AUSTIN — Today, State District Judge John Dietz ruled that Texas' school financing system is unconstitutional.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"Today's court decision confirms that school financing in Texas is not only inefficient but unconstitutional. While the Legislature made a step in the right direction by appropriating $3.4 billion back into our public education system last session, our current funding system remains inadequate. We cannot expect to succeed as a state if we do not make smart investments in our students, teachers, and schools.

The state's funding formula fails to provide adequate funding or distribute it fairly among school districts in wealthy and poor areas. Our children and families should not be penalized or restricted because of the neighborhood they live in. Texas must provide an equal playing field to ensure similar access to educational funds for every public school system regardless of wealth or location. Education is the best equalizer. We must give our school children the best resources we can for them to succeed and to simultaneously ensure our state's future."

###