Senate votes to replace 'Robin Hood' system

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BRIEF: On Tuesday, the Texas Senate voted unanimously for a plan to replace the so-called 'Robin Hood' school funding system. The Robin Hood system, began in 1993, uses property taxes and other means to give equal funding to every student in the state.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and other supporters of the replacement plan say schools should be equitable, but school finances rely too heavily on local property taxes.

Those pressing for a new school finance system want to see the property tax cap halved to 75 cents per $100. Schools would have the option of adding 10 cents for enrichment programs. To make up for the lost revenues, sales taxes would be raised by one cent and a new sales tax would be put on services such as child care and auto repair.

The initiative passed the Senate 29-0. However, as of press time key members of the House are resolved to prevent the passing of the plan. These House leaders say there is not enough time to analyze the plan before the June 2 closing of Congress. They want to take it up in a special session later in the year. [It is being thought that] Unless a drastic change occurs, the bill will not pass during this assembly, giving Congress and the public more time to pore over the details.

[Brackets denote content that was added by Web Editor Brandon Moeller]

By Peter Sullivan, KPFT News, Houston.

E-mail Peter Sullivan at pssullivan2000@yahoo.com .

This story was broadcast on May 9, 2003.