Texas Legislature Faces Urgent Decisions on School Funding as Voucher Program Moves Forward
With less than three weeks left in the 2025 legislative session, Texas lawmakers are grappling with public school funding amid the advancing "Texas Two-Step" initiative, pairing private school vouchers with a multi-billion public school funding proposal. Despite swift progress on the voucher program, substantial delays have marred discussions regarding essential support for Texas’ 5.5 million public schoolchildren.
The Senate Education Committee is set to hold a critical public hearing on House Bill 2, which proposes an $8 billion increase in funding, including teacher salary raises tied to experience, reductions in untrained teachers, and an overhaul of special education funding. If passed, the bill would move to the full Senate for further debate.
Representative Brad Buckley emphasized a collaborative effort is underway, asserting lawmakers are committed to resolving discrepancies. However, criticism from various sectors, including House Democrats and teacher advocacy groups, has mounted over perceived inaction. Zeph Capo from the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers highlighted a dire situation, asserting that Texas schools are in "existential crisis."
Key funding decisions remain, including whether to increase the base funding per student from $6,160 to $6,555 or maintain a smaller increase. The Senate favors modest investments targeting areas like teacher salaries and special education, diverging from the House’s broader funding increase.
Both chambers seek to enhance teacher pay while addressing the ambitious goals of reducing reliance on uncertified teachers. They also aim to reform special education funding, shifting to a model based on individual needs rather than classroom time.
As they navigate complex negotiations with a looming deadline, Texas lawmakers must prioritize commitments to public education and resolve pressing issues impacting schools statewide. The legislative session concludes on June 2, urging swift action to prevent further detriment to Texas’s educational landscape.
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