1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Texas public schools need the funding they have been promised and needed for more than 20 years. Despite the state's recent $8.5 billion investment in public education, school districts across Texas continue to face severe financial challenges. Some districts are operating with virtually no reserves, while others are considering financial emergencies due to rising operational costs, declining enrollment, unfunded mandates, and the impact of the school voucher program. Our public schools educate the vast majority of Texas children and are the foundation of our communities and economy. Students, teachers, and families should not have to worry about budget shortfalls that threaten educational quality, staffing, programs, and student opportunities. I urge you to support meaningful, sustainable increases in public school funding, including raising the basic allotment and ensuring districts have the resources necessary to meet today's costs. Texas students deserve fully funded schools, not continued financial uncertainty. Please make strengthening public education a top priority.