LULAC Seeking More Cash for Schools

News Article

LULAC Seeking More Cash for Schools

By Gary Martin Express-News Washington Bureau, Saturday, Oct 3, 1998

WASHINGTON -- Texas lawmakers joined the League of United Latin America Citizens on Friday in urging Congress to more than double the $12 million it allocates to Hispanic-serving colleges nationwide.

"I'm sending Congress a wake-up call," said U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas. "We need to double the funding for Hispanic- serving institutions."

Hutchison, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said increased funding would help more Hispanics enter colleges and universities and earn degrees for professional positions.

LULAC National President Rick Dovalina of Houston said 30 percent of Hispanics in high school drop out, compared with 8.2 percent for Anglos and non-Hispanic minorities. Also, only 54 percent of Hispanics go to college, and only 18 percent of them earn bachelor's degrees.

Rep. Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, said doubling funds for Hispanic-serving colleges and universities -- those where at least 25 percent of enrollment is Latino -- would be a start in improving educational opportunities for Hispanics.

Congress approved $12 million for Hispanic-serving institutions in fiscal 1998, which ended Wednesday.

The House has proposed $25.5 million for fiscal 1999, and the Senate is offering $23.5 million in legislation under consideration by a conference committee.

LULAC and Texas lawmakers are pressuring the conference committee to increase the amount to $28 million.

Hutchison said the current level of funding strengthens educational opportunities for Hispanics.

"But doubling it would ensure that even more Hispanic students have the chance to receive a higher education," she told a Capitol Hill news conference.

Hinojosa, a member of the House Education Committee, said more funds would let more schools participate in the competitive grant program.

Competition for the grants is stiff, with only 37 of the nation's 160 Hispanic-serving colleges getting funds, which average $325,000.

Eight of the colleges and universities that got funds are in Texas.

Those schools are San Antonio College, Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Bee County College, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde, St. Edwards University in Austin, Sul Ross State University in Alpine and Odessa College.