Major Texas School Finance Fix Set To Clear State House

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AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House is debating a bipartisan, $1.6 billion bill to begin overhauling the state's troubled school finance system.

Houston Republican Rep. Dan Huberty's proposal increases annual, per-student funding about $200 to $5,350. It also raises funding for school district transportation and educating dyslexic students.

The bill tweaks the current "Robin Hood" system, decreasing some local property tax revenue that school districts in wealthy areas share with those in poorer parts of the state.

It should pass the House on Wednesday, but may not survive the state Senate, which is more focused on school vouchers.

No school finance fix is required since Texas' Supreme Court has ruled the system flawed but barely constitutional.

Huberty calls his proposal a key first step, but says a full fix will take several years.

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