Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26), today joined members of the Texas GOP Congressional delegation in writing to Speaker Pelosi urging her to remove the provision in the state aid bill that mandates special requirements of Texas, and no other state, in order to receive education funding.

“Texans are sick and tired of Democrats in Washington trying to tell us what’s best for our state. But what’s worse is that this time it’s Democrats in Washington who are from Texas that are punishing Texans,” Burgess said. “This ridiculous education funding provision, which some have even called ‘wacky,’ was written to only impact Texas and has got to go, so that Texas teachers and students are provided the same opportunities as teachers and students in every other state.”

Text of letter:
August 6, 2010

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
H232 Capitol
Washington, DC 20515-6501

Dear Madam Speaker:

We are writing to urge you to remove previously House-passed language included in Sen. AMDT. 4575 that solely discriminates against our State. Again, this amendment singles out only the State of Texas. It would force Texas to certify the maintenance of fiscal year 2011 funding levels for two additional fiscal years, above and beyond the one-year requirement imposed on all other 49 States.

This provision would have Texas violate her own State Constitution. The Texas Legislature has sole authority to determine State appropriations. Moreover, one Legislature cannot bind a future Legislature. Requiring the State to assure that a future Texas Legislature would commit to spend funds in accordance with these provisions would violate the Texas Constitution. Texas is constitutionally prohibited from meeting these severe restrictions, and no other state in the nation is subject to these additional requirements.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the State’s share of the $10 billion is estimated to be over $830 million. By adding the additional two-year requirement, the House language only punishes Texas students and teachers. Therefore, we urge you to strike the previous House-passed provision in the bill.

Sincerely,
Sen. Cornyn
Sen. Hutchison
Rep. Michael Burgess
Rep. Joe Barton
Rep. Michael Conaway
Rep. John Culberson
Rep. Kay Granger
Rep. Jeb Hensarling
Rep. Sam Johnson
Rep. Kenny Marchant
Rep. Michael McCaul
Rep. Randy Neugebauer
Rep. Pete Olson
Rep. Ron Paul
Rep. Ted Poe
Rep. Pete Sessions
Rep. Lamar Smith
Rep. Mac Thornberry
Rep. Ralph Hall
Rep. John Carter
Rep. Kevin Brady
Rep. Louie Gohmert


Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D., is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, and a member of the Health and Energy & Environment subcommittees. He is also a member of the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee. Prior to becoming a member of Congress in 2002, Congressman Burgess practiced medicine in North Texas for over 25 years.