Public Education Funding Rises By $2.2 Billion

Source:  House Republican Caucus

Representative Krusee voted to increase the funding of public schools by $2.2 billion over the last biennium. The $2.2 billion increase in spending includes over $1.3 billion for enrollment growth and improved equity, $175 million for school facilities, and $140 million for the Student Success Initiative to provide additional instruction and support to middle school students.

Education was a top priority this session.  The Texas House passed the "Roadmap to Results" bill on March 11, 2005.  Unfortunately, the Senate did not pass its version of the bill until May 11, and not enough time was left in the session to complete the House-Senate conference committee report.

However, total funding for public schools now totals $36.8 billion in all funds, a $2.2 billion increase from the last biennium.

General Revenue funding totals for higher education also increased by $832 million, an 8.2% hike.  This total includes $188.7 million in new funding for enrollment growth. 

Editor's Note:

This information was current following the 79th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.  For coverage of the Legislature's sweeping reforms to education funding, historic tax cuts, and other changes made during the 3rd Called Session of the 79th Texas Legislature, read:  Legislature Passes Record Tax Cut, Teacher Pay Raise; Revolutionizes Texas School Finance.