[sinkspur]

There are only a couple of ways to fund public schools.

One is to increase sales taxes. We already have one of the highest in the nation.

Another is an income tax, which has been anathema in Texas.

I can't think of any others,unless we return to local property taxes. That, of course, will mean that all those districts in south Texas will have inadequate schools, so the legislature will end up raising sales taxes to pay for those anyway.

[Kellis91789]

Yep, much better to tax property in resort towns with no schools to fund schools in other parts of the state.

Don't forget to tax all the property in retirement villages, too. Even though their kids are all long past school-age, wouldn't want to pass up that revenue source, eh ?

Property taxes make a mockery of private property. It has become legally impossible to actually OWN property. Fail to pay your annual property tax bill and see how little your deed really means.

[Puddleglum]

First thing to do is amend the Texas constitution, I suppose, to change that "diffusion of knowledge" clause -- make the obgligation to education local, not state-wide.

Second, districts have to cut fat.

Third, give parents choice to transfer among school districts.

Fourth, talk about funding.

[George W. Bush]

That, of course, will mean that all those districts in south Texas will have inadequate schools, so the legislature will end up raising sales taxes to pay for those anyway.

It's what most states do. Then begins the endless wailing over the state aid formula, the gaggles of education boards making breathless statements, the lobbyists...

Democracy. What were the Founders thinking?

[School of Rational Thought]

"There are only a couple of ways to fund public schools. "

Never write "only". It is a sure invite for someone to point out how you are wrong.

Tax the cost driver, kids! That'll stop some illegals too.