Rep. Doggett Visits with Neighbors regarding $830 Million in Federal Education Aid for Texas Schools

In 2009, State leaders played a shell game by subtracting $3.25 billion from state education funding and replacing it with $3.25 billion in federal education funds through the Economic Recovery Act—leaving Texas schools no better off despite the federal aid. Last August, when Congress approved an additional $830 million for Texas schools, all 12 members of the Texas Democratic Delegation joined to prevent another diversion by offering our "Save Our Schools" provision, which is now federal law.

Governor Perry's office said in a statement to KEYE News: "No one wants this money to reach Texas schoolteachers and children more than Governor Perry. The Governor has made all the assurances he can to try and secure this funding, including applying for the funding, working with Congress to repeal the amendment and taking legal action through the Attorney General's Office." Governor Perry's reply means that that instead of his simply signing a proper 3-page application that would promptly get almost $19M to AISD, he prefers a frivolous lawsuit and a failed attempt at repeal of federal law [Click here to see the 3-page application]. With the Texas Legislature underway, the Governor's sole stated excuse for failing to secure these monies has no plausible merit. While State officials previously told the U.S. Department of Education that a proper application would eventually be filed, Texas remains one of only two states that have failed to do so.

Rep. Doggett has said, "After so long, with so much at stake, Texas students deserve better."