by Jahmal KennedyTexas AFT calls on legislature to fund education in 2025 session, citing 70% of members considering leaving due to lack of funding since 2019 despite budget surplus. says the public education system in the state should be in better shape given the Texas state budget which had a record surplus heading into the last legislative session.
According to the group, their latest report shows nearly 70 percent of Texas AFT K-12 members considered leaving their jobs over the past year. Districts themselves are dealing with budget deficits and are forced to make cuts across the district, sometimes including teachers.“It’s the failed policy of the legislature that’s left our schools without funding or without a funding increase since 2019,” he said.
“Access to pre-k helps level the playing field for children from low-income households especially but it does do for all kids,” said AFT Legislative Director Patty Quinzi. On Monday, Texas House Democrats sent a letter to Gov. Abbott, asking him to call a special session to take action to adequately fund public schools.