The names of the members of next session’s House PreK-12 Education Committee were released today. There are quite a few unknowns in the mix, which should make it interesting if the Academic Freedom bills return during the next session. Here is a rundown on the names and what they did with the Academic Freedom bills during the previous session.
Legg, John (R) Chair — voted yes in last session’s education committee and voted yes on the House floor. He debated on behalf of the bill, claiming it had nothing to do with religion and was strictly about letting students ask questions and use critical thinking.
Flores, Anitere (R) Vice Chair — voted yes on the House floor.
Kiar, Martin David (D) Democratic Ranking Member — was one of the strongest opponents both in last session’s education committee and on the House floor. He had filed several amendments and argued over and over again that the bill would allow religion in the science classroom, which is unconstitutional.
Bullard, Dwight M. (D) — voted no on the House floor, but didn’t debate as far as I know.
Burgin, Rachel V. (R) — A new face with no voting record on this issue.
Ford, Clay (R) — voted yes on the House floor and was a bill co-sponsor, but didn’t debate as far as I know.
Fresen, Erik (R) — A new face with no voting record on this issue.
Jones, Mia L. (D) — A new face with no voting record on this issue.
Kriseman, Rick (D) — A new face with no voting record on this issue.
McBurney, Charles (R) — voted yes in last session’s education committee and voted yes on the House floor, but didn’t debate as far as I know.
Â
Plakon, Scott (R) — A new face with no voting record on this issue.
Stargel, Kelli (R) — A new face with no voting record on this issue.
Workman, Ritch (R) — A new face with no voting record on this issue.
Last session there were 16 members on the education committee, but this time there appear to be only 13. The vote totals on the Academic Freedom bill last session were 7 yes, 4 no, 5 did not vote. For this next session’s committee, we can see 4 yes, 3 no, and 6 unknowns. How many of those unknowns do you think can be turned into no votes? If you have any background knowledge on any of the unknowns that could be helpful, please let me know either in the comments or via e-mail.
