The Texas Legislature has not increased funding for public schools since 2019, despite rising costs due to inflation. Last session, funding for public education was not released due to Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign to pass a voucher. As a result, districts across the state are operating with deficit budgets, dealing with hiring freezes, cutting programs, and closing schools.  

ATPE urges the Texas Legislature to meet its constitutional duty and fund public schools at levels that meet student needs and allow our public schools to comply with state and federal mandates. The Legislature should increase school funding and index it to inflation to ensure students are adequately supported both now and into the future. Funding must provide meaningful increases in all aspects of teacher compensation, including salaries, healthcare, and retirement benefits.