Senator César J. Blanco Votes to Boost Texas Public Schools

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
May 23, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Votes to Boost Texas Public Schools
Austin, Texas – Today, the Texas Senate approved House Bill 2, investing $8.5 billion in new public
education funding, the largest single increase in state history. Under this bill, Senate District 29 will receive
$164 million in new state funding to support local public schools, educators, and students. House Bill 2
includes:
• $1.3 billion in Allotment for Basic Costs (ABC) to assist districts with expenses like insurance, utilities,
and TRS contributions
• $300 million in additional funds for small and mid-size schools
• $1,600 increase in per-pupil funding
• $4.2 billion for permanent teacher and staff pay raises
• $430 million for school safety
• $135 million for teacher preparation and certification programs
• Nearly $2 billion to update special education formulas and fund early learning interventions, and Career
& Technical Education (CTE)
• Free pre-K for children of Texas teachers.
Senator Blanco issued the following statement:
“This bill is a major win for the neighborhood schools from El Paso, to the Big Bend, to the Permian Basin.
“From large urban districts like El Paso ISD to small rural ones like Valentine ISD, each faces unique
challenges, but the need is the same: more resources to support our students and the people who serve them.
This bill takes a step in the right direction with $164 million in new funding for public education."
“While House Bill 2 boosts funding for all districts, the added support for small and mid-sized schools will help
close pay gaps and make it easier to attract and keep teachers, putting rural Texas schools on stronger footing
than ever before.
“Just as important, this bill supports the entire team that keeps our schools running: the bus drivers who get our
kids to and from school safely every day, the cafeteria workers who keep them fed and ready to learn, the
instructional aides who support our teachers and students in the classroom, the nurses who help keep our
children healthy, the librarians who open the world to our students through books and resources, and the
custodians who ensure students and staff have a clean, safe space to learn every day.
"Our work isn’t done yet. With HB 2 headed to the governor’s desk, the focus turns to building on this
momentum and securing more comprehensive, equitable funding for every public school in Texas."
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