May 19, 2009
Letter from our President:
Dear Member and Guest,
The Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education welcomes you.
The mission: "the commitment to improve the educational and employment opportunities for Hispanics in Higher Education" has remained constant for 35 years and the accomplishments have been many.
However, there are many challenges facing us today, in higher education. Some of these challenges are new and others have been front and center for many years. Perhaps some of these may appear more prevalent today due that this is a legislative year, and in other instances they may seem more acute and relevant as a result of our on-going growth in our Hispanic population across the state and the country.
With this in mind, TACHE continues to forge ahead during this 81tst legislative session with its commitment to assist all of higher education in meeting the goals identified in "Closing the Gaps." This year, the board and membership will advocate for public policy reform with respect to: 1. a comprehensive study of developmental education, 2. increase (full) funding of the Texas grant and continue the current need-based eligibility criteria, as well as, 3. public policy that requires public colleges and universities to demonstrate a strong program that leads to faculty and staff diversity which reflects the institution's student population. In addition, TACHE advocates for: 4. public policy that fully funds the formula utilized in allocating state funds for public colleges and universities, 5. keeping the "Ten Percent" Plan without any modifications or amendments, 6. more (seven) "Tier One" universities, and 7. keeping the Noriega Bill (HB 1403, and updated by SB 1528) and oppose any change in the statute's intent.
Unlike before, this year, I am asking all TACHE members, colleagues and friends from all diverse backgrounds to join hands and help by first, learning about these issues, and secondly, to help educate others, as well as your respective Texas Senator and Texas House Representative. Your voice matters, and in this arena it is not over until it is over. So, keep your voice alive until the very end.
To learn more about TACHE's Public Policy Initiatives, legislative updates, and calls for action regularly visit www.tache.org.
In closing, please also tour our website to access membership, 35th annual conference (San Antonio, Texas 2010) and best practices information. Thank you to all our members, friends and guests - together we will make enormous contributions to higher education.
Sincerely,
Gustavo F. Cedillo
TACHE President (2009)
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