Advocacy Blog

Follow the Teach the Vote advocacy blog for the latest Texas public education news and in-depth analysis from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.

Visit the Blog Archive to read posts published from 2019 through 2024.

Upcoming deadlines foretell the fate of pending legislation
Upcoming deadlines foretell the fate of pending legislation

It’s never over ’til it’s over, but not meeting key deadlines means the end of the road for some bills both good and bad.

By Kate Johanns | Posted on: 5/9/2025

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Texas politicians are treating professional educators like babies … again
Texas politicians are treating professional educators like babies … again

Some Texas legislators and elected officials spent Teacher Appreciation Week trying to strip your constitutional rights and silence your voices.

By Jennifer Mitchell | Posted on: 5/9/2025

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Senate begins to move cross-chamber legislation
Senate begins to move cross-chamber legislation

Most public education action this week in the Senate occurred behind the scenes as it appears education committee leaders are negotiating key school finance provisions.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 5/9/2025

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 9, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 9, 2025

The Legislature continues its attack on payroll deduction, the future of the “Texas Two-Step” is uncertain, and the House looks to overhaul Texas’ testing and accountability system.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 5/9/2025

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House Public Education Committee considers payroll deduction bill
House Public Education Committee considers payroll deduction bill

As Monday deadline looms to report bills out, the committee also heard bills that would criminalize educators who assist in “social transitioning” of a student as well as give parents access to student library records.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 5/8/2025

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How will HB 4 improve testing for Texas kids?
How will HB 4 improve testing for Texas kids?

The key change? Teachers will quickly receive data on student performance, making it actionable.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 5/7/2025

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So much for the “Texas Two-Step”
So much for the “Texas Two-Step”

School finance, including teacher pay raises, languishes in the Senate as Gov. Greg Abbott signs vouchers into law.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 5/5/2025

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House works at fast pace as key deadlines loom
House works at fast pace as key deadlines loom

Next week is the last week a House bill can be heard in committee and still have a chance of making it to the House floor.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 5/2/2025

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Another busy week in the Texas Senate as bills advance to the House
Another busy week in the Texas Senate as bills advance to the House

The Senate moved bills on school safety, personal financial literacy, and payroll deduction of membership dues.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 5/2/2025

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 2, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 2, 2025

Contact your state senator to push for action on HB 2. Plus: Make a plan to vote in Saturday’s local elections, where school matters might be on your ballot.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 5/2/2025

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