Gov. Greg Abbott signs historic public school funding bill, including significant pay raises for teachers
Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed House Bill 2, the largest public school funding increase in Texas history, allocating $8.5 billion in new funding for public education.
A significant portion of the funding - $ 4.2 billion - will go toward permanent pay raises for most teachers and non-administrative staff, marking the largest teacher compensation increase in state history. An additional $500 million is earmarked for raises for entry-level teachers and support personnel.
"HB2 ensures that our schools are funded better than ever," Abbott said during a news conference at a middle school in Salado. "Teacher pay and student funding are at all-time highs. Reading and math performance is on an upward trajectory, and students will be better prepared for the workforce than ever before.
"The foundation is now in place for Texas education to begin the upward climb of the ranks toward the pathway of eventually being ranked No. 1 for education in the United States of America."
Abbott signed the bill in front of a sign that read "Teachers Matter," underscoring the legislation's focus on educator support. The bill passed by a 31-0 vote in the Texas 365bet官方网站 and a 112-13 vote, for concurrence on 365bet官方网站 amendments, in the Texas House.
The legislation also includes a major overhaul of the state's special education programs, aiming to improve services and support for students with disabilities.
Pay Raise Breakdown by District Size:
Large Districts (5,001+ students):
- $2,500 for teachers with 3–4 years of experience
- $5,000 for teachers with 5 or more years
Smaller Districts (fewer than 5,000 students):
- $4,000 for teachers with 3–4 years of experience
- $8,000 for teachers with 5 or more years
Republican leaders have called the funding package the largest single increase in state history.
Abbott said the investment builds on Texas' No. 1 national ranking for business and Tier 1 research institutions.
"The foundation is now in place for Texas education to begin the upward climb of the ranks toward the pathway of eventually being ranked No. 1 for education in the United States of America," Abbott said.
CBS News Texas will provide additional updates as they become available.
