Opinion

A financial crisis is looming over many Texas school districts, and without immediate action, the consequences could be devastating. Many are on a collision course with fiscal insolvency.

Americans’ right to speak their minds is considered sacred, which is why we must fight to protect the First Amendment and the Texas Citizens Participation Act. Both measures were carefully written with protection of the individual — the “little guy” — in mind. They’re designed to give a David a fighting chance if he finds himself in a legal duel with a Goliath.

The political landscape in the United States has been marked by an alarming level of divisiveness and inappropriate behavior by candidates and political leaders. This environment not only undermines the principles of democracy but also places an undue burden on our military.

As the leaves shift from green to shades of red and brown, Fall brings more than just hayrides, pumpkin patches, and trick-ortreating. You may not realize it while carving your jack-o’-lantern, but Texas is home to more than just famous haunted houses— you don’t have to look far to stumble upon a graveyard with a story to tell.

In late September, the U.S. Census released its report on health insurance coverage by state, and while Texas saw a small improvement, the state still holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest uninsured population in the country. Nearly five million Texans — or about 16.4% of the population — remain without health coverage. Although this is down slightly from last year, the numbers remain stubbornly high.

Texas lawmakers have recognized in recent years the need to better prepare high school students for the workforce of tomorrow. Major reforms, such as the school finance overhaul in 2019 (House Bill 3) and the community college finance reform effort in 2023 (House Bill 8), have invested critical funding and resources to create new opportunities for students.

I hope that all veterans in Austin County have had fair winds and following seas since my last report. As veterans and dependents of veterans, you have made the ultimate sacrifice for your country and deserve every promised benefit for those commitments.

Sealy ISD will be asking voters to consider a voter-approval tax rate election (VATRE) on the November ballot. If approved, Sealy ISD will gain $1.5 million in maintenance and operations revenue, with $924,000 coming from an increase in state aid. Because we are in a position to decrease our Interest & Sinking Tax Rate, Sealy ISD can maximize state funding while decreasing the total tax rate from $1.0423 to $1.0281.