On Saturday in Austin the Texas House and Senate unanimously approved the final legislation mandating $6.5 billion for teachers pay raises and school funding, and $5.1 billion for lower school district taxes.
The House approved the measure 139 to 0 and the Senate 30 to 0.
HB3 incorporates Senate proposals to lower school district tax rates. Lawmakers say it will limit growth in tax revenue, lowering rates by an average eight cents per $100 valuation in 2020 and 13 cents in 2021. The owner of a $250,000 would see a $200 reduction next year and a $325 decrease in 2021.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released the following statement:
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on the Unanimous Passage of House Bill 3 -- Property Tax Relief & School Finance Reform Bill
AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement this evening following the unanimous final passage of House Bill 3 - the Property Tax Relief & School Finance Reform Bill:
"House Bill 3 is a landmark school finance reform bill that will be transformative for Texas and will help ensure that public schools in our state become number one in the nation. Along with Senate Bill 2, House Bill 3 provides over $7 billion in property tax relief for Texas voters and includes a $4,000 average pay raise for veteran teachers, librarians, school counselors and nurses. It will also ensure that our schools utilize cutting edge strategies that finally make sure that all our students can read and succeed.
"House Bill 3 could not have passed tonight without the leadership of Senate Education Chairman Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, and I congratulate him, the members of his committee and our colleagues in the Texas House, especially Speaker Dennis Bonnen. House Bill 3 is a testament to the power of collaboration and what can be done when all of us -- as leaders of the people of Texas -- are focused on the future of our children and the future of Texas. This is a great night for our great state."