April 8, 2025
To: House Higher Education Committee
Re: Public testimony FOR HB 4909
Good afternoon Chairman Wilson, Vice Chair Howard and Members,
My name is Kelle Kieschnick and I am the Vice President of Policy at the Texas Business Leadership Council testifying in support of the Committee Sub to House Bill 4909. We are a non-partisan, statewide network of business leaders advancing policies to support a more globally competitive Texas.
We currently have a skills gap due to low postsecondary attainment that is putting a strain on our workforce. Less than 25% of students earn a postsecondary credential by the age of 24 and less than half of high school graduates enroll…