"An estimated 36,000 more students in Texas will have access to $186 million worth of financial aid from the TEXAS Grants program over the next two years; Austin Business Journal reports. "Next Tuesday, State Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, will announce details of the Texas Legislature’s recent move to increase financial aid across Texas. He will be joined by University of Texas at San Antonio President Ricardo Romo, Texas A&M San Antonio Director Maria Hernandez Ferrier and Rick Hernandez, director of financial services for the Alamo Colleges. Villarreal sits on the committee that writes the budget for the Texas House. During the most recent legislative session, he worked to include the additional funds for the TEXAS Grants program over the next biennium. "In these difficult economic times, I’m proud that we’re investing in education, giving more students an opportunity to succeed, while improving our long-term economic position," Villarreal said."