(Please welcome Senator Van de Putte to BOR! And if you're in San Antonio, check out the Save Texas Schools conference this weekend. It's such an important issue here in Texas. - promoted by Katherine Haenschen)
This past legislative session was devastating to our public schools. When lawmakers came to the Capitol a year ago facing an $18 billion budget deficit - a structural deficit caused by ill-advised changes to our state's business tax structure in special session back in 2006 - too many of my colleagues were locked in to a "cuts-only" mentality, adamantly refused to touch the Rainy Day Fund (despite the fact that it was pouring), and slashed funding where it was too often needed most.
One area that got hit hardest was public education. In an incredibly short-sighted move that shortchanges the future of our state, $5 billion was taken from the next generation of Texans and the dedicated professionals responsible for educating them.
We must reverse that decision next year - by acting this year. Although we're still 12 months away from the start of the 83rd session, we cannot wait until 2013 to begin building the political muscle and momentum necessary for change. As of this writing, we're still awaiting decisions in the redistricting trials before we can move ahead with elections, but rest assured, those elections will eventually happen - and you must make those seeking office realize that properly funding education is the top priority for Texans.
To help lay the foundation for this change, please join me Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4 for the Save Texas Schools Conference in San Antonio. Pro-education state and local leaders will speak out on how we can turn the tide back toward investing in the future of our children, and on Saturday, workshops will be held that will equip you to support and spread a pro-education agenda in your community.
In the Friday night session, held at the Northside ISD Activity Center (7001 Culebra Road), I will join Mayor Julian Castro, Rep. Mike Villarreal, state Superintendent of the Year Dr. John Folks of Northside ISD, and high school student activist Connor Brantley, among others, to declare our support for turning back the cuts and how to do it. (Dinner will be served.)
On Saturday, at Holmes High School (6500 Ingram Rd.), workshops include such topics as Understanding the Education Funding Crisis, Developing and Supporting Pro-Education Legislators, Sharpening the Education Message, How to Hold a House/Neighborhood Meeting plus a special youth track for high school and college students. A panel discussion with San Antonio area school superintendents and school board members is also planned. (Box lunches will be provided.)
The registration fee is $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and scholarships are available, but space is limited, so sign up now! You may also register individually for Friday or Saturday only.
Don't miss this important event! But whether you attend or not, get involved with defending our public schools! Go to savetxschools.org to learn how, and to register for the conference.
This post originally appeared on my blog.
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