May 19, 2004

Representative Pitts Appointed to House Working Group on School Finance

Austin, TX - Representative Jim Pitts was appointed by Speaker Tom Craddick to a working group on revenue reforms today. Members of the House working group will meet with senators to find a common ground on a revenue plan to fund public education and provide property tax relief.

Representative Pitts will be joined by five other House members on the revenue working group, which is headed by Representative Talmadge Heflin (R-Houston), who is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. The Senate working group will have six members as well. The efforts of the revenue working group will be complemented by a joint House-Senate working group dealing with education reforms.

The revenue and education reform working groups were established by Speaker Craddick and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst to reach a consensus on school finance reform.

"I'm honored to be chosen by the Speaker for this assignment. Dealing with revenue issues is never easy, but hopefully we can find some common ground with our Senate colleagues on drafting a comprehensive revenue plan everyone can agree with," said Representative Pitts. "Any plan we come up with has to be fair to all taxpayers, provide for property tax relief, and provide the resources necessary for every school in the State to provide an excellent education. That's a difficult balancing act, but I think we can get it done."

In addition to serving on the House Select Committee on Public School Finance, Representative Pitts also serves as Chairman of the Education Subcommittee on the House Appropriations Committee, on the House Committee on Ways and Means and Redistricting.

Political advertising paid for by Jim Pitts Campaign, Sam Meade, Treasurer, 200A North Rogers, Waxahachie, TX 75165.

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