At present, almost ever politician and taxpayer in the state of Texas knows that Texas is too reliant upon property taxes it finance its public schools. In 2005 the Texas State Supreme Court declared the current method of school funding through property taxes to be unconstitutional because, to adequately fund the schools many districts would have to exceed the $1.50 cap on local property tax rates designated for funding public schools. Recently, you said the Texas Legislature could do one of two things to comply with the court. Either it could raise the $1.50 cap on local property taxes or change the way Texas fund its schools to include other options of funding. .

             I would like to agree with you that there is already too much pressure on Texas residents in terms of high property taxes. Just how to reduce Texas' reliance on property taxes, however, remains in doubt. .

             One possible solution to more fairly finance the public schools in a more equitable fashion, would be to expand the current sales tax to include certain services such as movie tickets and visits to the beauty parlor, and also to raise the 'sin tax' on goods such as liquor and cigarettes.

             I believe this is a much better method of financing school reform, as opposed to increasing or broadening the sales tax overall, which would unfairly tax poorer persons on many basic goods that they need for their survival-from food to school supplies for their children. .

             I would ask that you support a bill for funding the public schools that does not increase the already burdensome property tax rate in Texas, but does not penalize the poorest residents of the state, as the court's ruling was intended to help less fortunate residents of Texas and their children gain better access to educational opportunities.

             Yours truly,.

             A concerned Texan.