After Vouchers Win, Bill to Boost Public School Funding Finally Moves Forward

After Governor Greg Abbott signed a controversial law giving private school vouchers into law, a key Senate committee will this Thursday examine a much-anticipated $7 billion package for public school spending, House Bill 2.

 The suggested law would increase the amount of money given to each student, raise teacher salaries, and make it harder to become a teacher. Supporters of public schools have been putting more and more pressure on lawmakers to focus on funding for private schools, which led to this effort.

When HB 2 was first introduced, it was linked to House Bill 3, a school choice bill that suggested public money be given to private and religious schools. Senate Bill 2, the Senate's voucher plan, moved quickly through both houses of the legislature and was signed by the governor. 

HB 2 had problems, though, because it couldn't get a vote in the Senate Education Committee. The lack of action has caused a lot of anger among teachers and school leaders across the state, who are currently having trouble with hiring and budget cuts.

The first draft of HB 2 was meant to raise the basic funding per student and tie future improvements to increases in property value. It said that 42% of any new money had to be paid to teachers and staff. It also noted that uncertified teachers couldn't teach key subjects and tried to change how special education funds are distributed. 

The version being considered by the Senate now includes changes made after secret talks between essential lawmakers. It includes a new "Teacher Compensation Allotment," free pre-K for teachers' kids, protections for teachers from state liability, $1.3 billion for special education, and $500 million for school safety funds.

Brandon Creighton, the chair of the Senate Education Committee, is sure that the bill shows a commitment to the long-term success of public schools. Many supporters, however, continue to share their doubts about how well it works. Some people say that the fact that vouchers are being pushed over quick funding for public schools shows that the state is not fully committed to its public schools and teachers. 

More and more people are worried about the possibility of fewer programs, staff cuts, and school closings. People who support HB 2 hope it will be passed this session. But the way the voucher law was implemented in the past has made some people worry that the state's goals for education policy have changed significantly.

‍