TX Legislature Heats Up

In the first 100+ days of the Texas Legislature, very few bills have actually been passed. Last I read there have been a total of 3 bills. However, issues are heating up in the education front. Accountability bills that may stop the use of the TAKS test, school finance reform, and the confirmation of the head of the State Board of Education are being fiercely debated in Austin.

It will be interesting to see how things turn out. Reports are that the accountability bill, which once looked like it might never make it to the floor before the session started, has made it out of committee and will be soon be on the floor for vote. School finance reform, once described as "off the table" by lawmakers, seems to be likely up for vote before the session ends. And Don McElroy, the head of the SBOE who is accused by opponents of using his position as a bully pulpit to force his religious views on students in Texas, might not receive confirmation from the Senate. All of these changes point to the fact that education is a priority in the new legislature, and hopefully good decisions will be made for the future of Texas schools.