In Texas, public policy begins its journey in legislative committees, with education policy specifically initiated in the Texas House Committee on Public Education and the Texas Senate Committee on Education. Both committees consist of elected representatives dedicated to shaping the future of education in the state.
Education policy is a cornerstone of any state's political landscape, and Texas is no exception. Understanding the stances of the major political parties on K-12 education is crucial for voters looking to make informed decisions. In this post, we delve into a side-by-side comparison of the current party platforms in Texas, sourced directly from the Texas Democratic Party and Texas Republican Party websites.

From News and Headlines...

KSAT - After years of hitting a brick wall, school voucher advocates in Texas are entering next year’s legislative session with better odds than ever of passing a measure that would let parents use public money to pay for their kids’ private schooling.
TEXAS STANDARD -- The article from Texas Standard discusses the priorities of public school advocates for the upcoming 2025 legislative session. Key issues include increasing school funding, investing in teacher recruitment and retention, and opposing voucher programs that divert public funds to private schools. Advocates emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in how schools use public tax dollars.
COMMUNITY IMPACT -- Texas lawmakers will begin the next legislative session with a projected $20 billion surplus, according to state Comptroller Glenn Hegar. This surplus is expected to address key issues such as transportation, water infrastructure, and education. Lawmakers are also considering the implementation of school voucher programs, despite previous proposals failing to pass in earlier sessions.
CBS Austin -- The article from CBS Austin highlights the escalating debate over education policy in Texas, focusing on the push for school choice and the introduction of voucher programs. It emphasizes the tension between allocating taxpayer money for private schools and the need to increase funding for public schools, which has remained stagnant since before the pandemic.
CBS NEWS - Texas Education Agency data reveals the types of teaching certifications allegedly bought by at least 50 educators who occupied classrooms in North Texas.

TxLege Resources