TEACHER FORUM

Thank you for inviting me here today.  I appreciate the opportunity to state my position on issues in this campaign which directly affect public education in Texas.  I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

I’ve been asked why I’m running for state representative.  The answer is simple.  I’m a taxpayer, I don’t like the direction state government is headed, and I believe I can make a difference.

I believe the number one responsibility of state government is the adequate funding of public education.  Our public education system is in crisis today because my opponent and his friends in the legislature have failed to meet their responsibility to provide adequate funding.

 Last year the legislature refused to even discuss school finance at the Regular Session. Their failure to act made it necessary to have a Special Session which cost you, the  taxpayer, a additional million dollars.   They still failed to solve the school finance problem.  Local property taxes are out of control; taxpayers are at a breaking point and must have  relief.  At the same time, local school struggle to meet the budget demands of state and federal mandates.

 All this is happening because my opponent and his friends are not meeting the test of leadership!  They have studied, they have debated, and they have analyzed; BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO ACT!  They have failed the schoolchildren; they have failed the teachers; and they have failed the taxpayers of this state!  The only way to change this picture is to change the make-up of the legislature and that is one of the reasons I am asking for your support.

 As a member of the legislature I will work to develop a finance plan that will kill Robin Hood, provide adequate, reliable and equitable funding, and will cap increases on annual residential appraisals.  It will take real leadership to get this done.  My opponent and his friends have failed to meet this challenge and it is time for a change of leadership.

 Our teachers are the very bedrock of the foundation of a successful educational system.  I know it is the well-qualified, highly motivated and dedicated teacher who is the key element in a teaching program.  That is why I believe teachers should be paid professional salaries and have the same health and retirement benefits as state employees.  And, the state must guarantee the soundness of the Teacher Retirement System.

 In 1997, my opponent opposed making teacher health insurance the same as state employees’ benefits when he voted against House Bill 1700.

 Last year, he voted NO on an amendment to Senate Bill 1370 that would have provided for a study of the benefits of providing teachers with the same health coverage as state employees. Obviously, my opponent does not want teachers to have better health coverage.  I will support making teacher health benefits the same as state employees.

 Last year, my opponent voted to cut in half the state contribution for teacher health insurance premiums when he voted for the conference report on Senate Bill 1370.

I believe ONLY qualified instructors should be teaching in our public schools.

 In 2001, my opponent voted for House Bill 1143 that allowed alternative certification of college graduates to be teachers in our public schools.  I believe it takes more than just a college degree to be a teacher.  A teacher must have the skills, knowledge, and experience that come from a study of education. and, in 2001, my opponent voted against House Bill 729 that provided compensation to school employees for additional days of service required by a school district.  I would have supported HB 729.

 All the efforts we put into providing excellence in our secondary education program will be undermined if the doors of higher education are shut to qualified students who cannot afford to attend our state colleges and universities.

Last year, the legislature surrendered its duty to set tuition at state institutes when it passed House Bill 3015.  My opponent voted for that bill and immediately tuitions skyrocketed!

 I will work to reclaim the legislative power to set tuition at state universities so that the doors of higher education remain open to all qualified Texas residents regardless of their economic circumstances.

 I believe we should stop teaching to the test and allow our teachers to teach a broad curriculum of study.

 I will oppose the use of state funds for vouchers to private or parochial schools.

 I believe the people of this district are tired of business as usual…that is, ordinary Texans paying the tax bill while the special interests line their pockets with the help of their friends in the legislature.

I believe the people of this district are ready for responsible, common sense solutions to the challenges we must meet.  I will work hard to provide those common sense solutions.

 The education of our children, and relief for local property taxpayers will be my number one priority and I will always remember that every dollar I vote to spend comes from hard-working Texans like you and me.

 Thank you again for your invitation.  I ask for your support and your vote on November 2.  Remember that it’s time for a change!  Vote Weems for Texas House of Representatives District 25.

Check out the THE FACTS newspaper about the meeting from the link below

http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=ea936887221c6989

I WILL VOTE TO RESTORE THE FULL AMOUNT!