Congressman Al Green spoke at the TSTA State Convention in 2009. Listen to the Texas “educators” stand and give thunderous applause (:18 second mark) to Representative Green when he said “public taxpayer money should not be spent on vouchers“ (italics and emphasis are mine):
“We must not allow those who would take money from the public coffers dedicated to schools and use that money for other coffers dedicated to vouchers. We cannot spend public taxpayer money on vouchers!”
The Texas State Teachers Association’s raucous applause to Representative Al Green served as a mask covering what they were most afraid of back in 2009; loss of control and power over the discussion as to whether educational monies should be attached to a child and used for school vouchers.
They’re still afraid of that discussion occurring in 2011. Representative Richard Raymond has filed H.J.R. 31 which proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting authorization of or funding of an elementary or secondary education voucher program unless the student has a disability.
Section (b): The legislature may not appropriate money for or authorize a voucher program under which state or local public revenue is used to pay for all or any part of the costs of a student’s attendance at a private school
Section (c): This section does not prohibit the use of state or local public revenue to pay for all or any part of the costs of attendance at a private school by a student with a disability for the purpose of receiving special education services that would other wise be unavailable to the student.
Imagine that. A bill legislating away parental choice from families who need it the most. And a constitutional amendment for Texans to vote on, too! Whoddathunkit?
Who’s behind it is the question?
None other than the Texas State Teachers Association PAC.
From Richard Raymond’s January 15th campaign finance report:
But wait! There’s more!
The Association of Texas Professional Educators gave $500 to Richard Raymond.
What’s that group all about? Well, if you’re a fan of The Godfather all you need to do is look at thebanner on their home page to learn one of the services they provide is “protection”:
Some Texas “educators” are afwaid (yes, I spelled it that way on purpose!) of the big, bad school voucher.
As you get these Facebook events and “Like” invitations to “Save Texas Schools” or “Defend the American Dream” do a little homework to understand who is behind these groups.
You might even discover the Texans Together Education Fund will help you get a ride to Austin.
