HOUSTON – Last week, KPRC 2 News reported on the significant challenges Texas school districts are facing due to stagnant school funding.
Despite rising inflation and a nearly $33 billion state surplus, local districts are grappling with difficult decisions that could drastically affect students, such as reducing bus routes and even closing schools. This financial strain is largely attributed to legislative gridlock in Austin, which has stalled the flow of funds to local classrooms. Since 2019, the state’s basic student allotment has remained unchanged at $6,160 per student.
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The current situation has raised concerns among parents, educators, and community members. One viewer highlighted the potential of collective action, stating, “Just think if every single parent contacted their legislator, the impact would be massive.” This statement underscores an important point: while the state of school funding is troubling, advocacy might be a key to finding a solution.
If you want to ensure your voice is heard in Austin, here’s a simple guide to contacting your legislators:
- Visit capitol.texas.gov.
- Click on the ‘Who Represents Me?’ link.
- Enter your home address to find your state senator and representative.
- Click on their names to access their contact information.
- Use this information to send an email or, if a phone number is listed, make a quick call to express your concerns about school funding.
Your involvement could play a crucial role in the upcoming legislative session in January, where school funding will be a key topic. By reaching out to your representatives, you can help ensure that Texas lawmakers prioritize education and provide the necessary resources for schools.