DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION RESOLUTION  

Whereas, the Democratic Party of Texas believes that equal access to quality education for all students, equitable financing of education, improved instructional programs and competent, professionally compensated educators are the requisite cornerstones for perpetuating the high standards of living in Texas; and 

Whereas, public education in Texas has been nationally recognized for its leadership in educational improvements and test scores on state assessment instruments, SAT and ACT exams have increased and dropout rates have gone down; and 

Whereas, many school districts are experiencing great difficulty in attracting and retaining certified personnel and providing more than a minimally accredited program; and 

Whereas, educational employee morale is extremely low among support personnel, who have very low salaries, who frequently cannot afford health insurance for their families and who do not have even the most basic due process rights; and  

Whereas, despite a modest pay raise in 2006’s House Bill 1, classroom teachers in Texas continue to lag significantly behind the national average in pay; health insurance varies in quality and cost among districts; the state health insurance plan needs to be funded adequately; and employee rights need to be safeguarded; and  

Whereas, House Bill 1 changed how the state funds public schools without providing new money to meet an array of higher costs and new needs, while limiting the ability of school districts to raise sufficient revenue locally; and 

Whereas, teachers and parents know what makes a classroom a better place for children to learn: good teachers, small classes, discipline and safety; and up-to-date books and teaching materials that meet high academic standards; therefore be it 

Resolved, that the Democratic Party affirm that it should be the priority concern of each legislator and collectively, the 81st Legislature, to provide a significant increase in state funding for public education, including a significant increase in personnel salaries, state funding for a health insurance plan for educators comparable to the one already available to all state employees, and an absolute and uncompromising opposition to vouchers or any plan that would diminish state support for public education; and be it further 

Resolved, that the Democratic Party supports full funding of the existing reforms and opposes any additional proposals that would negatively affect students or employees or the ability of school districts to attract and retain quality employees, and that the Democratic Party supports public schools and educators and believes that every student in Texas should have access to the best possible education.  

REPUBLICAN EDUCATION RESOLUTION 

Whereas, the Republican Party of Texas believes that equal access to quality education for all students, equitable financing of education, improved instructional programs and competent, professionally compensated educators are the requisite cornerstones for perpetuating the high standards of living in Texas; and 

Whereas, public education in Texas has been nationally recognized for its leadership in educational improvements and test scores on state assessment instruments, SAT and ACT exams have increased and dropout rates have gone down; and 

Whereas, many school districts are experiencing great difficulty in attracting and retaining certified personnel and providing more than a minimally accredited program; and 

Whereas, educational employee morale is extremely low among support personnel, who have very low salaries, who frequently cannot afford health insurance for their families and who do not have even the most basic due process rights; and  

Whereas, despite a modest pay raise in 2006’s House Bill 1, classroom teachers in Texas continue to lag significantly behind the national average in pay; health insurance varies in quality and cost among districts; the state health insurance plan needs to be funded adequately; and employee rights need to be safeguarded; and  

Whereas, House Bill 1 changed how the state funds public schools without providing new money to meet an array of higher costs and new needs, while limiting the ability of school districts to raise sufficient revenue locally; and 

Whereas, teachers and parents know what makes a classroom a better place for children to learn: good teachers, small classes, discipline and safety; and up-to-date books and teaching materials that meet high academic standards; therefore be it 

Resolved, that the Republican Party affirm that it should be the priority concern of each legislator and collectively, the 81st Legislature, to provide a significant increase in state funding for public education, including a significant increase in personnel salaries, state funding for a health insurance plan for educators comparable to the one already available to all state employees, and an absolute and uncompromising opposition to vouchers or any plan that would diminish state support for public education; and be it further 

Resolved, that the Republican Party supports full funding of the existing reforms and opposes any additional proposals that would negatively affect students or employees or the ability of school districts to attract and retain quality employees, and that the Republican Party supports public schools and educators and believes that every student in Texas should have access to the best possible education.