Speaker Straus sends nice reply

I've been emailing State representatives about how State budget cuts are endangering effective and efficient Dallas ISD programs.  I received a very nice response from an unexpected place:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding proposed educational budget cuts. I appreciate having your perspective on the issues that affect the citizens of our great state.

The Legislature is facing serious challenges this session in balancing the state budget, and I agree that we must make items like public education a priority. The reductions to which you refer are simply proposals at this time. They are only a starting point, not a foregone conclusion. Before any final action is taken and the budget for the 2012-2013 biennium is adopted, there will be a thorough examination of all recommendations in both chambers, with ample opportunity to hear from all interested parties.

I encourage you to stay involved with the budget process by visiting Texas Legislature Online at www.capitol.state.tx.us or by calling the Texas Bill Status Hotline at 1-877-824-7038. The website includes My TLO, a helpful tool that allows you to track the status of particular bills by creating custom watch lists. You can also receive alerts when significant actions are taken on the bills in which you have an interest.

Again, thank you for writing, and for your kind invitation to visit the Science and Engineering Magnet High School in Dallas. I will keep your concerns in mind as the legislative session progresses and we work to craft a budget that meets the state's needs but also lives within its means. If I can be of further assistance to you on this or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (512) 463-3000.

Sincerely,

Joe Straus
Speaker