(February 3, 2007)--Some legislators are concerned that Gov. Rick Perry's sweeping higher education proposal could leave border universities behind.

This week's proposal would shift funding toward incentive formulas.

For nearly two decades, the Legislature has provided special appropriations for border universities to help them offer more courses and advanced degrees.

The money came in the late 1980s after the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund sued.

The institutional enhancement money is considered a "special item," like dozens of others listed in the higher education budget - all slated for elimination under Perry's measure.

El Paso Senator Eliot Shapleigh says border universities rely on special item appropriations to offer more courses and degree programs than they could otherwise afford.

Perry spokesman Ted Royer says border universities will not necessarily suffer a budget cut if the special items are eliminated.

Royer says those schools will likely be eligible for incentive money provided for at-risk students, those who need remedial help or come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay
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Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana
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State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie
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Rep. Sid Miller, R-Stephenville
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