Overview

• The $8 billion package includes $4.2 billion for teacher pay raises, $1.3 billion for special education, and targeted funding for early literacy, school safety, and rural districts.
• The proposal is the largest public school funding initiative in Texas history, endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows.
• Disagreements remain over the basic allotment increase, with the House proposing $395 per student and the Senate advocating for $55.
• The Senate Education Committee is holding a public hearing to reconcile differences and finalize the bill's provisions.
• The funding aligns with GOP priorities, emphasizing earmarked investments over unrestricted basic allotment increases to address inflation and district deficits.