Hiding from Robin Hood

There are those who like Robin Hood, and those that don't. Some see theft from the rich as a path to equality. We're seeing more and more "economic justice" in our nation. I'm still looking for the "just" part of it. Texas is notorious for its Robin Hood school funding system. Property rich school districts have to pay the state, so the state can re-distribute the wealth to the property poor districts. Most don't like it, but there is no longer much fuss to shut it down. There are plenty of attempts to reform it. A milder more pleasant Robin Hood seams to be the ideal; more "fair" you see.


There are also those who like to hide from Robin Hood. Bryson ISD Superintendent, Jack Coody, among many others, understands that if Robin Hood doesn't know that you are rich, then he won't come after you. The problem is that Representative Lois Kolkhorst is on to their game. Rep. Kolkhorst has filed House Bills 1273 & 1274, which would require full disclosure and proper accounting for benefits to school districts received under the Texas Economic Development Act (Chapter 313).


"BISD entered into a contract with Gamesa in December 2007, exchanging a lower property valuation on its Barton Chapel Wind Farm project for a promise of an $4.5 million windfall to the school district over the life of the 10-year agreement." - Jack County Herald


Rep. Kolkhorst is in a tough position. She's getting hit from both sides. For the sake of transparency and full disclosure, her bills should be passed. For them to fail, is to continue giving Robin Hood a misdirection play. That's something way too many "business minded" folks resonate with. Either way, Robin Hood is still stealing from the "rich" and giving to the "poor", and good luck defining rich and poor.

Both of Rep. Kolkhorst's bills are currently in committee. HB-1274 received a hearing and is pending further action from a newly named Ways & Means sub-committee. HB-1273 is awaiting action from the Public Education Committee. In the mean time, money withheld from the school funding system by a few dozen districts pushes more of the property tax burden onto the rest of us.

God Save Texas