As of October 26, a total of 858 school districts representing more than 4.3 million students have adopted the testing resolution opposing the over-reliance on high-stakes testing. That represents 84 percent of Texas school districts and 90 percent of all Texas public schools.
House Speaker Joe Straus last week announced the creation of an interim committee on manufacturing, to be chaired by state Rep. Jim Murphy (R-Houston). The vice chair is state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin). The action builds on Straus’ instructions to House committees earlier this year to look at ways to encourage more manufacturing in the state. The interim committee is expected to issue recommendations before session.
Straus has been signaling over the past few months his legislative priorities. This new committee is preceded by an announcement earlier this month of another interim committee to look at the practice of allowing unspent balances in General Revenue dedicated accounts to be used to balance the budget. He’s also signaled in recent speeches long term planning to ensure sufficient water resources as another priority.
Sen. Dan Patrick, new chairman of Senate Public Education Committee, plans to announce his public school choice plan before Thanksgiving.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Senate Committee on Education will meet at Noon or upon adjournment of Joint hearing of Senate Education and Senate Criminal Justice, on October 30th to monitor the implementation of legislation adopted by 82nd Legislature, specifically: SB 6, relating to the establishment of the instructional materials allotment; SB 8, relating to the flexibility of the board of trustees of a school district in the management and operation of public schools; HB 1942, relating to bullying in public schools; the implementation of legislation related to the state’s accountability system.
Early voting began on October 22nd and ends November 2nd.
Election Day is November 6th.
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