Texas House Passes Darby's School Funding Reform Legislation

AUSTIN, TX — Representative Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) Wednesday joined in successfully passing The Texas Plan, a comprehensive bipartisan school finance bill that directs $9 billion to public schools and reduces school property tax rates statewide.

According to Representative Darby's office, "House Bill 3 dedicates more money and resources to rural school districts, and gives our schools greater discretion to use the funding where they need it most," said Darby. "One of my top priorities is public education, and the passage of House Bill 3 serves as critical support for all of our schools in House District 72."

Key Points of House Bill 3:

• Empowers local school districts to put more money into classrooms by raising the Basic Allotment from $5,140 to $6,030;
• Updates the critical transportation funding model, which has historically been a burden on rural schools; and
• Allows school districts discretion to provide salary increases to school staff, which helps rural school districts attract and retain high quality teachers and fill shortages.

The Texas House of Representatives voted 148-1 to pass House Bill 3 by Chairman Dan Huberty, which Representative Darby co-authored. The bill now advances to the Texas Senate.

To learn more, visit www.thetexasplan.com.