Texas districts trying to keep public pre-K alive -- with fees
The 82nd Legislature delivered a fatal whack to state grants for full-day pre-kindergarten. But some public schools are refusing to let the budgetary machete finish off their early-childhood programs, choosing instead to charge tuition.
The state offers half-day pre-K for children who caannot speak English or are from homeless, low-income, foster or military families. That remains fully financed in the budget, according to the Texas Education Agency.
Many districts opt to expand this standard half-day to a full-day program, which studies say increases the benefits of early-childhood learning, making students less likely to drop out, repeat grades or need remedial course work. Last biennium, the state awarded about $208 million in grants to support full-day programs. In the 2012-13 budget, that money is completely eliminated.
Minority groups speak out against Texas redistricting proposal
AUSTIN -- A congressional redistricting proposal drew strong opposition and virtually no support during a legislative hearing Thursday as Latinos and African-Americans said it undercuts representation by fast-growing minority groups.
Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton, chairman of the House Redistricting Committee, defended the plan as "fair and legal." He suggested that it could be fine-tuned, calling it a "work in progress."
The committee heard public testimony on the proposal two days after it was unveiled by Solomons and Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting.
