Last week, the Trump Administration issued an executive order that temporarily halted federal funding for grants in higher education, research, and programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The move, along with other education-related orders from President Donald Trump, sent shockwaves across universities and research institutions, as agencies like...
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Gov. Greg Abbott has declared expanding career training as an emergency item for the 89th legislative session, emphasizing the critical need to equip Texans for in-demand, well-paying jobs. This initiative aligns with Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month, highlighting the importance of vocational programs in our education system.
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On Sunday, Feb. 2, Gov. Greg Abbott gave his State of the State address, outlining his priority items for the 89th Legislature. As expected, Abbott named private school vouchers one of his seven emergency items for the Legislature to consider...
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 2, 2025 CONTACT: Nicole Hill, press@texasaft.org Governor who oversaw a year of school closures and layoffs directs the Legislature to prioritize teacher pay while also demanding lawmakers defund neighborhood schools with a private school voucher...
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The Trump Administration has revoked long-standing sensitive location protections, allowing U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to arrest undocumented individuals on the grounds of schools, churches, and hospitals without prior approval. This move marks a drastic shift from policies...
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Our educator workforce deserves to retire in dignity and security, and we can’t do that on the $2,199 per month the average teacher receives from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). Texas voters turned out in force in 2023 to support Prop A, the first statewide TRS cost-of-living increase...
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Across North Texas, parents, educators, and community leaders are coming together with a shared mission: ensuring that public schools receive the funding they need to support students and teachers. Fund Schools First, a grassroots movement, is advocating for increased public...
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The Texas Legislature meets for 140 days every two years*. It’s a slim window to pass legislation, and it’s actually slimmer than you think. Much of the action in the Texas House and Senate has yet to begin this session as both chambers wait for Gov. Greg Abbott to release...
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We are just over one week into the 89th Legislature and things are beginning to move. As we continue to advocate for the important bills supporting our Educator’s Bill of Rights, we are also watching the following developments:
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Mass layoffs, school closures, and growing budget deficits continue to be the norm for Texas public schools. This is the price we pay for the Legislature’s failed bid in 2023 to pass a private school voucher program, a fruitless quest that killed a badly needed public school funding package in...
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The State Board of Education will convene for its first meeting of 2025 next week in Austin beginning Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m. CT. The agenda is less politically charged than the last few meetings, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be closely monitoring certain items.
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On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the 89th Texas Legislature gaveled in, and Texas AFT was proud to represent K-12 and higher education employees the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Local union presidents from across the state came together, along with Texas AFT President Zeph Capo, to receive training and strategize on...
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