On Tuesday January 17, 2017, the Texas House and Senate filed initial budgets for the 2018-2019 biennium that are $5 billion apart in total initial allocations in General Revenue.
The House leadership introduced an initial budget that appropriates $108.9 billion in General Revenue over the biennium that prioritizes public education and other investments in children. Select items of interest related to public education are:
- Increases allocations for expected enrollment growth of about 165,000 students during the 2018-2019 biennium;
- Increases funding for public education by $1.5 billion that is contingent upon the passage of legislation; and
- Reduces recapture and improves equity in the school finance system.
To access the House press release, click on the link below.http://www.house.state.tx.us/news/press-releases/?id=6019Senator Jane Nelson filed SB 1 that appropriates $103.6 billion in General Revenue. Select items of interest related to public education are:
- Continues the current funding formulas for both public education and higher education;
- Adds $2.65 billion to cover student enrollment growth, which is projected to be more than 80,000 per year over the next two years;
- Increases the education instructional materials allotment by $29.6 million;
- Provides an additional $32 million for high quality pre-kindergarten;
- Continues funding at current levels for Communities in Schools;
- Includes $5 million for Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), a new program designed to help students pursue careers in technology; and
- Provides $10 million to support Education Commissioner initiatives.
To access the Senate press release, click on the link below.http://www.senate.texas.gov/press.php?id=12-20170117a
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