Extra session likely on education, taxes (Texas)

[Judi Lynn]

April 2, 2004, 12:22AM

Extra session likely on education, taxes
By JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
AUSTIN -- Key lawmakers and state agency employees are gearing up for a special session they expect to start in less than two weeks, but Gov. Rick Perry refused Thursday to publicly commit to a date.

House Education Committee Chairman Kent Grusendorf, R-Arlington, said "there's a high probability" lawmakers will be in session later this month. He said an April 15 start date "is a good time frame."
(snip)

Perry wants the Legislature to end the "Robin Hood" school funding system, which requires wealthy districts to share their local school property taxes with less wealthy districts. He also has proposed spending money to reward schools and teachers for improved student performance.

Perry and legislative leaders also want to cut property taxes, but there isn't an agreement on how to make up the billions in revenue that would be lost.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory/2480946
(On edit: This might be a free registration only site.)

[drhilarius]

1. How to make up $$$$$

let me guess, cut the funding to the already (and further) under funded public schools?

[alarimer]

3. maybe

But I think they will raise sales taxes instead. Gotta make those "lucky duck" poor people pay their share don't you know.

[damnraddem]

4. How about:

a progressive income tax?

[GOPisEvil]

5. Any politician merely suggesting that would get run out of town on a rail.

Sad, but true. Even though with property tax relief that would mean most people would end up paying LESS in taxes, people here in Texas are latched on the notion of not having a state income tax. They take pride in it. Strange.

[NoPasaran]

2. School financing background

Read this article
http://www.texasobserver.org/showArticle.asp?ArticleID=1524