TEXAS HOUSE APPROVES SCHOOL FINANCE PLAN

  

The Texas House has once-again approved a sweeping, $1.8 billion plan to begin overhauling the state's troubled school finance system.

The proposal increases per-pupil funding while offering extra money for school transportation and educating dyslexic students.

Friday's 130-12 vote mirrored House support during the regular legislative session.

The original bill died after the Texas Senate attached a plan offering taxpayer-funded vouchers letting students attend private schools.

The bill still faces Senate uncertainty. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the Senate, has bashed the plan as a "Ponzi scheme," saying it relies on state budget gimmicks.

Proponents in the House say it's the "first step in fixing school finance."

Full school finance reform is required since Texas' Supreme Court ruled the current system constitutional.