At a time when Texas will likely face another multi-billion dollar budget shortfall next session, companies like Valero are asking state officials drain at least $135 million from Texas public schools to pay for a tax holiday for big oil.

Valero says this tax exemption will help them reduce emissions, but that claim is disingenuous at best. The exemption would allow the company to increase emissions at Valero's refineries in an effort to reduce emissions from the tailpipes of drivers who live outside of Texas, while putting the neighborhoods where these refineries are located at greater risk.

It's not a win for anyone but big oil companies like Valero. The real losers are Texas students and taxpayers who will be forced to endure further cuts to public schools, transportation and health care to pay for Valero's demands.

Tell Gov. Perry and his political appointees on the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) that Texas kids and our environment come first, not tax breaks for special interest.