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Texas Legislature Approves $8.5 Billion Boost for Public Schools After Years of Stagnant Funding
- On May 29, the Texas Legislature approved House Bill 2, which allocates approximately $8.5 billion to support the state's nearly 9,000 public schools, and the bill was forwarded to Governor Abbott for his signature.
- This legislation follows years of stagnant funding since 2019 and stalled efforts in 2023 amid a historic $32.7 billion state budget surplus and prior withholding of funds after a failed voucher program.
- HB 2 includes permanent raises totaling more than $4 billion for teachers and staff, expanded support for special education, early learning, school safety, career training, and fixed operational costs like insurance and transportation.
- The bill raises the base per-student funding by $55, much lower than the $395 House proposal and the roughly $1,300 inflation-adjusted increase requested by school leaders, with critics warning this shortfall risks further budget cuts and staff reductions.
- The funding package aims to address long-standing challenges like teacher retention and operational costs, but concerns remain about its sufficiency and the future need for increased support amid varying local district needs.
26 Articles
26 Articles
$8.5 billion Texas public education funding plan is now law. Here’s how it works.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a bill providing $8.5 billion in new funding for Texas public schools, offering relief to districts for teacher and support staff pay, special education, educator preparation, early childhood learning and campus safety.
$8.5 billion school finance bill heads to Governor's desk for signature
AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Texas House lawmakers gave the thumbs-up to a $8.5 billion school finance bill, which some in leadership called the largest investment in public schools in the state's history. But some school district leaders said they worry about the lack of local control. House Bill 2 is now heading to the Governor's desk for his signature. PREVIOUS: Texas Senate advances $8.5 billion increase to public school funding The additional …
Texas Standard
Houston Public MediaTexas’ $8.5B school funding plan is headed to Abbott’s desk. What it means for students and teachers
One of the most highly debated bills in Texas’ 2025 legislative session has passed both chambers and heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature. House Bill 2 provides $8.5 billion for the state’s public school system.
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