AG Abbott loses again--Judge Dietz can stay on school finance case
AUSTIN — State District Judge John Dietz will not be forced off Texas' ongoing school finance case, a San Antonio judge ruled Monday, handing a victory to school districts suing the state over what they call an unconstitutional lack of adequate funding for public education.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Greg Abbott sought to have Dietz removed, citing evidence he said showed the jurist improperly coached and encouraged plaintiffs' attorneys in emails they exchanged earlier this year. After a hearing last week, Fourth Administrative District Judge David Peeples denied Abbott's recusal request late Monday.
The ruling was a boon for the several groups representing more than 600 school districts that are challenging the constitutionality of Texas' public education funding system. They sued the state in the wake of the Legislature's massive $5.4 billion cut in public education funding in 2011, arguing that the system was inequitable, inadequate and had resulted in the creation of a statewide property tax.
Dietz struck down the system as unconstitutional in February 2013, but reopened the case this year after lawmakers restored $3.4 billion in public education funding during the 2013 legislative session.
More at http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/education/article/Judge-in-school-finance-case-can-stay-5574110.php .
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