Governor Calls Special Session
Now is not the time to let your guard down. As bad as the regular session was for public schools, the special session can be worse. We managed to fend off several really bad bills that could have done irreparable harm to students and teachers, but in the special session, these will all come back for another round. This time it might not take so many votes to pass these demon bills into law because Lt. Gov. Dewhurst is asking Gov. Perry to declare a simple majority instead of 2/3 of the senators to pass a bill.
It is imperative that you stay on top of the issues and contact your legislators often. Let them know that they can do better for public schools. These are the major points you should continue to hammer them with:
1) Use the Rainy Day Fund to stop the $4 billion cuts ($400 per student)
2) Vote against any law that—
a) eliminates or weakens teacher contract rights
b) eliminates 22 to 1 ratio in K-4
c) allows superintendents to cut teacher salaries or furlough employee without pay
d) attempts to divert state money to private schools in the form of vouchers
Keep the following handy for quick reference:
* Name and email addresses and phone numbers of your state legislators.
This web address is very important: www.capitol.state.tx.us because from this address you can get
all needed information. This is the best way to stay "in the know" about what is happening in Austin.