ISSUE

Former Texas college and university students often carry a crushing student loan debt years after they finish attending their institution. This can reduce their post college standard of living, and lead to crippling loan defaults. Also, the state is less likely to reach its college degree goals as the student loan problem worsens.

WHO SHOULD ACT AND WHEN

Anyone can call any of the committee members, and do it anytime from now until September 1, 2020.

WHO TO CALL

House Higher Education Committee members:

  • Chris Turner Chair (D) (512) 463-0574
  • Lynn Stuckey VC (R) (512) 463-0582 
  • Angie Chen Button (R) (512) 463-0486
  • John Frullo (R) (512) 463-0676 
  • Donna Howard (D) (512) 463-0631 
  • Leo Pacheco (D) (210) 928-9023
  • Matt Scheafer (R) (512) 463-0584
  • John Smithee (R) 512) 463-0702
  • Armando Walle (D) (512) 463-0924
  • Terry Wilson (R) (512) 463-0309

Senate Higher Education Committee members:

  • Brandon Creighton Chair (R) (512) 463-0104
  • Royce West Vice Chair (D) (512) 463-0123
  • Paul Bettencourt (R) (512) 463-0107
  • Brandon Creighton (R) (512) 463-0104
  • Pete Flores (R) (512) 463-0119
  • José Menéndez (D) (512) 463-0126
  • Beverly Powell (D) (512) 463-0110
  • Larry Taylor (R) (512) 463-0111
  • Kirk Watson (D) (512) 463-0114

SAMPLE SCRIPT

“Hi, I’m {your name} and I’m calling because I’m seriously concerned about the crushing student loan debt that college students must take on in order to afford a higher education degree. This debt reduces Texan’s post-college standard of living and can lead to crippling loan defaults. Also, the state is less likely to reach its college degree goals as the student loan problem worsens. I ask that you study this problem and make recommendations for consideration during the 2021 session as part of the {House Interim Higher Education or Senate Interim Education Committee’s} work this interim.  Thank you.”

BACKGROUND