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.

Visit the Blog Archive to read posts published from 2019 through 2024.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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ATPE’s Priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature
ATPE’s Priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature

The state’s largest educator association unveils its top policy initiatives for the 2025 legislative session.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 1/13/2025

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 10, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Jan. 10, 2025

Enroll in the ATPE Member Advocate Program to prepare for the 89th Texas Legislature, which convenes Tuesday. Plus, President Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 1/10/2025

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President Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act into law
President Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act into law

With the president’s signature, the WEP and GPO—two unfair Social Security offsets—are officially repealed.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 1/6/2025

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