Texas Legislative Session Opens with Key Priorities

As the 89th Texas legislative session commences, North Texas school districts are prioritizing funding amid significant budget deficits, with calls for an increase in the basic allotment per student, which has remained unchanged since 2019. Local districts face challenges including inflation, teacher retention, and underfunded school services, leading to drastic measures such as staff layoffs. Lawmakers have pre-filed over 1,800 bills addressing various issues, with a focus on education, including school choice, property taxes, and public safety. The session will also see a contentious battle for the Texas House speaker position, which could influence the passage of key education-related legislation. Democratic and Republican representatives alike express the importance of collaboration to address pressing community concerns. Overall, the session is pivotal for shaping education policy and funding in Texas amidst economic challenges.