Andrew White proposes cutting border security, expanding gambling to fund a $5K raise for teachers

[TexasTowelie]

by Patrick Svitek, Texas Tribune


Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew White on Wednesday proposed a $6.5 billion plan to tackle an "education emergency" in Texas, in part by expanding gambling in the state and redirecting the state's border security funding.

White, who is locked in a primary runoff with former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, said his plan includes a $5,000 teacher pay raise, universal full-day pre-K and a $5,000 college scholarship for anyone who graduates from a public high school with a 3.0 GPA or better. It would be paid for by ending the state's $800 million, two-year commitment to border security, as well as allowing slot machines and table games at horse tracks and a "few destination resorts." The rest of the funding would come from closing a commercial property tax loophole that White has been campaigning against since launching his campaign.

Zeroing out border security funding and expanding gaming would likely be political non-starters in the current GOP-dominated Legislature, but White insisted he expects the Legislature's political makeup to change in the November elections. On gambling in particular, White said, the issue should be put to the voters if state lawmakers are resistant.

Announcing the proposals at a news conference in Austin, White called for a special session to address the issue and hammered Republican Gov. Greg Abbott for having the wrong priorities, pointing to Abbott's recent decision to heed President Donald Trump's call and send hundreds more National Guard troops to the border.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2018/04/18/democrat-andrew-white-wants-pay-5000-raise-teachers-border-security-fu/

[comradebillyboy]

1. I was under the impression that Texas pays its teachers better

than any of its neighbors. Not so long ago a new teacher would start for about 10k more in Texas than here in New Mexico. Texas seems to do a better job than most red states in funding education.