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Tell the Texas Legislature: Don't Balance the Budget on the Backs of Students
  1. Signatures
    425 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. The Governor of TX (+ 2 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • The Governor of TX
      • The TX State Senate
      • The TX State House
  2. Created By
    Lauren Dowdy
    Dallas, TX
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

The Texas Legislature is writing the state budget for the next two years. Recent budget proposals from the legislature could underfund public schools by up to  $5 billion a year, forcing the loss of up to 100,000 jobs in school districts.

Texas can do better than this.

In his recent inaugural address, Governor Rick Perry proclaimed that this is the "Texas Century," touting Texas' position to serve as a model for the nation in the coming decades.

We cannot lead if we are balancing the budget at the disproportionate expense of our children. We know there will have to be cuts, but a strong education system is essential for Texas to serve as a model. Tell the Texas Legislature — don't mess with Texas education.

 

 

 

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Protect Public Education in Texas

Greetings,

Please reconsider drastic cuts to public education.

In his recent inaugural address, Governor Rick Perry proclaimed that this is the "Texas Century," touting Texas' position to serve as a model for the nation in the coming decades.

There is a strong disconnect between this vision and recent statistics from the National Education Association and Legislative Study Group showing that Texas ranks 37th among states in per-pupil education spending and 50th among the states in the percentage of its population 25 or older with a high school diploma.

We know there will have to be budget cuts in education, but we are asking the Texas Legislature to pursue other budget solutions, including tapping into the Rainy Day fund and giving school districts flexibility to negotiate salaries and furlough days.

Not only would these proposed budget cuts result in 80,000 to 100,000 school personnel losing their jobs, thus adding to the unemployment rolls, they could also affect Texas' appeal to businesses and set students and school districts back a generation.

Positive trends in Texas, like job creation and population growth, rely on a solid, dependably funded education system. Education is an economic issue. If Texas wants to lead the nation, it can lead by ensuring strong schools and an educated workforce.

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