By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX – "I hope we get it right this time," said House Speaker Tom Craddick as the Texas Legislature prepares to discuss public school finance when the Fourth Called Session of the Texas Legislature convenes on Tuesday.
Texas lawmakers have not done a very good job of creating and maintaining a "sound, equitably funded public education system" in the state's more than 160-year history, said Craddick in a statement today. The House Speaker noted that after the recent release of the new movie, "The Alamo," Texans have an understanding of the armed struggle to create a new republic. However, he said that few Texans know that a grievance in 1836 in the Texas Declaration of Independence cited Mexico's failure "to establish any public system of education, although possessed of almost boundless resources. "
Craddick said education in Texas over the years has taken a back seat to many other state issues.
As the legislature prepared to take up school finance again, Craddick pointed out "We all realize that our diverse members have different ideas about how to get from Point A to Point Z. That is not a weakness. That is a strength and it provides us with opportunities to craft a plan that will serve us for many years."
While urging "respect" for the Gov. Rick Perry's proposed educational excellence and property tax relief plan, Craddick said it also is important that legislators and the leadership "respect one another" and "respect the process."
"We're not just seeking a better way for our school children. We're setting an example for them - and the taxpayers who contribute their hard-earned dollars to the schools and this government."
Craddick said his plan for the House for the first 10 days of the session is for the House Select Committee on Public School Finance to hold hearings to consider the education funding plans that are filed, including the governor's.
He said because of the diversity of membership on that committee, "every Texas House member will have an opportunity to participate in reaching a common solution."
Craddick cited three points he is hopeful the Legislature will keep in mind as it discusses public school finance: that funding public education is the most important thing legislators do; that a quality education is vital to the success and income of young Texans; and that most taxpayers don't mind contributing to their schools if they feel the schools are doing a good job of educating young Texans and keeping them in school.
"If we can keep those key points in mind, if we work hard in the next 30 days, if we seek resolution, rather than division, and if we keep our eyes on the prize, maybe this time, this year, we can be successful," he said.