SJR 59 – Dedicated fund for Texas State Technical College

SJR 59 proposes a constitutional amendment to create two new state-managed funds specifically for capital investments and infrastructure at the Texas State Technical College System. These funds would exist outside the general revenue stream and receive continuous funding with investment returns distributed annually. Unlike most state programs, this funding would be automatically appropriated without further legislative approval, removing oversight. The bill repeals an existing safeguard that caps TSTC’s allocation from constitutionally dedicated higher education funding. The bill limits flexibility in budgeting. It also expands government spending obligations and increases the risk of future calls for similar carveouts by other institutions. This amendment entrenches a long-term funding stream in the constitution that lacks strong taxpayer accountability measures. Taxpayers will end up footing the bill for permanent infrastructure commitments regardless of TSTC’s performance or need, at a time when the legislature should be prioritizing property tax relief.