re: #111 RadicalModerate

Texas’ bid for $830 million federal school aid is deniedl

Rick Perry is trying very hard not to have to increase the state’s own funding of education:

The federal aid is part of a $10 billion jobs package approved by Congress in August. Under a Texas-only provision by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, the governor must commit to keep education funding at the same proportionate level for three years to receive the aid.

Federal officials say the aid package could help fund an estimated 14,500 jobs in Texas as school districts consider staff reductions amid shrinking budgets.

Tarrant County area schools were set to receive nearly $60 million. The Fort Worth school district was eligible for $21 million of that.

Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott and an emissary for Perry met with federal officials late last month in an attempt to bypass the conditions and get the money. But the Education Department notified Scott in a letter released Thursday that granting the aid “would not be consistent with the statutory requirements.”