Texas Education Funding Crisis

The Dallas Morning News repots, on top of the "more than $4 billion" dollar budget cut that schools recently took, "three commissioners appointed by Gov. Rick Perry may grant some of the nations largest refineries a tax refund of more than $135 million." This will only worsen the current school funding crisis. If this tax refund is approved other refineries could be eligible for these same tax breaks. Valero initially asked for the refund regarding  pollution-controlling equipment they were required to purchase by the EPA. Valero's argument is that " the units should be exempt under a Texas law that says industrial plants don't have to pay taxes on equipment purchased to reduce on-site pollution." Valero was first denied but has since appealed the decision.  School districts are "in an uncomfortable position" because there is no timeline on the ruling and they may be forced to return money that needs to be or could already be spent on necessities. This decision will affect everyone including "the children of the employees that help make the companies[/refineries} what they are."