Austin – State Rep. Dianne White Delisi today joined her House and Senate colleagues on the House Bill 2 conference committee in endorsing its report to both chambers.


"This bill makes real progress for public education," Delisi stated. "We raise teacher pay, increase both funding and performance in the classroom, and enhance school funding equity. This ambitious piece of legislation links improved results to the new dollars."


The conference committee report for House Bill 2 contains a number of education reforms. Some of the highlights include:

• Teacher pay is increased by $2,000 in fiscal year 2006-2007. This increases to $2,500 in fiscal year 2007-2008.
• The state sets an equity goal of 96 percent by 2011.
• A new instruction facilities allotment with a component for fast growth schools.
• Full funding for new student textbooks.
• Locally designed incentive pay programs to reward teaching excellence.
• Relief from various state mandates for school demonstrating exemplary performance.

"This just touches on the surface of the comprehensive package of reforms that are included in House Bill 2," Delisi stated. "This is historic legislation and it was worth it to have the legislature come back to finish the job."


The special session ends on Wednesday, however Gov. Rick Perry has indicated a willingness to call another session immediately afterwards if needed to complete the work.