Student Endowment Bill Goes to Governor's Desk

Senate Bill 1417, which provides for the creation of a student endowment fund at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has been unanimously approved by the Texas Legislature and sent to Gov. Rick Perry for his signature.

The bill sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. gives The Texas A&M System Board of Regents the statutory authority to charge a student endowment fee of $1 per credit hour. The fee may not be increased by more than 10 percent unless approved by a majority vote of the University’s students.

Ortiz represents House District 33, which includes part of the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County. He credited Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, the author of SB 1417, for successfully moving the bill through the Senate.

“I want to thank Sen. Hinojosa for working with me on this legislation,” Ortiz said. “Together, we’ve been able to achieve a major victory for the students of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.”

In March, students voted on a referendum in support of the endowment, which passed with an overwhelming 78 percent approval of voters. Student Government President Seamus Nelson, University President Flavius Killebrew, and Vice President for Student Affairs Eliot Chenaux traveled to Austin to testify in favor of the bill.

“The students have spoken loud and clear,” Ortiz said. “They want to create an endowment fund for scholarships and internships. I have said many times that students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi are some of the best in the state. This fund will make sure even more of them have the opportunity to achieve their academic and career goals.”