Texas House Bill HB1796

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an annual adjustment to the basic allotment under the foundation school program to reflect inflation.

Impact

The impact of HB1796 is significant for the education funding landscape in Texas. By linking the basic allotment to inflation, school districts may see a more stable and predictable funding stream that is less susceptible to the fluctuations of the economy. This change seeks to alleviate some of the pressure on school budgets that arise from rising costs associated with providing quality education. It aligns the financial support for education more closely with the economic realities faced by school districts, helping them manage their resources effectively.

Summary

House Bill 1796 proposes an annual adjustment to the basic allotment under the foundation school program in Texas, aiming to ensure that the funding provided to school districts accounts for inflation. The bill stipulates that starting with the 2021-2022 school year, the basic allotment—currently set at a maximum of $4,765 per student—will be adjusted based on the inflation rate as determined by the Texas Comptroller. This adjustment will reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, effectively allowing school funding to maintain its value in real terms over the years.

Contention

While the bill was largely supported on the grounds of improving education funding stability, there are concerns about the adequacy of the proposed base allotment itself and whether it sufficiently meets the needs of districts with higher costs or those serving economically disadvantaged students. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups may argue that simply adjusting for inflation does not address systemic inequities in school funding across Texas, and additional reforms may be necessary to ensure that all students receive a quality education regardless of where they live.