Legislative Update
Momentum for G/T Funding – Your Voice is Needed!
It's been a busy week in the Texas Legislature, and we've gained momentum on key bills that could make a lasting impact on G/T education.
Momentum for G/T Funding – Your Voice is Needed!
It's been a busy week in the Texas Legislature, and we've gained momentum on key bills that could make a lasting impact on G/T education. TAGT has been actively engaging with legislators and their staff to advocate for increased funding, stronger programs, and better support for gifted students. Many of you have already shared your #whyGT stories, and they are making a difference—but we need to do more!
|
|
| |
Take Action Now – Help Secure G/T Funding!
The G/T community needs your help to push these bills forward! Legislators must hear directly from parents, educators, and advocates like you. A phone call or email can make all the difference.
- Call/Email Your State Representative and State Senator
Ask them to sign on as a co-author to HB 977/ SB 1613. These bills increase the cap on G/T funding from 5% to 10% of identified students, ensuring districts receive funding for more G/T students, ensuring they receive the resources they need. Key Messages for Legislators:
- These bills won't be effective unless additional funding is included in the budget. Ask them to support a budget increase to reflect the expanded funding cap.
- Current budget shortfalls make it difficult to meet the needs of G/T students—new funding would help address gaps in services.
- If your district has more than 5% of students identified as G/T, let them know how the current funding cap limits resources. Check your district data here (choose Selected District Totals).
- Urge budget writers to include this funding increase in the final appropriations bill.
- Also, support an increase in the basic allotment to ensure all students benefit from additional state funding.
Ask them to co-author SCR 23 and HCR 64 to help bring awareness to the need for G/T education funding.
Why This Matters:
- The first week of April is G/T Awareness Week—let's make sure legislators recognize the importance of these programs!
- School districts have requested this recognition in order to officially recognize the week on district calendars, with school boards, and as a community. Now is the time to act.
How to Contact Your Legislators
- Find your state legislators here.
- Email or call them with your personal story and these key points.
Your voice matters! Legislators need to hear how these funding changes will impact your students, your schools, and your community. We can't let G/T students be left behind—act today!
When contacting your legislator, templated messages can be overlooked. Below are 5 steps to write a meaningful message:
|
|
