Interim news

Discussion of class size and educator rights

The Select Committee on Public School Finance Weights, Allotments & Adjustments met recently in Austin. The committee, which is charged with considering adjustments to the many weights and allotments that determine how money flows through the school finance system, met to discuss the looming multibillion-dollar budget deficit and to identify and cut cost drivers. More

Summer governin’

Stay involved with advocacy efforts over break

While you enjoy your hard-earned time off this summer, remember that advocating for your profession is a year-round job. Read on to find out how ATPE makes your role as a public education advocate easy. More

Reauthorization of the ESEA

Hearings held by both House and Senate committees

The process of reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is in full swing in the nation’s capital. Both the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee and the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions are holding regular hearings on the subject. More

Salary disputes

The ATPE Member Legal Services Department sends a message to the attorney general

According to a recent brief submitted by ATPE Member Legal Services Department staff attorneys to Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, a recent Texas law was intended to protect a pay raise given to some educators for two years rather than one. The brief was sent in response to a request for the attorney general’s opinion regarding House Bill 3636, passed during the 81st legislative session, which gave designated educators in the state a much-needed pay increase. More

Changes to PACs?

Attorney General Abbott’s opinion might cause issue with payroll deduction

On May 14, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued a formal opinion on school districts’ authority to process payroll deductions. The opinion primarily deals with voluntary contributions to political action committees such as the ATPE Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC). It is not legally binding, but it is intended to clarify existing laws. More

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Join ATPE  |  June 2010  |  © 2010 ATPE

Essentials contains legislative advertising contracted for by Doug Rogers, Executive Director, Association of Texas Professional Educators, 305 E. Huntland Dr., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78752-3792, representing ATPE.