I'm back under the dome to participate in the third special session in order to address the issue of how we are going to finance our public school system. This is the sixth time since 2003, the Texas Legislature will attempt to reform the school funding system. While in route to the capitol the budget surplus went from $4.3 billion to $8.2 billion dollars.
Like most of us, I was happy that our state had a surplus. It did raise a concern for those of us who would like to reform the system. Politically speaking, the easy way out would be for us to take the extra revenue lower local school property taxes and ignore the overhaul of the state's tax system. I did a little informal polling of some of the more conservative and liberal members of the House and am quite surprised at the support the basic concept behind the Perry/Sharp proposal has. It looks like a good number of members want to reform the tax system. In other words I do not hear that members want to "cut and run."
The plan got an added boost with the recent support of Speaker Craddick. With the news of the larger surplus, Gov. Rick Perry has called for even larger property tax cuts than the ones he's pushed in recent weeks.
In a speech (above photo) to members of the press and members of Interfaith groups from around the state, I informed them that their concerns about an increase in the sales tax was merited. At this moment however I do not sense large widespread support for an increase in the sales tax. The gambling issue also won't be up for consideration. Look for that issue to be hit hard in 2007.
Like so many others in this state many of us including myself believe this is a prime opportunity to give teachers their long awaited pay raise. I informed the crowd that the first bill I filed on the opening day was House Bill 11 - a teacher pay raise bill. With the increase in surplus I have also written the governor to open the call to include remedying the teachers' retirement fund. I will co-sponsor a bill that we expect to file next week on that issue.
I last described the mood here as "cautiously optimistic." I would continue to say that on this day.
10 comments:
I thought this session will be focused on fixing the tax system to make it constitutional.
There are other areas that need to fixed, but to what extent should we expect to get other legislation passed?
Other areas can be addressed only to the extent the governor places those issues on the call (agenda). It is believed that teachers pay, textbooks and TRB's may be included in the future.
Thanks!
Keep at it Rep. There is no greater place to work in the State of Texas than that pink granite building they call the Texas Capitol! You must be very proud!
I grew up two blocks from here on Waller creek. I remember my dad would walk me over to the capitol and I thought giants lived here because the ceilings were so tall. I think from those early days I knew that one day I would come back.
I can think of no other place I would want to be. I represent good people back home and I'm blessed to have the opportunity in this life to make a difference for them.
What type of gambling are we talking about for the 2007 session? Give us something to look forward to Rep!
I was at that Interfaith raaly where that photo was taken today. You and your colleagues have your work cut out for you, and that's before Craddick even picks up his gavel. Focus on our children's future over the next 28 days, and we'll count on you to take care of them ( and us).
Thank you for looking out for us teachers but please beware, Shapiro is trying to push a privatization plan (SB1) under the guise of "reform". Please vote against it if it reaches the house.
Thanks Rep. for working hard for the children and teachers of this state, and most of all, your district. As the young kids would say, "we got your back" in Edinburg.
I sincerely hope the pay-raise bill becomes a reality. Teachers need to be incentivized by adequate pay, especially in this trying time of the false benchmarks they have to meet because of the NCLB act.
On a completely unrelated note, what the heck's up with HR 27?
I feel educators needed this pay raise years ago.Keep at it rep.
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