The constitutionality of Texas’ school finance system is being challenged in court, and this is the kind of thing that Texans need to pay attention to but so rarely do. Last year, it was declared that the property tax system used to finance Texas schools is essentially a statewide property tax, and is therefore unconstitutional. Now this case is before the Texas Supreme Court, and the ruling will determine how much work the next Legislature (or, heaven forbid, a special session of the current Legislature) will have to do on the issue.
The Texas Supreme Court is set to begin hearing arguments in the case tomorrow, September 1.
In case you’re not able to watch in person, but still want to hear the arguments, you can do so online here: http://www.texasbarcle.com/CLE/TSCSearchResults3.asp
The Texas Tribune has a comprehensive history of this issue in Texas here.
Americans for Prosperity weighed in with their position in this article, which includes a link to their amicus brief.
