We got this in the e-mail, basically saying that the Senate is happy with what they had previously agreed on before the end of the regular session. So take that, Perry! Or am I reading too much into it?

See the release after the jump.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 30, 2005

Senate Stands United Behind Original School Finance Plan

AUSTIN -- In a resounding display of bipartisan leadership, Senators Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio) and Todd Staples (R-Palestine), said the following:

"Today we stand united to support a bi-partisan plan that puts the interests of our students first. We were not willing to consider legislation that provides a temporary fix to school finance at the expense of our school children in May, and we are not willing to do it now.

"There are key issues we feel are crucial to a successful school finance solution: guaranteeing equity at the 98th percentile, raising teacher salaries, providing for a transparent accountability system, funding a system that links all schools, and providing relief for property taxpayers. We feel strongly that in order to solve public school finance in a significant and lasting way, we need to remain committed to ensuring these concerns are addressed in any bill that we agree to support.

"If we are going to talk big about giving our teachers a pay raise and then pass a bill that sees only a minimal amount of that raise actually end up in teachers' pockets, we are going to lose the trust and support of Texas teachers. The Legislature has been given an excellent opportunity with the call of this special session to pass a bill that lets Texas educators, schoolchildren, parents, and taxpayers know their state is standing behind them in a meaningful way.

"While we appreciate the additional time to discuss the issue of Public School Finance resulting from Governor Perry's decision to call a special session this summer, the Senate as a whole continues to stand behind the plan we offered at the end of the 79th Regular Session. We stand in full support of the excellent work accomplished by Senator Shapiro, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Senate Education Committee, and we feel the plan we have laid out today presents a thoughtful and equitable solution to Public School Finance."

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