff.

“Our students are the heart of ACC’s mission, and their voices are powerful agents for change,” says Chancellor Lowery-Hart. “When students speak directly to legislators about the barriers they face and the opportunities they need, it humanizes the issues and drives meaningful action.”

Students Leading the Conversation

ACC students participated in meetings with legislators based on their home districts, sharing personal stories and highlighting key concerns for the upcoming 89th Texas Legislative Session, including:

  • Increased funding for community colleges
  • Support for dual credit programs
  • Access to mental health resources
  • Affordability of out-of-state tuition
  • Immigration policies impacting students

ACC’s 2025 Legislative Priorities

In January, the ACC Board of Trustees approved the College’s legislative priorities, aligning with the 2025 Policy Priorities of the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) and the Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT). Key priorities include:

  • Supplemental Appropriations Request: Adjust the FY 2024-25 budget to fully fund House Bill 8 (HB 8) performance-based awards.
  • Formula Funding for FY 2026-27: Strengthen outcomes-based funding established by HB 8 to support more students in earning credentials of value.
  • Recognition of Private Institutions in Performance Metrics: Ensure formula funding reflects diverse student success pathways, including those involving private institutions.
  • Dual Credit GPA Parity with Advanced Placement: Advocate for equal GPA weighting across all advanced academic courses, encouraging students to pursue dual credit classes while receiving the same GPA benefits as AP coursework.

The 89th Texas Legislative Session runs through June 2. Click here for legislative information.