Senator César J. Blanco Votes For Teacher Pay Raises

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
February 26, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Votes For Teacher Pay Raises
Austin, Texas – Today, the Texas Senate approved Senate Bill 26 which included $5 billion to increase
salaries for public school teachers across Texas. Senator Blanco co-authored the bill.
This bill directly supports teachers across the state through compensation and key benefits, including:
• Teachers in rural school districts will see $5,000 raises after three years of service and $10,000 raises
after five years. In urban school-districts, those increases will be $2,500 and $5,500, respectively.
• Guaranteed salary increases for teachers beginning in their 3rd year, with even larger raises after 5 years.
• Doubling the Teacher Incentive Allotment, allowing top-performing teachers to earn over $100,000.
• Free pre-K for children of Texas teachers.
• New liability protection program to safeguard educators in the classroom.
Senator Blanco issued the following statement:
"Teachers are the foundation of our schools, but too many are leaving the profession— not because they want to
leave, but because they can’t afford to stay.
“According to data from the National Education Association, Texas ranks 30th in teacher pay, paying nearly
$10,000 below the national average— that’s unacceptable. We can’t keep watching talented, dedicated
educators walk away because they can earn a better living elsewhere.
“This funding isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a meaningful step to close the gap for teachers in rural communities and
raise the tide for all teachers in Texas. If we want to keep great educators in the classroom, we have to pay them
like the professionals they are.
“Our students deserve high-quality education, and that starts with keeping great teachers in our schools.”