TSTC Spokesperson says a yes on Prop 1 means more jobs, more training.

TEMPLE, Texas — On Nov. 4, Texas voters will weigh in on 17 proposed constitutional amendments, one of which could significantly impact technical education across the state.

Proposition 1 would create a permanent fund to support the Texas State Technical College System (TSTC), which currently serves thousands of students across 11 campuses, with a 12th on the way.

Joe Arnold, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Government Relations at TSTC, says the amendment would establish a long-term funding source to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in Texas.

“It takes existing funds, places them into an investment fund at the comptroller’s office,” Arnold explained. “And then on an annual basis, the earnings from that fund go into another fund, the Available Workforce Fund, and those are the monies that TSTC will be able to spend for construction, land purchase, equipment purchase, and renovations.”

Supporters of the amendment argue that the fund would enable TSTC to modernize its facilities, expand enrollment, and enhance job training programs, all without raising taxes.

Arnold said many of the college’s programs are already operating at capacity.

“When you’re constrained by capacity, one of the constraints can be that you don’t have enough space,” he said. “That’s where we’re at today. We don’t have enough space to add new equipment or new instructors, so we need that space so that we can have access for more students to come in and get the training they need to go out and get that good job.”

Across the state, the demand for skilled labor, from plumbers and HVAC technicians to welders and machinists, is at an all-time high. Arnold says the lack of qualified workers is taking a toll on Texas businesses.

“Business owners are telling us they’d hire more workers today if they were available,” Arnold said. “This fund could help TSTC close that gap.”

Arnold also noted the funding will help students receive the most up-to-date equipment to ensure they’re ready to enter the workforce from day one.

Proposition 1 is one of 17 amendments that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. Early voting begins Oct. 21.

For more information on all ballot propositions, click here.