The Austin American-Statesman reports that the Texas Senators have agreed to levy a $1/$100 statewide property tax, as well as expand the franchise tax, in order to help save public education in the state.
Currently, since the so-called Robin Hood plan was struck down, schools are financed by a locally-administered property tax that is capped at $1.50/$100.
It will be interesting to see how the state plans send money back to the districts. The initial problem with school financing was that rich areas would bring in a very large amount for public education while poor areas would bring in a very low dollar amount. The Robin Hood plan took money from the richer areas and sent it to the poorer areas. My guess is that the statewide tax would do the same thing in effect, however, it would not be “taking money away”.
I do need to do more research on the statewide property tax. I remember one of the arguments used by those opposed to the Robin Hood plan was that it in-effect created a statewide property tax. I cannot remember if they argued that it was unconstitutional or simply not allowed by law. If it was unconstitutional, we’ll be looking at a fun year as the voters prepare to decide it in the polls.
In either case, we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves. The session is only a couple of days old.
Currently, since the so-called Robin Hood plan was struck down, schools are financed by a locally-administered property tax that is capped at $1.50/$100.
It will be interesting to see how the state plans send money back to the districts. The initial problem with school financing was that rich areas would bring in a very large amount for public education while poor areas would bring in a very low dollar amount. The Robin Hood plan took money from the richer areas and sent it to the poorer areas. My guess is that the statewide tax would do the same thing in effect, however, it would not be “taking money away”.
I do need to do more research on the statewide property tax. I remember one of the arguments used by those opposed to the Robin Hood plan was that it in-effect created a statewide property tax. I cannot remember if they argued that it was unconstitutional or simply not allowed by law. If it was unconstitutional, we’ll be looking at a fun year as the voters prepare to decide it in the polls.
In either case, we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves. The session is only a couple of days old.
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