State House Debates School Funding Measure
AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas House is debating legislation that will cut $4 billion from Texas public schools to deal with a multibillion dollar revenue shortfall.
A Democratic filibuster killed the school finance measure on the last day of the regular session. Gov. Rick Perry called lawmakers back immediately to deal with the legislation.
The measure allows the state to legally pay schools less by changing distribution formulas. It spreads the $4 billion cut over two years with 6 percent across-the-board cuts in 2012 and a $2 billion reduction in targeted funding levels in 2013.
The Senate approved the legislation late last week over objections from Democrats demanding to spend more money from the Rainy Day Fund.
Rural House Republicans aren't happy with the proposal, arguing the cuts disproportionately affect their school districts.
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