As a former prisoner and Deputy Chairman of the New Afrikan Black Panther Party Texas branch, I can personally testify to the transformative power of education. During my time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), where I served as a jailhouse lawyer and prisoner activist, I witnessed countless individuals who managed to turn their lives around through the educational programs offered. These programs provided a path not only towards enlightenment but also towards reintegration into society with dignity and purpose.

Education can change lives, giving people the skills and knowledge they need to contribute positively to society. The community college programs across Texas are an indispensable resource that equip students from various backgrounds with academic opportunities and vocational training, allowing them to pursue better futures. However, these valuable educational services are under threat.

The proposed defunding of these programs is an affront not only to the students they serve but to the ethos of progress itself. This decision seems even more irrational when considering that the state plans to allocate sufficient funds to create 5,600 more beds within the TDCJ. Investing in educational programs rather than expanding prison capacity reflects a commitment to reducing recidivism and fostering an educated, productive citizenry. Ensuring a robust community college system in Texas aligns with broader public safety and economic goals by reducing crime rates and producing a more skilled workforce.

Moreover, these education programs have proven benefits. According to a report by the RAND Corporation, for every dollar invested in correctional education, there is a savings of four to five dollars in re-incarceration costs over three years. This is not just a socially responsible choice, but a fiscally sound one.

I urge the Texas legislators to reconsider their stance on defunding these crucial community college programs. By prioritizing education over incarceration, we can create a brighter future for all Texans, where former prisoners can thrive and contribute to their communities instead of returning to the prison system.

Please join me in standing against this defunding initiative and advocating for the future of our state's educational programs. Together, we can make a difference. Sign this petition to demand that the Texas government invest in education, not incarceration.