Texas Senate Bill SB1664

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to state financial assistance to school districts that make contributions for social security coverage.

Impact

If implemented, this bill could significantly impact public school funding by providing financial relief to districts burdened by social security contributions. This could enable districts to allocate more resources towards educational needs, including teacher salaries, especially for those employing a substantial number of teachers, librarians, and counselors. The intent behind the bill is to ensure that school districts are not financially strained due to mandatory social security taxes, therefore promoting equitable funding across varying geographical locales.

Summary

SB1664 proposes amendments to the Education Code regarding state financial assistance for school districts that make contributions for social security coverage. The bill establishes criteria that determine the state revenue allocations necessary to ensure that school districts receive certain funds to maintain operations. Specifically, it includes a provision to reimburse districts up to 50% of their annual expenditures for the employer's share of social security taxes for employees covered under the federal social security retirement program, particularly focusing on contributions made for specific classes of employees prior to a set date in 2008.

Contention

Discussions around SB1664 may touch on the broader implications of state assistance in educational finance. While proponents could argue that the bill enhances the financial infrastructure for school districts, allowing them to sustain or improve educational offerings, critics might raise concerns about the long-term implications of relying on state funds for operational costs. The debate may also reflect on the adequacy of state support for public education and whether this bill sufficiently addresses the disparities in funding that exist among school districts based on locality.