Texas House Seat District 60 Q & A

Jim Keffer, Rep.
Question 1: Is the TAKS working? If so, how? If not, what do you think needs to be done differently?

No. In 2007, Legislators voted to replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test with end-of-course exams for graduation purposes. Senate Bill 1031 will phase out TAKS and replace it with end-of-course exams in the four core subject areas in grades 9-12.

Question 2: House Bill 1 has affected school districts locally and around the state. Texasisd.net reported 29 of approximately 107 school district tax ratification elections have gone to the voters so far in 2008, with a 72 percent ratification rate. These elections are being called to bring in more funds for operations, since the 2006 Legislature capped the tax rate at $1.04 per $100 of taxable property value. Superintendents are struggling to keep from cutting staff, while managing state mandates and today’s rapidly rising costs on values from two years ago. Many have voiced their concern about next year. What needs to be done? What timeframe do you suggest for this?

The high success rate of local tax ratification elections indicates that schools have communicated to their local voters a need for additional funding, and those local voters felt compelled to fund those needs. This allows for local control and participation in the funding process. I also believe the 81st Legislature must provide additional state funding for schools in the next budget.

Question 3: Brazos River Authority divestiture is a complicated matter. What do you think are the major issues and what steps need to be taken to protect the citizens, county and state governments and the BRA?

In order for divesture to happen at Possum Kingdom Lake, years of hostility and mistrust between the lessees and the BRA will need to be put to the side. All groups will need to work in a collaborative manner in order to see divesture work. However, just recently there has been a split in support by the lessees for how to accomplish the divesture issue either by a third-party sale or legislative action.

Whether divesture is to happen by a third-party sale or legislative authority a few issues have to be addressed. First, these leases are considered to be a state resource and the sell of this property must be equitable to all parties. Second, there will need to be protective measures put into place in order to preserve the pristine quality of the lake and the surrounding environment. Third, establish a phase out timeline of BRA law enforcement officer and road maintenance so that the county can make necessary budget assessment to fill the void. Fourth, assist the Possum Kingdom Lake community in considering incorporating into a municipality, which will allow the community to become self-sufficient. Finally, protect the undeveloped property at Possum Kingdom Lake.

Question 4: Where do you stand on controlling illegal immigration and its impact on the U.S. infrastructure?

I continue to support the efforts of our federal government and state government in securing our borders. During the last legislative session in Texas, we (Texas Legislature) appropriated well over $100 million to help better secure our borders from illegal immigration and curbing the drug trade from Mexico. We also passed HB 1196 to ensure that state grants (Texas Enterprise Fund) are not given out to businesses that hire illegal immigrants. If those businesses are knowingly employing these workers, they are required to pay the grant back with interest.

Our infrastructure is critical to current and future economic growth in our state, and we must make sure that illegal immigrants do not drain our resources.

Question 5: Describe some of the other major issues facing Texas and citizens of this district in the upcoming legislative sessions. Please include your stance.

I am committed to reforming property tax appraisal process, furthering reducing homeowner school property tax rates, improving teacher salaries and protecting our Second Amendment rights. I am also dedicated to addressing school dropout rate and promoting alternative educational programs such as career and technology in our school systems.

David Shupp, Dem.
Question 1: Is the TAKS working? If so, how? If not, what do you think needs to be done differently?

No. “Teaching to the test” is an ineffective and cumbersome means of educating our youth, it does not teach it turns children into parrots without the ability to think. I think the classroom is best run by the teachers; not overly intrusive agencies and bureaucracies.

Question 2: House Bill 1 has affected school districts locally and around the state. Texasisd.net reported 29 of approximately 107 school district Tax Ratification elections have gone to the voters so far in 2008, with a 72 percent ratification rate. These elections are being called to bring in more funds for operations, since the 2006 legislature capped the tax rate at $1.04 per $100 of taxable property value. Superintendents are struggling to keep from cutting staff, while managing state mandates and today’s rapidly rising costs on values from two years ago. Many have voiced their concern about next year. What needs to be done? What timeframe do you suggest for this?

The Texas Constitution specifies that the state is obligated to provide for public education. Texans are being taxed left and right, yet Republican leadership, which holds every lever of our Texas government, has failed to provide Texas children the education they deserve. The state must fulfill its obligations and it must do so in the upcoming legislative session. No more turning back a billion dollars to the federal government because Keffer, chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, wants to waste money elsewhere in our budget instead of providing matching funds for our youth.

Question 3: Brazos River Authority divestiture is a complicated matter. What do you think are the major issues and what steps need to be taken to protect the citizens, county and state governments and the BRA?

I think the BRA should be abolished. Twenty-one people, all of whom are Republicans, and only three remotely resembling scientists, were appointed to oversee one river. If any one person or committee is going to be responsible for overseeing the Brazos, they should be elected by the people so those elected can be held accountable for their actions.

Question 4: Where do you stand on controlling illegal immigration and its impact on the U.S. infrastructure?

As a retired radar air traffic controller since 1963, I know the federal government is failing to hold up their obligation to protect our borders, and we need serious immigration reform and oversight. However, I am against building a wall that has the potential to cost taxpayers upwards of a billion dollars when it will probably be ineffective and involves the taking of private property to build it!

Question 5: Describe some of the other major issues facing Texas and citizens of this district in the upcoming legislative sessions. Please include your stance.

I oppose ad valorem taxes or taxing by committee. I believe our founders were correct: “No taxation without representation.” All Texas taxation should be promulgated by the Texas House and those members held accountable! School tax, property tax, etc.

I am against any and all no bid contracts: if taxpayers are footing the bill for the state to hire contractors, those taxpayers should be getting the best bargain for their buck. Any entity that wants to contract with the state should have to follow the same procedures and be held to the same oversight. No more Keffer no-bid contracts with the country Spain for “Trans-Texas Corridors” where Spain hires their own laborers from where ever they want then keeps the tolls for 50 years!

I am opposed to the Trans-Texas Corridor that misses our district completely and is of no economic benefit to us.

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