To: The Texas State House and Governor Greg Abbott
Governor Perry, make education funding a priority!
Dear Governor Perry,
Like you, we have waited for Judge John Dietz to conclude the latest school finance court case and issue his ruling. For decades, the Legislature has debated the proper and adequate way to fund our neighborhood public schools. Because of his decision, we are now in a unique position to craft legislation that will resonate for generations.
In light of Judge Dietz's ruling, we ask that you meet with your close friend and colleague, Attorney General Greg Abbott, to urge him not to pursue an appeal. The time and money an appeal-- and subsequent special sessions-- will take is not a prudent use of the state's time or of tax-payer dollars. Further, we request that you make school finance an emergency item for the 83rd Legislature.
While there are still weeks remaining before any bill can be heard on the house floor, as you know, any piece of legislation declared an emergency immediately makes its way to the top of the calendar. Texas children, parents, and teachers deserve this prioritization.
Judge Dietz is absolutely correct when he stated, "we either want increased standards and are willing to pay the price, or we don't." Governor, we need a school finance bill that takes care of our children and we need it today.
You have criticized the federal government for creating a "climate of uncertainty" for businesses. Texas leaders should be held to no less of a standard. After the cuts of last session, the public schools responsible for over five million children deserve confidence that they will be adequately funded. By making school finance an emergency item you will help set the tone for the remainder of the session. Please join us in making the 83rd Legislature one for the history books.
Representative Abel Herrero
Like you, we have waited for Judge John Dietz to conclude the latest school finance court case and issue his ruling. For decades, the Legislature has debated the proper and adequate way to fund our neighborhood public schools. Because of his decision, we are now in a unique position to craft legislation that will resonate for generations.
In light of Judge Dietz's ruling, we ask that you meet with your close friend and colleague, Attorney General Greg Abbott, to urge him not to pursue an appeal. The time and money an appeal-- and subsequent special sessions-- will take is not a prudent use of the state's time or of tax-payer dollars. Further, we request that you make school finance an emergency item for the 83rd Legislature.
While there are still weeks remaining before any bill can be heard on the house floor, as you know, any piece of legislation declared an emergency immediately makes its way to the top of the calendar. Texas children, parents, and teachers deserve this prioritization.
Judge Dietz is absolutely correct when he stated, "we either want increased standards and are willing to pay the price, or we don't." Governor, we need a school finance bill that takes care of our children and we need it today.
You have criticized the federal government for creating a "climate of uncertainty" for businesses. Texas leaders should be held to no less of a standard. After the cuts of last session, the public schools responsible for over five million children deserve confidence that they will be adequately funded. By making school finance an emergency item you will help set the tone for the remainder of the session. Please join us in making the 83rd Legislature one for the history books.
Representative Abel Herrero
Why is this important?
Urge Governor Perry to make funding schools a priority! If he makes school funding an emergency item, the Legislature can act now.