Opening statements began today in a trial over the state funding of public schools in Texas.

Hundreds of school districts across the state have banded together to challenge the current "share the wealth" school funding system.

The school finance plan draws heavily on state property taxes.

Plaintiff's in the Austin trial, say many districts are taxed to their legal limit... While needs across Texas continue going up.

GREG ABBOTT

Texas Atty. General

"The students are in the eye of this perfect storm - this is part of the crisis, the expectations are high, the legislature has chose to raise the bar."

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says the system has had many successes ...And is operating within the legal framework.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.