State Rep. Dwayne Bohac Files Two Pro-Education Bills

AUSTIN - This week, State Representative Dwayne Bohac filed two bills that will increase teacher pay and assist families in purchasing school supplies.

“Behind active parent involvement, teachers are critical to the success of our children,” Bohac said. “Make no mistake about my goals in this session when it comes to education - our teachers are the bedrock of our school system.”

The legislation Bohac introduced would give all public school teachers, counselors and librarians an across-the-board $3,000 pay raise in an effort to recruit, retain and reward teachers.

“Texas is part of the global market place,” Bohac said. “Not only do we have to have the best teachers in the country, but the best teachers in the world. Teachers are called on to wear many hats in the classroom. They deserve to be compensated for it.”

Rep. Bohac also introduced legislation that would eliminate sales taxes on school supplies that are required in elementary and secondary schools.

Under Bohac’s bill, items including pens, backpacks, paper and calculators would now be tax exempt on the annual Sales Tax Holiday, which is currently limited to just clothing and footwear.

According to the Comptroller of Public Accounts office, Texans saved more than $47 million during the tax holiday in 2005.

“This is one of the best examples of an easy way the state can help regular, hard-working Texans prepare their children for the school year,” Bohac said. “I know how easily the cost of new clothes can add up when trying to provide for a family. Supplies should be tax free as well - my bill does this.”

The legislature returned to Austin on Monday to satisfy the Texas Supreme Court’s June 1 deadline to fix the way the state funds school districts.

“Not only do we have to fix the way we pay for our schools, but we also have to figure out a way to take the tax burden off of home owners,” Bohac said. “Tax policy for me means a reduction in property taxes that is long-term. Education policy for me means a strong corps of public school teachers. We have to get this right.”