LAR Statement
In case you were not aware, the State of Texas participates in a biennial legislative session, where they only meet every other year during odd-numbered years. Prior to the start of each legislative session, agencies and universities receive instructions from the state to submit their two-year budgets, also known as a Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR).
Since the State of Texas is the largest annual financial contributor to Texas A&M University, it is crucial for the LAR to include how the university has invested funds from the previous session and report on the success of those investments (e.g., Texas A&M's Student Success Initiative increased retention and graduation rates among all students, including "at-risk" students; those who are first-generation or come from low-income households).
The LAR for the 87th session includes considerations for the university's enrollment growth, ongoing costs to respond to COVID-19, and the challenges associated with the pandemic. Among this session's requests are a restoration of a 5% cut to Texas A&M's base budget, funds to support an Academic Resource Initative to help the campus catch up with student growth (almost 14,000 students, a 27% increase since 2013), and support for an up-to-date biological and chemical sciences facility. To see the full LAR overview, click here.
