From the Capitol...
August 4, 2005
Senator Shapleigh's notes and observations from the Capitol will keep you updated on what is happening behind the scenes in Austin as the Special Sessions of the 79th Legislature continue to be called.
Written by Senator Shapleigh, www.shapleigh.org
On the Senator’s desk...
S.B. 8, the newest version of the education funding bill, has been under review by the Senate Education Committee this week. Senator Shapleigh, though not a member of the Committee, has been in Austin attending Committee hearings to hear the public's take on this version and to be party to Member discussions and negotiations. Though the bill passed out of committee, S.B. 8 is still receiving significant opposition from the education community for failing to fund schools at a higher level and at a more equitable level.
Chamber echoes...
Speaker of the House Tom Craddick advocating ending the second special session now. "We have worked diligently to find a final compromise to HB 2 and HB 3. At this point in the special session, neither chamber has been able to pass any legislation, and it does not appear that they will. We are wasting time and money, and it is unproductive to prolong this process. In less than two weeks schools are set to start, and it is vital for them to have the updated textbooks necessary to do so. The funds for those books can only be granted through budget execution, which cannot be done while we are in session. I suggest we sine die, continue working together to reach an agreement, request the Texas Education Agency send us a list of reforms they can carry out without the Legislature changing the statutes, and wait to review the Supreme Court's ruling before formally meeting again."
Among those who visited Austin this week ...
Mr. Larry Gamboa stopped by the office to say "Nice Job!" to Senator Shapleigh along with Linda and Sonia Gamboa. Mr. Adam Tinoco also dropped in to give greetings to the capitol staff and Senator. Accompanying him was Mr. and Mrs. Ismael and Sylvia Tinoco of El Paso, Texas.
In Committee this week...
The Senate Education Committee took public testimony on S.B. 8, the newest version of the school funding bill, on Tuesday and passed the bill out of committee in a hearing on Thursday. The Senate Finance Committee, on which Senator Shapleigh sits, is hearing several Senate Joint Resolutions that, if passed, would ask the voters to approve a state-wide property tax. This measure failed to garner support during the first special session. The Finance Committee is also debating whether to approve property appraisal caps.
Bills filed...
Senator Shapleigh has been working to prepare amendments to S.B. 8, the education funding bill, in case it is voted out of committee and discussed on the floor. The Education Committee passed the bill out of committee with 5 yeas, 2 nays, and one present not voting. The bill will be available to be heard on Monday.
Upcoming News...
On Monday, August 8, both House and Senate will return to the Capitol to resume debates on school finance and education. Look for democrats to try to focus the debate on teacher pay and textbooks.
