PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE

Today, Texans face the challenge of providing an education to its youth. Given that millions of children’s futures are dependent upon proper education and billions of tax dollars are spent providing for those futures, school finance is of paramount importance. Texas Impact calls on Texas lawmakers to enact a public school finance system that is both EQUITABLE and ADEQUATE.

1. Texas' public school finance system must be EQUITABLE, both in how revenues are collected and in how funds are distributed.

• Individuals and groups with more resources should contribute at least as large shares as those with fewer resources.
• Funds should be distributed so that every Texas child has access to the same quality of education.

2. Texas' public school system must provide ADEQUATE funding to the existing school system. Examples of insufficient funding in the current system include overcrowded classrooms, diminished teacher benefits, and use of outdated textbooks.