Legislative budget writers are proposing nearly $5 billion to increase teacher pay and $1 billion to implement a school voucher program in the next biennium, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
The first time I ever heard the term, “best and brightest,” was about the cabinet that President Kennedy assembled in 1961. Lyndon Johnson, coming back from the first meeting, was in awe of their knowledge and described their brilliance to Sam Rayburn. Rayburn replied that he would be more comfortable if at least one of them had at least run for county sheriff. Subsequently, these same people buried us in Vietnam.
The Texas Legislature begins its work creating a state budget for the next two years with slightly less revenue available than it had during the previous biennium.
The Texas Senate’s chief budget writer said state agencies and higher education institutions have requested nearly $25 billion in funding as the legislative session gets underway. State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, told The Dallas Morning News that the requests for new money reflect the growing functions and purposes of state agencies that serve the public.
I hope everyone stayed warm and safe during the cold temperatures we had last week. It was cold, especially with the wind. The forecast shows it is going to be even colder this weekend and next week.
319 Main Street • P.O. Box 631
Teague, Texas 75860
Office: (254) 739-2141
Fax: (254) 739-2144