Senate Democrats: House Bill 2 is a Major Step Forward for Texas Public Schools — But Our Work Isn’t Done

AUSTIN, TX—Texas Senate Democrats released the following statement on the passage of House Bill 2:

“Texas Senate Democrats stood up for every student sitting in an underfunded classroom, every teacher working a second job and every parent fighting for their child’s future.

“We are proud to have voted for HB 2—a record investment in Texas public education. HB 2 will help address many challenges our public schools are facing, especially in rural, small and mid-sized districts.

“Last session, $4 billion in funding for our schools and teacher pay raises was held hostage for vouchers. As a result, our public schools are in crisis. Many school districts are running deficits, struggling with a 22% inflation increase over the last five years, and forced to cut staff and limit programs. Teachers—especially in rural areas—are being asked to do more for less, with some earning $40,000 or less per year.

“This $8.5 billion package, which includes $4.2 billion for teacher and staff pay, will help districts retain experienced educators and support staff. The bill also creates a new $1.3 billion allotment for basic costs that districts can use to pay property insurance, TRS contributions, utilities and transportation. HB 2 also provides long-overdue funding for school safety, special education, full-day pre-K, early learning interventions and Career & Technical Education as well as efforts to build the certified teacher pipeline.

“These gains reflect the hard work and unwavering dedication of educators, advocates and communities from across the state who traveled to Austin to meet with their senators and representatives. We’re proud to have been part of that effort and grateful to all who helped strengthen the bill. When we started this session, state leaders projected spending $4.5 billion on public education—even though no new funding was provided last session. Because of the work of our members alongside public education stakeholders, our neighborhood schools are getting $8.5 billion.

“Still, this is a first step, not the finish line. The $55 per-student increase to the basic allotment limits the flexible funding schools need to address rising costs and local priorities. For many districts, this leaves difficult decisions on the table.

“Our work isn’t done. With HB 2 headed to the governor’s desk, the focus turns to building on this momentum and securing more comprehensive, equitable funding for every public school in Texas.”

The 11-member Texas Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to building a Texas where every child has access to quality public education, every family has a fair shot, and every community—rural, urban, or suburban—has the resources it needs to thrive.