North Texas Legislator Explains Why He Voted ‘no' on House Plan to Fund Public Schools

AUSTIN — The North Texas legislator who cast the sole House vote Wednesday against a plan to overhaul school funding says lawmakers can do more to cut property taxes and boost education aid — especially for schools in his district.Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, said Thursday he landed on the lonely end of the House’s 148-1 vote sending the measure to the Senate after keeping in touch with his home school districts, especially Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD.“I feel like my district was getting the shaft,” Stickland said. He also said he wants more of a focus on cutting property taxes and doesn’t cotton to a House provision giving school districts the option of extending the school year which, he said, could threaten summer tourism.  Continue reading...