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.