THE SPECTATOR: FORGET BATHROOMS… FIX SCHOOL FUNDING
Our State Senator, Lois Kolkhorst, is one of the authors of what has become known as the “Bathroom Bill” in this session of the Texas legislature. The bill’s basic intent is to regulate bathroom use based upon a person’s biological sex, not upon the sex they feel like they are.
I realize there are many Texans that may think this is an extremely important bill. And the majority of the time, my opinions tend to be aligned with those of Senator Kolkhorst. In this case, however, I believe there are much more important issues for our State Legislature to address. One that comes to mind is the funding of our public schools. Long before the legislature convened this year, Texas officials were already saying they wouldn’t have time to find a solution to school funding in this session. Perhaps their time is limited due to the hundreds of bills filed dealing with pet projects, special interests, and other things that are not that important to the average Texan. I believe Texas has had to live with the current, broken school funding plan for far too long. Just yesterday I visited with Willy Dilworth, Chief Appraiser for the Washington County Tax Appraisal District. Willy told me how the State is forcing his office to raise property valuations, using the threat of cuts to school funding as a motivator. Appraisers from the State could soon be deciding how much your property is worth, instead of the folks that live and work here. And that’s just not right.
Lois….I know this is just your second session as a Senator. But you have plenty of seniority from your years in the House. How about focusing your colleagues on issues that really matter to most Texans. Issues that affect their pocketbook, and the education of their children. We’ve survived this long without a “bathroom bill”. I think we can at least make it until we solve our problems with funding public schools.
And that’s the way it looks to this Spectator.
Senator Kolkhorst, is doing Texas and especially our children a huge service with the “Bathroom Bill”. I could not agree more with her efforts and I feel fortunate to have her as one of my representatives.
Our children are easily misled and corrupted by peers and teachers the older they get in our public education system. In addition, our children, even up to age 19 and 20 have not developed the critical decision making skills that older adults have, that’s a fact. Any argument that a teen should be allowed to make life altering decisions like a sex change at such a young age is ridiculous. Even more ridiculous is the parent and agenda driven leftist that’s being allowed to make decisions that can harm not just their children but our children. My developing (1-17) child will never have to ask what a transsexual is because they won’t know about it, he will never be confused. We need to maintain male and female bathrooms and let children use the one based on the organ given to them. This shouldn’t even be a topic of discussion or in need of defense or a bill, but thanks to a leftist agenda from federal to community level, it has to be.
Texas parents need school choice through vouchers badly. At $8500 per year per student at any given public school in Texas, a group parents could use that money to form their own school with superior teachers and a peer group that can be trusted, because fellow parents could also be trusted. We could also just send our children to any number of private schools that would see huge growth. The parent is responsible for the education of their children, it’s never been the state.
So the Texas Legislature wants to take control of bathrooms away from the Federal government, but keep it for themselves. If the Bathroom Bill was really about giving control to those affected, then the State should pass a law that says it is up the INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT to develop a bathroom policy that allows for LOCAL CONTROL. At the School District level, there is still NO CONTROL. Who cares if it’s the Federal government or the State government, there’s still someone else making sweeping decisions that do not give any freedom for modification, allowance, grace, or relationship in an individual situation. Texas independence is first about TEXAN independence.
Second, if this law was really about protecting women – then it would cover all bathrooms in every private and public bathroom.
Third, by saying this law protects women is certainly patriarchal and seems misogynistic. Are women as a sex so weak? I don’t think so.
Fourth, if your argument for the bill is “what’s the big deal? Go into the stall, close the door, go to the bathroom” – that’s also an argument against the bill!
Fifth, is there any evidence of a transgendered person attacking someone in a bathroom? No. Does this law prevent attacks in bathrooms? No. Does this law provide any additional punishment for attacks in bathrooms? No. Those laws are already present and enforced.
Sixth, if you understand that genetics is what makes a man a man and a woman a woman – please learn more than what you kind of remember from school. There are lots and lots of variations on the XX and XY chromosomes. The external genitalia present at birth are not 100% indicative of the genetic make up of that individual, and 100% not predictive of the gender of that person as they develop and mature socially, mentally, sexually, and spiritually.
If this law is passed, I believe that our Brenham superintendent, principals, coaches, and teachers will love and respect the individual student situations more than they love and respect a broadly discriminatory and prejudicial state law.
I would like to know what percent of our population are transgender and why do they think that the tax payers should provide them with their own restrooms it just does not make sense that they don’t just go to their natural gender restroom what’s the big deal go in a stall and close the door problem solved
I am an Independent voter, meaning, I vote for the person most qualified, not a political party. In some respects, reflecting the same independent spirit of nearly two centuries of Texans. After following all the news and rhetoric around this bathroom bill the past 60 days or so, it appears as though the wisdom of the majority will prevail. And this group and all the citizens of this state should thank our stars for the never failing intelligence and integrity of our House Speaker, The Honorable Joe Straus. Please go to the speakers website and read of his concern for school funding, improving the foster care system, real property tax reform, the real issues. It is with his leadership, AND bipartisan support, we will see the voice of reason prevail. Please contact this man and show our appreciation for his devotion to Texas and its citizens.
This bill under the pretense of protecting citizens from danger, is nothing more than blatant discrimination. She and Dan Patrick would be singing a different song if either of them had transgender children.
What kind of discrimination will they try to legislate next, requiring non whites to use bathrooms of their ethnic background.
I have been following this bill since it was introduced and to be honest I dont see where there is any problem with who uses what bathroom now, why would we even need this ridiculous law? Add to that the potential financial ramifications that could impact our state because of this bill and you wonder why it would even be brought up for passage.
When the “bathroom bill” was first introduced, Lois said that she had worked on it for months and it was a priority. Well if this is the sort of priority she has with our state government, she may want to put looking for a new job on her list of priorities when she comes up for re-election.
Addressing the issues of school funding thoughtfully rendered by Walter P. The suburban areas of large cities have a much larger tax base than we have in Washington county. They have the dollars to build expensive sports complexes for schools because all the residents PAY full appraised value on properties. Brenham’s city population and tax base is a SMALL part of the overall county wide properties. THE DIFFERENCE IS, the majority of county acreage, improved and otherwise( majority improved) receives a 50% or MORE REDUCTION on their tax bill. An ARCHAIC provision created by the state to encourage and to support THE SMALL FAMILY FARM. WHY? They made their actual living from their farm! NOT ANY MORE, few and far between exist in this county today. That sir, is why our taxes must go up every year, to support the multi-million dollar country properties all over this county that DO NOT make their living from agriculture. These owners buy and improve for investment and writeoffs by having leasing their 11 acres plus for hay production once a year. But these county landowners love to donate to their favorite candidates.
^THIS
I would really appreciate it if the Appraisal District would run and publish a simple analysis of which segments of Washington county pay how much of the property taxes.
Great commentary Tom! The priorities among the politicians in Austin are definitely messed up. Another fact regarding property values and taxes as it relates to school districts, the state of Texas’ share of funding for public education is based on the number of students in any school district. The state contributes an amount that together with local property taxes equals a pre-determined $ amount per student. So for instance if property values/local property taxes increase but the school’s average daily attendance remains the same, the state contributes a smaller $ amount to that district than in previous years. In reality the state’s share decreases and the state saves $ that they can use for whatever the Legislature desires. So don’t believe for one second that the politicians in Austin honestly care about your property values increasing year after year.
In regards to the “bathroom bill”, if Senator Kolkhorst and the Lt Governor REALLY want to protect the safety and privacy of females in this state they would have made SB-6 apply to ALL public buildings in Texas and not JUST public schools, colleges, universities, and local governmental buildings. Or maybe they do not think a woman’s privacy and safety is in jeopardy is in jeopardy at places like NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park, and Memorial City Mall. In it’s current form SB-6 is a means by which to pander to the alt-right movement in Texas.
Thank you Mr Whitehead well said.
I had a long conversation with Senator Kolkhorst this afternoon about Senate Bill 6, the so-called “Bathroom Bill”. Senator Kolkhorst assured me that the Legislature is not as consumed with this bill as the mainstream media is. She said, in fact, that they are actually getting other things accomplished in Austin. She shared with me some of the personal reasons why SB6 is important to her. I want to share with you an editorial below that she has written:
WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS by Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst
In May of 2016, President Obama issued an edict that all school children could declare their own gender and use the restroom, locker room and shower of their choice.
Thankfully, the newly-appointed Attorney General has since rescinded that order, saying it was done “without due regard for the primary role of the states.”
I agree, which is why I’ve been joined by over a dozen of my fellow state senators in authoring the Texas Privacy Act (SB 6).
The bill codifies what most Texans already expect. The act designates separate showers, locker rooms and restrooms for males and females in public schools, colleges, universities and government facilities.
Let’s be clear, when we talk about a child declaring their own gender, we are talking about allowing male students to enter the female restroom and locker room. Unless we define boundaries, young men who are “curious” or hold more nefarious goals will be free to experiment, while girls and parents are left legally powerless. Schools will face lawsuits, and pit parents against school boards, as we have already seen in Fort Worth, Dripping Springs, and Pearland.
Texas must set a sensible, non-discriminatory gender policy, or someone else will do it for us.
We must put safety, and dignity ahead of social engineering that is disguised as civil rights. The Texas Privacy Act is inclusive, allowing personal accommodations for special circumstances while also respecting those who do not consent to a male entering a female restroom.
Let’s remember that parental rights and women’s rights are indeed human rights.
Victims of sexual abuse often say that predators will seek any opportunity. The media has painstakingly ignored this point, instead framing the issue in every other context imaginable.
Some have made predictions that our economy may suffer if our state passes SB 6.
The opposite is true.
SB 6 allows private businesses to make their own decisions, while providing clear direction to public schools and government buildings, which will bolster our economy.
A superb example is Houston, where voters supported a pro-privacy policy, then went on to successfully host the NCAA Final Four and the Super Bowl. Or look at North Carolina, which posted a $425 million budget surplus and announced 5,000 new jobs after addressing the issue.
Much has been made of the claim that our state may lose an entertainment or sporting event if SB 6 is passed. By this logic, where exactly does the boycott threat end? Do sports teams and Hollywood stars next decide our healthcare policy?
Texas is the tenth largest economy in the world. We cannot sell our children’s safety for thirty pieces of silver, or any price quoted by political shakedown operatives.
As a former NCAA athlete, I am a product of Title IX and the advancements made in women’s athletics. Since Title IX began in 1972, we have seen a 600% increase in college women’s sports. Unless we act, those advancements may erode into a gender-fluid swamp of litigation.
If males can instantly declare to be female, then what becomes of female athletics, or women’s rights for that matter?
The Obama order was based on an idea that Washington D.C. can tell us that gender boundaries no longer exist. Unfortunately, anyone who disagrees may be labeled as intolerant or bullied into silence.
This bill is about more than bathrooms; something much deeper is at stake.
Texas was built on a moral foundation. Sam Houston spoke of “doing right,” and risking the consequences. Houston’s words still ring true, but incredibly today we risk consequences for the high crime of defending a woman and child’s safety.
Out-of-state activists have arrived to derail SB 6, but we won’t be deterred.
My job is to protect everyone’s rights and tell the truth, even if I draw the wrath of liberal elites or agenda-driven journalists.
And the truth is that we need, and deserve the Texas Privacy Act.
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So where is the proof that someone from the state is forcing Mr. Dilworth or any of the other central appraisal districts to raise property valuations? Let’s see it in writing, Spectator. Until I see the written proof, it’s another ruse to deflect blame for raising taxes for an entity that has a severe spending problem.
Before everybody starts hollering about school funding, let’s talk about school spending. When districts all over the state are crying about Robin Hood and how much they have to send to the state but are falling over themselves building sports complexes that rival college facilities (Berry Center at Cypress-Fairbanks, the new $60 million plus facility underway at Katy ISD being prime examples), don’t tell Joe Taxpayer he needs to cough up more property tax money. And please don’t start on how Brenham and Burton ISD dont have trimmed every bit possible from their budgets. Perhaps our legislators can look into why we have 1000 plus separate school districts, each having a separate superintendent and admin staff?
So, as usual, the cry to fix school funding comes out loud and clear and not a peep about spending. Gimme a break-especially on my taxes.
As requested by Walter P., here is the link to the State Comptroller’s 45-page report on Property Value Studies
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/docs/96-304.pdf
Well said!!
I’m putting forward a motion for Tom Whitehead to run for president in 2020!!
#WhiteheadToTheWhiteHouse
Thank you Mr. Whitehead for courage and a great editorial. Reminds of the early days of the Spectator. Thank you for realizing the dire problems facing Texas. And it will only get worse when the state economy must deal with mass deportation of workers, tariffs on our exports and imports from Mexico( to those who do not know, a tariff is a tax on goods that the consumer(us) pay and governments impose). And now our water supply for our city, schools, hospitals and homes is threatened by fracking poisons. KWHI is truly a treasure.
Men do not belong in the women’s bathrooms. Texas needs to define this in law or liberal activists will sue schools to allow any boy who “identifies” as a girl into the female locker room and restroom. It is a public safety issue and I am shocked that KWHI owners do not agree, but maybe they don’t have a daughter.
Dear Angry Dad: If you read my editorial, you would see that no where did I say I am against the “bathroom bill”. I said I believe the legislature has more important issues to deal with at this time. To have state officials publicly say they don’t expect to have time to reform school finance in this session is ridiculous.
I agree with The spectator , WE need to Pick our Battles in DC and School matters are more important than wasting time on who goes to what bathroom. Mr Whitehead have you ever considered running for mayor of Brenham, We sure could use someone like you with Common sense to represent us. I would vote for you ..and so would a lot of other people Just a thought.
Please run, it’s time for a change,
Angry Dad – you’re right about one thing. They may sue. But filing a lawsuit is not the same as WINNING a lawsuit. Good luck getting a jury in Washington County to give ANY money to a person not being able to use a restroom based on their “identity.”
If you think that a “bill” will stop that from happening you are gravely mistaken. This is not an issue that should be given this amount of time or have this amount of importance placed on it. There are FAR greater issues that need to be addressed, where actual change and improvement can be made. Also, yes, I have a daughter and feel this “bathroom bill” is utterly ridiculous! It actually brings attention to a non issue, which in turn makes an issue out of a non issue.
Well said Tom.
Thank you for your words on the “bathroom bill”. I totally agree with! Also, thank you for shedding light on the situation with the appraisers. They are not willfully or gleefully increasing property values. Once again, it is one of those situations where they don’t make the rules, but they are the ones implementing said rules. If the public wants change it needs to start in Austin first.
Well said.