AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Fixing our broken school finance system is one of the goals of our state lawmakers. And this week, they're saying it could mean a statewide property tax. It's an issue that really has the state buzzing. State Senators say they want to ask voters to approve a constitutional amendment to put that statewide property tax in place. But it would also do away with local school property tax. Lubbock State Senator Robert Duncan likes the idea, and says it would not add to a Texan's total tax burden. But fellow lawmakers say anytime you mention raising or adding taxes, people are going to be upset. Pronews 7 spoke to several people who agree, something needs to be done to fix our school finance system, but at what cost?
"There's always going to be another issue to fund and so you have to be careful with the issues you choose to fund, but on the other hand education is really really important and if our kids are not educated then our country is not going to improve in the future," said Sarah Beukelman, supporter of the statewide property tax.
To get the amendment on the ballot requires the approval of 2/3 of both chambers of the legislature.
