TEA Releases Financial Accountability Ratings

More than four-fifths of Texas public schools received an ‘A’ rating for their financial practices, according to the Texas Education Agency, which released the final financial accountability ratings for the latest school year last week.

A total of 969 school districts and charter schools, or 81%, received the top rating for their financial management practices.

“By maintaining strong financial practices, these school systems are building brighter futures for the students and communities they serve,” a news release stated.

Ten percent of school districts got ‘B’ratings, while 6% received ‘C’ ratings. Failing grades were given to 18 school districts and eight charter schools.

All Texas public school systems are required to share their financial accountability ratings with parents and taxpayers at public meetings. Individual results for a school district can be found at txschools. gov.

Federal Ban on THC Products Signed into Law 

A spending deal signed into law last week to end the federal government shutdown includes a ban on nearly all THC products that could devastate the Texas hemp industry, the Houston Chronicle reported. The restrictions will not take effect for another year.

The legislation caps the amount of THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in both marijuana and hemp products, at 0.4 milligrams per package. That would force the removal of nearly all currently available hemp products found in stores across the state, including edibles, beverages and smokable versions of hemp.

An earlier attempt at the state level to ban hemp products was vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott. After state legislators failed in two special sessions to produce ways to regulate hemp, Abbott issued an executive order banning its purchase by anyone under 21 years of age.

The hemp industry plans to fight the law, saying it jeopardizes U.S. farmers and threatens more than 300,000 jobs nationwide.

“The next year will be critical in determining the future of hemp,” Art Massolo, U.S. Hemp Roundtable President, said in a statement. “As a significant American industry, we are committed to sharing with Congress the real story about hemp.” Approximately 8,000 retailers in Texas sell products derived from hemp, though a ban on electronic vapes that went into effect Sept. 1 wiped out an estimated 30% of their income.

Trump Backs Abbott in Reelection Bid; Bell Enters Race 

President Donald Trump endorsed Abbott’s unprecedented bid for a fourth term, praising his efforts to redraw congressional maps last summer, The Texas Tribune reported. Abbott responded to the early endorsement, saying he would work with Trump to “build a stronger, safer, more prosperous Texas and America.”

As the governor enters the race with almost $90 million in his campaign war chest, former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell of Houston has entered the race on the Democratic side. Bell ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2006, finishing second in a crowded race to then-Gov. Rick Perry.

Also running in the Democratic primary to date are state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, businessman Andrew White, and rancher Bobby Cole.