Lawmakers to Begin Debating School Finance Funding - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

In less than 24 hours state lawmakers will begin debating how to overhaul the state's school finance system. The special session starts Monday in Austin.

Governor Rick Perry has already proposed a plan which includes an expanded business tax, a one dollar a pack cigarette tax hike, and a portion of the state's budget surplus. Perry has said the plan would offer substantial property tax relief, a stable source of revenue for education, and a fairer business tax.

District 83 Representative Delwin Jones says Governor Perry's plan leaves room for debate. While no specific bills have been drawn up yet, Jones feels confident they will be successful in overhauling school finance this special session, he also says a change has been needed.

"Moving into this period of technology, education has come more to the forefront as being a real critical element that needs to be properly funded so we can keep abreast of all others in the world of technology."

The state supreme court gave lawmakers a June first deadline to re-vamp the system.

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