Texas Senate Democrats: Ending the Texas Dream Act is a Cruel Betrayal of Texas Students with Dire Economic Consequences

Austin, TX—The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus and the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s lawsuit against the Texas Dream Act—a law that, for over 20 years, allowed certain undocumented students who graduated from Texas high schools to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities:

The state’s refusal to defend the Texas Dream Act is a cruel and calculated betrayal of the values state leaders claim to stand for: opportunity, hard work and hope for the next generation.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about policy. It’s about punishment. Students who grew up here, went to our schools and played on our teams are now being told they don’t belong. All because of where they were born—a decision they should not be blamed for.

The Texas Dream Act is not a handout. It is common sense policy, supported by both parties and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry in 2001. It said: if you live here and graduate here, you should have a fair shot at college. That promise has now been ripped away—not by voters, but by the courts.

Reports show that these students paid more than $80 million in tuition in 2021 alone. Many are studying to become nurses, engineers, teachers—critical members of our future workforce. That’s why the Texas Association of Business strongly opposed efforts to repeal the law. Turning away talent does not make Texas stronger—it makes us fall behind.

The state’s business leaders have warned repeatedly that repealing in-state tuition will have severe economic consequences with Texas losing an estimated $461 million annually in economic activity, including $244.4 million in lost wages and $216.9 million in diminished spending power. Such outcomes would negatively impact businesses, communities across the state and the overall Texas economy.

Tens of thousands of students used this law to attend college, pay tuition and strengthen our workforce. Now, with this repeal, many are unsure if they can afford to stay in school at all.

Texas Senate Democrats fought to keep the promise of the Texas Dream Act alive, and we are not done. We stand with Texas Dreamers. We’ll keep fighting for their future—and for a Texas that honors hard work, not hate.

Senate Democrats Deliver Property Tax Relief, Historic Public School Investments, and a Clear Contrast on Priorities

Texans deserve a future in which every family has the opportunity to thrive. That’s what we’re fighting for—and we’re not done yet.

AUSTIN, TX—The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement as the legislature adjourns sine die:

Senate Democrats wrapped up the 2025 legislative session with major wins for Texas families—delivering meaningful property tax relief, passing the biggest investment in public education in more than a decade, and standing together against a costly voucher scheme that will drain public dollars from our neighborhood schools.

With a $24 billion budget surplus on the table, Republican leaders prioritized taxpayer-funded giveaways to private schools. Senate Democrats chose a different path—working to lower costs for families and strengthen the public schools that serve 5.5 million Texas children. We focused on the basics—lower property taxes, good public schools and responsible spending. We held the line, and we’re proud of what we delivered for Texans.

Senate Bills 4 & 23 / Senate Joint Resolutions 2 & 85: Property Tax Relief

Senate Democrats backed SB 4/SJR 2 to raise the homestead exemption to $140,000 for homeowners. They also co-authored SB 23/SJR 85, which boosts the exemption to $200,000 for seniors and people with disabilities. Starting in 2025, nearly half of these homeowners could see their school property tax bills drop to zero.

To ensure schools aren’t affected negatively by these cuts, Senate Democrats worked with their House counterparts to improve the hold harmless provisions for school districts. The final legislation includes $2.7 billion in immediate support and long-term funding through 2030. Families needed relief but not at the expense of their kids’ schools.

The plan now heads to voters as two constitutional amendments on the November ballot. If approved, the property tax cuts will become permanent. Senate Democrats look forward to encouraging Texans to vote “yes” and lock in these long-term savings.

House Bill 2: A Real Investment in Public Schools and the People Who Make Them Work

The Texas Legislature also passed HB 2, putting a record $8.5 billion into public schools, including $3.7 billion for teacher pay. Senate Democrats’ strong advocacy resulted in $500 million in raises for support staff like counselors, librarians, bus drivers and cafeteria workers as well as $1.3 billion to help schools cover basic costs like transportation, utilities and retirement contributions.

The bill also boosts funding for school safety, full-day pre-K, special education, early learning and career and technical education.

This progress didn’t come easily. In the previous session, a $4 billion education package stalled amid a debate over school vouchers. That delay left many districts in deficit as inflation drove up costs by over 20 percent in five years. We listened to parents, educators and school leaders, and fought to increase funding for public education. Texans deserve a future in which every child has the opportunity to thrive.

This is a first step, not the finish line. With inflation and rising costs, many districts still face difficult decisions. Senate Democrats remain committed to fully funding our public schools.

Senate Bill 2: A Voucher Scheme that Leaves Public Schools Behind

Republicans passed SB 2, a private school voucher program that sets aside $1 billion this biennium with projected costs reaching nearly $5 billion annually by 2030. That’s public money diverted from public schools to private vendors with no accountability or proven outcomes.

Senate Democrats stood united in opposition. We proposed amendments to ensure oversight, prevent discrimination and prioritize families who truly need help. Every amendment was rejected on a party- line vote.

This bill does little for most families—and leaves public schools holding the bag. In rural areas, where private schools aren’t an option, it just means more cuts to schools that already are stretched thin.

Senate Democrats warned that SB 2 creates a two-tier education system: one publicly funded but privately run, and one left to do more with less.

We stood firm because every kid in every public school deserves a fair shot. Texans deserve a system that lifts up all students, not one that picks winners and losers.

Bottom Line

Senate Democrats delivered:

• Real property tax relief

• Historic investments in teachers, students and neighborhood schools

• A clear stand against a costly voucher scheme that puts public education at risk

Texans expect their elected leaders to spend public funds wisely and prioritize the needs of all Texans. This session Senate Democrats did exactly that—and we’re just getting started.

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.

Texas Senate Democrats On Final Passage Of Senate Bill 2

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement on the final passage of Senate Bill 2:

The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus stands united in strong opposition to Senate Bill 2, a deeply flawed voucher scheme that diverts billions of taxpayer dollars from Texas public schools and channels them into private hands—with no guarantee of better outcomes, no public accountability and no protections for the children who need the most support. These funds are coupons for wealthy families already sending their children to private schools while doing virtually nothing for the vast majority of Texas students.

With a $24 billion budget surplus, Texas has a historic opportunity to put our children first by making the bold, long- overdue investments our public schools desperately need. Instead of seizing this moment to improve education for the 5.5 million students who rely on our neighborhood schools, however, some state leaders are prioritizing a costly voucher program that serves the few at the expense of the many.

When this bill was first considered in the Texas Senate and subsequently in the Texas House, Democrats offered numerous amendments to protect students with disabilities, uphold anti-discrimination standards for participating private schools, ensure fiscal accountability and basic transparency, prevent program cost overruns and limit eligibility to families who truly need assistance. These amendments were rejected summarily along partisan lines.

If this program truly were designed to support students with disabilities or those at risk, it would require participating private schools to meet the same standards as public schools and prohibit them from cherry-picking which students to accept. Instead, it opens the door to discrimination while using public funds to bolster private profits.

In rural Texas, where private schools are few and far between, vouchers offer no real options—only funding cuts to local schools that often are the heart of their communities and among their largest employers.

Furthermore, S.B. 2 makes future investments in public education—like reducing class sizes, raising teacher pay and improving student outcomes—far less feasible. School districts will continue to face difficult choices: cut essential programs, fire educators or burden homeowners with even higher property taxes. Essentially, S.B. 2 creates a two-tiered system in which public schools are left to do more with less while private entities profit from taxpayer money without public responsibility.

Finally, other states’ voucher programs provide cautionary tales. Costs skyrocket, fraud occurs and public education is slashed, inevitably leading to higher taxes. Notably, none of these programs has been shown to improve student outcomes. Vouchers are bankrupting Arizona, and conservative voters in Nebraska recently repealed vouchers.

Let’s be clear: S.B. 2 is not about “school choice.” It’s about public subsidization of private schools’ choice. It is a step backward for Texas, jeopardizing the very system that supports the overwhelming majority of our children and abandoning our constitutional responsibility to provide every child with a quality public education.

Senate Democrats remain steadfast in our fight for fully funded public schools, support and respect for educators and a future in which every child has a fair opportunity to succeed.

Senate Democrats Fight to Keep Public Dollars in Public Schools

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 2:

Today, Senate Democrats were united in their strong opposition to Senate Bill 2, which would create an “Education Savings Account” program. This latest voucher scheme siphons off billions of taxpayer dollars for private vendors without requiring the transparency, accountability or anti-discrimination standards our public schools must follow.

Multiple amendments by Senate Democrats to protect Texas children and hold these private entities to the same standards required of our public schools were summarily rejected, strictly on partisan lines. Rejected amendments included provisions to protect and prioritize children with disabilities, and requirements for private schools to institute the same anti-discrimination protections as public schools and to provide basic reporting and accountability data. Also rejected were amendments to implement safeguards against ballooning costs and limit eligibility by changing the definition of "low-income household" from a whopping 500 percent of FPL ($160,750 for a family of four) to better reflect the income of Texas’ working families (median household income in Texas was $75,780 in 2023) were also rejected.

With a budget surplus of $24 billion, we have another historic opportunity to make our children our top priority by making long-overdue investments in public education. Instead, state leaders are prioritizing a voucher program that will be nothing more than a coupon for the wealthy to keep sending their children to the private schools they’re already attending, and will do little to help the 5.5 million children who rely on our neighborhood schools.

S.B. 2 diverts billions of taxpayer dollars to private entities, making future investments in our public schools to reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay or improve student outcomes less feasible. Notably, these private entities—who stand to make millions of dollars—will be accountable only to their shareholders, not to the public. Furthermore, if this new entitlement program truly were intended to help children with disabilities and at-risk children, then it would hold private schools who accept ESA funds to at least the same minimum standards required of our public schools and would not allow them to pick and choose what students they accept.

Senate Democrats remain laser-focused on fully funding our public schools, supporting our teachers and fighting for the future of every Texas child. If this legislation becomes law, more than 98 percent of children who will remain in our neighborhood schools will be devastated by the financial impacts of this voucher scheme, with children with disabilities, at-risk children and rural communities the hardest hit. History will show Senate Bill 2 was not “school choice” for Texas families but rather public subsidization of private schools’ choice.