May 15, 2006 7:27 pm US/Central
Teacher Group Critical Of School Finance Bill
by Steve Pickett
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
Texas lawmakers have finally approved a school finance bill, but some teacher groups are still critical of the plan.
The bill will reduce property taxes, but generate new taxes on businesses.
Relying on property taxes was deemed unconstitutional by the state supreme court. Critics are already saying, the new plan will not adequately fund public schools.
Schools will get state funding, homeowners will see a cut in property taxes, and teachers could see extra money in their paychecks… so why is there still little celebration coming from the largest teacher group in Dallas?
"It all comes down to a reliable stream of funding, and they've not created that reliable stream of funding. They've just kicked the can down the road," said Aimee Bolender, Alliance AFT.
A tax bill, not a funding bill, that's how Federation of Teachers President Bolender describes the legislature's school finance package.
The plan decreases property tax rates for homeowners. Schools would receive revenue from taxes on businesses and cigarettes to compensate for the property tax cut.
Investing more cash in public education is what's needed, according to teacher association leaders, and that's not part of this long term funding deal.
"And I think the public needs to understand that we have not solved the problem of school finance, it is still out there," Bolender said.
Garland Schools Superintendent Curtis Culwell offers a different take. The state offers much needed tax relief to parents and homeowners, he says.
While teachers will get extra pay, he too questions the long term answers for Texas schools.
"In the broader view, there's an understanding there has to be an increase an increase in funding for public schools in Texas."
There are many north Texas districts that still
send money to the state under the 'Robin Hood' portion of school finance. Fundamentally that part of the school finance bill will not change.
(CBS 11 News)
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