Battles continue in Austin over school finance Key lawmaker: School finance study committee or bust

Sen. Larry Taylor announces plans from the Senate Committee on Education during a press conference with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick on March 3, 2015. Sen. Larry Taylor announces plans from the Senate Committee on Education during a press conference with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick on March 3, 2015. Photo: Tom Reel Photo: Tom Reel Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Battles continue in Austin over school finance 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN -- Texas State Sen. Larry Taylor pushed the House to take up his plan to study the state's beleaguered school finance formula over the interim, arguing the lower chamber's plan is too costly and doesn't go far enough.

In a press conference Tuesday, the Friendswood Republican said it's time for the Legislature to begin making movement to reform the school funding system.

The House agrees, but is opposed to how the Senate wants to begin. The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of House Bill 21, which would pour $1.8 billion new dollars into school funding and change how certain students and expenses are paid for.

Rep. Dan Huberty, the House Public Education Chairman, chided the Senate for talking about the education efforts to the media instead of members of the House. Huberty has threatened to shoot down the Senate's preferred bill to study school finance if the chamber refused to pass the House's flagship school finance plan.

Taylor said he would not pass the House's school finance bill in order to keep the study committee alive.

The House and Senate have battled all year over education, mainly about the House's focus on rehabbing the state's school funding formula now and the Senate's desire to study how to change the formula.

Andrea Zelinski covers politics and education for the Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com.