Most states outpace Texas education funding

[CShine]

AUSTIN -- While agreement on a new school finance plan continues to elude state leaders, Texas' commitment to education funding continues to lag behind most states, a new report indicates. Per-pupil spending on public school operations in Texas, adjusted for inflation, increased by 14.3 percent between 1997 and 2002, but that was slower than the national average and slower than the rate of spending growth in 30 other states and the District of Columbia, according to the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. The study didn't include money spent on debt service and other construction costs.

Eva de Luna, a budget analyst for the Austin-based Center for Public Policy Priorities, an advocacy group for low- and middle-income Texans, said her calculations support the Rockefeller findings. She predicted Texas' ranking may slip even more because of last year's state budgetary cuts, which weren't included in the national study.

Robert Black, a spokesman for Gov. Rick Perry, said the state's record on education spending was better than the new report indicated and its ranking is higher if construction-related costs are included.

"Gov. Perry has shown a tremendous commitment both as lieutenant governor and governor to education in this state. He believes the Legislature has shown a tremendous commitment to education," Black said.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2642409

[struggle4progress]

1. Talk to many Texans and you'll notice their schools weren't so great! eom