Opinion

Legislators this year took a historic step toward fundamentally realigning the way Texas funds its community colleges. The goal? Ensuring Texans are earning postsecondary credentials that will give them greater access to higher-paying careers.

Apriority for state lawmakers this year was the establishment of new funding sources to help ensure Texas has ready access to enough water to sustain both its growing population and economy. Their efforts culminated in early June with the stroke of the governor’s pen, signing their legislation into law.

Iwas only 10 years old the first time I went to the hospital with severe head pain, uncontrollable vomiting, and visual disturbances with complete blindness in my left eye. Driving four hours to Dallas from my home in Abilene was my family’s only option if I wanted to see a pediatric neurologist after being diagnosed with chronic migraine. It was a sacrifice of time, but necessary for my health. More than 35 years later, managing this illness, several co-morbid conditions, caring for my family, and working is a lot to juggle, physically, emotionally, and financially. I pay what I owe, but I was livid when I realized that fine print in my insurance contract was causing me to pay my deductible twice.