How does your school district spend your money? Betcha you can’t find out… That’s why taxpayers should be contacting their lawmakers in support of legislation filed State Rep. Mark Strama (D-Austin), H.B. 1314, and State Rep. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), H.B. 1307. Of the two, Creighton’s HB 1307 is more comprehensive. Both would shine much-needed sunlight on Texas’ public education spending.

Strama was the lead author on last Session’s HB 3430 to provide extensive statewide fiscal transparency. Strama’s bill would simply require school districts to post their financial statements quarterly.

Creighton, one of our Taxpayer Champions from the last Session, would go much further and do a lot more for the cause of transparency. His legislation would require districts to post their expenditures — checks written and credit card transactions — within one month.

Taxpayers should demand both. We get handed the bill, it’s time for us to be allowed to examine the receipt.

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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