Featured News
Action Needed: SBOE to Review TEA’s Bible-Infused New Curriculum
Typically, we would wait to preview the State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting in the Hotline edition closest to the date of the meeting. However, there is a hotly anticipated hearing happening at the board’s next regular meeting, Sept. 10-13, and we need our members engaged and taking action in advance of the meeting. Regular Hotline readers will be familiar...
Read MoreTexas AFT Joins with 100+ Orgs to Condemn Attacks on LGBTQIA+ Texans
Texas AFT regularly participates in coalition work with allies related to our legislative priorities; in the past week, we have had the chance to join our coalition partners at the Capitol for successful advocacy days.
Read MoreLatest Updates on TEA’s Takeover of Houston ISD
Texas AFT regularly participates in coalition work with allies related to our legislative priorities; in the past week, we have had the chance to join our coalition partners at the Capitol for successful advocacy days.
Read MoreEyes on the Board: SBOE to Review Charter School Rules, New Applicants
The State Board of Education (SBOE) met in Austin this week to discuss its regular agenda. This meeting was heavily administrative with the board receiving ethics training and revising its processes for standards revision and instructional materials review panel selection. One committee also received a lengthy progress report on school...
Read MoreApril 7, 2023: The House Budget Updates
Friday, April 7, 2023 We won’t settle for crumbs. Photo by Marianna Krueger, CCR Studios. We’ve turned this week’s Hotline over to Texas AFT President Zeph Capo for an update on some important moments at the Legislature and where we go from here. Yesterday was a good day for public...
Read MoreHighs, Lows for Public Education in House Budget Fight, Senate Votes
Yesterday was a busy and often chaotic day at the Legislature. The Texas House spent the day debating and, ultimately, approving its budget for the next two years with a vote of 136-10. The Texas Senate, meanwhile, debated and voted on Senate Bill 8, its primary voucher bill, and Senate...
Read MoreBills to Watch: Vouchers up in House Public Education Committee on Tuesday
Next Tuesday, several voucher bills will be considered by the House Public Education Committee. Texas AFT is categorically opposed to all efforts to divert public education funding away from public schools. Texas AFT encourages all community members who are able to testify or register against the voucher bills on Tuesday...
Read MoreArsonist Vows to Fight Fire It Started in Austin ISD
Education Austin President Ken Zarifis speaks to the press about the Texas Education Agency’s plan, flanked by union members. Just weeks after the Texas Education Agency announced its plans to remove the democratically elected school board of Houston ISD, it has now signaled its intentions to place Austin ISD under...
Read MoreMarch 31, 2023: It Happened Again.
Friday, March 31, 2023 The Legislature Sends Its Thoughts & Prayers. A memorial for the children and teachers killed by a shooter at Robb Elementary It happened again Monday. At this point, you likely don’t need an explanation of “it.” On Monday, a shooter armed with two assault-style rifles...
Read MoreProposed House Budget Does Not Include Teacher, School Employee Raises
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 3, 2023 CONTACT: press@texasaft.org As the House plans to debate the budget Thursday, educators’ union president asks, “What should we expect next — an actual slap in the face?” AUSTIN, Texas — At a time that the state of Texas has an unprecedented $188.2 billion in...
Read MoreRecap: This Week at the Legislature
This week, committees of the Texas Legislature considered bills that had dramatic implications for public education, higher education, and retired educators. Public Education: House Committees Consider Charter School Expansion & LGBTQIA+ Pride Bans, Senate Committee Debates Instructional Materials & Book Bans This past week the Texas House considered two bills...
Read MoreNext Week in the Legislature: Bills to Watch
Texas AFT regularly participates in coalition work with allies related to our legislative priorities; in the past week, we have had the chance to join our coalition partners at the Capitol for successful advocacy days.
Read More‘Stand Up, Fight Back’: Houston Educators, Parents Rally Against TEA Takeover as Questions Go Unanswered
Texas AFT regularly participates in coalition work with allies related to our legislative priorities; in the past week, we have had the chance to join our coalition partners at the Capitol for successful advocacy days.
Read More