AUSTIN (KYTX) -- One of the biggest issues continues to be the state budget, and despite the need for cuts across the board, college students aren't ready to give up the fight to fund higher education.
"Texas Republicans in the state House do not care about college students." This strong statement came from Texas College Democrats President David de la Fuente.
It was a message delivered by David de la Fuente, but echoed by the signatures of 1,500 college students from across the state.
Students from 60 universities signed the petition, but are they registering their frustration too late?
The House already approved a budget that cuts higher education by at least 10 percent. It also wipes out the potential for any new student to get Texas grants, and significantly reduces work-study programs.
Democratic Representative Donna Howard says, "No matter how low our overall taxes, no matter how few our regulations, no matter how much tort reform is passed, businesses will not come to Texas if we do not have an educated work force."
Republican representative Dan Branch says last session millions of dollars were added into the Texas grants program.
"The good news is we had pumped it up dramatically last time, the numbers will have to come down I don't know where that number is going to be but it's going to be a significant cut," Branch said.
As for the notion that Republicans don't care, Branch says that's simply not true. "I have three students in college myself," he says, "and as someone who's been heavily invested in college students and higher ed, I care deeply in education."
While these students know, their petition may not have an impact on how hard the budget ax falls, they do have a plan come November.
The Vice President of Texas College Democrats, Alex Clark says, "Republicans should fear the backlash of Texas students come 2012." It's warning, that like the rest of the state, students are watching.
