What is so miraculous about this?
Re: “Study: One of the worst countries to be in for women — report comparing 25 indicators across all states in the District of Columbia,” Metro & Business article Tuesday.
This article reported on a study that sheds light on the quality of life for women in Texas and how the state ranks compared to the rest of the country.
Texas ranked 47th as a woman-friendly state compared to 49 other states and the District of Columbia. Among the metrics analyzed by WalletHub, Texas ranks 31st in life expectancy for women at birth, 40th in percentage of women living in poverty, 41st in preventive health care for women, and number of unemployed women. It ranks 44th and 51st for the number of women with health insurance. .
It's likely these metrics that Gov. Greg Abbott and his fellow Republicans are referring to when they talk about the “Texas Miracle.” Shame on you, Texas, and shame on you, Governor Abbott.
Steve Richardson, Plano
Remember Who Supported Public Schools?
Re: “Mr. Phelan faces a tough primary — his main challenger, Mr. Covey, is running to the right with support from Mr. Trump and others,” Monday's news article.
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan was a courageous leader who advocated for public schools during several special sessions when Gov. Greg Abbott was pushing his plan to divert taxpayer dollars to private schools. It is. Since Congress rejected that plan, Mr. Abbott has withheld funding for teacher raises and has not increased funding for public education, despite a large budget surplus.
In addition to losing revenue from property taxes, school districts have faced serious challenges such as school closures and staffing cuts. Voters, when you go to the polls, remember our public school champions.
Nana Rylander, Sherman
children must be prioritized
Re: “Budget pressures strain school districts — Campus closures, layoffs possible as North Texas schools face shortages, tough choices,” Monday news article.
I am a 50-year veteran of public education. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to swallow the blatant hypocrisy on public education from Gov. Greg Abbott's Texas Republican leadership. The Republican Party's actions should be seen as an insult and a threat to all stakeholders in public education.
Texas has billions of dollars in surplus money that could provide much-needed relief and upgrades to school districts across the state. Why did Mr. Abbott choose to use these funds as a bargaining chip to close public schools? How many ways can a large number of people have to say “no” to a voucher?
Governor Abbott, we are not stupid. Every flaw you may see in our public schools is of your own making. It's time to prioritize all children.
Fred Clausen, Irving
interesting timing
Re: “Does Eric Johnson want to be mayor?” He shares the blame for Dallas' woes, and it's definitely by choice,” Tuesday Opinion.
Coslam's column and many others dallas morning news The article correctly informs Eric Johnson's voters of his absence from the Airport Board meeting. Some reporters have raised other concerns. But why didn't we see these reports and columns when he was supposed to be a Democrat?
Stan Thibault (Dallas)
this is my bar
Re: “Campaigns are a nuisance” by Matt Hamilton, Monday Letters.
Matt, congratulations on putting into writing what I believe so many people are feeling. I encourage all voters to take the following pledge: If your only qualification to be president is to defeat your enemy, you will lose my vote.
Joel Hayhurst, Richardson
school vouchers are a bad idea
Attendance incentives would do more harm than good and leave schools with less funding in a worse position than they currently are. Vouchers would also force school districts to cut much-needed educational resources, such as libraries. Meddling with schools and how future adults are educated is not a political victory. This election, we ask you to vote against those who support school aid.
Isaiah Rodriguez, North Richland Hills
keller high school student
Strengthening public schools
I will not vote for anyone who supports the governor's pet project, the unfair and regressive school voucher program. Gov. Greg Abbott's proposal aims to exclude the neediest Texas families and help only those with means pay a portion of private tuition. And at the expense of public schools.
Our legislators have made it clear what their constituents want. Strengthening public schools could help lift Texas from its dismal ranking of 41st out of 50 schools.
Suzanne O'Malley, Dallas
fix the criminal justice system
I am a very conservative voter who believes that the law should be followed, but I also believe that our country and state's criminal justice system is in great need of reform. Long sentences, inhumane conditions, and a lack of pathways to success upon release are major problems. These failures often cause a revolving door that keeps prisons full.
Texas lawmakers are guilty of fearing that conservative voters want a tougher-on-crime stance. Lawmakers fear they will lose votes if they don't. But I don't think I'm alone in wanting us to be smarter, not tougher. Our system is definitely shameful and will only perpetuate itself.
My hope is that Texas legislators do the right thing. Texas should be ashamed of its criminal justice system. Lawmakers should make restoration a top priority. People who won't lose my vote.
Beverly Thomas, Carrollton
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