After a labored process last week, the Texas House of Representatives passed a stripped down version of H.B. 1, the school finance legislation. The Texas Senate has received the bill, substituted its own school finance proposal for the House language, and has started hearings on the Senate plan.

 The first part of this process has dealt with education reform issues, including an incentive plan, which is basically divided into two components: 1) the first (which would be 75% of the total amount appropriated for the incentive plan) is to go directly toward teacher compensation and 2) the second part (the remaining 25%) would be used by the district in whatever capacity districts determine for creating incentives for other employees and programs. School librarians, counselors, nurses, principals, and all other district employees presumably not eligible for the 75% fund for direct teacher compensation could receive incentives under the second program, if they meet whatever criteria are established by the district and approved by the commissioner of education.

The Senate plans to take public testimony on this proposal on Wednesday, May 12, in the Senate Chamber in Capitol Building in Austin beginning at 10:00 am. To call or write your state senator, go to http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/fyi/fyi.htm for contact information.