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Legislative Update

Texas State Budget: The Senate Finance Committee passed SB1 out of committee and the next stop is the Senate Floor. The Senate budget writers kept education funding at the same levels as last session, with a slight bump. 
Texas State Budget
The Senate Finance Committee passed SB1 out of committee and the next stop is the Senate Floor. The Senate budget writers kept education funding at the same levels as last session, with a slight bump. 

"This budget maintains the historic commitment we made last session to education, protects our most vulnerable citizens, keeps our communities safe and invests in our economic recovery,” Nelson said. “Because of our commitment to fiscal discipline over the years, Texas is better equipped than other states to meet the challenges ahead.”

To dig into the budget, the Legislative Budget Board has a great summary of the Senate's version of the budget. Education begins on page 55. 

Here is a highlight of the bill regarding the Foundation School Program: 

FOUNDATION SCHOOL PROGRAM
  • Funding of $53.0 billion in All Funds is included for state aid to school districts and charter schools through the Foundation School Program (FSP). General Revenue Funds for the FSP total $41.1 billion, which represents an increase of $3.8 billion from the 2020–21 biennium.
  • Funding for the FSP fully funds current law and includes an estimated $3.1 billion for student enrollment growth and $1.0 billion in additional state aid related to property tax compression required by the Texas Education Code.
  • Other Funds for the FSP increased by $325.6 million, attributable to projected increases of $432.4 million increase in recapture payments, $180.4 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund, $348.9 million from the Tax Reduction and Excellence in Education Fund, and offset by a decrease of $636.0 million from the Economic Stabilization Fund related to onetime funding provided to address the impact of Hurricane Harvey.
The House Appropriations Committee adopted their Decision Documents this week and those can be found here.
 
 
                                               
HCR 27: Gifted and Talented Students Week

Call your state representative and ask them to sign on as a co-author to HCR 27 by Guillen! This Concurrent Resolution calls for the first week of April to be dedicated to Gifted and Talented Education for 10 years.

Find your representative
 
 
                                               
Sample script:
Representative [last name],

My name is YOUR NAME, and I am a [resident, parent, educator, student] in YOUR TOWN. I am [writing/calling] to invite you to support HCR 27 as a co-author, designating the first full week in April as Gifted and Talented Students week. We believe all students should be provided an array of learning opportunities that are commensurate with their abilities every day. This week of recognition will bring attention and awareness to this unique student population.

I appreciate your time and your service to your district's constituents.
 
Sincerely,

YOUR SIGNATURE AND NAME

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