House Bill 22, the bill that proposes to extend Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction (ASATR) is scheduled to be heard on the House floor on Friday, August 4. 

The bill proposes to funnel approximately $356 million to nearly 150 school districts over the next two years.  Based on the difference between estimated and actual costs in the just-ending biennium, that number could be 50% higher, using up over a half billion dollars.

The fact is, the districts who would receive this extra funding are already at an advantage in funding per WADA AND average tax rate.

ASATR funding per WADA: $7,601
Non-ASATR district funding per WADA: $6,261

ASATR district average tax rate: $1.033
Non-ASATR average tax rate: $1.094

On average, districts receiving ASATR funding above what the school finance formulas would provide have a $50,000 advantage per classroom over a district not receiving ASATR funding. 

Further, state funding per student for all other school districts will actually decline based on the state budget that was adopted by the legislature in May. 

The problem for districts who are receiving these ASATR funds is that even if the extension is passed, ALL funding for ASATR will expire in 2019 and they will be reliant upon the same formula funding that allegedly is insufficient now. The Equity Center has helped to draft legislative proposals that will not only help ASATR districts, but also hundreds of other school districts across the state. House Bill 21, the House school finance reform bill, is also scheduled to be on the floor Friday, and has a provision to provide Hardship Revenue Grants to ASATR districts.

Call your state representative and tell them to oppose HB 22, because HB 21 is a better, more reasonable alternative that helps more schools and students. 

You can find your elected officials' contact information here: Who Represents Me.
Please contact us at info@equitycenter.org or 512-478-7313 with any questions or comments. 
 

The Equity Center is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization of over 700 school districts across the state ranging in size, demographics, and location. We are the only entity focused solely on advocating for the fair and equitable treatment of Texas taxpayers and children.
 www.equitycenter.org