Mar. 08, 2005

Gov. Perry Tells Employers Their Input Is Important in School Reform Debate

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today encouraged the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) to work with legislators as they debate reforms to public education, new revenue sources and other legislative issues.

“This session of the legislature is critical for the future of thousands of small businesses, our economy as a whole and this entire state,” Perry said. “No issue is more important to our future than reform of public education, an issue that I know looms large in the minds of many in this audience today.”

Perry told the employers that his guiding principles in the education reform debate are focused on how tax dollars are spent.

Perry said that incentives can help schools focus on achieving maximum results and ensure that “we get more education for our money, not just more money for education.”

Perry also said Texans must be provided real property tax relief that stands the test of time by also providing appraisal relief.

“It’s not a tax cut if your rate goes down but your total bill goes up,” he said.

Perry also praised NFIB’s call for a portion of future budget surpluses to be dedicated to local property tax relief.

Perry also said that as the state examines funding sources to offset a significant reduction in property taxes, we must protect the engine of growth in Texas – job creation.

“I believe members of the legislature are working hard to strike a balance between these competing needs,” Perry said.

“I encourage you all over the next two months to work with legislators to come up with the right mix of revenue options that can offset a significant property tax cut and provide our schools with the resources they need to ensure the next generation of workers has the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.”