Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

May 11, 2009

-Bill Includes Across-the-Board Teacher Pay Raise-

Watch the Video!

AUSTIN- Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr announced that public schools in House District 33 will see an increase in yearly per student funding as a result of HB 3646, which was given preliminary approval by the Texas House of Representatives today.

"This is an important piece of legislation for Texas' public schools," Ortiz said. "It brings a degree of equity back to our school finance system, directs new money to Corpus Christi schools, and provides an across-the-board teacher pay raise of at least $800 per year."

Under the bill, assuming tax rates are kept steady, Corpus Christi ISD would see an estimated $192 per student increase in Fiscal Year 2010 and a $263 per student increase in Fiscal Year 2011. West Oso ISD would see an estimated $143 per student increase in Fiscal Year 2010 and an estimated $211 increase per student in Fiscal year 2011. Flour Bluff ISD would see an estimated $100 per student increase both years. A larger share of the money goes to less wealthy school districts and all area school districts would benefit. Overall, the bill sends $1.9 billion in new money to public schools.

"Credit is due to Rep. Scott Hochberg for authoring this legislation and for allowing me to co-author it," Ortiz said. "Rep. Hochberg is one of the legislature's strongest voices for our public schools."

The bill requires that at least 50 percent of the money a school district receives be used for an across-the-board pay raise for teachers and other school personnel. Funds are also used to pay for increased Social Security and Teacher Retirement System costs.

Click to look at school finance estimates for FY2010 and FY2011.

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. The district includes parts of West Oso ISD, Corpus Christi ISD, and Flour Bluff ISD. Rep. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the Texas House of Representatives web site at www.house.state.tx.us.