huh, I just got an email (it's an election year afterall) from LT Gov Dewhurst (well, he "signed" it but it's really from the Republican National Committee and ecampaign@gop.com). Here is what he has to say about the bills.
The legislation passed will:
* Lower property taxes by 1/3 in 2008
* Dedicate future revenues to further buy down property tax rates
* Strengthen fiscal accountability in our schools, including budget transparency to better inform taxpayers on how schools spend their money
* Hold districts accountable for unacceptable performance
* Fund programs for teacher mentoring and principal leadership
* Improve graduation rates
* Promote college readiness in our schools
* Reward teachers for student achievement in high poverty school districts
* Increase teacher pay by $2,000
* Reform the business tax structure to make it fairer for all businesses through broadening the base and lowering the rate
* Make the largest investment to Texas higher education infrastructure in the state's history
He doesn't seem to see the ramifications of #4.
thanks for the info :)