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Bill Would Restore $5.4B Cut from Texas Schools

Posted: 1:39 PM Jan 10, 2013
Reporter: Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas -- A bill filed in the Texas House would restore all of the $5.4 billion cut from the state's public schools in 2011.

Its sponsor is Fort Worth Democratic Rep. Lon Burnam. He says Texas' rosier economic picture means there's now funding to undo the cuts, which the Texas Legislature approved during weaker economic times.

More than 600 school districts have sued the state over the cuts. If the courts side with them, it will be up to the Legislature to remake Texas' funding system.

But no ruling should come until after the Legislature adjourns for the year.

Burnam said Thursday that the cuts cost some school districts up to nearly $1,200 per pupil. Also, more than 10,000 teaching positions were eliminated, and class sizes increased in nearly 7,000 elementary classrooms.