Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Improving public education in Texas is a critical and urgent issue for our children and the future of our state. In 2011, the state legislature cut the education budget by 4 billion dollars and significantly reduced teacher contract rights. As a result of this, thousands of public educators and staff have lost jobs due to the drastic underfunding of education. Students are facing larger class sizes and have less academic options, as many districts have cut staff and non-core classes. Many educators lack the technological tools needed to properly instruct students. Additionally, others are facing job uncertainty as Senate Bill 8, which allows for up to six unpaid furlough days and moves contract notification from the 45th day to the 10th day before the end of school, passed during the last session. I commit to work tirelessly to restore teachers contract rights and budget cuts made to public education during the last legislative session. Resources from the Rainy Day Fund should be used to address the funding crisis in Texas education. I will work within and outside the legislature to make sure that providing excellent education is a top priority for civic and community leaders.

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