I support legislation requiring the state to provide at least 50% of public school funding. Recently TEA submitted a budget request that is $1 billion less than last biennium, with the gap being filled by property tax payers in ‘wealthy’ districts like ours in central Texas. Meanwhile, La Joya built a water park and golf course due to ‘recaptured’ funds. Funding formulas must be updated to provide equity, and overall funding should be increased, with rules that ensure spending on classrooms and teachers and not luxuries. Investing appropriately in education is essential to a vibrant future.