“This is an important decision
for millions of Texas schoolchildren and the future
of Texas. The Texas Supreme Court’s decision
validates the quality of the foundation of our education
system. The evidence showed – and the Supreme
Court recognized – that high standards set by
the Texas Legislature were being achieved at school
districts around the state."
“The Court recognized –
as all Texans recognize – that we can and should
do a better job of educating students in Texas. But,
just because we can do a better job does not mean
that the job being done now is unconstitutional."
“The Texas Supreme Court unanimously
held that the Texas public education system is entirely
consistent with the education provisions of the Texas
Constitution. Specifically, the Texas Supreme Court
unanimously reversed the district court and concluded
that the Texas system satisfies the adequacy, efficiency,
and suitability provisions of the Constitution."
“This is a victory for democracy
because it ensures that decisions about education
policymaking will remain in the elected Legislature
rather than the courts."
“However, the Court did find that
our current “Robin Hood” tax system violates
the tax provision of Article VIII. The Court gave
the Legislature until June 1 of next year to correct
the system."
“I trust that the Legislature
will take this opportunity to act decisively and to
design a new tax system that is fair and even-handed
for all taxpayers, while maintaining and building
upon an excellent education system that demands results
for every schoolchild in Texas.”
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*The content of this article has been extracted from
the Texas Attorney General web site.
Original Article found at: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagNews/release.php?id=1268