The possibility that Texas schools could lose tens of millions in taxes from refineries is drawing the attention and concern of lawmakers, environmental activists and educators. Continue Reading »
Issues: Education
Senators Ellis and Davis Request AG Opinion on Tax Break Request That Could Cost Texas Schools
Senators Rodney Ellis and Wendy Davis say the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) should reject a pollution control tax break request pending before the agency because the equipment in question provides no on-site environmental benefit. Continue Reading »
Houston politicians protest education cuts
Three months into the school year, lawmakers and parents are angry about the effects of the $5 billion cut from schools by the TexasLegislature. Continue Reading »
Funding education for the next generation
Just a few short months ago, the Texas Legislature faced a $27 billion budget shortfall, the largest in the state’s history. To fix this fiscal mess, those in power decided on an irresponsible “cut first, ask questions later” agenda, slashing vital funding for Texas schools, health care and seniors. Each of these disinvestments in our state’s future will have long-term negative impacts, especially the conscious decision to underfund public education. Continue Reading »
Class sizes grow amid state budget cuts
Thousands of Texas public schoolchildren are in more crowded classes this year as districts claim financial hardship following state budget cuts. Continue Reading »
Education Funding Billions Short of What is Needed and What Texas Promised
(Austin, Texas)—Senator Ellis released the following statement on the legislature’s decision to alter funding formulas for Texas schools, cutting state funding by $4 billion: Continue Reading »
Senate Refuses to Accept Responsibility and Regulate College Tuition
(Austin, Texas)—By a vote of 16-15, the Texas Senate today voted to table an amendment by Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) to SB 1851 which would have eliminated tuition deregulation by 2013. The amendment would have rolled back the power the legislature deferred to Texas public colleges and universities in 2003 unless re-enacted by the legislature next session. Continue Reading »
Senate Passes Apollo Early Start Plan
(Austin, Texas)—By a vote of, the Texas Senate today approved HB 1555, legislation by Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) and Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) to allow a school district to add locally funded additional days of instruction prior to the uniform school start date. The bill will proceed to a conference committee to reconcile minor differences between the version passed by the House and that of the Senate. Continue Reading »
Senate Education Committee Passes Apollo Early Start Plan
(Austin, Texas)—By a vote of 6-1, the Senate Education Committee today approved HB 1555, legislation by Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) and Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) to allow a school district to add locally funded additional days of instruction prior to the uniform school start date. Continue Reading »
Senate Rejects Ellis Amendment to Sunset SBOE
(Austin, Texas)—The Senate today rejected an amendment to SB 652 to place the State Board of Education under periodic sunset review beginning in 2013 – the same year that the Texas Education Agency is scheduled to be reviewed. Continue Reading »