Teach the Vote's Week in Review: Feb. 19, 2021

School Finance Texas Legislature Elections TEA | Commissioner | SBOE Miscellaneous
Date Posted: 2/19/2021
Like many schools and businesses in Texas, the ATPE state office was forced to close this week due to the massive winter storm and related utility outages. Here's an abbreviated look at some of this week's education headlines:
- Storm-related resources for educators
- TEA guidance for schools affected by the winter storm
- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: House subcommittees named
- HD 68 special election runoff tomorrow
- Update on ATPE at the Virtual Capitol
As temperatures rise and Texans dig out from this catastrophic winter storm, ATPE wants you to be aware of some important information and resources for educators:
- The Teacher Retirement System (TRS) has information on its website regarding emergency prescription refills as well as toll-free phone numbers for medical and prescription questions under TRS-ActiveCare, TRS-Care Standard, and TRS-Care Medicare plans.
- The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has shared important tips for documenting any damage to your home and avoiding fraudulent repairs.
ATPE's thoughts and prayers are with our members and their families during this stressful time.


Rep. Terry Wilson (R-Marble Falls) will chair the Subcommittee on Article III, which contains the state's education budget. Other subcommittee chairs include Rep. Mary Gonzalez (D-Clint) for the Subcommittee on Articles I, IV, and V; Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Keller) for the Subcommittee on Article II; and Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston) for the Subcommittee on Articles VI, VII, and VIII. Rep. Cecil Bell (R-Magnolia) will chair a Subcommittee on Strategic Fiscal Reserves and Federal Relief Funds.
The House Appropriations Committee and its Senate Finance Committee counterpart in the upper chamber are both meeting next week to consider the public education budget for the next two years. Find links to view the upcoming hearings here.


Learn more about ATPE at the Virtual Capitol and register for the event here.
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