The 89th Texas Legislature is in full swing, and with it comes a new slate of committee assignments in the Texas House. These assignments are more than just titles—they will determine the fate of the Educator’s Bill of Rights and other critical education policies, including school finance, teacher and school staff pay, and the ever-looming threat of private school vouchers.
At Texas AFT, we fight for what our members care about, including fully funded public schools, fair wages for educators, and an end to political attacks on academic freedom. With House Bill 1 (the House’s proposed state budget) on the table and potential voucher bills still lurking, the members of the House Public Education and Higher Education Committees will play a key role in shaping the future of Texas schools.
Who Holds the Power on Public Education?
The House Public Education Committee, responsible for K-12 policy, will be led by Chair Brad Buckley (R-Salado) and Vice-Chair Diego Bernal (D-San Antonio). The full committee includes:
- Rep. Alma Allen (D-Houston)
- Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin)
- Rep. John Bryant (D-Dallas)
- Rep. Charles Cunningham (R-Humble)
- Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston)
- Rep. James Frank (R-Wichita Falls)
- Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin)
- Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi)
- Rep. Helen Kerwin (R-Cleburne)
- Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Allen)
- Rep. Alan Schoolcraft (R- Seguin)
- Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock)
- Rep. Terri Leo Wilson (R-Galveston)
This committee will determine the fate of school finance reforms, voucher proposals, and legislation affecting public school curriculum and educator rights.
Who Holds the Power on Higher Education?
For colleges and universities, the House Higher Education Committee will be chaired by Rep. Terry M. Wilson (R-Marble Falls) with Vice-Chair Donna Howard (D-Austin). Other key members include:
- Rep. Aicha Davis (D-Dallas)
- Rep. Charlene Ward Johnson (D-Houston)
- Rep. Suleman Lalani (D-Sugar Land)
- Rep. Stan Lambert (R-Abilene)
- Rep. Vincent Perez (D-El Paso)
- Rep. Matt Shaheen (R-Plano)
- Rep. Joanne Shofner (R-Conroe)
- Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington)
- Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-New Boston)
This committee will determine funding for community colleges, research institutions, and policies impacting faculty rights, tenure, and student financial aid.
School Funding: More Band-Aids or Real Solutions?
Texas public schools are desperately underfunded, and many educators are leaving the profession due to stagnant pay and unbearable workloads. Lawmakers have $24 billion in surplus funds, yet the initial draft of HB 1 does not include significant increases to the basic allotment (the per-student funding rate). (As we’ve mentioned previously, the Senate’s budget proposal, SB 1, actually includes greater funding for public schools.)
Texas AFT is fighting to raise the basic allotment, increase all school employee salaries, and fully fund special education. The lingering question is whether this Legislature will step up or instead shortchange our students.
School Vouchers & the Potential Defunding of Public Schools
Public school employees, parents, and advocates stopped Gov. Greg Abbott and allied lawmakers from passing private school vouchers in the 2023 regular session and four subsequent special sessions. But the proposal has returned this year. Now with committee assignments finalized in both chambers of the Legislature, we expect renewed efforts to push voucher legislation under the guise of “school choice.”
But here’s the truth: Fully funding Texas public schools is what ensures every child, regardless of zip code, has access to a quality education.
We remain committed to that vision, not to one that prioritizes creating a third school system (public schools, charter schools, and taxpayer-funded private schools) to further strain our state budget and undermine our constitutionally protected public school system.
As we’ve seen from other states, a universal school voucher program – similar to the one Abbott continues to demand and is outlined in Senate Bill 2 – is likely to crater our state budget even with minimal usage. What Can You Do? Get Involved!
We cannot sit back while politicians play games with our students’ futures. Here’s how you can take action:
📢 Join Texas AFT at the Capitol – Our advocacy days are in the works. Help us educate lawmakers on the importance of fully funding public schools and stopping vouchers. Find an event near you & register here!
📝 Tell Your Legislators: Fund Public Schools First – Call or email your representatives TODAY and demand they support real investments in public education.
🏛️ Testify at Legislative Hearings: Now that committees have been announced, hearings will begin soon on bills aligned with our Educator’s Bill of Rights, as well as bills that pose a threat to our members’ priorities, including private school vouchers. We need your voice in committee hearings. Sign up to testify or submit written comments.