Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation for public education unless the requirement is met.
Impact
If enacted, HJR6 would significantly impact the Texas Constitution, specifically Article VII which governs public education funding. It would amend provisions to guarantee that state funding comprises at least half of the operational costs for public schools. This change is designed to prevent budget shortfalls and ensure that local school districts do not have to bear the burden of funding entirely on property taxes or local revenues. This could also enhance the quality of education by providing more reliable financial resources for school systems across Texas.
Summary
HJR6 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that mandates the state of Texas to fund at least 50% of the costs associated with maintaining and operating the public school system. Furthermore, it stipulates that the comptroller cannot certify legislation that includes appropriations for public education unless this funding requirement is met. This proposed change aims to ensure a more consistent and reliable source of funding for public education throughout the state, addressing long-standing concerns about financial stability in public schools.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HJR6 appears to be largely supportive among education advocates and some legislators who see this amendment as a much-needed step towards ensuring equitable funding for public schools. Proponents argue that it ties state financial responsibilities more closely with educational outcomes. However, there are concerns among some lawmakers and fiscal conservatives about the implications of mandating such funding levels, as this could restrict flexibility in budget allocations and fiscal management at the state level.
Contention
Notable contentions regarding HJR6 include debates about the appropriateness of state mandates on funding, with some critics arguing that the requirement could limit future legislative discretion regarding education funding. Furthermore, concerns about financial feasibility have been raised, particularly in terms of potential increases in state taxes or reallocation of funds from other essential services to meet the new funding obligations. The resolution is set to go to voters in an election scheduled for May 2024, which adds an additional layer of public sentiment that will need to be considered.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation for public education unless the requirement is met.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the imposition of school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes on residence homesteads, to increase the rates of state sales and use taxes and dedicate the revenue attributable to that increase for public education, and to establish and prescribe the permissible uses of the homeowner protection fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide financial support for projects that enhance the safety of public schools in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting certain school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes on the fulfillment of certain conditions.
Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to remove the requirement that a home equity loan be closed only at the office of the lender, an attorney at law, or a title company.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.