Advocacy Blog

Follow the Teach the Vote advocacy blog for the latest Texas public education news and in-depth analysis from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.

ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter testifies before judiciary and civil jurisprudence committee
ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter testifies before judiciary and civil jurisprudence committee

Exter testified on potential unintended consequences of bill meant to hold public schools and staff liable for sexual misconduct.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/10/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Getting ready for Budget Night 2025 in the Texas House
Getting ready for Budget Night 2025 in the Texas House

Your guide to the greatest show on Earth—or at least the Texas Legislature.

By Jennifer Mitchell | Posted on: 4/9/2025 12:00:00 AM

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House Public Education Committee picks up pace
House Public Education Committee picks up pace

Committee members face a looming May 12 deadline to report House bills to the full House.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/9/2025 12:00:00 AM

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From Houston Landing: Mike Miles: HISD to launch ‘largest pay-for-performance plan in the nation’ in fall 2026
From Houston Landing: Mike Miles: HISD to launch ‘largest pay-for-performance plan in the nation’ in fall 2026

HISD teacher salaries could soon range from $64,000 to $101,000 per year, depending largely on test scores and administrator evaluations.

By Asher Lehrer-Small, Houston Landing | Posted on: 4/8/2025 12:00:00 AM

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House Public Education Committee advances voucher bill, school finance
House Public Education Committee advances voucher bill, school finance

Although the delayed hearing took place in a room with audiovisual capabilities, it was not broadcast by the House—a decision Democratic committee members questioned.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/4/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 4, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: April 4, 2025

Lawmakers tackle vouchers, school finance, payroll deduction, and much more in another jam-packed week at the Capitol.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 4/4/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Texas Senate passes bill that aims to support Texas teachers
Texas Senate passes bill that aims to support Texas teachers

Here’s what you need to know about the latest version of Senate Bill 27.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 4/4/2025 12:00:00 AM

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House Public Education Subcommittee hears bills on bilingual education, civics instruction, antisemitism
House Public Education Subcommittee hears bills on bilingual education, civics instruction, antisemitism

The Subcommittee on Academic and Career-Oriented Education met Thursday, April 3, to consider five bills.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/3/2025 12:00:00 AM

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House Public Education Committee postpones vote on school finance, vouchers to Thursday
House Public Education Committee postpones vote on school finance, vouchers to Thursday

Educators have additional time to use ATPE’s Advocacy Central to share their thoughts on these critical issues.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/2/2025 12:00:00 AM

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ATPE testifies in opposition to payroll deduction bill in Senate hearing
ATPE testifies in opposition to payroll deduction bill in Senate hearing

Watch testimony from Dr. Shannon Holmes, Past State President Jayne Serna, and member Lena Angel.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/2/2025 12:00:00 AM

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