Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating some of the interest in the permanent school fund to universal pre-kindergarten and the school safety allotment.
Impact
The bill seeks to amend Article VII, Section 5(a) of the Texas Constitution, which governs the management and distribution of the permanent school fund. By designating 50% of the total distributions from this fund for school safety and universal pre-kindergarten, SJR80 would significantly increase the financial resources available for these critical educational initiatives. This amendment could lead to an expansion of access to early education for children in Texas, promoting better long-term educational outcomes.
Summary
SJR80 proposes a constitutional amendment dedicated to redirecting a portion of the interest from the permanent school fund toward funding universal pre-kindergarten programs and enhancing the school safety allotment in Texas. This initiative is aimed at improving educational opportunities for young children while simultaneously addressing school safety, which has become a pressing issue in recent years. The bill demonstrates a commitment to investing in early childhood education and the security of schools across the state.
Contention
Notably, the discussion surrounding SJR80 may involve various viewpoints about reallocating the funds from the permanent school fund. Proponents of the bill argue that investing in early childhood education is essential for promoting equality and improving overall student success rates in the long run. However, opponents may express concerns regarding the impact on funding for other educational programs or the sustainability of relying on the permanent school fund for such initiatives. The effectiveness of early education funding versus other educational needs may become a point of debate among lawmakers and stakeholders.
Proposing a constitutional amendment dedicating to the national research university fund a portion of certain income from the lease for oil and gas exploration of land dedicated to the permanent university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide financial support for projects that enhance the safety of public schools in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the legislature to increase the basic allotment under the Foundation School Program and to adjust the allotment in a manner that reflects annual inflation.
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.
Relating to the school safety allotment under the Foundation School Program and the establishment of a school safety grant program; making an appropriation.