Texas Senate Bill SJR72

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the education enrichment fund; allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

Impact

The implementation of SJR72 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws related to educational funding. By formalizing the creation of the Education Enrichment Fund, the bill aims to enhance the stability of financial resources allocated to education, which has been a critical topic of legislative concern. The amendment’s passage would provide a structured mechanism for ensuring that funds are consistently available for education, thus potentially increasing the quality and accessibility of educational services across Texas.

Summary

SJR72 proposes a constitutional amendment to create an Education Enrichment Fund in the state of Texas. This fund will be supported by various allocations from the general revenue fund, along with potential contributions from oil and gas production taxes. Specifically, it redefines how surplus revenues from these taxes may be distributed, with a clear directive to prioritize funding for primary and secondary education. The amendment seeks to ensure that educational funding is a sustained priority within the state budgetary framework.

Contention

While many lawmakers see SJR72 as a positive step towards securing better educational outcomes, there is potential for contention. Opponents may argue that the allocation of funds based on oil and gas revenues may not be sustainable in the long run, especially given the volatility of these markets. Furthermore, the amendment's emphasis on funneling resources to the Education Enrichment Fund could raise questions about other areas of the budget that might be affected by reduced allocations, particularly in times of economic downturn or when oil and gas revenues decline.