What should your government do for you

In working with the Texas Legislature and UIL Medical Advisory Board, one question comes to mind... "what should a government do for you". The presidential debate and election coming up clearly presents the question in stark contrast. Should we follow Ron Paul and his strict interpretation of the Constitution? Should we follow Mitt Romney and his cut services because it is not the job of the federal government? Should we follow President Obama and provide services for those that need services? This entry is not intended to be a debate on public policy or presidential politics. It is a discussion about what involvement should be expected and what should be mandated.

Let's put things into context. Cypress ECG works with schools which are government agencies. They are city/county organizations funded by county taxes in our area. Schools are a charter of the school district which are a charter of the Texas Education Department which is a charter of the Department of Education. According to the US Department of Education, about $1.15 trillion is spent nationwide on education at all levels for school year 2011-2012. About 88% of the funds come from non-Federal sources which means that 10.8% is federally subsidized. The Department of Education was created in 1867 to help states establish effective school systems. The Morrill Act in 1890 created a charter for land grant colleges and universities, one of which I attended. Congress has passed multiple acts to expand the role of the Department of Education and promote things like college attendance, vocational education, science, foreign language, equal rights for education, and creation of a Cabinet level post for education.

Education is important to the federal government. If we look at it from a Constitutionalist perspective, the federal government should abolish involvement in education because it is a state initiative. Mitt Romney promoted doing away with the Department of Education in the 90's but in 2007 reversed this opinion and sees it as a tool that can control teachers unions and elevate the interests of kids and parents. President Obama wants to expand the role of the federal government in education.

Education is important to the state of Texas. According to the TEA website, "the mission of the Texas Education Agency is to provide leadership, guidance and resources to help schools meet the education needs of all students". The responsibilities include text book selection, development of a statewide curriculum, administer statewide assessment, collect data on students, staff, and finances, rate schools, monitor compliance with federal guidelines, and serve as a fiscal agent for the distribution of state and federal funds.

Notice that at the state level the guidelines and objectives are a little better defined and mandated. The Texas Constitution in Article 7 mandates the support and maintenance of a system of public free schools. It established a permanent school fund, defines funding, formation of school districts, and creation of a state board of education. Education is the mandate of the state of Texas.

In 1910, the University Interscholastic League was created by the University of Texas to govern debating contests and govern athletic contests across the state. The League is a loose federation of schools that agree to accept and observe the terms of participation in the contests as set forth in the constitution and contest rules defined by the governing body. The UIL is governed by a Legislative Council composed of 28 public school administrators. The council acts on proposed amendments and requires approval of the Commissioner of Eduction before they are implemented. Senate Bill 82 of the 80th Legislative Session gives the UIL the right and authority to administer who can participate in extracurricular athletic activity and the admission of a pre participation physical evaluation. This guideline gives the UIL the authority to define what a physical consists of and who can administer the exam.

Senat Bill 82 states

"An individual answering in the affirmative to
	any question relating to a possible cardiovascular
	health issue, as identified on the form, should be
	restricted from further participation until the
	individual is examined and cleared by a physician,
	physician assistant, chiropractor, or nurse
	practitioner. Ultimately, the individual may need to
	be evaluated by a cardiologist and/or undergo cardiac
	testing (including an echocardiogram and/or other
	heart-related examination) based on the assessment by
	the primary care provider."

The bill was submitted by Senator Van de Putte of San Antonio and Senator Royce West in Dallas County.

I realize that I meandered a long way to get to legislation relating to cardiac testing of students. I personally think that it is important to see what people are requested to do, what they are required to do, and what they are mandated to do. If we are going to effect change in our government, knowing who is responsible for the change is the first step in making the change. Complaining about what the President is or is not doing with education will not effect an issue that is important to me, cardiac health. The agent of change for student health is the UIL who mandates what coaches and trainers are required to do.