AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News) – State Senator Don Huffines issued an apology Monday night for his behavior during a heated exchange with parents, educators and students at the Texas PTA Rally Day in Austin.
The conversation got tense as Huffines sparred with the crowd about student vouchers and complaints about money being diverted from public schools.
“That is selfishness! What are you scared of? What are you all scared of,” said Huffines after someone asked a question about school vouchers.
The Dallas senator’s voice grew even louder after PTA representatives and students asked questions about their tax dollars going to private schools.
“What makes you think it’s your money? They’re the tax payers. They’re the taxpayers. 62% of all property tax is paid by business,” he said.
Richardson parent Meredyth Childress took the video and posted the exchange on Facebook. Some users left comments calling the senator combative, rude and some said that he “needed to go”.
Senator Huffines’ spokesman Matt Langston released a statement in response to the exchange.
“While the policy was right, Senator Huffines’ tone and delivery today did not live up to the level of civil discourse that he always expects of himself and others. Senator Huffines is unapologetic in his support for education choice, because it’s a policy that supports students. He will not hide from passionate or heated debate on the issue. Where other politicians might have run, Don Huffines stayed and endured the ambush-style attack, then calmly answered more questions for 15 more minutes, including questions from students.”
Copyright 2017. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved.
