Austin (KXAN)– Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who approved the stimulus packages in Washington, said if state leadership doesn’t act soon, he will consider filing a congressional amendment which singles out Texas and forces the hand of Abbott. After the 2008 financial crisis, Doggett successfully offered a similar amendment when Gov. Rick Perry held office. It was repealed, however, after Republicans gained control.
“We may need to consider further legislative remedies. It’s just wrong to leave our schools in no better situation than if we never voted for any relief money at all.” Doggett said. “I just think that the local school trustees are the ones who should be making the decisions on how this federal money should be allocated, not the governor,” Doggett said.
Doggett said he believes additional guidance will be forthcoming from the Department of Education.
Doggett’s office calculated the latest estimates of federal funding being withheld from Central Texas school districts. Austin ISD would be in line to get $275 million. Del Valle ISD would receive $40 million. Hays and San Marcos CISDs would get $26 million a piece.
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News Credit
Author: Alex Caprariello
Publisher: KXAN
Date: April 16, 2021
