Democrat proposes new education funding.

[Maestro]

http://cbs11tv.com/localstories/local_story_027184136.html

Notice that a republican opposes giving new pay raises to teachers. Bitch, complain, bitch about public education but don't give those worthless teachers any more money. They earn too much any way. What they hell?

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Keep us posted

Sounds like the same battle brewing in many other states.

We have a new repuke governor in MO. This week, our social worker went to the sate capitol for an annual meeting they have held for years to discuss children's issues. She said every year, the meeting is started with an address by the governor. But this year, the new repuke gov didn't even show up. Shows how much he cares about children.

His wife also wore a fur coat to the inaugural ball!! So stay tuned. He is bound to piss off a lot of folks and the sparks should start flying any time now.

[LWolf]

2. I'll take it as a sign of hope

that any politician is stepping up to the plate for us these days. That it is happening in TX, while my own state continues the march to destruction of public ed, is again a sign of hope. As TX and CA go, for better or for worse, the rest of the nation tends to eventually follow. when it comes to public ed. If the Shriver woman could just club some sense or integrity into her spouse, CA might have a chance. I don't see that happening, so I'm happy for TX to lead the way.

[Frogtutor]

3. I'm confused by this statement:

"It would implement a statewide property tax and reduce homeowners' property taxes."

Isn't the property tax already statewide? If not, who doesn't pay it? I know district property tax rates vary by the school district; are they going to make the tax rate a uniform one? How are homeowners' property taxes going to be reduced?

I'm just curious if anyone knows this information...

[NoPasaran]

4. There is no state property tax at the moment

I pay property taxes to the county; the school district; the city; the community college district; and the hosptial district (whew! I think that's all). But not to the state.

Just what they're going to do isn't clear to me.

[Frogtutor]

9. Yes, you're right--I just wasn't thinking...Thanks for the reminder! n/t

[Longhorn]

5. It would probably be more accurate for the statement to read

"reduce some homeowners' property taxes."

You are correct that all homeowners already pay a property tax that goes to their school district to help finance their schools. But since property values vary widely and some districts have much more commercial and industrial property, which usually tax at a higher rate, the rates homeowners pay also vary widely. Homeowners in a "property-poor" district are paying high taxes, yet their schools are poor. It's this uneven system that led to the "Robin Hood" plan where so-called wealthy districts have to give money to poorer districts or allow students from a poorer district to transfer to their schools.

A statewide property tax would share the wealth of property-rich districts with property-poor districts and some rates would go down but it would seem likely that some rates would stay the same or go up unless the state kicks in another source of funding.

Everything I've read about this over the years says that funding schools is not just a matter of developing a more fair system but coming up with MORE money as Texas spending ranks very low compared to the other states. Teacher salaries are low, teacher shortages are high, books are old, buildings are falling apart, but we've got some damn fine football stadiums! :shrug:

[Maestro]

6. Truer words could not be spoken

And I have also heard that property taxes to counties would be abolished and have only a state income tax or a state property tax as proposed here. Lowering drastically the county taxes would be good but then again disparities would show up when more affluent areas try to impose higher taxes to supplement whatever is lost from state funding. We'll see what happens.

[crispini]

7. Gawd, but does it HAVE to be through property taxes?

They're sooooo high already! I actually pay MORE property taxes than the Shrub does!

I'm ready for a state income tax. :evilgrin: (Dons flame-retardant suit.)

[Maestro]

8. I'm with you on the income tax

Take away my property taxes and let's have an income tax solely for raising money for education.

[Frogtutor]

10. I'm with ya, too

If we had a state income tax, and local property taxes were eliminated, or at least reduced and made more equal, that would be fine with me! I think it's mostly the Republicans (at least the wealthy ones) who have a problem with it. God forbid they should have to part with some cash to improve the lives of less fortunate citizens, especially children!

It would also be nice if the school districts would spend more on teachers and students instead of administrators, but that's just a fantasy of mine...

[Maestro]

11. I know what you mean

My uncle is a retired superintedent of a major school district in San Antonio. He was considered to be a steal considering his accomplishments and respect throughout the state. I think his salary was in the $90,000 range plus bonuses which added up to just over $100,000. Still too high considering teachers are still in the bottom of pay among the 50 states.