The Hotline Newsletter

Every week, Texas AFT compiles important news, updates, and information on public education policy in Texas. The Hotline covers a wide range of topics, including statewide education news, updates from the legislative session, and our current union campaigns.

Featured News

Aug. 29, 2025: Labor Day

Friday, August 29, 2025 This coming Monday is Labor Day, an annual recognition of union members who make up the American labor movement and who have worked tirelessly over decades to build a fairer, safer, and better country for all.   This year, we feel a profound sense of urgency around that continued, collective work. Whether we work in schools,...

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Nov. 17, 2023: We won’t take the bait

Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 Houston ISD parents, educators, and community members speak to the press at the Texas Capitol after their testimony at the State Board of Education. Is this parental empowerment? Vouchers are dead in Texas. Again. (More on that in a second.) While their proponents claim vouchers are...

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Nov. 9, 2023: What a Week

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 Voucher bill HB 1 died with the third special session of the Legislature this week. It was reborn — and made even more expensive — with the fourth. Illustration by Sierra Wiggers.  On voters & vouchers On the same day Gov. Greg Abbott called a fourth...

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Nov. 3, 2023: The Voting Window Is Closing

Friday, November 3, 2023 [VIDEO] Texas AFT Retiree Plus members like Phyllis Ruffin, Rita Runnels, and Lydia Carrillo-Valdez launched their fight for a TRS COLA in 2018. Hear from them on why Prop 9 is a much-needed beginning for retirement justice. They’re counting on you With only a few days...

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Oct. 27, 2023: Have you voted?

Make Your Plan to Vote. Early Voting: October 23 through November 3. Election Day: November 7.

Friday, October 27, 2023 Have you voted? Early voting continues across Texas for the Nov. 7 election. Next week through Friday, Nov. 3, you have the opportunity to cast your vote for various important measures that will shape the future of your community and state. Statewide Measures Texans everywhere will...

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Oct. 20, 2023: Power in Solidarity

Friday, October 20, 2023 Shoulder to Shoulder There is a reason so many people in power want you to believe unionizing in Texas is illegal. (It’s not.) There is a reason they want you to think there are no unions for teachers and school staff. (There are. We are one.)...

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Oct. 13, 2023: It’s not about the kids

Headline from The Texas Tribune and ProPublica that reads, "Texas took over its largest school district, but has let underperforming charter networks expand."

Friday, October 13, 2023 It’s not about the kids. Spoiler alert: The fight to privatize education isn’t about doing what’s best for kids. It never has been. It’s about turning a profit for wealthy investors and fueling Gov. Abbott’s national political ambitions.  An incredible piece from The Texas Tribune and...

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