Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing an appropriation from the economic stabilization fund for education by a majority vote.
Impact
Should SJR2 be enacted, its primary impact would be on how educational funding is allocated in Texas. By allowing a majority vote for these appropriations, the bill is designed to streamline the process and ensure that educational funding can be more responsive to needs as they arise. This could lead to increased funding for educational programs and institutions, especially in times of economic uncertainty, when flexibility in funding is crucial for maintaining educational quality.
Summary
SJR2 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize appropriations from the economic stabilization fund for education by a majority vote. Specifically, the resolution amends Section 49-g of Article III of the Texas Constitution, allowing the legislature to appropriate amounts for both higher education and public primary and secondary education at any time, provided that a majority of members present in each house approve the decision. This change aims to provide more flexible funding options for educational institutions across Texas.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SJR2 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those advocating for improved funding in education. Supporters argue that the proposed amendment is necessary for responding swiftly to funding needs and addressing potential shortfalls in educational budgets. However, there may also be concerns regarding the long-term implications of drawing from the economic stabilization fund, particularly about fiscal responsibility and prioritization of educational funding over other potential state expenditures.
Contention
Notable points of contention around SJR2 revolve around the use of the economic stabilization fund for education. Critics of the approach may argue that utilizing this fund could detract from its intended purpose, which is generally to stabilize the state's finances during economic downturns. Others might express concerns about the adequacy of a mere majority vote in deciding such significant financial appropriations, suggesting that a higher threshold could ensure greater accountability and careful consideration of educational funding decisions.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that future constitutional amendments become effective only if approved by a majority of the voters in at least three-fourths of the counties of the state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide ongoing financial support for projects that ensure the safety of public schools in this state and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment lowering the maximum allowable amount of money in the economic stabilization fund and dedicating certain general revenue to reducing school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes.
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment excepting certain appropriations to pay for school district ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations.