Texas Senate Passes School Funding Overhaul Bill, Despite ‘Rushed Process’

“The Senate ended up taking it up late, revising it late and forcing members to take a vote on it without an official analysis on how it would affect member schools.”

By Jill AmentMay 7, 2019 6:48 am, , ,

On Monday, the Texas Senate debated House Bill 3, which aims to overhaul the state’s public school funding. Ultimately, senators settled on their version of a plan that does not include raising the state sales tax to offset rising property taxes – something Gov. Greg Abbott has said he supports. The Senate’s version of the bill would also increase funding per student; give full-time teachers and librarians a $5,000 pay raise; fund free, full-day pre-K for some students; and lower the proportion of property tax bills that goes to local school districts.

Texas Tribune education reporter Aliyya Swaby says HB 3 ended up passing 26-2, with three senators abstaining.

“The five who didn’t vote, or voted ‘No,’ were all Republicans,” Swaby says. “I think there was not a consensus on the bill, in part because it was such a rushed process. The Senate ended up taking it up late, revising it late and forcing members to take a vote on it without an official analysis on how it would affect member schools.”

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– How the bill had mostly bipartisan support

– What Democratic senators wanted to change in HB 3

– How standardized tests could change as a result of school finance legislation

 

Written by Kristen Cabrera.