Advocacy Update

11/18/2024 8:28 am

Funding, funding, funding.  Public school funding is being discussed at the state level.  The Senate Finance Committee held hearings on February 10 regarding the Senate’s proposed budget for the TEA which includes $4.85B for teacher pay increases, $1B for a voucher program, and $400M for school safety.  The House Appropriations committee will discuss public education funding at its hearing on February 19.  Governor Abbott has designated teacher pay and school choice (vouchers) as “emergency items” this legislative session.  The Houston Chronicle also reported that Governor Abbott recognized that vouchers will mean less money for public schools.  

At the HISD level, the first budget workshops will be held February 27.  Additional workshops areMarch 26, April 23, May 1, and May 22.