Top 10 Percent back on the House floor

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Top 10 Percent rule, intended to give top high school graduates across the state the ability to attend the public university of their choice, has had the biggest impact on UT. More than 80 percent of UT's incoming freshman class is now automatically admitted, cripping the ability of the university to recruit students.

Gov. Rick Perry came to the House floor twice on Wednesday to convince rural lawmakers to vote in favor of changing the law.

"There may be a tenth of one percent separating that No. 1  kid with the No. 2, and I think not giving UT and A&M the opportunity to recruit those kids hurts the schools, not to mention the kids," Perry said.

Rural lawmakers are treading with caution when it comes to changing the law because they believe kids in their districts will end up losing out, since they may not have as many extracurricular activities available to beef up their application. Some urban lawmakers believe the law promotes diversity and forces the schools to give all students an even playing field.

The House, caught between debate on the Top 10 Percent rule and unemployment insurance, passed no bills on Thursday. That puts lawmakers in an extra time crunch. Meanwhile, Voter ID has been scheduled for floor debate in the House on Saturday.