House Democrats propose significant school funding increase

Rep. Gina Hinojosa filed HB 177 Oct. 19, a bill supported by the House Democratic Caucus that would provide a $15,000 bonus for teachers, counselors, nurses and librarians; and a $5,500 bonus for other non-administrative staff, and just under a $3,000 increase in the basic allotment.

It is unlikely that the bill will pass, given its estimated $40 billion price tag, but the proposal underscores the need for significant investment in education to bring Texas in line with the national average for education spending. Many in the education community feel that this kind of bold action is necessary to address the numerous issues in the education system, but such proposals are unlikely to receive serious consideration by state leaders.