Gov. Greg Abbott bolstered the next generation of college students by freezing tuition rates in the state.
Abbott sent a letter on Wednesday, May 27, to all Texas public institutions of higher education, halting increases in undergraduate tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year. Tuition and fees will remain frozen through the 2026-27 academic year for all two-year and four-year institutions, including both general academic and health-related institutions.
“I directed all public institutions of higher education in Texas to freeze undergraduate tuition and fees,” Abbott said. “Higher education must be attainable for Texas students and families. Access to affordable, high-quality education is essential to ensure Texans learn the skills needed to secure family-sustaining jobs and meet the demands of a growing workforce.”
Since 2023, Abbott has directed that tuition and fees in Texas be frozen at all public institutions of higher education.
In the recent legislative session, Texas made investments in higher education and increased student financial aid funding by $328 million to improve access to state financial aid programs for eligible students across Texas.
Gina Hinojosa on blue wave in Texas
Texas Democratic governor candidate Gina Hinojosa is again calling on voters to back a blue wave in the state this election.
“We are working every vote across the state to win,” Hinojosa said in a social media post on Sunday, May 31.
“Polling shows that we are already winning independents by double digits,” she said. “We are also winning Latinos by double digits. We are winning people under 25-years-old by 49 points, which is astounding. 2018 was proof of concept and 2026 is the win.”
She noted that with 79% of the Latino vote, her campaign will gain the highest office in the state.
Important dates for 2026 Texas election
The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.
Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23 for mail requests or Oct. 19 for in-person requests. The absentee ballot return deadline is Nov. 3, by mail or in person on Election Day.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gov. Greg Abbott on tuition, Gina Hinojosa on votes in Texas governor race
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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