Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB3339

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an appropriation of money from the economic stabilization fund to be used for public education.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3339 would directly affect state laws governing educational funding by increasing appropriations from the economic stabilization fund for the Texas Education Agency. This would replenish and bolster the funding for various educational initiatives, programs, and operations that have been underfunded due to budget constraints. The bill's funding could alleviate some of the pressures faced by schools in meeting educational standards and providing adequate resources to students and teachers.

Summary

House Bill 3339 seeks to appropriate a total of $5.4 billion from the economic stabilization fund to the Texas Education Agency for public education purposes. This funding allocation is designed to support the Foundation School Program and restore grant programs to their previous funding levels as of the fiscal biennium ending August 31, 2011. The intent behind this bill is to bolster public education financing, which has seen significant cuts in previous years, thereby aiming to enhance the overall quality and accessibility of education in Texas.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 3339 is largely positive, with many legislators and education advocates supporting the bill as a critical step towards restoring necessary funding for public education. Supporters argue that the increased funding is vital for improving educational outcomes and addressing disparities in resources across schools. However, there may be some contention regarding the source of funding and the potential implications for the economic stabilization fund's future allocations.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the fiscal responsibility of utilizing the economic stabilization fund for educational funding, especially in the context of potential future economic downturns. Critics may question whether it is prudent to allocate such a significant amount from the stabilization fund, possibly leading to discussions about budget priorities and whether other state needs may suffer as a result. Additionally, the process of distributing these funds could lead to debates over the equity and adequacy of educational funding across different districts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1392

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, and the Grow Texas fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Grow Texas fund.

TX HB2

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including the establishment of a school safety grant program and a school safety plan implementation grant program, and the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the state school safety fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HB5227

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the state highway fund and to the management and investment of the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the Texas legacy distribution fund.

TX HJR27

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.

TX HB2207

Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, the property tax relief fund, and the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund.

TX SJR56

Proposing a constitutional amendment to raise the maximum allowable amount of money in the economic stabilization fund.

TX SB30

Relating to supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.

TX HB500

Relating to supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.

TX HJR1

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.

TX SB1232

Relating to the determination of the sufficient balance of the economic stabilization fund for the purpose of allocating general revenue to that fund and the state highway fund.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.