An open letter to Gov. Rick Perry
STATE REP. CHUCK HOPSON D-Jacksonville
Dear Governor Perry:

STATE REP.CHUCK HOPSON

I would respectfully request that a Special Session of the Texas Legislature be called in order to address the consequences caused by your lineitem veto for FY 09 Higher Education Group Insurance (HEGI) Contributions for public community colleges in Texas. This veto will have an extremely negative impact on Panola and Kilgore Colleges in my district.

I have received many letters and calls from students, administrators and employees of these colleges who are very distressed about this veto. It is unjust to impede the efforts of our community colleges. In rural areas like District 11 these colleges are often the only resource for continued education and job training.

This veto will only ensure an increase in tuition rates by $15 to $21 per credit hour. This veto will also lead to an increase in ad valorem taxes and the cutting of important programs.

Therefore, on behalf of the citizens of District 11 and all of Texas, I am respectfully requesting that you call a Special Session immediately so that the Texas Legislature can resolve this serious crisis.