On March 4th, invited guests testified to the House Public Education Committee on House Bill 2 (HB2), which includes funding for schools. The bill would raise schools’ base funding per student by $220 — a figure that falls short of what many had sought previously. Democrats on the committee, and at least one Republican, questioned superintendents about whether HB2 would provide the $1,300 per student that has been lost due to inflation since 2019. Superintendents, most representing Republican districts, were hesitant to push for the full amount districts need, even though most are facing significant budget shortfalls.

Legislators need to see the same backlash that is occurring towards private school vouchers when it comes to the grossly deficient school funding proposal on the table. $1,300 per student in the basic allotment would stave off statewide school closures and program cuts, even though it would still leave Texas in the bottom ten states for funding public schools. $1,300 is not too much to ask, superintendents!

Another public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 6th. Here is the text of HB2.

Read the story here: “In hearing, Texas Democrats criticize school leaders for being too “nice” about their funding needs” (Texas Tribune, March 4, 2025)