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89th Legislative Session in Review: Your Right to Affordable, High-Quality Childcare
The youngest speaker at our Public Education Advocacy Day this past March. Our members brought copies of the Educator’s Bill of Rights to meet with their legislators. When we began our work on your 89th legislative agenda, working conditions were top of mind for members. One particular issue began to come to the forefront: the right to high-quality affordable childcare. ...
Read MoreTexas AFT Joins National Civil Rights Coalition to Oppose Federal Voucher Scheme
Texas AFT has joined over 140 national, state, and grassroots organizations, including labor unions, civil rights groups, and education advocates, in signing a forceful letter opposing any federal attempt to create a private school voucher program.
Read MoreNo Kings Day: Nationwide Day of Defiance on June 14
Right now, the very things working people rely on — public schools, decent health care, retirement, good wages and a voice at work — are all under attack by this Congress and the current president.
Read MoreTEA Extends Houston ISD Takeover Through 2027, Sparking Outrage from Educators
Last week, the Texas Education Agency announced that it would extend the state takeover of Houston ISD until at least June 1, 2027, keeping Commissioner Mike Morath’s appointed Board of Managers, and controversial Superintendent Mike Miles, in control of the state’s largest school district for another two years.
Read MoreThis Week in Higher Education: The Last Gasps of Nightmare Legislative Session
This was a long, brutal legislative session for education across the board, but because of our members' tireless work against these destructive efforts, we were able to push the needle and reduce harm for our communities.
Read MoreThis (Final) Week in the Legislature: Where Things Stand for Our Public Schools
There is much to unpack and process in the bills making their way to the governor’s desk. Several pieces of major legislation effectively will rewrite large portions of the education code and change how our schools operate.
Read MoreStatement on the Revocation of In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
"Every Texas student has the right to a high-quality, affordable education, regardless of their zip code, race, socioeconomic bracket, or immigration status – all factors outside of their control. "
Read More89th Legislature Closes with Final Attack on Texas Colleges, Universities, & Health Institutions
With the passage of Senate Bill 37, faculty warn of the impending “brain drain” of students, researchers, and faculty from Texas higher education institutions.
Read MoreMay 30, 2025: You Asked. We Answered.
Friday, May 30, 2025 You asked. We answered. As we careen toward the end of the 89th Legislature (June 2), you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit lost on where major education bills stand. A record 8,607 bills were filed by the filing deadline, hundreds ran the gauntlet of committee...
Read MoreThis Week in Higher Education: Where Major Bills Stand Ahead of Sine Die
With the end of the 89th legislative session in sight, we have a good understanding of which bills are expected to make it to law, and which are dead in the water.
Read MoreThis Week in the Legislature: The Final Stretch of the 89th Session
As we enter the final days of the 89th regular session of the Texas Legislature, the clock is ticking. Here's where the most critical education bills stand, what they do, and what needs to happen next.
Read MoreFederal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt to Dismantle Department of Education
In a significant legal victory for educators and public education advocates, a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the Trump Administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and reinstate over 1,300 employees who were laid off in March. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge...
Read MoreAustin Community College Free Tuition Program Takes the National Stage
Photo Credit: Jay Janner/American-Statesman Austin Community College Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart made history this week as the only Texas voice, and the only community college leader, to testify at a U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on the future of higher education. Invited by Sen. Bernie Sanders,...
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