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.

SBOE reviews TEA annual report, NAEP scores
SBOE reviews TEA annual report, NAEP scores

Commissioner Mike Morath addressed board member questions about uncertified teachers.

By Mark Wiggins | Posted on: 1/30/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Trump issues two education-related executive orders
Trump issues two education-related executive orders

Policy experts are unclear on the impact of both orders, especially because Trump’s education secretary nominee has not been confirmed.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 1/30/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Analysis: Senate chooses to prioritize vouchers over all other education policy
Analysis: Senate chooses to prioritize vouchers over all other education policy

Shifting the Legislature’s focus will require educators and parents to speak with one voice.

By Monty Exter | Posted on: 1/29/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Senate committee advances vouchers on party-line vote
Senate committee advances vouchers on party-line vote

SB 2 is the first bill reported from a Senate committee, signaling Patrick’s priority to pass a voucher.

By Mark Wiggins | Posted on: 1/29/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 24, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 24, 2025

We’re off to the races: Both chambers have budget bills, and the Senate has filed its priority voucher bill. Plus, ATPE launches the Regional Advocacy Challenge.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 1/24/2025 12:00:00 AM

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House and Senate release initial drafts of the state budget 
House and Senate release initial drafts of the state budget 

Both budgets include more money for public education, as well as $1 billion for vouchers.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 1/23/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Inside Texas Politics talks public education policy
Inside Texas Politics talks public education policy

Freshman state Rep. Aicha Davis, a former SBOE member, says “true choice” means having “strong public schools as a choice.”

By Mark Wiggins | Posted on: 1/17/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 17, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 17, 2025

A new speaker, $24 billion state surplus, Senate committees, and the ATPE Regional Advocacy Challenge—don’t miss this recap of the 89th Legislature’s first few days.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 1/17/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Comptroller: Legislature has $24 billion surplus at its disposal
Comptroller: Legislature has $24 billion surplus at its disposal

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar also told The Texas Tribune he doesn’t believe his office should administer a voucher program.

By Mark Wiggins | Posted on: 1/15/2025 12:00:00 AM

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Welcome to the Speaker Burrows era
Welcome to the Speaker Burrows era

A dramatic and hotly contested House speaker race concluded today with Rep. Dustin Burrows (R–Lubbock) elected as the chamber’s presiding officer.

By Monty Exter | Posted on: 1/15/2025 12:00:00 AM

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