The new directive is expected to worsen tensions between Republican-led statehouses and the federal government over divisive social issues. It clarifies expectations for districts receiving federal school funds, which Texas' powerful Republican lieutenant governor argues the state's 5.2 million public school students can now do without.
"We will not be blackmailed by the president's 30 pieces of silver," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. "The people of Texas and the Legislature will find a way to find as much of that money as we can if we are forced to."
Patrick said Texas currently receives about $10 billion in federal education funding. He didn't say how that money would be replaced, and his remarks on Friday came only moments after more than half the state's 1,200 school districts lost a major lawsuit that claimed Texas unconstitutionally underfunds public schools.
The risk of not accommodating transgender students and losing federal school funds alarmed others. In Georgia on Thursday night, the Fannin County school superintendent said transgendered people are protected under the Civil Rights Act and surrendering $3 million in annual federal funding to avoid the issue isn't an option.
http://www.newsmax.com/US/US-LGBT-Rights/2016/05/13/id/728716/?AID=7236
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