member of the Texas legislature
QUESTION 1
As a member of the Texas legislature, my priority will be to address the source of public education funding, which is property tax. Without addressing these taxes, public education in Texas will be in chaos. I will strive to table a bill that will close the gap between schools in poor districts that receive less local funding than those schools in wealthy neighborhoods. The poor funding of schools in these areas is because they contribute less in terms of property tax. The state should get involved more in the funding education so that every Texan student can get an equal opportunity at school no matter the location. Addressing teachers’ pay before proper and equal funding of all public schools will be a fight in futility. We might increase the teachers’ pay but it should be done after equalization of resources across board happens. It is paramount that I compel the state to bridge this funding gap between schools.
QUESTION 2
I feel the territorial disputes are unnecessary. By buying land in Houston to build a new campus, the University of Texas had the interest of all American students at heart. The dispute overshadows the excellent job that the system’s universities and medical schools do in society. Instead of stating that the new campus will duplicate resources that do not align with state plans, the politicians should encourage the construction of more universities in the state so that we can improve on our research capabilities. Dialogue between management of University of Texas and legislators from Houston could play a major role in reaching a consensus. This campus will benefit not only people from the state of Texas but all future American students. As a major city, Houston’s economic strength will be on the upward trend if they allow such an innovation hub.
QUESTION 3
As a resident of Texas, my immediate concern is gun control. With the recent shooting in Santa Fe high school, I am concerned about the safety of children in school. While Democrats support the strengthening of gun laws, Republicans have no stringent measures on who can carry a handgun in Texas. Also, the state does not have a waiting time for firearm purchase. The Republicans who allow citizens to carry firearms without a license are leading the current government; thus, it will be impractical for the government to go against what the party members have endorsed. The firearm control laws in Texas will remain lax because the current regime is comfortable with people carrying guns around. Therefore, the issue of gun control remains at the top of my list in Texas, and everyone including our school going children are in immediate danger from gun holders.