Texas Lawmakers Debate School Funding, Vouchers

The Texas House Committee on Public Education is reviewing House Bill 2, which proposes an increase in the base funding per student from $6,160 to $6,380, a measure supported by many lawmakers as they also consider school choice legislation. House Speaker Dustin Burrows emphasized the importance of addressing education funding alongside contentious school choice debates, noting that while there is broad support for increased funding, the specifics of distribution remain a point of contention. Meanwhile, the Senate has already passed a bill that includes over $4 billion in teacher raises and funding for Education Savings Accounts. In Colorado, a new funding proposal aims to mitigate significant budget cuts for school districts amid a projected $1.2 billion deficit, prioritizing rural schools and students with additional challenges. Colorado's new school funding formula is set to launch in the 2025-26 school year, increasing state education spending by $500 million over six years. Both states reflect the ongoing national discussions around education funding and the balance between supporting public education and implementing school choice initiatives.