[calcowgirl]

My understanding is that “in-state” is the actual cost and that “out-of-state” is more than actual cost. This is the only scenario that makes sense. Texas universities are for Texans and those who are from out of state pay for the privilege to attend our schools.

Therein lies the basis for the disagreement. You are incorrect on all counts.

"In state" tuition is subsidized, to the tune of about $6,000 per student. That subsidy is paid for by taxpayers. The theory is that it is good to have an educated citizenry, for the greater good and all that jazz. So, by mandating that "in-state tuition" will apply to illegal aliens, Perry (and those who support the action) are mandating that the earnings of hardworking, taxpaying American citizens be used to subsidize the tuition of non-citizens, non-Americans. Take that $6,000 amount and multiply it by thousands of illegal alien students taking advantage of Perry's 'generosity' and you end up with tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars going to illegal aliens. When a whole lot of Americans are out of work and/or pinching pennies to take care of their own family, Government actions like this produce anger and frustration. That supporters of this policy have the gall to then call these law-abiding, tax-paying citizens racist or some other baseless perjorative only makes the issue worse.

Out of state tuition amounts more closely approach the real cost of that education -- but even that is subsidized somewhat by the taxpayer.

The bottom line shows how ridiculous this policy is from a 'follow the law' perspective: Texas is subsidizing the education of non-American illegal aliens who cannot even work in this country legally. How does that make any sense?

[nanetteclaret]

So tell me how you, a resident of California, know so much about how Texas calculates the “real cost of education?” Do you have an inside track to the Comptroller’s Office?

Please provide a link to the source of your information.