House sends school funding measure to Governor Perry
By APRIL CASTRO Associated Press Writer
May 14 , 2006
AUSTIN (AP) The Texas House approved a sweeping education reform bill Friday, sending another major piece of school finance legislation to Gov. Rick Perry four days before the end of the 30-day special session on the court-ordered issue.
The bill, which replaces some school property taxes with surplus money, is one of five that make up the Legislature's plan to fix the system before a June 1 deadline.
Lawmakers intend for the measure to answer the Texas Supreme Court's ruling that schools were funded by an unconstitutional statewide property tax in which districts were charging the maximum allowed by law and had no discretion to set their own rates.
The Legislature already has approved a new business tax proposal and a change in the way used cars are purchased. A new cigarette tax and a measure that would dedicate all the money that would be generated from these measures to property tax relief are still being worked out, but both are expected to be adopted.
The legislation sent to Perry on Friday also would give teachers a $2,000 pay raise, require students to take four years of math and science to graduate, change the start date for all schools to the fourth Monday in August and allow performance-based bonuses for teachers, among other things.
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and several senators made a rare appearance in the House to watch as the House approved the measure 136-8.
"All members of the Legislature can hold their heads high, proud of the historic work they have done," Perry said.
Rep. Chuck Hopson, Jacksonville, whose district includes Rusk County, was satisfied with the measure.
"This bill delivers significant property tax relief for all East Texas homeowners and invests billions of new dollars in public education," Rep. Hopson said. "It's not a perfect bill, by any means, but it's a good step forward and will go a long way towards laying the groundwork for future improvements for the children in our public schools."
The plan would allow school districts to cut property taxes about 11 percent this year and by a third in future years. Lawmakers hope replacing property taxes with state money will give school districts the discretion to set their own tax rates, which the court determined is necessary for the system to be legal.
After three years of failed attempts, Rep. Dan Branch said it was a historic moment. "I hope we'll note that while we can improve it, this is great day," Branch, R-Dallas, said. "We're about to conclude a short special session of the Legislature, but make a long stride for the schoolchildren of Texas."
Lawmakers also plan to use money from a $1-perpack increase in the cigarette tax. The measure survived close vote in the Senate after lawmakers removed a measure that would have dedicated 5 percent of the revenue to smoking prevention programs.
They also removed a provision that would have phased-in the full $1 increase over several months.
Both changes were made after the House raised technical objections.
The new bill was approved by a 14-13 vote. Many senators who voted against the bill were upset about cutting the smoking prevention and cessation funds.
The cigarette tax bill now returns to the House, which can accept it or send it to a conference committee.
Some budget experts say the total package will leave the state with a budget hole to plug in future years. But, state leaders have said they're prepared to tackle those budget problems when they arise, even if means cutting other state spending.
"If the mission of this special session was to provide a long-term solution to the state's school-funding crisis, then the verdict on this effort must be mission not accomplished," said Linda Bridges, president of the Texas Federation of Teachers.