Austin, Texas– Today, Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) filed key legislation to fund, support and bolster education for the future of Texas, a press release states.
“The future of Texas begins in the classroom, and it is incumbent on lawmakers to unleash the potential of education for the 6 million students we serve," Creighton said. "This package of legislation infuses historic new funds into public schools, raises the basic allotment and provides immediate across the board raises for Texas educators."
Senate Bill 2, goes hand in hand with Senate Bill 1, the Texas Education Freedom Act– legislation that empowers Texas families with school choice, the press release states.
"Both bills are consistent with what I passed during the regular session, and set Texas on a path for continued prosperity and a strong economy for future generations," Creighton said. I had hoped to get these priorities across the finish line in the regular session, but the most recent state budget projection opens up an unprecedented opportunity to invest an additional $1.2 billion into our Texas students and educators than what was approved in the state budget passed in May.
"I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation and unleash the potential of Texas education.”
According to the press release, S.B. 2 provides $5.2 billion for Texas public schools. By increasing the basic allotment, providing across the board teachers raises and infusing $317 million into the teacher incentive allotment, S.B. 2 is the most significant investment in public education in Texas history. This investment will support and retain the state’s excellent teachers and bring additional resources to school children across the state.
The almost $1 billion increase to the basic allotment imparts funds directly to school districts, providing full discretion of how to disburse state dollars. This is a significant shift that removes the requirement that 30% of basic allotment funds be spent on teacher salaries, and a result of the state’s commitment to increasing compensation for Texas educators.
Most notably, this legislation appropriates an additional billion over the proposals considered during the 88th regular session. The legislature is appropriating funds to ensure Texas educators receive a much-deserved raise this school year by allocating $3,000 as retention bonuses. Every public school teacher in the state will receive this additional compensation. Teachers in small and mid-size districts will receive an additional $7000, to retain talent and create a level playing field across the state.
Key Provisions:
- $400,000,000 increased school safety funding (doubling the per student and per-campus funds passed in HB 3 (88R)
- $975,000,000 investment in Basic Allotment Increases
- $3.8 billion specifically for across the board raises for Texas teachers
- $3,000 across the board pay raises
- $7,000 raise for teachers in small-midsize districts (small - midsize districts have enrollment under 5,000 students, and make up 82% of school districts throughout the state)
- $317,500,000 Teacher Incentive Allotment Acceleration and Grants